Email Your Guide
Many readers think that each site is managed by a team, however, with a few exceptions, About Guidesites are the product of the work of one single individual, the Guide. Because writing and managing a web site as large as About Cats, although my passion for cats is infinite, my time isn't. For that reason, I can rarely answer one-on-one personal questions about cats. Please read this document in its entirety before mailing me. Chances are, you'll find your answer here.
How to Find the Help You Need
Before you shoot off an email to your Cats Guide (or any other Internet expert, for that matter), there are a few questions you should ask yourself:
- Did I read the About.com ?
- Did I post my question to the [link url=http://cats.about.com/mpboards.htm"]forum?
- Did I use the search function on this site to find the answer?
- Did I check the Topics listings at the left-hand side of each page?
If you can answer "yes" to all these questions, and still couldn't find the answer you were looking for, then writing to the Cats Guide might be the answer.
Before You Write
Think about the question you want answered. Here are some tips to be sure you phrase your question in a way that will get answered quickly:
- Don't send attachments
I can't open them, and so it won't help your question. If you must show me something visually, post it to a Web site and send the URL. - Use a meaningful subject[
If your subject looks like spam, chances are it will be deleted without being opened. I have a very strong spam filter, and many spam-like messages I never even see. - Be specific
Opening a long and rambling email is daunting enough, and if it takes you 500 words to get to the point I may have given up by then. Please be as brief and succinct as you can. If I need more information, I will ask for it by email. (I do not do phone consultations.) - Be polite
I am much more likely to respond favorably to a politely worded request. And remember, all caps in email sounds like you're shouting at the recipient, and I don't like to be shouted at. - Saying thank you is always appreciated
If your question is answered and was helpful, it's always nice to know.
F.A.Q.
- Q. How do I submit a photo for one of your photo galleries?A. I'd love to display your high quality photo on my site. Please follow the instructions on the Photo Submittal Guidelines page. I'm sorry, but I cannot use photos without the information requested, including the disclaimer.
I also will not be able to use photos that are too small, fuzzy or out of focus, or otherwise damaged.
- Q. How do I submit my site for a link?A. While I do accept occasional link submittals, 90% of the links on my site are personally chosen through my own research. Please use the Site Submit Form.
I do not as a rule accept commercial site links (one exception is breeders, but I place a high value on the quality of the site.)
- Q. Why did you link to one of my interior pages instead of my main page?A. If you have a large site with multiple pages covering a variety of topics, it serves my visitors best to link to topic-specific pages, i.e. your spay-neuter page for the section of that name, etc. In many cases I link to several pages from a given site, each to its own topic heading. You get more "bang for your buck" and the readers don't have to hunt for the specific topic they want.
- Q. My cat is sick!! Please Help!A. I'm sorry, but I don't offer medical advice.The bottom line is that your own veterinarian is the best expert for questions about your own cat's health as a result of his or her personal examination of the cat and knowledge of your pet's medical history. If your cat is seriously ill, please take him to your veterinarian, or to an emergency vet clinic.
See also "Know When to call the Vet."
- Q. HELP! We have found a litter of kittens and are trying to save them.A. My best advice would be to contact your local cat rescue group. These people are experts in the field and have the experience and the resources to save the kittens and find permanent homes. Check the "Rescue" section of my Categories for your area. If you don't find a local group, contact your local humane society or pound, and they will be able to direct you. If you still find yourself in the role of surrogate mother, try the Cats Forum for help. We have many members who are active rescuers.
- Q. Please sign the petition to help shut down this terrible site!A. Every few months, someone finds the Bonsai Kitten site for the first time, and a new round of forwarded emails starts. For the history of this site, and its present status, please read "The Bonsai Kitten Wars."
- Q. I really have a question not covered here. How do I email you?A. For all other questions and comments, you can email me at cats.guide@about.com. Because of the amount of e-mail I receive, I may not be able to respond right away, but I try to read every piece of mail.
Note: Any email and responses may be posted to the FAQ section on the Cats site, while protecting the identity of the writer by use of initials. Names and email addresses will not be disclosed to other readers.