Jul 16 2010
Growing, Changing, Evolving
Starting in the coming week, you'll see some new things around here.
It's been more than four months since I started blogging here every day, and the stats so far have exceeded expectations. HumaneWatch is closing in on its 1 millionth unique visitor. We're consistently out-drawing Wayne Pacelle's blog over at the Humane Society of the United States. And more than 118,000 of you have already become HumaneWatchers on Facebook. (Keep inviting all your Facebook friends!)
This project has filled a void and (clearly) struck a nerve. Pretty cool.
The process of making all this happen every day, though, has become almost a full-time job. And that's not so cool. So in the interest of sharing the burden, HumaneWatch is becoming a group blog of sorts.
Instead of seeing my name plastered on everything, you'll soon be reading articles contributed by various members of the HumaneWatch team. There will even be some outsiders sharing their own analysis. (If you're interested in writing for HumaneWatch, by the way, drop us an e-mail.)
The work of watchdogging HSUS is just too much for any one person to handle solo. So as of Monday, I'll have far more help. I may even back away for awhile and let others carry the ball. (Server maintenance, of course, will continue to be performed by Cheeta the research chimp.)
The other big change you'll notice is that by the end of next week HumaneWatch will have a whole page full of links to all the pet shelters we've promoted in the "Daily Humane Bites" articles. Lest anyone claim that HumaneWatch is "anti-animal," we're going to keep asking you to dig deep and donate to the local organizations that (unlike HSUS) take on the thankless task of finding adoptive homes for countless dogs and cats.
As is usually the case with tech things, there may be a few bumps in the road. Don't be shy about writing in to tell us what's not working. And keep spreading the word!
Comments
Yes, it is very important not to get strung out work wise and stay on message. I agree. Also I understand how the work load has increased for Humane Watch and know that what HW does will help save Ag and the pet industry. The other organizations are pleased that they have a place to gather information for their educational programs. No reason @linn that we can’t send the HW links and talk with local and state organizations to help keep them active and aware. Many of the organizations are fooled by hsus sneaky fundraising practices and do not even know the hsus agenda. I am worried that our kids children will not have farms and pets, and open ranger to ride on and visit if the hsus agenda keeps tying up farmers hands but we need to stay focused on the thing that hsus is doing wrong as that is fact with much proof.
I hope you will keep the server kittens on staff!
Can you state what you are “for” - I only get that you bash the Humane Society. Do you condone puppy mills and dog fighting? If not, do you speak out against it?
It’s very difficult for me to decipher what Humane Watch is about and it seems like you could also be using for some positive energy such as getting people to spay and neuter their animals to stop pet overpopulation. I volunteer at two local animal shelters. One kill and One no-kill. Thank you
Well David you have done a wonderful job so far. One man against a corporate propaganda machine. I thought Wayne Pacelle was untouchable and a master at spin. You have proven that a steady dose of truth can affect this beast. Next years financials should show how effective this blog has become. Keep on keeping on.
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Any consideration for supporting farm animal groups alongside the pet shelters? I’m thinking in terms of legitimate educational and animal welfare training organizations. Ag In the Classroom, foundations supporting scientific research and the dissemination of research results, livestock and commodity associations with strong educational programs, and other livestock oriented non-profits come to mind.