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Friends Never Say Goodbye

Hola kitties! I called my furrends here today for a very special announcement. I think you guys on Facebook already know what it is. I'm not too happy about this as you can tell by my expression but TW has made up her mind. This will be the last week we'll be posting regularly on the blog. For nine long years I've been pouring my heart out to you and that's a long time. I'll pop in occasionally when I have something important to say. Don't cry for me, Argentina. I need time to regroup.

Friends Never Say Goodbye

Social Media and blogging in general has changed since we started nine years ago. For the past few months our blog traffic has sank drastically from what it was just a couple of months ago. We're wondering if it's worth the time spent writing and creating images and if that time wouldn't be better spent with TW playing with me or cleaning house. Like others, we don't like—or have time—to read long posts. Our posts are long. No apologies. You can fake it like we sometimes do. Heh heh.

Friends Never Say Goodbye
What changed? Was it Networked Blogs closing? Did we do some SEO faux pas (not that we know exactly what SEO or faux pas are)? What's going on with Triberr that blogs aren't being shared anymore? Does Mr. Google not like our labels? Maybe we goofed by having Mr. Google crawl our site so he could find all kinds of errors? Do we even appear when someone searches for us? Has everyone just gotten tired of reading blogs? We have no idea. We also have no special niche. Is "little ghetto kitteh" a niche? I doubt it. We just know there are new blogs who leave us in the dust traffic-wise. Some have much better content and photos; some don't. It may just be that people are tired of this stunning little ghetto kitteh.

Some of this is our fault as we don't regularly visit other cat blogs as often as we should. That is a valid point; however, 100% of our blog traffic shouldn't come from other bloggers. The fact that it does is a fail on our TW's part that she hasn't figured out a way to increase our traffic in other ways. We thought we'd increase traffic by adding the music posts but that didn't work neither. Admittedly, our Facebook page is getting more traffic than ever before so we'll be posting pictures and art there. (Hope I didn't jinx it.)

It's also our TW's fault that she doesn't share our posts all over social media. She doesn't like seeing things over and over so she doesn't think you want to either. The professor doesn't repeat and if you don't happen to be on SM when we share, you won't see it. Our loss; not your's.

Friends Never Say Goodbye

At one point this kitty tried to make money but failed mainly because we're not marketers and have no idea how to approach brands for sponsored posts. That ship has sailed and we don't regret it—much. We're debating whether TW has the Photoshop chops to offer services to other bloggers who might need some image adjustments that PicMonkey can't do or if anyone would actually pay a few green papers for this service.

TW always wanted to just fade into the sunset with no warning; just disappear into thin air but that's not the way The Cat is wired. This may be a summer vacay or it might be permanent. TW and I will meet in September and see what we want to do.

Friends Never Say Goodbye
This one is for Summer.
During our hiatus, we'll still be posting our monthly Chewy reviews cos the Highpoint Cats still need to eat. Other bloggers complain cos Chewy compensates with food and treats rather than green papers. The fact that we've been able to provide so much food for those homeless cats IS enough payment for me.

Speaking of the Highpoint Cats, some [censored] [censored] has been harassing the feeders again. He had the head of UCFCC cited and fined for "littering." Then he started removing the food as soon as the feeders put it out. What the hiss? The last time he called the po po, they told him there was nothing illegal about feeding the cats. Now he's putting out traps to catch the cats and harm them. Why are humans such haters?

I'd like to do a whole exposé but I'm out of time. Just know that TW and I are thankful for those who give up their time to read what we write. We love each and everyone who comes to visit. Thank you for being our furrends. The best part of this journey has been the furrends we've made. We'll be around here and there but not three times a week.

Friends Never Say Goodbye

It's time to open up a bottle of Gato Negro and settle down for a long summer's nap. (The wine is for TW but it does have a cat on the label.) You better stay sober, Woman. We have a couple more post to do this week.

Would you like to comment?

  1. CK, my stunning darling! You almost took the words right outta our mouf--we have been thinking along the same lines. The Human thought at first she'd be re-energized about the blog when she retired but so far....no. We'll see. You two are the BEST and I am purraying you'll still be around Facebook or popping up someplace--Twitter?? I, Spitty the Kitty, do have Twitter though I am not a tweeter--I could be though! Lke you, I wonder if the cat blog thing has kind of had its time and the Innerwebs has moved on? Well, my sweet little ghetto cat, we'll see what happens blog-wise, but you know I will hunt you down. XOXOXOXOXO

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  2. I'm sad that you are retreating from posting regularly, CK... but I have to be honest, I am even more disturbed about that awful human who is harassing the Highpoint cats and their feeders! That is so upsetting to read, and I wish there was some way he could be stopped.

