It was fun to crack open a little bit of our personal “stuff” last Tuesday for this post about the real $herdog (yes, I’m still patiently waiting for that nickname to catch on) and John’s J-Boom version. And a funny thing happened after sharing those. Not only did they receive over 1,200 amazingly awesome and encouraging comments (note to self: apparently you’re not a social pariah if you admit that you sometimes have strawberry cream cheese on your ear and are inclined to impersonate Cindy Lou Who) but we also got dozens of emails – not even exaggerating – asking about how to deal with criticism and respond to negative comments. And thus this post was born.
I guess by sharing all of our weird idiosyncrasies it encouraged people to write about something they’re struggling with and ask how we handle it? It also could have had something to do with this thread on the $herdog post. Either way, the emails mostly came from folks who run small blogs who have somehow fallen into larger readerships thanks to being pinned on Pinterest or otherwise thrust into the spotlight suddenly (like a feature on Apartment Therapy or Design Sponge). And the general gist of every single email was this: someone was blogging along about whatever they blog about (some of these people aren’t home bloggers at all) and then… zinger… it happened. A not-so-nice comment. And it stung.
With more readers definitely comes more “feedback” – both good and bad. And you know I’m happy to be that spunky little cheerleader on your shoulder shouting high-pitched overly-enthusiastic things like: “you can do it!” and “reach for the stars!” – so here’s my humble advice in a nutshell:
- It’s your blog.
- Be who you are. That is enough.
- Try to give the good feedback as much weight as the bad.
- Do all things with love.
Sounds corny huh? But I’ll explain how those four things have really helped us deal with the whole “you’re putting yourself out there and I’m anonymous so I’m going to tell you exactly how I feel” phenomenon. After all we’ve been told (both nicely and not so nicely) a few of the following things:
- I’m not really interested in posts about _____, so I vote you skip them
- I’m losing interest in big projects – do more little ones
- Do more big projects – the small ones are filler
- I want more Clara and Burger and everyday stuff
- I want less Clara and Burger and everyday stuff
- That paint color/art/room is ugly/not the right choice
- Stop using certain words/expressions because they make me cringe
- Stop being so cheap and spend some money
- Stop spending so much money and be more frugal
- Move faster, I’m bored
- Move slower so I can catch up
- I’m disappointed in this choice/this idea/you
- This blog used to be better because _________
- I will no longer read this blog because ________
See all the contradictions going on in there? Basically if we listened to every suggestion, well, we wouldn’t have a thing to blog about. Not a single thing. And after 2,000+ posts and over four years of doing this, we’ve definitely learned that some folks like things that others hate and some people have an opinion when it comes to how they’d run this blog if it were theirs. But here’s the thing. It’s not theirs.
Which brings us to…
Tip #1: It’s your blog. It might sound weird to point out, but your blog isn’t a magazine with a team of 30 people who poll their readers and try to please the largest group (at least I don’t think it is). The very definition of a blog is just an outlet to write whatever you want and share whatever part of your life that you’re passionate about in your own words and at your own pace and in whatever way feels natural to you. Whether you do it full time or as a hobby once a month, your only real task is to be who you are and share what you like and those who like it will drop in.
In our case, we’re just two people with a dog and a kid who happened to gain a following sharing our adventures on the home front. We just write about whatever’s going on in our lives and seems interesting to us, which has gotten us here (we’re not Facebook or Pinterest, but 5 million hits a month = crazytown to two kids like us). See, if you attempt to please every last commenter, as much as you love and value your readers, know that it’s Mission Impossible – and it could even lead to your blog’s downfall (it won’t be yours anymore). So trust yourself. Everyone else might have an opinion, but your voice really should be the loudest and your vote really should be the one that counts.
Tip #2: Be who you are. That is enough. I think most people are a little guilty of the whole wanting-more syndrome. When a show ends I immediately want the next episode to come on (and I want it to be even better than the last). When I get a magazine and it’s feeling a little thin I wish it were twice as thick. And I think boxes of Oreos should be bottomless (I expect them to refill themselves while I’m sleeping). So it’s no surprise that when it comes to blogging, well, readers are inclined to want more. They might say it not-so-nicely, or very kindly indeed. And either way it might make you feel sort of womp-womp. But it’s just human nature. And I can tell you from experience that you will be a happier person and a better blogger if you make peace with that completely normal phenomenon.
