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

[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

[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 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 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 *

[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!

[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... 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