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  3. Well dang, there's nothing we like more than visiting our favorite special ghetto kitteh and we always looked forward to your posts CK. We do understand the need to do something different though. Loving hugs to you and TW from all of us. I'll be sure to look for you on FB.

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  4. You better believe we will continue to follow you through Facebook. I'm so sorry to hear this. We truly look forward to all your reviews and posts. Mom says you give honest reviews and she appreciates that. And we love the "ghetto cat" theme. It's you and honest. Love the music and artwork too. We will always be followers! Purrs

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  5. This whole post makes us sad. We're sad because you aren't going to blog and because of that bad person. We could never DREAM of getting the followers and comments that you do.

    The Florida Furkids

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  6. We stopped blogging regularly three years ago. Time for a break. We will miss your posts but will see you on other mediums.
    Cats of wildcat woods

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  7. So spot on ... and we say "ditto" to every word. Best o' the best with whatever lies ahead (and you will so enjoy PS CC!). Never got into much of social media and don't plan to and am even not very good with blogging/commenting/etc., etc. Just do our own thing when we want, the way we want (10 years of it now!) ... Welcome to our world! (Ann A)

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  8. We will always be watching your FB posts, sad though about the blog. It does take a lot of time and effort. Karma will come back to the hater of Highpoint Cats! We love feeding our outdoor friends, it does take money and time, but we think it is worth it. It makes us feel good knowing we can help these little souls that need help.

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  9. This post makes us very sad, CK, but we fully respect your decision. We will certainly miss seeing you regularly here on your blog. We'll be stalking you on Facebook, though, so that we can see stunning you as often as possible. We're also very, very sad that evil human is harming kitties. Hopefully, he'll get his comeuppance. Peace out, CK! We'll be enjoying the rest of your posts this week.

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  10. Sorry to hear you are taking the same route as we did . We focus on our Facebook and sometimes we dabble with Instagram and Twitter. You are a wonderful blogger and maybe you will decide the break is a good thing. Hopefully, in the winter the traffic will pick up and you will be back to the blog.

    Seems that everyday I see bloggers saying their traffic is down on the blogs and new bloggers are excited to see their traffic is picking up. I applaud them but I also know that new blogs are getting traffic due to readers checking out what they are doing but give them a year or two and they will be singing the same song as we are.

    I also agree that we shouldn't have to continually visit other blogs to comment on their posts just so they will come to ours and hopefully do the same. That isn't organic traffic and honestly the you scratch my back, I will scratch yours thing starts to feeling raw after a while.

    You know I keep up with you on Facebook and I always will. You may be surprised that after the sad feeling leaves, you start feeling relieved that you don't have to get that post out and actually have time to enjoy your life.

    Hugs and Wuv from the CarmaPoodale crew.

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  11. We understand what you are saying. Numbers are way down, but I'm trying to remember why I began blogging in the first place. I love to share memories, stories, and photos of my cats. Having people visit and leave comments was a bonus I wasn't expecting. Then, I got into the influencer part and that made blogging a little more stressful. I'm not giving up the blog yet because I still love doing it, but I'm stepping back and not posting as much. I've found it a little more relaxing not feeling as though I MUST get a post done. Of course, I'm also managing the CB, so that is another responsibility.

    Do what you need to do, but we'll miss seeing you on a regular basis.

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  12. Hi CK...
    We have found the same thing...our stats have dropped and dropped and then dropped some more. Mom thought it was cuz she was so busy with the rollout and stuff...but that was not the case. And we must admit, tho we have been visiting furrends, we have not been commenting much.
    We too have had a talk about taking a hiatus after my 1 year gottcha day.
    Purrhaps it is because food has over taken cats as the thing to read online...purrhaps there is just an overabundance of social media and cats and their funny antics are just not IT any more...
    Hisses at the jerk who does not like feral cats!!! What a A&%#*@e.
    Know we Love you (and TW) loads
    Marv (and Mom)

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  13. Wish I had some magic words to say, because I love your posts and will miss them, plus seeing CK is always a treat. Do what your heart tells you to do, and you cannot go wrong. Hugs and purrs.

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  14. We'll be very sorry to see less of you, CK, but our Mom understands completely. At least once a year she worries about stats and questions the whole point. But she always, ALWAYS, comes back to the reason for our blog - it was never about stats or page hits. Our Mom is the worst salesperson on the planet so selling things or trying to talk someone into buying something is ninety-nine percent out. Our blog is about honoring us Colehaus Cats, present and past, as we think it should be, and about sharing personalities and learning so much from anyone who comments. Your photos are great and we loved your take on . . . everything! Everyone needs a break. We hope you recharge and come back when you're ready. We'll be here!

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  15. Aw I'm sad to read this. But glad you will pop in here from time to time.
    Don't understand the kind of horrible human being who does such evil thing to kitties. Karma will catch up with him!

