Monday Q&A | Would I sell my blog? Plus, organizing photos, and having pets.
Every Monday, I answer a few of the questions that my readers send me. If you have a question you'd like me to answer in a future Q&A post, just leave me a comment here or email me (thefrugalgirl [at] gmail [dot] com) and put Q&A in the subject line. I look forward to hearing from you!
I'm a long time fan and a rare poster who loves your blog. In fact a while ago I decided to try to "declutter" my email inbox and I unsubscribed from a bunch of blogs, except for two which I just couldn't part with, yours and J.D. Roth's Get Rich Slowly. I was so saddened to see that he and Kris are separating and both sad and a bit angry when I found out that he had sold his blog (for quite a sum). So that's my question for you, would you ever consider selling your blog and if so would you feel obliged to share the news with your readers (or just let them find out by themselves, like JD did)?
-Fereshteh
Aww, I'm honored to be one of the two you kept in your inbox...that means a lot to me!
I do understand why J.D. didn't share the news that he'd sold his blog. From what I understand, it's common practice when blogs are sold, and he signed an agreement that basically prevented him from telling his readers. And if the speculation is true and he received more than a million dollars for selling, I can hardly fault him, especially because at that point in time, he was considering quitting blogging anyway.
Would I ever sell my blog?
Well, I don't think will really be an issue I'll have to face. As the Dough Roller points out, personal finance blogs are more prone to being bought than blogs like mine. That's because personal finance blogs "cover debt, credit, banking, investing, credit cards, retirement, and a litany of other topics related to money. Each of these topics relates to industries that are willing to pay large sums of money for marketing and online exposure."
The odds of anyone ever wanting to pay a pile of money for a frugality blog are really slim to none.
That said, I'd be very hesitant to sell my blog. I like having total control over what goes on here, and sometimes, I've seen blogs go down in quality after being bought. Some seem to be posting almost nothing but infographics in an effort to improve SEO, and some bring on staff writers that don't have the same feel as the original blogger. Plus, I don't really like it when a blog's Twitter account is run by someone other than the person that writes the blog. It starts to feel really robotic.
I really, really prefer to read blogs that are run by a person, not by an investment group or business...I just like the personal feel, I guess. And since I know a lot of you feel that way too, I want to keep my blog the way it is.
I'm wondering how you organize your photo files. By months? By dates? or something else?
I noticed you have two cameras as do we and I'm trying to find the best way to organize the files so I don't mix them up.
Yep, I organize them by month. If I made a new folder every time I imported pictures, my files would be a total disaster! Months are perfect...they keep my files neat and it's very easy to find something if I need to go back and look for it later.
I keep all of my pictures in my own folders, and Joshua imports his into his own monthly folders. That way we never end up accidentally deleting each other's pictures!
It seems your family doesn't have pets. Have you decided never to have pets? If so, why? Do your children pressure you to get pets, and if so, how do you deal with it?
We do actually have some pets! Joshua has a gecko and we've got two fish tanks as well. Joshua plans to buy a tarantula in the spring as well.
So, we've got pets...we just don't have any cats or dogs. I personally would very much like NOT to have a cat or a dog (I prefer pets that live in enclosed areas, not my house!), and fortunately, my kids haven't expressed an interest, so it's not even been an issue.
That's not to say I think pets are a bad choice for everyone, or that frugal people shouldn't own cats or dogs. As long as a family can afford to feed and take care of a pet properly, I think it's perfectly fine to make room in a budget for those sorts of expenses.
Frugality, to me, is about spending your money in ways that reflect your priorities. For me, that means I'd rather spend money on cameras than dogs, but that may be different for someone else.
__________________________________
Cameras vs dogs....hmmmmmm... decisions, decisions. 😉
I totally understand the dogs/cats vs. other things issue! I grew up with dogs and a cat (not more than 1 dog at a time, just different ones), and although I sometimes miss the companionship, I also clearly remember things like potty training a puppy, cleaning the catbox, dealing with the aftermath of sick animals, trying to figure out what to do with an animal during a vacation or other family trip, the constant surveillance necessary when cooking or having parties to prevent animals with food sensitivities from "sharing" the goodies, broken ornaments on the Christmas tree due to overenthusiastic pets, the necessity of pottying the dog at 6am on a Saturday morning in the freezing cold of a North Dakota winter, the stress on the animal during moves (and you can't explain to an animal why or where we're going), the pain of making the decision to have a beloved pet put to sleep because she's in so much pain from kidney failure, etc.
Owning a pet can be rewarding, just like having children can be rewarding, but it is NOT something to be taken lightly, and I admire you for understanding that. My mom calls dogs "perpetual two-year-olds", and she's right. Eight to ten hours is about as long as most dogs can handle alone, and that's if they're confined to a crate. Loose in a house, figure maybe 4-6. Food and other allergies are not unheard of in most breeds, and even in some mutts. Two to three 30-minute walks a day is necessary to prevent misbehaviors like chewing and barking. Letting the dog out in the backyard is rarely sufficient. Picking up dog poop (also NECESSARY) is not exactly my favorite activity.
