Things Nobody Warned Me About Blogging
I knew coming into this, that blogging about my travels would take time, patience, and most of all EFFORT. Starting out, monetization was never a goal for me, and to be honest, still really isn’t. I do this because I truly enjoy it. I love seeing new places, I love learning new things, and most of all I love sharing my experiences with other people. I think if anything, travel has taught me that people are generally the same everywhere. You have your friends, and you have your foes. Nobody will agree with everything that you have to say always, and that’s perfectly fine. I have my opinions, and you have yours, and that’s the world that our ancestors fought so hard for us to live in. So why fight it? Agree to disagree.
There are somethings, however, that I knew happened to other fellow bloggers, but never imagined happening to me. (I like to think I’m perfect, joke). When blogging, a lot of your site traffic comes from people like you, who are looking for honest reviews, or trying to learn how to do something they’re currently struggling with, or looking for a new place to explore but aren’t quite sure what to do when they get there. Therefore, it is my job to go out and do it, gather the suggestions, and then give my honest feedback. As a result, here I am trying new foods, hiking new trails, visiting popular and not so popular attractions, and telling you about my experience.
In the world that we live in today, people are so easily offended. Mistakes are blown out of proportion, assumptions are made without any chance for justifications or explanations. We are misunderstood without trying to understand, and it can make lives for bloggers a living HELL (among other things).
The point of this post is to warn those of us who are like me; just starting out, wanting to do something good for everyone, but who lack the experience and in my situation proof-readability of those who have hired virtual assistants, publicists, etc. This is my experience, and I hope that I can help save some of you from yourselves by sharing.
Social media is the most perfect tool for getting your content out there. I share on a weekly basis to my followers from afar, friends, family, and anybody else who will read what I have to say. I post on Facebook, Pinterest, Twitter, Instagram, you name it in hopes that what I have to say will make someone’s day brighter.
Unfortunately, words can get misconstrued, the greatest of intentions can be flip-flopped when repeated by the misunderstood individual, and basically, it can all turn into a big mess. (I mean, I guess all of this had to happen sooner or later, right?)
This past weekend, I visited a local wolf preserve Seacrest Wolf Preserve Inc., because (common theme alert) I just love animals so so much of all kinds. I jumped at the opportunity to be up close and personal with the beautiful creatures, to learn more about their lives (in an out of captivity), most importantly to raise awareness on a crucial situation in order to help save the lives of these beautiful animals that have no voice to speak for themselves and of course to share my experience with all of you.
It was a rainy Saturday and things were running out of average routine due to the weather. I arrived, I paid the $35.00 fee (+tax) for the tour, and the $35 fee (+tax) for the photo encounter with the wolves. After I had my photos taken I walked over to the small animal encounter and found that it was closed early. I was deeply saddened by this because I drove 2.5 hours from home strictly for this visit and was disappointed not to have received the full package. Walking back up towards the main cabin, I ran into a woman on a walkee-talkee. At this time, I was not sure who I was speaking with, I had assumed she was a routine staff member here, and asked her if they would be opening this encounter again for those who were not able to experience it before the wolf tour. She jumped to attention immediately, and had the individuals running the encounter open it back up so that I could go inside. She even drove me to the gate. I was overly impressed with the amount of customer service I had received from one simple question. She introduced herself to me as Cynthia Watkins, the co-founder of the preserve and I excitedly told her that I was there running an article for my blog and briefly explained to her what my site was all about. She was excited and very friendly with me all day.
The animal encounter closed shortly after my visit with the foxes, and I then proceeded to the wolf tour, once again chauffeured up to the cabin by Cynthia in her truck. I entered the tour with the large group of visitors that had reserved for the day, and we were guided through two enclosures (those of the Timber Wolves from the photo encounters, as well as the Arctic Wolf pack they have on site). Here, we were informed all about wolf nature, pack hierarchy, and how they take care of these animals. I took my photos with my disposable camera, was pleased with my day, and happily drove back home, more than excited to develop the film from my experience so I could get started right away constructing this post.
What happened next, I would have never seen coming.
I was given the photos from the photo experience prior to leaving the facility, and instantly downloaded them to my phone, excited to start editing away and posting to my social media. The following day, I posted my first set of photos onto Instagram, making sure to tag Seacrest Wolf Preserve, hashtag, create a snarky caption, all that jazz. I also shared the photo to Facebook, doing the same here. When I posted the photo to Facebook I was opted to select a campaign to raise donations. I searched for Seacrest Wolf Preserve and assumed (ALERT: THIS IS THE MISTAKE) that they did not have a donatable charity on Facebook listed. Therefore, I chose to tag Wolf Conservation Center instead (SECOND MISTAKE) without researching the center and simply assuming this was a nationwide organization collecting donations to help all over and not a preserve located in New York.