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  16. I'll miss you, but I understand. We cut way back on blogging a while ago and have finally decided to just give it up. It takes too much time and it stopped being fun. And since we were doing it for fun and not money, there wasn't any point anymore. We've moved our Chewy reviews to my FB page, so we're not even blogging those anymore.

    You and TW are so creative, I hope you find a good outlet for that creativity. If it happens to be an outlet that can be shared, please share with us. In the meantime, see you on FB! Love you, pal.

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  17. I will miss you CK. I haven't visited for over 2 weeks because I have been on holiday. I get far fewer comments than I used to, but that is to be expected as my posts are all repeats. Blogging has changed so much since I started. I began because I wanted to share Eric and Flynn with everyone, and it was purely for fun. I continue so I can keep their memory alive, and because of all the friends I have made through our blog. I don't know if that is right or wrong and maybe I should let go. I don't want to, so I guess the time isn't right yet. I do follow you on FB, but I don't often get notifications when you post. I don't get many notifications from anyone. FB has made it's own mind up what they want me to see.

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  18. Just like everyone else we see fewer and fewer folks/cats visiting. But we also understand because for the past 2 years things have dramatically changed in my life and I've not been able to visit others like I used to. So I expect a downward turn. I am sorry to hear you're leaving. I hope you will occasionally post, you are such a creative soul and that will be missed.

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  19. Dear CK & TW - I am not a blogger, but I read a lot of cat blogs - don't always comment, but I am still there enjoying - or crying - along. You will be missed, and I will try to follow you on Facebook. Purrs !

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  20. ck.....we due knot knead ta holler louder with R ree ply... ore ewe with yur post.... even if trout townz 98,200 milez a ways.....coz we haz been round sinz My Space dayz N noe eggz act lee wear ewe, TW & popz iz comin frum....

    iz we gonna mizz ya, hellz bellz yes....iz we gonna keep yur emailz...hellz bellz yez....iz we all wayz gonna be partnurrz in crime......hellz bellz yez.... ♥♥♥

    ther now bee mor bloggerz who haz left de seen oh de crime then thoz who sticked round ta give an eye witnezz a count

    if ya post onze a week ore onze a month; we will still stop bye; say how stunning ewe iz N give ya ♥♥♥♥♥...all wayz ~~~~

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  21. We started blogging in 2005 and backed off on daily postings a long time ago and have had to take some breaks of no posting - life happens! We don't even look at our stats any more because we know they are down. We don't post regularly and as hard as we try, we can't visit regularly. (I'm one person trying to take care of all the animals, the house, the yard, etc.) FB and social media isn't the same. The challenge of writing a fun post twice a week helps keep senility at bay. And then there are the wonderful friends we have met over the blogging years. Don't want to lose contact. We follow you on FB. It isn't the same as reading your blog posts, but we certainly understand why you are taking a break. The best of everything to you. We hope to catch you on fb, as well as occasionally on your blog.

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  22. Our numbers are way down too. If we blogged for numbers, we woulda been gone a long time ago. We hope this is only a break...and you'll be back, CK. We'll miss your humor.

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  23. I feel your frustration, CK. We'll see you on facebook.
    I'm trying not to feel bad when I don't manage a weekly post for the PAWS cats.
    xxoo
    Maggie, Mickey Mouser, and Rufus the Red

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  24. I hope that creep has a visit from karma very, very soon. We will miss you SO much and Mudpie has her paws crossed that after a short break you'll be back with all your stunningness, CK!

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  25. Not the news I want to hear on my birthday- about those poor cats or your blog :(
    I guess I need to go on FB more to see you. And I hope you never quit completely. XO

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  26. CK and TW, you were one of the very first cat bloggers I found and got to know. You do and will always hold a very special place in my heart. I totally understand your decision. When I was blogging daily, I came to realize I just couldn't keep up. It was taking me away from time with family, my kitties, and work. Cutting back to 3 days a week helped, but like you, I've seen numbers dwindle considerably. Maybe cat blogging or even blogging in general was a passing trend. Maybe there's just too many, maybe people just don't have time to visit anymore. It's so hard to know. I'm so sorry, but completely understand your decision. Please don't feel defeated though. It's not you, I think it's blogging in general. Sending you, TW, and Pops my love. I look forward to still keeping in touch on Facebook. 💕

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  27. You have to be true to yourself and keep it real. We hope you find your new activities to be more rewarding.

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  28. And just when we're getting geared up again! We've seen what a great job you've done with TW on your blog. We'll keep checking in and looking for you on FB. You take care of yourself, CK my furriend! - Tom x

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  29. We understand but will miss you! ❤️

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  30. I enjoyed your music posts the best, you introduced me to new music that I hadn't heard before. Hopefully it's just a short blog break. I wouldn't be sad if the karma bus ran over that dirtbag that's harassing the Highpoint kitties.

