Why I Do The Dog Files: The Pet Blogger Challenge

I just noticed the Pet Blogger Challenge where you answer a series of questions about your site and I thought it’s be great fun to take part in it. Thanks to Edie and Amy for coming up with the idea!

1. When did you begin your blog?
The Dog Files has two births. One is June 2008 when I started the Dog Files Video show which you can see here.
The second is October 2009 when I started blogging with 5 posts a day. That’s when the Dog Files really came to life for me.

2. What was your original purpose for starting a blog?
My original mission for the Dog Files was to let the world know that dog’s deserve our love, our care and our respect. I consider myself a dog evangelist and I wanted the site to make a difference in the lives of everyday people and dogs around the world.

3. Is your current purpose the same?
It sure is! I’m more determined than ever to spread the word about how great dogs are and how much we owe them because of the unconditional love they show us everyday. We could learn a lot from our hounds. I know I have!

If not, what’s different?
One of the strengths of the Dog Files is our Dog Files Video Show. We are amping up production and everyone will see more video shows and content in 2011.

If so, how do you feel you’ve met your goals?
I think, with the help of the Dog Files Community we’ve built a beautiful shrine to all things dog. A place for like-minded people to go to celebrate dogs and to be kept informed on what’s going on in the world with dogs.

In addition to more video shows, we are in the process of building the new website, Dog Files 2.0 if you will. I really believe it’s going to get people excited when they see it!

4. Do you blog on a schedule or as the spirit moves you?
I post 5 stories a day, like clockwork. A mixture of news, opinion and dog videos.

If the former, how often — and what techniques do you use to stick to it?
I’ve learned that if you want to build your audience, you’ve got to adhere to a schedule. The more success you have, the more people that want the content on time!

If the latter, do you worry about, well, whatever you might worry about (e.g. losing traffic, losing momentum)?
I think it is important to keep the momentum building but your traffic will ebb and flow as it wants and the only thing you can do is be consistent, friendly and create great good content.

5. Are you generating income from your blog?
We’re getting there! I’m a freelance filmmaker/editor, but I still spend about 40 hours a week working on the Dog Files. It’s a lot of work and I hope in the future… actually I plan in the future for the Dog Files to be my one gig. That, and helping rid America of kill shelters and puppy mills.

If so, how (e.g. sponsor ads, affiliate relationships, spokesperson opportunities)?
All of the above! Ya gotta work it!

6. What do you like most about blogging in general and your blog in particular (bragging is good!)?
I love the feedback from passionate, sensible dog folks that clearly love their dogs as much as I love my hounds, Max and Remy!

I especially love the great human beings we meet when we travel around the country filming the Dog Files Video Show. They let you into their world. They trust that you’ll tell their story truthfully and they couldn’t be more friendly. Plus, I love meeting all their dogs! It’s kind of a sacred oath I take as a filmmaker to not let them down and I hope, in the least, that they will have a beautiful video that they will be proud of.

7. What do you like least?
I do not like violent, disturbing comments on my site. Even when it’s about dog abusers. I feel that if we want to change people perceptions about how to treat animals, we must welcome them in, show them some respect and talk to them. Maybe if that happened to them when they were children they wouldn’t be abusers. That said, I also believe in stiffer penalties. Forgive, but don’t forget.

8. How do you see your blog changing/growing in 2011?
Wow, I think I already answered this question, hahaha! More great videos, a new and improved website for the Dog Files community and, of course, continuing to be loud and proud about letting folks know that dogʼs deserve our love, our care and our respect.

Because dogs are family.

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Anonymous
Anonymous
13 years ago

Your films are awesome; I posted the 9/11 one and linked to the pit bull one. Thanks for taking part in this challenge and thanks for all you do!

Kenn Bell
13 years ago
Reply to  Anonymous

Thanks Edie! Keep up the good work!

Pup Fan
13 years ago

I love The Dog Files – you always have wonderful content. I really enjoyed learning a little more about your blog.

Kenn Bell
13 years ago
Reply to  Pup Fan

Thanks Pup Fan, I’m thinking of doing a “making of Dog Files” video this summer.

Rick Pratt
Rick Pratt
13 years ago

“I consider myself a dog evangelist”
Some Jehovah’s Witness people were working my neighborhood, and stopped by to evangelize as I was in the front yard with some of my dogs. I asked them, “I’m your ministry, right?” They said “Yes.” I pointed to my dogs and said, “These dogs are MY ministry.”

Cjustpeachie
Cjustpeachie
13 years ago

I really love DOGFILES and I appreciate you work. I can see that you have your heart in the right place. God bless you and your pups.

Kenn Bell
13 years ago
Reply to  Cjustpeachie

Thanks!

Vicky
13 years ago

Love reading your responses to the Challenge. Really appreciate your answer to #7, as I’m in complete agreement. Thanks for playing.

Kenn Bell
13 years ago
Reply to  Vicky

Thanks Vicky!

Racegirl912
Racegirl912
13 years ago

Thank you for all you are doing with the Dog Files. You are doing tremendous work!!

tinamarie2130
tinamarie2130
13 years ago

Loving the blogs – thank you!!

Kenn Bell
13 years ago
Reply to  tinamarie2130

Thanks, Tina!

Kathy
12 years ago

Just stumbled on your blog. Great “stuff.” Looks like I’ll be spending some time here.

Kathy
12 years ago

Just stumbled on your blog. Great “stuff.” Looks like I’ll be spending some time here.

mollyandmacy
12 years ago

You do a great job Ken… really interesting and well presented.  Keep up the good work!

Kenn Bell
12 years ago
Reply to  mollyandmacy

Thanks, Molly and Macy!

Nana56
Nana56
11 years ago

What kind of dogs are Max and Remy? My sister has a dog that looks like them, but we dont know what she is!

Kenn at Dog Files
11 years ago
Reply to  Nana56

Max is an American Foxhound/Pointer and Remy is a Border Collie/Beagle.

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