My plans for www.catmom.de - What do you think?

[Kirsten]

I had to buy a new domain when I had to get new webspace, and I called it www.catmom.de, as introduced in the other topic...

Last night I spent thinking about what I can do with this domain, if there's anything more useful than only linking to my various other pages, and then I had an idea:

I think this time, I will build a German site (and maybe add an English version later). You know how I often complained here about the way people are still thinking about the treatment of cats here in Germany, like "cats have 9 lives, so why spend money on the vet when they can heal themselves" or "keeping cats indoors is animal abuse, better a short life outdoors than a long life full of boredom", you know, stuff like that.

I want to use this website to tell them my point of view, to inform about the risks, to give some "awareness training". I have many plans already! :) I think when I'm finished I'm going to inform the German cat magazines about the page and also ask my vet if I'm allowed to post the link on the bulletin board there. I know it probably won't help much, but if only a few will listen and think about it, maybe it will bring a safer life to some cats, who knows....

Kirsten

[sirrahbed]

That sounds like a great plan Kirsten! Maybe something similar to what PIF does on her site??? You have lots of talent in this area - and certainly the knowlege - to bring about some positive changes - and I hope you go ahead with your plans!! Good for you:D

[DJFyrewolf36]

Knowledge is power! Im always glad to see people posting things that HELP people on the internet instead of harm.

[Kirsten]

I don't know... I don't want to copy what PIF does (she's doing a great job with that site!), but I want to inform about subjects that hopefully make the people think about it.

To be honest, I already started working on it, I created the design today (very simple this time, not many pics but more information instead), but it's not online yet. I first want to write some more chapters. :)

Kirsten

[catnapper]

What a fantastic idea!! This could be just what you were looking for - perhaps in a year the site could be your FullTime job! Write a intelligent, easy to navigate site filled with information about cats. Maybe a page that says "Myths" followed by "fact" or something like that! Perhaps fun cat quizzes like you have about the age calculator, etc but make them as yours instead of links?

I know you can do it!!! You are such a snesitive cat owner, and that will shine through in the site itself!

[Barbara]

Kirsten if you like I am happy to read the texts in advance- you know I'm an editor and I always feel much safer if 4 eyes have been on a text:D

[Kirsten]

Barbara, thanks for that offer! :) Yes, maybe I better let someone proof read what I've written - btw, I'm stilll using the old spelling rules! ;)

catnapper, those are a lot of good ideas. Of course, all these things will take a lot of time.

So far, I was only working on a design and the front page. Besides, I decided to work on the English version simultaneously, otherwise it will be too much to translate in the end! LOL

Here's a raw version (http://www.catmom.de/engl) which may give you an idea about the entire thing, it's not much so far, and I bet the translation is terrible! LOL

The German version isn't online yet, the button will still lead you to the original page...

Kirsten

[DJFyrewolf36]

W:eek: w! I just glanced at the site and it is really good! You are a talented web developer...after lunch I think I might camp there and read the whole thing! *as if I have work to do :rolleyes: *

[Kirsten]

Thanks! :) :) :)
Well, I don't have the really advanced skills actually, but I really love playing around with these html-scripts. I'm addicted to it! LOL



and read the whole thing!

Well, there isn't much to read so far, but I've planned to write a new chapter every day or so - if my back allows...

Kirsten

[DJFyrewolf36]

You're way more patient than I am. I used to do web stuff all the time...then I started WORKING with computers and now I H-A-T-E the dern things!

I'll be looking forward to updates! :D

[Kirsten]

then I started WORKING with computers and now I H-A-T-E the dern things!

Unfortunately this often happens when you're making a job out of your hobby... :(

I also used to work with computers, but luckily I still love website design. And yes, being more an unpatient person with other things, I can work on my pages for many hours, and I have a lot of self-discipline with that. In fact, I barely eat and sleep when I'm working on a new page! LOL

Kirsten

[DJFyrewolf36]

Computers were never really a hobby for me. They just sort of were "there" lol. Cars are my hobby, well Cars, bowling writing and that dern cat of mine that if I figure out WHY he wants to sleep in my bathtub, I'll be happy lol.

What kind of computer work did you do? The hubby is a hardware and networking specialist and I deal mostly with software and compatability stuff. Right now Im doing some database design but soonly *I hope* I'll get into photo editing and thats where I have the most fun. That hasn't worn thin for me fortuneatly, photos are just the neatest things!

[DJFyrewolf36]

Originally posted by Kirsten
In fact, I barely eat and sleep when I'm working on a new page! LOL


And to add, I know how you feel. If I get to working on a story or something I'll end up forgetting to eat lol.

[catnapper]

Kirsten!!! Thats aboslutely wonderful!!!! The English was perfect.

Now, for the hobby into a job thing... :eek: I'm trying to turn my hobbies into a job! I hope they don't turn me off someday!

[Kirsten]

And to add, I know how you feel. If I get to working on a story or something I'll end up forgetting to eat lol.

Are you a journalist or a writer?
I just love it to be so dedicated to what I'm doing! LOL

Kirsten

[Kirsten]

Thanks! :)


I'm trying to turn my hobbies into a job! I hope they don't turn me off someday!

Naaah, that doesn't necessarily have to happen! But I think a lot will depend on your customers, if they're nice people or not! LOL I wish you good luck with your new business and keep my fingers crossed! :)

Kirsten

[DJFyrewolf36]

I do short stories, poetry and songs for the most part. Most of what I write is rather err...dark shall we say. I'm kind of stuck in a revolutionary point right now, my style is going through a transistion and it really is putting a big crimp in the writing works. Im still trying to figure out exactly where my writing is heading. I also draw a really lame comic called "It sucks to be you". The drawing is obcenely hidious *stick figures, literally* with wierd dialouge inspired by my observations of people. Id scan and post them but somehow I don't think they are apropriate for a family setting lol. People actually want to publish it though :rolleyes:

Another thing I get hooked on is my music. I DJ and do a lot of remixing and if I get plugged into a mixing program or something I could be there for days and not know it! When I first got the program Im using now, I sat in my room for two solid days without eating or sleeping just to play with it *Mixed a really good song though :D.* What a way to burn a weekend! Mom said I was nuts lol. Music is a hobby I could turn into a carreer and NEVER get tired of it.

[Laura's Babies]

Just remember "c-h-a-n-g-e" is a horriable word to some people and they might take your sight as to contraversial and get angry about it but I think you are right... they DO need educating and if you reach ONE person, it will be worth it.

[Kirsten]

Fyrewolf, that sounds so interesting what you're doing! Do you publish your stories?

Well, if you like, you can pm me one of your comics if you don't want to post them here. :)

Even though I love listening to music I don't understand much of mixing songs. But I'm keeping my fingers crossed that you may start a career one day! :)


Laura, you're probably right. I've already noticed in many conversations that people here in Germany have another point of view. :(





BTW, I've written the first chapter today ("The human/feline relationship") but I feel there are still some points missing. I'm going to think about it tonight! :)

Kirsten

[catmandu]

I love that selection of People Pictures,and as I cant email one,yif I snail mail one to you,with Michael,and me,can you put it on,anyways!Found Catswould love for thier Dad,to be with the Other Cat People!Or many somebody,with my Photo,could please email,for me,and be An Angel!