All was well. The post received great engagement, lots of FOMO comments from friends, and I was very pleased with myself (even more so when I saw my first $5 donation come through). All of the sudden, everything BLEW UP. I had posts coming from left and right making terrible accusations, assumptions, and threats from people I had never known or met before. It didn’t take long for me to understand what had happened.
Seacrest was ANGRY. I had tagged them in the photos but listed the wrong organization. The co-founder had reposted my post, mentioning that I had tagged the wrong organization and that she felt deceived and was very upset. I immediately reached out to her and let her know that I had made a mistake and would rightfully correct it as soon as I had a chance. I never received a response, but did continue to receive angry comments from others. I was mortified. I had never meant to cause anyone so much harm, and I didn’t know how to fix it.
Here’s the thing though. To some people, I was a terrible person. What I had said/done was inexcusable, I was a liar, I was a thief, all these things I knew I was not. To others, I had made an honest mistake, owned up to it, and did what I could to try to fix it. Regardless of the side any one person stood in this situation, the most important were my intentions. To raise awareness and funds for these wolves. To promote a really great establishment. To share my experience with the world.
Yes, I made a mistake, and one of the biggest I’ve made since I started this little travel journal, and I can own up to that. Seacrest Wolf Preserve needs the funds to operate and take care of their little babies, and so do the other preserves in this world. I would never attempt to take that away from such a great cause. I offer my eternal gratitude to Cynthia for allowing me the opportunity to experience the magic of Seacrest, and I hope to visit many more in my lifetime. I also offer my condolences for making a mistake that caused such a negative uproar.
The takeaway here, is that, in blogging (and life, I mean come on) you’re going to come up against so many obstacles. Your words will NEVER come across the manner in which they were intended to every single person, and you will piss a lot of people off along the way. Own your mistakes, right your wrongs, but don’t give up, and don’t let anybody tell you otherwise. Just be CAREFUL what you say on social media. Words are more fragile than ever in this delicate world we live in today, and with social media a bigger presence than ever in our lives, can be spread and twisted faster than you can say “I’m sorry”.
As much as I would love to post the photos from this awesome trip, I do not want to further step on anyone’s toes, so I will refrain. Original, however can be found here.
WITH THAT BEING SAID
Let me take some time to bring awareness to the wolves! That’s what started this whole mess anyway right?!
As some of you know, and some of you may not, the Federal Government is working towards doing away with the protection bill against the wolves in our country. Wolves are an incredibly important part of our ecosystem, top of the food chain, and maintaining order in states all across the US. In addition to this, they are some of the most misunderstood and beautiful creatures that exist among us. Without this protection clause, the wolves will become extinct in no time, and they can’t speak for themselves so we need to do it for them! Preserves all across the country are working to keep them alive and save them from this petition and trophy hunters who are only helping to kill them off. So I encourage you to visit https://act.biologicaldiversity.org/onlineactions/A5dfsmmn5US3fSOZ0aCLYg2?&sourceID=1004352 today and sign this petition. Add in a few words of your choice so that this counts as a single vote, rather than one single vote with a bunch of names. I know it feels like it’s never enough, but you have no idea how much it really is.
I also encourage you to visit and donate to your local wolf preserves. They’re located nationwide, and are all working towards the same goals. #savethewolves
What are some of YOUR favorite wolf preserves?
56 Comments
Tamara
Your heart shines through in how you handle difficult situations. You were kind and handled a difficult situation with grace. Really enjoyed your article and can’t wait to see more!
Viano Dee
You made a mistake— we all do. The most important thing is that you’ve accepted your wrong and you’re trying to right it and that’s okay. We learn from our mistakes— they make us stronger. Don’t let it bother you baby girl, you’ll do just fine.*wink*
Elizabeth O
Blogging is fun but a lot of work. Stay try to you and you will be fine
Samuel
i always enjoy reading your posts. you are such genuine, kind hearted person and it really shows! keep the posts coming!
Ali
What an insightful post! I hate that your good deeds were overshadowed by a simple mistake! I am proud of you for fixing your mistake and handling yourself with such grace and CLASS.
christine Penney
Great blog <3 I am so sorry that you had to go through what you did, but so happy that you saw it as a learning experience and came out of the other side wiser! It is so hard…people will always see/hear what they want to take from words/photos. Oftentimes the real message gets completely lost along the way. I have actually been to the WCC and they are a fantastic organization as well. Keep doing what you're doing <3
Geeky Daddy
great blog. I was unaware of how much negativity to expect. The trolls are every where!
L @ franglais27
Thank you for sharing this in relation to the pitfalls that other bloggers could encounter. I hope that the furore has now died down so that there is more focus on your efforts to raise awareness about the important work undertaken by the wolf preserve.