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  31. We'll miss hearing from you on the regular, but we understand how much time it can take to put out quality blog posts on a regular basis. We wear our human out with ours, too. Numbers are trending down for everyone, and we suspect the proliferation of social media platforms taking time and attention away from reading the web. Either way, please keep in touch no matter what you and TW decide to do.

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  32. I’m new to the game but I really enjoy your posts and I’m happily following on Facebook. I hope it’s just a hiatus for you.

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  33. I'm sorry to read this, CK, but everyone needs to do what they feel (or don't feel) in their heart. I still feel like a newbie blogger - especially compared with your nine years! I've never had any stats worth mentioning, and I doubt we ever will. I guess I'll just keep at it until it's not fun anymore. And I can't even believe it about that [censored] piece of [censored]. What is wrong with people? Anyway, we'll miss seeing your regular posts, CK. We'll catch up with you on Facebook, though!

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  34. Oh yeah, and why not offer your services to other bloggers. I think that's a good idea!

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  35. This makes us so sad, CK, but we understand. We are proud to count you among our friends, and we will miss your awesome take on things and your sharp humor. We are connected with you, TW and Pop on Facebook, so we know our friendship will continue, and for that we are thankful. Hugs! - Kevin, Tracey, Gracie and Ava

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  36. Well...this is a sad state of affairs. You are an institution CK with the funniest tongue-in-cheek style, and you will be missed by those of us who aren't Facebookers. We can visit though our dad's account and will try to do so. Our mom has gotten bad about visiting, which we can see through a drop in visitors to our blog as well. We hope after short vacation, you will reconsider. Blogging requires a huge amount of time, and after nine years, we understand the desire to spend a bit of time doing other things. What about once a week? Whatever you decide, we will try to follow. Best of luck to you, TW and your pop. XOCK, angel Lily Olivia, Mauricio, Misty May, Giulietta, angel Fiona, Astrid, Lisbeth, Calista Jo, Cooper Murphy and Sawyer and hugs from Mom Janet

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  37. We're sad to read this but we understand what you are saying and why you made this difficult decision. We didn't comment every time, but we enjoyed reading your posts. We'll miss you ! Purrs

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  38. CK I am not going to state ALL of my feelings here because you know me well enough to KNOW that I HEAR YOU, and I totally GET what you are saying. You are one of the first blogs that we followed, and are one of the first that we loved. I stopped posting regularly last year....it isn't quite as noticed on Cody's because for his I mainly posted 3 days a week to begin with (sometimes more if I wanted to), but Dakota's blog is the one that is primarily being affected. I haven't posted on his since the first week of July I think.........I have been trying to hang on til I hit the 10 year mark.....but...like you...I agree there is A LOT that has changed......I hate that we all blog for each other instead of the public, etc., etc. You KNOW you ALWAYS have a friend in me whether you are blogging or not......I will miss you "keeping it real" because truth be told, you and I are the ONLY ones, that truly, genuinely speak our minds. I also hope that it is just a break, posting less might be all of the rejuvenation that you need....if not, that is what was meant to happen. You have my support and love always. THANK YOU for your beautiful writing, your honesty and your constant friendship.

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  39. I am sad to hear that you won't be bloggin' regularly anymore, CK. I purr-sonally feel that you have grr-eat content on your bloggie and that you do have a special niche and focus. Mom says, "I dido a lot of what you said CK and TW and I've been thinking along the same lines about our blog. I suspect that there are others like us that are feeling the same way - that aren't finding a way to monetize, market, and find additional audiences. I, too, have been contemplating a hiatus at some point, as I worry that I am missing out spending more time with Val. Since I've been bloggin, my house has suffered from lack of cleaning and I find it a struggle to balance health issues, an outside job, and life in general. I give you kudos for having such a long running blog. Val and I do enjoy it and enjoy how you've brought a personal side to your stories and writing. Thank you for your contributions to the blogging world!" Hugs and kisses.

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  40. CK, that comment was from me & mom. -Valentine (& Mom) of Noir Kitty Mews

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  41. CK and TW, I understand what you're saying and you are right on so many levels. Blogging does take a terrific amount of time. Time we could spend playing with the kits or doin other things.

    I will look forward to seeing you when you pop back into our lives. I too have trouble reading all the posts. The long ones kill me. The light and SHORT posts are our favourite and we could read many more of those but the long ones have their place also. We always enjoyed your catitude CK.

    This is not good bye but see ya later my friends.

    Jean, Shoko and Tyebe

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  42. we all need to take a break from time to time,enjoy it and get out there and enjoy the summer,xx Rachel and Speedy

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