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
When I first found you through your photography and June, I found that I could also speak about my fears and anxiety as to what was going on in the current political climate. I felt safe here... other people shared their fears and worries. At first I felt like I should be quiet, hold it in—but I needed to share my feelings as much as others chose to stay quiet. And that is where I realized the concept of how choice becomes a gift. It seems so simple. I know where I feel welcome and that political statements are okay to mention and I know where political conversation is not accepted and I am still welcome or I am not. I made that gift of choice my preference. No need to shame, block or ban. The pet community is a special group of people. Ann, thank you for giving me a place to land when I felt confused and afraid.
ReplyDeleteHello,
ReplyDeleteI think everyone is entitled to their opinion and beliefs. I am sorry you have been blocked from joining in on the blog hops and linkies, that seems childish to me. I enjoy your art work and photos and June images. Take care, enjoy your day!
How sad. This just underscores the condition of our country. If you ever can't get into MY blog, just let one of our mutual friends know, and they will contact me, because I would never ban you. I think you may also follow Brian's Home Gang, Mad Snapper, One Spoiled Cat, Bella Dharma or Tails Around the Ranch, for instance. They can all reach me.
ReplyDeleteI'm sorry you're going through this :( My political opinions are different from the majority of my cat blogging friends (it would seem) so for the most part I just keep my mouth shut and keep it about cats. (The day after the election I was even unfriended on Facebook by my very own aunt! It's sad that differences of opinion are dividing so many people.)
ReplyDeleteWhile we may not agree on all topics, please know as far as I am concerned you are welcome to post on Feline Friday. If you’ve been unable to link up for any reason, I don’t know how to block people and I wouldn’t know what was wrong, but I’d work to fix it.
ReplyDeleteYes, we need to keep talking to each other, gently and with love, to come to good solutions for everyone.
Shocking, surprising, but mostly shameful!!! Shame on them, whoever they may be. They don't recognize goodness when it is right in front of them. So sorry to read this. Hugs to you, dear friend.
ReplyDeleteWell, that's a fine kettle of fish.
ReplyDeleteHere's hoping that the love of cattos/doggos/etc. is the premier reason we all visit each other.
I am sorry you got banned from some places. That makes no sense. You are always respectful of others. I adore you and many do. XO
ReplyDeleteI'm sorry you're dealing with this. Everyone deserves the freedom to speak their mind on their own blog. I'm with you, my friend. Keep speaking your truth and don't let others' disapproval steal your joy. Your voice matters. Barb
ReplyDeleteJune! Marvelous here! I LOVED your reply on my blog about hugs! We must be soul sister and brother! I will definitely bite the hand that feeds me! Keep being AWESOME ladies! Marvelous
Are you with Trump or Colbert? Trump or Springsteen? You are with, and should always be with Colbert and Springsteen. Those who are not h are to be respected but not argued with
ReplyDeleteAww Ann I am so sorry to hear this. Freedom of speech doesn't exist any more. Everyone is entitled to their own opinion. I'd never hold anything against any blogger if I didn't agree. People are narrow and closed minded these days. Screw them, you don't need people like that in your life. Totally agree with Terry's comment. What happened to those days eh? Hugs to you and June x
ReplyDeleteRats. The Cat Blogosphere always seems like a really whimsical, light-hearted positive space to be. Disappointing that there are small-minded cranky people within it. Carry on doing what you and June do -(almost!) everyone loves it!
ReplyDeleteMegan
Sydney, Australia
juney chowder …me N de gurl dinna noe ewe could block ban a hop? courze haf de time we due knot noe much
ReplyDeletebout gettin in ona hop…..N ewe say what ewe wanna say… N if peepulz due knot like what yur sayin ore postin, ON YUR BLOG, they can due like ya due witha ree mote…change….de…channel….we haz been criticized mor timez N de gurl iz
old….N for that we say…lezz ewe can show uz an eye dee, that sayz yur name bee GOD…..we…due…knot…care…what
they think bout uz tabbies….😸‼️🐾💚☮️☮️☮️☮️
We're really sad to hear this is what's going down. The pet blogging world has always been such a wonderful and welcoming place and it breaks our hearts that this kind of divisiveness has infiltrated our happy community. It's your blog -- and your truth -- and you should always be able to post whatever you want. Pity those snowflakes who ban you from the linkups because you have a different views than them. So small-minded. Hugs and love to you and Juney, dear Ann.
ReplyDeleteWell 💩. I'm really bummed someone got worked up enough to get you banned/blocked. When I started blogging in 2014, I specifically decided to participate in the pet arena of the Blogosphere. Everyone was so welcoming and kind. I'm sorry to hear some people have become (a) narrow minded and (b) downright mean for getting you blocked. People can disagree respectfully. After everything you've done all these years, that really take the cake. So sorry, Ann. I will always welcome your posts and hope you will continue to speak your mind. Sorry there are others that don't feel that way. It's too bad people forget the First Amendment applies to even the most despicable. I hope you'll continue to post away unfiltered, my friend. We need your voice, your skills and your integrity. Sending hugs and tail wiggles your way.
ReplyDelete