Hi everybody! Since all the other animal bloggers are at Barkworld, I thought I’d take a moment to just you and me have a little heart to heart.
Ya see, while I talk about animals and animal issues, I don’t really consider myself an “animal blogger.” No, your ole’ pal Rumpy sees himself as more of a teacher, or guide. Like a life coach, only less expensive.
But it isn’t so much important how I see my blog. It’s how you see it that counts.
So tell me, if you had to categorize Rumpydog blog, where would you put it?
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I’ve made contact with a screen-printing company. They also do embroidery. If I was to sell a product to raise money to take the blog to the next level (self-hosting), what would you be more inclined to purchase?
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Jen wants to do books for kids too. These will be simple books for toddlers and up, that talk about caring for animals. The books will not be sold, but instead placed for free where children will be exposed to them. She has a narrative in mind. I guess photos will be the best way to go. Now to find a photographer willing to help out, or get access to a camera. After she gets the book together, we’ll put a plea out on Kickstarter for funds to cover publishing costs. Theft will be encouraged, because that’s the best way to know if the book is having a positive impact.
What do you think we should call those books anyway?
Dogpaddling Through Life 
Some great plans and goals! We hope you can reach them…you always have to think big, it keeps one going.
I like the idea with children books. maybe you could name them “Rumpy says” (like Simon says) :o) Have a great weekend!
Ooh! I like that!
Yep. Rumpy Says has a nice ring to it.
Book sounds interesting! I like the idea… and tee would be nice too
Excellent post. Good luck with all this. However, I would ask myself one question. What advantages does self hosting offer? What would you do with your site, that you’re not already doing on WP.com? The reason I bring this up is that WP.com is a blogging community. Were you self hosted, I probably never would have found you, and you’ve become one of my favorite sites. DeafInPrison.com is a sponsored site. We’ve got an angel, to steal a Broadway term. We could have gone for self hosting right out of the gate, and in fact we do have an actual hosting service which redirects us to WP.com. Why? Because I wanted the advantages of being part of a broader network of bloggers and readers.
Just something to think about.
My reasons for self-hosting is I want to do some things I think will go against the WordPress grain. I may want to rethink that though. Thanks!
Well, that’s certainly easy to do. (Lol). And it has long bothered me that we can’t run scripts. But, like I said…
Rumpy I must tell you, the past couple of days I have been very sad and upset. I blogged about something that happened to be in my line of work. I can’t and don’t want to go into details because of privacy issues for those involved but it was treatment of a dog by a small child and mother that began the entire incident. It is so sad when an innocent child has no positive, loving, role models and treatment from a parent! I believe you idea is a very good and needed one! With respect, hope, joy and love, Carmela
Somebody’s gotta teach little children, and if their parents won’t, I will step up and do my part.
So glad to hear it. Children need to have positive interactions with animals! The love of a pet is even more needed when they are not receiving those positive interaction with the parents. Thank you!
Rumpy say’s would be good and maybe a Rumpy stuffy for kids too?and may be if you went down the route of self hosting you could link this blog to you self hosting site?its endless,xx SPeedy
Rumpy Says sounds great for the first book. And a Rumpy stuffy sounds cool too. Children can learn the truth in the books and maybe the adults can learn also when they read the books to the children and grandchildren. Any of the items listed for possible $$ would be fine. I would have voted for all of the list if it had let me. God bless you in your new venture. We as canine children greatly appreciate all you do.
I like “Rumpy Says” short and sweet,Emmadog has the right idea!
good idea with the books…..you could name them Rumpy’s world and it’s exciting to think about going to the next level on things…risky, yes, but exciting to be move forward on something you believe in! Best of luck to you!
I’m not sure about that self hosting thng. Just as it is harder and more expensive to self-publish, so it is with posting. I found you only because of WP. And you know, if what you do isn’t offensive (and I have seen blogs on WP that if they can be hosted, anything can). I think your wanting to educate children and by way of them educate their grownups is a wonderful idea. I’d love to have a RUmpy Dog and family animal welfare tee. I’d rather see you than professional sports leagues!!!
What about Kindle? I’m sure that with increasing technology, kids will have their own Kindles or access to one?
Perhaps bloggers who self-host could give you some advice. My friend did it and she lost readership because her Google status went down. I don’t exactly understand how that all works but she has a business blog and is almost back to ground zero after being very successful for several years. The t-shirt is for me!
I love the idea that Jen writes books for children to educate them about animals! Hmmm….because English is not my first language, I’m not sure what title and word attract people, but… what about this one?
