Social Media and Me: The Cowdog Blog After School Special
April 24, 2012 § 16 Comments
Alright. I was skeptical. I was a bit unsure about how I could tell our story and still do my deal.
My deal is to be a contributing member to a decent sized cow/calf ranch in Eastern Montana. I’d have to find the time to “social mediaize” our story to the general public on my “own” time. Which–there is very little of.
I gave it a month.
I told myself I would try for a month of writing, tweeting, promoting, and shamelessly “branding” Scout as the harbinger of the apocalypse. (The last part isn’t hard).
In that month I have met some fantastic people. People who write amazing stuff on their blogs. People who’s twitter posts make me laugh, and messages and comments that keep me going.
It’s been pretty eye-opening. I figured I was in a pretty small population. I had to be one of the only younger ranchers that actually interacted with other people via this vast Al Gore invented medium known as the Interwebz.
Holy smokes was I wrong.
I have to mention that @LaurenMSea, or Lauren Chase of the Montana Stockgrowers Association was who got me going. I’ve always been a bit computer savvy–but mostly so I could play video games, and screw off. Never did I think I could open up an entire new support system.
People who deal with what I do. People who understand the emotion of losing a calf. Folks who share in my sense of humor, and how you have to have one to even attempt to be a reasonably sane person working full-(over)time in agriculture.
In just over a month, after a few well-placed RTs (HA! I know internet..uh…words: Retweet)! from folks whom have waaay more followers than I have–catapulted the CDB (that’s me being cool, CDB: Cowdog Blog, yo)! to more hits than I had for the previous 6 months.
This officially lets my Mom off the hook from her daily routine of logging in at least 50 times so I don’t feel like as big a loser. Thanks Mom!
One thing I’ve appreciated a lot is that it has jump-started my desire to write again. As writers the world-round know: You have to practice to get good. Sure, there is a lot of crap you will write in between, but sometimes you’ll find a gem that resonates with people–and that’s a cool feeling.
So, for my vast stable of tens of followers, and ever growing, and tolerant readers of the blog: Thanks a lot.
It’s refreshing, relaxing, and fun to know I’m writing things that make people think, laugh, or appreciate that they don’t live with Scout.
(Oh, and Mom–you can get rid of all your fake accounts now).
Pure, unadulterated entertainment. Keep it up, Ty. Or, do one better and write a book. Start an education fund for Scout!
I refuse to put Scout through “meEt sKoOl” as per his request.
I still am, and will always be your biggest fan:) My position will only be challenged when someone else starts to print, frame, and put in their livingrooms, pictures of your calves:) I knew it would only be a short matter of time before others found about you, and of course Scoutie
Hey, come on. You have cow dogs. How could you NOT have a few good stories? So let’s have at ‘em!
I’ll keep telling stories. Hopefully–they will remain mostly PG.
I am and always will be your biggest fan:) My position will only be challenged when someone else prints, frames, and displays in their livingroom, pictures of your calves:) I always knew it would only be a short time until you, and of course Scoutie had a following in your daily adventures.
Aw–thanks Momma. I told ya you didn’t have to keep clicking though, right?
Second biggest fan. I love your stories and absolutely know you should be writing more than blogs. You are good. Love to my favorite eldest grandson.
Gramma: I knew you were in on this.
Love you
Your stories really hit home with me, it’s a little different because I’m with the dairy side but basically it’s all the same. You are very talented with your writing skills. Please Keep it up, it’s hilarious & you put into words what some of us just aren’t capable of doing. Thankyou!!
Dairy is very near and dear to my heart. I worked in a perfect situation with a great family in my very first Ag job.
Thanks so much for the great compliment. I appreciate it!
Deeeeeeeeaaaar Ty,
You want to know the real story as to why you’re getting pageviews? It isn’t because of your apocalyptic dog or the RT’s. It’s because you’re a swell guy with a good story and knack with words.
This ain’t because some folks RTed you; that’s just one link in the chain. It’s because you’re personable enough to connect with them, and have such a fantastic natural talent for communicating that what you do and say is worth sharing.
On that note, I should be writing a paper. About myself. And my anecdotes. But apparently I need academic sources for this. In APA style.
Ladies and Gentlemen:
My internet Sister!
Thanks, Kelly. I appreciate it–and as you know, I will continue you hound you for ways to promote my apocalyptic dog.
Kelly Rivard everyone!
Holy Scoutballs. “I will continue you hound” Wow. Let’s just call this a loss for Scoutie and I. We’re going to bed.
We really enjoy the blog and tweets, keep it up! Really appreciated your blog post on the calf you lost. We lost a calf this weekend and the disappointment and emotion of not being able to do enough to help the calf and letting the momma cow down was raw. It was uplifting to know I wasn’t the only one that reacts that way when losing a new calf.
Sorry to hear about your calf, Paul. It never gets easier. I suppose if it did–we’d know it’s time to quit.
Never ceases to amaze me how much these animals teach me about myself.
Thanks for stopping by, and the kind words!