A blogger's tale

A while ago I was asked,
Why and when did you decide to start writing?
Furthermore - what persuaded you to take your talents to the Internet?

Here is what I wrote in reply.
In 2007 I was working in a pressurised environment for the NHS in the UK. My job held plenty of responsibility and hassle, for few rewards. Feeling that I was approaching breaking point I decided that it was time to walk away. As it has turned out I did return in a few short months but in a part-time capacity and different hospital environment.

When I first left though I took a drop in money. My new, temporary job was only just above the minimum wage and the 16 hours reduction in the working week added to the financial restraints.

Still I was much happier and the break gave me time to re-evaluate life and my priorities.

So, at home, with more time on my hands, and no money, I began to research ways that I could make a little extra money on-line.

Simply google "making money online" and all sorts of opportunities and scams are easy to find.

I wanted something that was legitimate, non pressurised and offered a little pocket money.

I began with surveys and mystery shopping and found the rewards nice. They were not always vast but they were steady extra cash.

English had been one of my best subjects at school and writing seemed a possibility. I had been good at art but my poor eyesight limited these opportunities.

I signed up at Dooyoo.co.uk and Ciao.co.uk and began to write product reviews. My initial reviews were dire. Whether it was lack of experience, my health at the time or simply lack of practice I do not know, but some reviews were dreadful. Still I earned a little money and built up a community. All in all I enjoyed these sites. Epinions was another that I joined, but only for a short time.

As my writing improved I gradually abandoned these sites and moved on. For a while I did go back and amend some of the reviews but as the rewards were small it felt time to move on.

I guess Helium was my first proper Internet writing site. It was in its infancy when I joined. Over the five plus years that I have been a member Helium has morphed into a new entity. Some of this I like. Some I do not.

Then in time I came across Hubpages. That site for me fulfilled many of my creative needs at least it did back then. It was user friendly, easy to get to grips with and did not make too many changes, too often. Yes, it has made some but most have been welcome improvements. Infobarrel was recommended by a fellow Hubber other sites followed. In time I streamline my Internet writing. There are only so many hours in a day and I do not want to be a, Jack of all trades, master of none, as the saying goes.

I guess on the whole I would say that I decided to try writing as a means to earn some extra money, but it turned out to offer so much more. Writing online offers flexibility, instant writing rather than jotting down notes and needs little initial financial outlay except for needing to have a computer.

It has helped me keep track of new technological innovations, make many virtual friends and stretch my brain. As practise makes perfect it has greatly improved my writing skills. At least I hope it has. It has become a big part of my daily life. I use it as a means to unwind from my daily part-time work.

As I am approaching retirement I have seen and experienced so much over the years that in some ways I have a wealth of knowledge. That is true of all of us as we go through life. The Internet enables us to share our knowledge and experience with people around the world.

The Internet was the place I chose to write mainly because it is accessible, relatively free, non restrictive and World wide. I also liked the possibilty to remain anonymous when required or wanted. I have no delusions about being another Jane Austen or J K Rowling but enjoy putting my thoughts into words.

Now with two websites under my belt I have gone from blogger to webmaster. Who would have though it? Certainly not I.

If you think that it is easy to make a bundle of cash writing online you are mistaken. It could however be the hobby for you.

TEKJournalismUK and Where But The UK has been operating a reporting ban on EURO 2012 football in the Ukraine due to the renewed mass killings of dogs and cats in that country. The UK and other countries have failed to report the slaughter. They have money to make on the back of the EURO no doubt.

However today again it has been repeated that UK Ministers will not attend the latter stages of EURO 2012 due to the Ukraine's track record on human rights.

Early in June 2012 it was reported that Prince William and Prince Harry would not attend the EURO 2012 championships as a protest against the plight of glamorous Ukrainian opposition leader Yulia Tymoshenko. Jailed last year after what has been called a "show" trial she has allegedly been beaten more than once. She was sentenced to seven years, in 2011, on charges of alleged corruption. 

Before the football championships began Merkel for Germany, and other European leaders, issued statements saying that no cabinet ministers would attend these games. All were united in their stance against human rights breaches in the Ukraine. It is a shame that none could bring themselves to mention the mass killings of street animals.

Still at least they are doing the right thing, aren't they?

In true style the UK government and foreign office has issued a wavering statement. It now seems that if the England squad progress to the latter stages of EURO 2012 they will have a re-think and possibly attend after all.

What a farce and a sham.

The UK has confirmed that Ministers will not attend England's quarter-final Euro 2012 match against Italy in Kiev on Sunday June 24, 2012. Now here is the rub. If England make it through to the next stage, that is the semi finals, Ministers will attend, as it will be played in Poland. What a half hearted boycott and stand.

If, heaven help us all, England make it to the final, who knows. For now the official line is let's just wait and see how we go. In other words they will attend should we get through.

After all if they would not there was nothing to stop them being up front and saying so.

The problem for our Ministers will be that they will no doubt have expected the England Squad to be sent home on the first plane. Having got this far in the competition Ministers are now unsure. They will, like most people in England, still expect them to bow out soon, but maybe this time they will not.

Then of course we will see what our Ministers are made off. That said we think most of us know that already.

On June 8, 2012 Ukraine and Poland will open the 2012 EURO football champions. The Final will be held on July 1, 2012. Where But The UK, and our sister site TEKJournalismUK will not be reporting on the event. 

For us this is the problem.

A mass murder of dogs and cats in the Ukraine has been under way. It has been called a clean up campaign aimed at making the streets spic and span for this football competition. Much has been made of potential problems for the army of football fans heading for these matches and human rights in the Ukraine.

Little mention has been made of the brutal killing of the animals deemed to be an eyesore.

Charities are attempting to undergo a campaign of neutering and spaying dogs and cats in the Ukraine to prevent further problems. Whilst this is admirable it does nothing to stop the killing which continues. Nothing can change things for those animals already killed.

If you too feel strongly on this matter make your voice heard and perhaps join us in boycotting these football games. UEFA 2012 has blood  on its hands. Do you really want to be part of that?

Take action campaign - petition here