“Let’s learn and have fun with Rumpy Dog! ” Too simple? *blush* 🙂
A book for kids sounds great. As for a title, I’d go for something playful. I feel adults and kids are more receptive to learning and positive messages when the idea might be subtle rather than overt. (ex. “Owen & Mzee; the True Story of a Remarkable Friendship, the story about Christian the lion who was purchased from a store in London and returned to the wild.) These are stories I’ve purchased for my grandkids who, by the way, are wonderful and responsible around their furry companions – a hamster (who died about a year ago at the age of 5 or 6) and a rescue dog – and other animals as well.
Exciting idea! I like the idea of Rumpy Says that others mentioned. Or maybe Rumpy Dog Tales or Rumpy Dog Speaks.
I like “Rumpy says…” too!
Whatever you decide you will have great success. Easy’s title gives you endless opportunity for countless subjects for children. I would rather have a good replica of Rumpy in plush than anymore logo wear. And I have decided to not go the self hosting route myself because it is more time consuming than using WP free. You will have to ,a age spam, input software updates, etc. and I believe you are somewhat time constrained based on your comments as you not only work a challenging full time job, but also have 6-7 fur family to care for. Just a thought paw pats, Savannah
Hello there, I just started reading what you post. So I can´t say much. Apart that I am looking forwoards to read more posts from you 🙂
Wow! Whee love the idea of the children’s books! And whee love Easy’s idea for a name too!
Piggy kisses,
Poppy and Clover
Xxxxxxx
There are over 3500 Therapy teams who do R.E.A.D ( Reading Education Assistance Dogs ) throughout the world. We are always looking for great animal related books to share with our little readers.
I like all the suggestions so far, and would also add “What would Rumpy do?”. Good luck. I’d like a cap to wear on my morning walk.
Also, further along, four-legged accessories… “I’m a friend of Rumpy”…
Whee love Easy’s idea for a name for the children’s books. Whee just want to say something. while educating children on responsible pet ownership and the correct way to treat an animal is impawtent most children do already! The focus always seems to be on the bad children but our little hoomans and efurry one of their furfriends that has ever come to visit have always been perfectly behaved. Not saying don’t do the books, whee think they are a great idea but please remember that most kids are great with animals. People are more likely to remember the child who yelled at the farm than the one who bent down and chatted with the chickens!
As far as self publishing, it might be worth considering lulu.com It is completely free apart from buying the books. Our Mummy self published a book of animal rescue stories there and it was great to use!
Nutty, Nacho, Buddy & Basil
xxxx
you are just too fabulous for words. I see you as an animal guru. Children’s books about you and DeDe and June Buggie would be hilarious. Keep up the good work. You should make shirts…. “Will write for cookies!”
Sounds like some good ideas Rumpy! It seems like there are lots of people I know that are handy with cameras over here, but that probably doesn’t help you. Maybe you can just ask around? My 18 month old daughter loves books, especially animal books – the ones that are hard like cardboard made for very young children. If you are interested, I can attempt a photo shoot with her with animals or something but I’m not sure exactly what type of photos you’re looking for. I have an older daughter who can pose for pictures too if you’re interested I’d be happy to send some stuff to you. If thjat sort of thing doesn’t fit into your plan no worries, but just leaving some ideas for you!
I love the idea of you being a life coach and think it describes you very well Rumpy!
I am also on board with the title, “Rumpy Says…” I want to see that gorgeous face on the cover of a book!! Good luck.
I love t-shirts. 🙂 as for the book… I honestly have no idea. I would agree you are an animal blogger because you don’t limit yourself to just pets. I would even venture to say you are an animal activist blogger.
Kids books is a great idea! Whatever the title, it has to include Rumpy!!
Gonna be honest here okay? I think its great about going to the next level as far as a blogger, that’s what we’ve done, self-hosting etc. no ads yet. We have never bought anything from anyone’s blog, not to say we never will, its just us. We feel that some blogs are way too commercial, always selling something, so we avoid them, something to think about. But there is absolutely no harm in wanting to do this its just our opinion. Good luck with whatever you choose! Love Dolly
I know what you mean, and I feel the same way to a certain extent. But I honestly believe the best way to help animals in the future is to teach the children of today. And this is one way I know we can do that. Kids respond to cute, so let’s educate them with cute pics in a picture book.
Buzzing in my ears since yesterday… “Rumpynions” and “Rumpylogue”. Whatever you choose though, I’m sure it will do well! Best of luck! 🙂
Ooh! I like both! Thanks!
🙂
Maybe something like “Rumpy Dog Tails (or Tales)?” I do like “Rumpy Says,” too. 🙂
So exciting that you and Jen are thinking of new directions and horizons!