Annie and I started blogging in January of 2010 and life hasn’t been the same since!
We have previously written about some of the behind the scenes stuff here on this blog but one thing, possibly the most important thing we have yet to discuss is how blogging (which is a dumb term, we are writers and content creators) has made our relationship better. So here we go!
As we’ve mentioned before there is a lot of time that goes into creating content and running a site like this and most of it is stuff that’s never seen when you’re on the site…in the blogging world it is often referred to as “back end”. Beyond the technical time on the site there is also the time involved in going to events, tasting rooms, restaurants, and other adventures on the Central Coast (or on our travels) and then turning all that into the content you see on here which written, photos, and video.
As far as blogging duties go, Annie handles the “back end” stuff I mentioned above as well as video editing and layout of the posts on the blog. I handle the taking of the photographs, the bulk of video shooting, and most of the writing…it’s a great split and we really do enjoy doing it.
So What About Blogging and the Relationship?
Oh ya, sorry…it’s impacted the relationship in a very positive way because it’s a creative outlet for each of us. We are doing all of these things together and then able to share and discuss, and we post regularly so it really does encourage a lot of conversation between the two of us. All of these things have pushed us to be open, communicative, and to go out and explore and adventure.
When we first started the blog (or the Hoot n Annie magazine if you will) we were posting seven days a week in order to build up content and prove we were serious. After some time, and a lot of work, we went down to five days a week and have now been posting three days a week for a little while. We have discussed going to two days per week in order to raise the bar on content yet again but we have made no final decisions.
The point here is that this thing has become more than just a little hobby; I believe we would sincerely miss it if we decided to end it. We’d miss the conversations with those of you that visit the site and we would certainly miss reporting about the Central Coast, our life together, and all the adventures that are out there to be had.
The evolution that has taken place on this blog has been fun to watch…from not knowing what we were doing to having a pretty good knowledge of it and seeing it go from primarily a “wine blog” to a lifestyle blog has really let it grow beyond a one trick pony. Our lifestyle revolves around wine, food, travel (when we can), friends, and each other…we hope to show you things you have not seen, we hope to motivate you to get out there and go, we hope to be a good example of what two people that really give a darn about each other can do, and we hope to keep pushing our boundaries and comfort zones and put it into this “life album” for us to look back on many years from now.
It really has been a great adventure for us, which ties in well with our theme for this year which is “50 Adventures in 2012”.
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Bravo, Bravo, I remember you starting this blog, somehow I found you guys because I was into wine tasting and wanted to follow and learn more about what a Blogger does and to learn with you on the wines you show us it is so much fun to find new places with you so when I do get out to PR I will visit all the wineries on my Bucket List you help me create. Thank You, Thank You, Thank You. I can’t say enough how you have helped me with what I was going through during my 21 months looking for a job, your blog kept my sanity. I have seen how much you both have grown and stretch your horizon to better educate us novice and I can see how much you both enjoy it. Again keep up the good work, we love it and look forward to each and every adventure with you. Hope to meet you both someday soon.
Bev, we love that you’ve been here since the beginning! You’re one of our biggest cheerleaders and we really appreciate that…AND we will definitely meet you one day soon!!! I’m glad that you found us and that we’ve helped you build your list of places to go drink 😉 Take care and have a great week!!!
Don’t want to get too wordy here….But you both know how much I appreciate all of the great information you share with everyone, not just about the food, wine and places, but about yourselves. It’s not often you have the opportunity to really get to know the “people” behind the writing from a down-to-earth point of view! Thank you for all you do, and keep having a great time doing it! CHEERZ !!
xoMomo ;D
Hey Mo!!! You’re the best!!! Thank you for all your support and great positive energy. We’re all about being as real as we possibly can via this medium…that’s the point of this journey, right? Connect with REAL people! Cheers to YOU!!!
I’m so glad I stumbled upon your blog! I’ve enjoyed all of your stories and adventures throughout the central coast. My husband and I discovered Paso Robles several years ago and we just love it. The wineries in the surrounding area doesn’t hurt either and we enjoy reading all about it! Keep up the great work!! 🙂
Hi Pat! We’re pretty happy that you found us! Thanks for reading and hanging out with us. We’ll continue to tell you all about our new adventures and try to keep you up on all the best wine and food around! It’s a tough job…but somebody better do it, right?!?!? Cheers!
You are both like a breath of fresh air! I look forward to your blogs and can’t wait to hear what’s new and exciting. I’m happy that you have something that you both enjoy that keeps you connected and working toward a common goal. You really have something special…hang on to it and hang on to each other. Kudos to you both!!
Thank you so much, Duncan! You always know just the right thing to say! Yup…it’s good to have common goals and projects, keeps us creative and connected!!! We’ll hang on to each other for sure…not letting that one go!!!
How the time fly’s. Has been just over a year since the two of you were nice enough to join us for a small get together and pictures of what we planned for DCS. Nice to see how popular and well received the Hoot N Annie blog has become over the last 2 years. Look forward to your future success and seeing the both of you in the neighborhood as well as events.
Dustin
DCS Catering
Wow!!! Thank you, Dustin!!! That was an incredible tasting that you guys did…DCS is doing some pretty damn good stuff…can’t wait to get our hands on some of killer food again soon! See you soon, friend. Keep that fire burnin…cheers!!!
I have to say I don’t like the term ” blogging” either! Your writers, story tellers, reporters. We will need to think of a better name than blogging or bloggers!
I enjoy so much what you write whether it is about an event, wine or your fun adventures. Not just what you write about; your style of writing, the videos and pictures that are included.
Thank You Hoot AKA Matt and Annie!
Thank you, Denise!!! Love that…writers, story tellers, reporters! We’re just out enjoying our life and coming back here to tell you a little bit about it. You’re the best…thanks for the good words!
Love you guys, and what you do!
Thanks Kelly!! You know what? We love ya back!!!!!!!!!!
I love your friendly conversational writing style. I feel like I’m reading something from someone I know. I do some SEO for my brother’s winery and I was looking for some ideas to make his blog better. Blogging, when done right makes the reader feel like he’s being talked to personally, even if the subject is not something he has some knowledge about. Thanks for the article, it really helped.
Jim
Hi Jim, great to hear from you! As far as blogging goes, we’ve learned a few things to help us along…one is to be sure and write authentically. In other words, be who you are and let your writing reflect that. Another thing is to write about things you’re interested in! Your readers will pick up on your passion and interest when you’re truly into your topics. There’s a group of readers out there that have common interests as you do, and if you’re authentic, they’ll be drawn to you! Go for it and good luck!!! Cheers!!!