BEWARE: Strong opinions are being posted here. They are mine and mine alone. Although I mention The Cat Blogosphere and it's community, those of us who volunteer for the CB are independent of each other, posting on our own unique, individual blogs. My opinion, posted today on Zoolatry does not and should not reflect upon any of them.
After close to 20 years of pet blogging, I am now banned/blocked from taking part in several weekly Blog Hops. These are blog hops I have regularly included my post link on, and often commented on for many years.
To be clear: I fully understand and accept that every blog owner has the right to control their blog in any way they choose.
However, the pet blogging community has always been one of sharing and caring. A place for humor, the antics and fun and beauty of our varied animals through photography, art and words. Many who blog here also participate in The Cat Blogosphere and choose to share other images and words about their lives and personal interests over time ~ through this we come to know one another and truly become "community".
For most of the years of my pet blogging I have also volunteered as the Graphic Designer for The Cat Blogosphere, and still do. Ironically, some years ago, I did the original art for each of these hops. When the blog owner chose a new artist to design new art ~ whimsical and charming art, without hesitation I updated her badges for the CB [again, volunteering].
When we click on a blog, we may see words or images "not to our liking", or a point of view we disagree with. It is easy to never visit that blog again. Do not subscribe, do not save the link, simply do not visit there! If you don't like it ... what the ...
My visiting blogs ~ and blog hops in particular is to participate in the community in whole. Often through blog hops we are introduced to new bloggers we might not have met otherwise, and how nice is that ~ new friends! Being banned, blocked, prohibited, cuts off that opportunity.
Why be blocked? Because from time to time, I post my political opinions. Yes, in recent times I have had strong political opinions and began posting about them. Fully accepting many will have opposite opinions and that is okay, you have the right to share yours if you wish to do so. Just as you might share a recipe, a vacation photo or write a post about anything else-under-the-sun-and-moon that you want!
So, where does this leave us in this silly cat fight? Nowhere. Because it is silly, foolish and childish. Leave you alone? Sure. I won't link up on or be part of your blog hops, you don't have to visit and read my posts. Are we happy now? It's all so small and petty and yet speaks to the very, very large issue facing our nation today: we don't TALK to one another. We don't MEOWZ to each other. It's just one big cat fight.
No. I do not like the current administration, have never liked the current resident of the White House [a person of no character], nor many in his cabinet, his supporters in Congress and on and on. And for we ~ for us ~ those out here in the public ~ any who continue to cat fight, we are not helping to make anything better, to bring about needed change. And change is needed. We can do better. But not when we place "bans" on even the smallest of things ... like somewhat inconsequential little cat blogs.
Today is Thankful Thursday over at Brian's Home Blog
all over the pet community.
Wow, we had no idea so much was going on. Sorry things are such a mess.
ReplyDeleteI also didn't realize that was happening ... I can only speak for myself. I enjoy your blog and I mostly read the "cat" stuff .. doesn't mean I agree or disagree with whatever else ... like you said it's your blog. I appreciate you!
ReplyDeleteI really do miss the days when people could disagree without being disagreeable. Everyone has an opinion and that should be okay. Thank you for all you have done and still do. Thanks for joining Angel Brian's Thankful Thursday Blog Hop!
ReplyDeleteWe agree with Brian. We're surprised anyone would block you from a "hop"
ReplyDeleteAlso had no idea this was an issue, and am sorry this is happening to you.
ReplyDeleteWhat Terry said and feel free to join Nature Friday anytime!
hugs,
Beth
I had no idea that some blog hop hosts would be so mean spirited to block someone from participating just because they have different political views. I always looked at the pet blogging community as one that welcomed everyone despite their political differences. We love all that you do and love seeing your photography and reading your opinions.
ReplyDeletewow, we did not know that was happening so dee mum wint to one of the site she suspected and sure enuf, we were missing from the blog hop several times and also missing from the comment we made on her post about the photo of her beautiful cats, so dee mum has removed her blog frum our visiting list.
ReplyDeleteCharlee: "Anyone who would block you from a blog hop or anything else because of your opinion about the current so-called 'Administration' must have skin just about as thin as the current so-called 'President' ..."
ReplyDeleteChaplin: "Yeah, it's funny how snowflake-y the folks are who like to call other people 'snowflakes'!"
Just ridiculous indeed to ban anyone over politics. I don't mention politics often when I'm able to post (though lately I've been tempted to) but I did state I'm a liberal in my ""About", mainly to avoid being stereotyped. There are more liberals in the US South than is generally known outside the region. Anywho I've been fortunate in somehow being able to maintain friendships with several bloggers, as well as old friends, whose opinions differ from mine.
ReplyDeleteI had no idea anyone could be blocked from a blog or blog hop. I'm sorry I know that is disappointing
ReplyDeleteHugs to you and June
Cecilia