Sarah
So glad you got it all worked out, and didn’t let it stop you from doing what you set out to do. Sometimes no matter how hard we try, some people always like to find something to complain about. Thankfully there are also people in the world of blogging that are a great encouragement.
Kristine (Mom's Mimosa)
That’s terrible, your kind heart wanted to do something special for the preserve and you were attacked because of a mistake ANYONE COULD EASILY make. I am so sorry you had to go through this. Big hugs and I love your blog!
Kim Croisant
Oh yes, people think blogging is so easy, but they do not know what goes on behind the scenes.
You’re right, it takes time and patience.
Looks like you’re doing amazing!!
oneisroma
it’s a great post. you can also read this blog: https://herkolok.com/
Rhonda Albom
There are so many pitfalls in blogging. Blogging is not easy and research is essential. You have a good ethos and reacted to this unfortunate situation well.
Eric || The Bucket List Project
Wow, that really stinks. It is very hard with blogging and definitely with life to make everyone, heck anyone happy all the time! The worst is that you came at it with good intentions which probably led to great energy and momentum only to have it whacked back down.
But don’t let that get you down. What you did was great work and you should never let people even if it is accidental stop your good work to help the world!
Reese Woods
Wow, I am so sorry that happened to you. You paid to take your tour, paid for the photos and genuinely were seeking to raise awareness and support for animals in need. We’re all human and make genuinely unintentional mistakes sometimes. You did your best to correct it as quickly as you were are to do and take ownership for a misunderstanding. (And honestly, if you paid for the tour and the photos, you are a supporting consumer who didn’t even have to try to raise publicity or support for them in the first place outside of your visit.) Very unprofessional on their part when it could have been handled privately. If I were you, I would turn off commenting on that post (and maybe even block individuals from your page if they are harassing or threatening you).
Luci
When I started my blog I didn’t realise how much work it takes to run it. To get views you have to hustle basic everyday and it can take years for you to get regular viewers.
Eilidh Horder
Interesting story… Yes, it’s a shame that some people can be too quick to judge and point fingers… What happened to ‘innocent until proved guilty?’ Thanks for sharing your story. It seems that blogging (and life) is a bit of a minefield. By the way, don’t you think the map of ‘Where I am?’ (Fairhope…) looks a bit like an upside-down wolf?
Kamree
It’s so true! Blogging is a wonderful tool for communicating to those around the globe, but sometimes words get twisted, and some are quick to judge which makes things difficult. Live your best life and always stay true to you and who you are! xo – Kam
Roya
Wow what an experience. Definitely scary especially when you are new at it too. Making mistake is one thing , but to learn and grow from it is a whole different thing. Thank you for sharing it with is.
Diana Trinh
Oh my goodness, this blog post completely took me off guard. I am so sorry this happened to you, I went to the original Facebook post and read what others were saying – I can’t believe that people treated you this way over a mistake that could have happened to any one of us. The way you handled it was pure class and I applaud you for it!
Monica Draudt
In a world where social media is king, it’s hard to look past mistakes and consider that human error and not ill intent is the cause.
LOVE that you love wolves and happily signed the petition! Fellow animal lover right here!
Jennifer Maune
Oh wow – it is crazy how quickly a small mistake can get blown out of proportion! This is definitely something you don’t think about encountering when becoming a blogger. Thanks for sharing this – all of us bloggers do make mistakes! (:
-Jennifer
https://maunelegacy.com
Christina
Ahhh I saw the post by Seacrest Wolf Preserve on Facebook as I live on the Gulf Coast and I know that I am not the only one who realized that you made a simple mistake and thought that they had overreacted. I had been following their page for long enough to see that the owners have made similar posts towards others in the past. It is sad because it could have been handled much better on their part. I’m sorry that this happened to you but we all make mistakes and this was overblown, don’t take it to heart!
Autumn Murray
I’ve never been to a wolf preserve but would love to visit one day.
I am sorry you had that experience and definitely think they should have handled the situation differently.
Madi Rowan
So sorry to hear about your little mishap! I think you handled it in the best way possible! Just remember that we all are human & mistakes happen! Sending love to you & the wolves!
-madi xo | http://www.everydaywithmadirae.com
Aurola Wedman
Wow, I am so sorry that this happened to you. Everyone needs to remember that behind this screen, there are real people with feelings. We should stop accusing and mistreating people the instant someone makes a mistake. We are all human
Heather Rodrigues
This is a great post; thanks for sharing your experience. It’s crazy how a “little” mistake can be blown up so much. It’s a good reminder to us bloggers…but I hope you keep raising awareness; you are doing far more good than you likely realize!
Everydaydonia
Fantastic how you handled that and fixed the problem. Yes there are alot i am still learning as a new blogger😊 thanks for sharing.