Cats are a bit more independent (they're generally alright alone for a weekend with sufficient water/food and a clean catbox), but if you're going to be away longer than two nights, you need a cat sitter, and with an elderly cat, you really can't stay away even that long.
I just wish more people would think through the reality of owning a cat or dog before embarking on the endeavor or recommending it wholeheartedly to every person they come into contact with before knowing the specifics of another's lifestyle.
There are a lot of downsides, and it's best not to be pie in the sky about the romanticism of pet ownership. There is a very real puke and poo reality that a lot people forget in the crush to have a puppy.
While I am far beyond the average pet owner, I'd also like to state that the simple comforts of life are enhanced 10 fold (at least) by the presence of my dogs. Watching movies on the couch? Warmer with a dog on your lap. Working at my desk? Much more pleasant with my serenade of dog snores, and the every few hours reminder to take a break. Contemplating a walk or run? I've always got a companion, rain or shine. Social obligation I don't want to attend? I've got a ready excuse. 😉
Yes, they cost a lot of money and I've had to pick up more than my fair share of "unmentionables" but they make my quiet life at home all the much more alluring.
I grew up with dogs, although my husband didn't. We got a dog last year for the first time as a couple, so many of the costs (financial and otherwise) are fresh in mind.
Having been raised with dogs, I knew very well that I didn't want a puppy. The cuteness factor does not outweigh the frustration of having to potty train, crate train, etc. Our dog is three years old, and although he required a bit of "good canine citizen" training (how to get along well with other dogs at the park and/or on the leash, to sit quietly when kids want to pet him, etc), he came with most of his training already done. What a relief!
I know lots of people aren't keen on adopting older dogs, but they're worth a second look!
I hear you about wishing people would really consider all the cons, as well as pros, about having a dog or cat. If people would think through it more, maybe so many of them wouldn't be surrendered to a shelter due to buyer's remorse!!
But I can't agree in total with your list of what every single dog or cat requires in terms of care. I think very strongly that it's based on the individual pet, and their breed, among other things. My particular dog (who is a 12 year old collie-mix) has never been crated except when she was a small puppy, and she is alone for about 8 hours a day during the week. There have never been any problems with this; her behavior and temperament are wonderful; no chewing or excessive barking, etc. Also, she certainly doesn't require two 30-minute walks per day. We do walk her every evening, but we also have a huge backyard which she is free to run around and play/explore in (she never leaves the yard, but some dogs might need an electric fence), and a huge area of ivy in the back of the yard, where she does her thing (so no poo cleanup required, since no one ever walks back there and the ivy covers everything). Walking has never been necessary to get her to go potty. Also she has no food allergies or sensitivities. Altogether she is really loving, well behaved and smart. Some work, yes. But when your pet is important to you, the work is completely worth it.
I've had two other dogs, and neither of them required the level of care you've described either (a sheltie and a beagle). While I'm sure there are plenty of dogs who would need as much attention as you say, it certainly isn't all of them. Pets should be evaluated case by case, and everyone considering a dog/cat should be flexible and open minded. They should also do some reading on the specific breeds (even if the dog is mixed).
Also, having a pet doesn't have to go against your frugality, like Kristen says. Cut out what isn't important to you, so you have something to spend on your priorities. Usually, ordering pet food online is way more frugal than buying it at the pet store or grocery store.
I too wish everyone would really weigh the issue when considering getting a pet. I can't personally understand how anyone can not like our four-legged friends (our pets add so much to our home), but I certainly wouldn't wish it on any furry creature to be owned by someone who doesn't like animals!
I agree with you, I wish more people would think out all the ramifications of having a pet before getting one and then giving it to the shelter because it is too much trouble. That being said, my Irish Wolfhound brings so much joy to my life and so consistently makes me smile or laugh out loud, that he would be worth it if he were double the trouble he is! I do have to remind myself at times that anything you love sometimes involves inconvenience, but overall my life would be a lot poorer without him.
Dog breed matters. Breed gives you a good idea of how long your dog can be alone; how much exercise and outside time it needs; how well it will get along with other people, other kids, other pets; how easy it is to train, and so on. Mutts tend to be more resiliant and smarter, and harder to predict unless you know what breeds made the mutt.
I agree with the basic point: I wish people would think about the hard parts of pet ownership, so that they get pets that suit them and that they can take good care of.
WilliamB, currently dogless dog lover.
I organize my pictures by month as well, but I would like to figure out a way to also label them by category without naming each picture. You know, food pictures, family pictures, before/after pictures.
One thing my wife had to concede upon was no furry animals thanks to my allergies. She's been dealing well with it most of the time, although sometimes her friends and family like to bring it up in my company in an effort to embarrass me or put me on the spot. She's now leaning towards the idea of getting a turtle although I told her that if she gets it, it's her pet. I could go the rest of my life without another pet.
Fish aren't bad, though. I've had goldfish in the past but I'm in no hurry to buy more.