Autumn (Biscotti and a Ph.D.)
Gooodness, social media can be such a great thing, and then there are those moments. I hate that it happened, but it sounded like you handled it like a warrior! Loved hearing about the positive aspects of your trip, too!
Ananya
Thanks for sharing your experience. Sad to hear you had to go through what you went through. Sadly, we live in a world where people just need an excuse to badger people online. Glad you were strong and didn’t let the negativity get to you <3
MARIAH RINEY
I love that you’re passionate about the wolves! I’m always talking about sharks, so I get it!
Stine Mari
I am so IMPRESSED by how you handled this situation and by your sheer honesty in this post. It is a delicate world indeed, not everyone perceives the things you say the way you intended them to, but I’m positive you will be just fine.
Lauren
Were you able to fix the mistake by tagging Seacrest and direct your audience to them? Your Instagram post still directs towards another page.
Carissa Murray | My Posh Life
Oh my gosh I am so sorry that happened to you! How awful. A simple mistake but awful consequences.
Ray Mccullough
I’ve always loved wolves and love informative information about them!
Keep up the great work!
Catherine
It takes courage to admit your mistakes and right your wrongs. Thank you for sharing your story. It is inspiring, and I am sure it will inspire many more people! Hugs!
Heena
Agree Blogging is not easy as it looks like on first glance. There are lot of learnings every day. It needs courage to admit own mistake and you did it. Don’t let the negativity spoil your high spirit.
Fae Celine
I loved reading this, thanks for sharing your experience. It’s sad that just a one simple mistake can make people mad and forget all the good things you’ve done.
Cristiane
Wow! I am truly sorry for all this misunderstanding. Makes you want to have second thoughts about promoting other business right? Only bloggers can relate how much work, time and money we put on our blogs. Thanks for sharing this babe. It can happen to anyone.
Streamed TV Fan
Everyone makes mistakes; it’s how we deal with it and make it right is what matters. You owned up and fixed it. Well done to you.
Kelly
There is a preserve in Julian California and they do great work. http://www.californiawolfcenter.org/ .
Jenn ~ onehoppymomma
Unfortunately, in life, you can’t control how others perceive your words. All you can do is be genuine and come from a place of kindness. With that said, there is an amazing big cat sanctuary here in the California desert that provides care for animals that wouldn’t make it in the wild. What they do is amazing and others should appreciate such efforts.
Stephanie
Oh my gosh, it sounds like an honest and easy mistake. It’s sad that so many people attacked you for it but all you can do is try to right the wrongs. I’ve never been to a wolf preserve before, but it sounds like a great experience!
Jen @ Jenron Designs
Oh no! Things like that happen and yes blogging is a lot harder than we all realize going in… and it comes with a huge learning curve especially if you are doing it all yourself. It is all a part of the process unfortunately and we have all been there.
Chad
When i first started, i had no idea marketing would take that much time, most of my time is spent marketing my blog vs. creating content.
Marjie Mare
Thanks for sharing such an insightful post with us. We all make mistakes at some point. We learn from it and grow. Besides growing you are sharing and helping us.
Crystal Carder
Wow, that sounds like such a mess! Totally uncalled for – you’re only human we all make mistakes. To call you a thief and a liar, that’s just sad! After all you did own up to your mistake.
Joline
Sorry you had to go through that, you handled it very well. It’s really more work than we imagined, this blogging thing, huh?? All the best to you.
Bree
Oh my goodness! As a blogger I would say this is one of my worst fears. Thank you for sharing your experience so I can be sure to be extra careful with my words!
Vannie
I love how genuine you are girl. I’m so grateful that I have not been into so many situations like yours. Thank you for sharing.
Janell
We’re bound to offend someone at one point or another; own the mistake and move on. Perhaps, consider turning comments off to deter the negative chatter. For what it’s worth, I think you handled the situation honestly and with grace. It was a hard lesson but a learning experience never the less. Keep the faith and travel on . . .
Fran Jorgensen
I love how passionate you are about this cause! I am a big believer in the little steps even when you feel like nothing much is changing, it’s about the little steps that each one of us makes to bring attention to the matter we care about.
pooja Malkani
I so wish people would have told me things about blogging before I started it. Blogging is not easy and needs much more than what you think! I hope you enjoy writing and connecting with your audience.
Kavitha
Oh! you are so genuine that you accepted your mistake. Moreover, your intention is good. So the mistake can be ignored. Some people might not understand. Humans make mistakes!
Maysz
Such a nice to hear on how can you handle a difficult situation like this and also accept your mistakes you have a genuine heart!
Nati
Ooph, that’s so rough! So sorry you got to see the negative side of the internet jump on your for an honest mistake. Glad to see that isn’t discouraging you from continuing to blog!