Grrr . . . as though you could control allergies! I guess inlaws have to kvetch 🙂 My husband is allergic, too, and we are fine without dog/cat, although he loves them. We've had an "outdoor" cat we inherited, an outdoor bunny who just passed on after 12 or so years, and fish. Enough pets for me! Kristen, I admire your willingness to get a tarantula!!
Since we moved to our home on the Eastern Shore, we have been here for 4 years, we have had tree frogs, small lizard ,fish. Right now we have nothing, the kids want a dog but I have a 21 month old to potty train, dont have time right now for a puppy. We told them once our new house is built and we move there within the next year, we will get a puppy (that will remain a small dog). We will see how that goes.
I was raised with a dog, and I loved it, so I do want my kids to experience that also, but being an adult now I know that my family went through, because I didnt walk her, or feed her, they did.
So we will see 🙂
Great question about the photos. I've struggled with how to work the folders. And I have a fear of losing old digital pictures. But nowadays, not having to buy rolls of film, it's so much cheaper to take pictures so I end up taking many more than before I had a digital camera.
Two pets here, also. Both cats. They are a joy but they are horrible about scratching our door posts (which must feel so delectable to their claws). And we would never declaw them (I would never want my cats unable to defend themselves if they ever snuck outside-by breaking through the window screen for example).
Claws are something else I wish people would consider about pets. If you don't own your home, be prepared to pay for repairs if/when you move out! Or else get a hamster/lizard/singing cockroach.
How frugal could a company claim to be if they paid a bunch of money for a website to promote frugality? If they didn't want to pay a bunch of money, why would you want to sell? Hmmmm, me thinks this is a catch 22!
I have 2 dogs, both rescued and both mixed breeds. I've spent a huge amount of money on them. Most recently, my male dog had to have all of his front teeth removed (he was a stray and had been chewing on rocks, which wore his teeth down almost to the gums. He was in pain, and I didn't know, so I'm feeling like the worst dog mom in the world.). This is costing me almost double what a normal teeth cleaning costs, so I'm on "extra frugal ways" for the next few weeks. But, I promised The Lord that I would take good care of any dogs He sent to me.
Their care is my priority right now. They're a joy to have around, except when they aren't, and as the poster above said, they are perpetual 2 year olds. They need lots of attention and lots of care. I do have pet insurance on them, so it will be interesting to see how much I get back for this.
Regarding the first topic, selling a blog - that's something I've never heard of before. It sure explains the "corporate" feeling and attitude about some blogs I've seen. I get enough of that cr@p working in the corporate world.
On one hand, I can't blame anyone for wanting to make a lot of money, especially in these hard times. On the other hand, I hate seeing people sell out. It makes me think their "ideals" were not sincere. We "children of the 60's" were very disillusioned when our heroes started selling out. We felt betrayed, but now after going through real life, it's not so black-and-white to me any more.
As an non-human animal over animal person, my choice to have pets came WAY before having children (and if I had the choice, I would've chosen pets...but hey, accidents happen). I've never NOT had a pet a day in my life. My only suggestion on the caged animal is to remember that the majority of caged animals are wild. I highly recommend that if you want a caged pet to get one from a rescue. Where we live, you can get rodents from a rescue, ferrets from a rescue, and any reptile/amphibian from a rescue. It's a much better option than getting a small pet from a pet store. Also--breed your own crickets for the gecko. It's cheaper and easier than having to go buy crickets every week (just speaking from experience lol).
Agreed. In my area too there are many small and furries (and scalies) available at local shelters and rescue groups. It is worth checking.
Yes! We got a rabbit from a local shelter and we felt so good about bringing him home from that! Please do read up on any animal you adopt, though. Rabbits need a ton of space to run and a small cage isn't good enough.
Non-human animal over human animal* person lol.
I'll give you $20 for The Frugal Girl! (That's frugal, right?)
😉
Katy
No, no, I'll give you $25 not to sell!
(Or is that not frugal enough?)
So glad to hear you wouldn't be interested in selling-up. I actually tend to only like to read 'smaller' (ie run by a real person and not a whole team) blogs. The huge ones that are run solely as a business just don't relate to my life. If I wanted something like that I would visit a regular website.
I thought we'd always have a cat or a dog but our last pet passed away over a year ago and I just can't muster the interest or time to get another. Giving enough care, love and time is just not in the cards right now.
Organizing photos by month (DUH!) sounds a heck of a lot better than my random names which I'm supposed to remember next time I need those photos. Thanks so much for this wake-up call! 🙂
I would love to see photos of your aquariums. I know they can be bucket-loads of work too!
Thanks for answering my question, Kirsten! That was quick. 🙂
(Maybe they're very valuable in the US... but can a blog be worth one MILLION $?!)
I'm obviously too naive as to think that blogs are sold . It's an eyeopener. You learn something new everyday.
Ever since our cat,Wilbur, died 4yrs ago we have been pet free. I, personally, am liking it at the moment but the children have been asking for a pet. It's something we cannot afford, no matter how cute and companiable they are.