You can’t control how every single person reacts to your blog, but you can control how you blog. And struggling to eke out more to the point of exhaustion or burnout (be it recipes, sewing tips, DIY stuff, photography pointers, craft ideas, or anything else you blog about) just isn’t the answer. At least not if – in the words of Claire Danes in Homeland – you’re playing the long game. Ideally your method of blogging should make you feel more inspired, creative, and enthusiastic about blogging – which in turn will shine through so your readers get just as giddy about it as you do. There’s a reason that your blog is attracting a readership and people are coming back. So just go at your own pace and concentrate on doing things well and not making yourself sick or neglecting your family because a few usually very well-intentioned folks want something that should take ten days to be done, photographed, and blogged about in five. Forgive people for being excited and impatient. We all do it.
Of course establishing these boundaries applies to other scenarios too, so if you have a family blog and folks want more photos/info about your kids than you’re comfortable sharing, know that whatever you want to share = enough. In blogging I generally think if it feels wrong (or makes you feel tired/sad/uninspired), it’s wrong. So don’t do it. As much as I hate being told to relax (seriously, ask John, it’s on his “do not ever say that to me unless you want me to go crazy on you” list), just try to relax and do your thing.
Tip #3: Try To Give The Good Feedback As Much Weight As The Bad. The funny thing is that everyone we talk to who is wrestling with comment criticism admits they still get waaaaay more positive comments than negative ones. I mean the ratio is usually astounding. We know it just takes one cutting comment to get under your skin, but when the vast majority of people love something, it sucks to let one commenter sink your battleship. Let’s do some light math (I don’t do heavy math, but light math is ok). If over the course of a week or two, 99 people take the time to say they like your blog/post/project/house/whatever and one person chimes in to say something’s not their cup of tea, that still adds up to a 99% success rate. And those are good odds my friend- so keep on keeping on! Heck, even if a ton of your readers don’t like something but you like it, I wholeheartedly think that you should keep blogging about it. Why? Because you like it and – once again, for the folks in the back – it’s your blog. Picture me up stage wearing a pant suit and a pocket protector saying “I can’t hear you!” and holding the mic out so you can shout that chorus with me. Or dancing around in this outfit chanting it with my lovely family while serving up a heaping portion of jazz hands (Burger’s clearly hiding because he doesn’t want to be seen in this getup).
Tip #4: Do everything with love. It’s admittedly extremely cheesy (and you might hear a tiny violin playing in the background) but my favorite advice is usually summed up in that phrase. It’s actually written on a post-it note that I’ve had stuck to my laptop for the longest time. When someone takes time out of their day to say something they’d most likely never say to anyone’s face (or would they…?) I’ve come to realize that spewing the same venom that they flung in my direction won’t make me feel any better (heck, it would probably make me feel significantly worse).
So I try to look at them from a place of love. Maybe they’ve had a terrible day. Maybe they’ve lost someone they love very much and they’re hurting. It may seem weird to try to have compassion for those who don’t seem to be very sensitive to your feelings, but I’m telling you that there’s something to it. It helps me respond with humor or a quick explanation from my point of view without getting too heated. Or even just with the words “Merry Christmas to you and your family!” like I did when someone said that decorating our family Christmas tree with paint chips was akin to decorating it with tampon wrappers. Growing up my mom always said that above being successful, popular, or athletic (all the things I worried about so much back then), being kind was the most important thing. And that’s something I’d love to pass down to Clara. Sing it with me: all ya need is love.
So there it is. My brain dump. I hope it helps at least one or two of you out there who might be struggling with growing and having more eyes on you. I know it sounds corny, but for us this blog is just about sharing our adventures and hopefully helping you guys along the way. That’s why we make videos about grouting and cabinet painting and take so many photos and share every last detail – in the hope of helping a handful of you guys at home. And it’s also why we love sharing behind the scenes blogging stuff like this (since so many of you are fellow bloggers these days). I am completely embarrassed to admit this, but we wrote the Thank You part of our book a few weeks ago, and it wasn’t the part about our family and friends that made me cry, it was the part about you, our lovely readers. Crying isn’t even the word. It wasn’t cute. I was weeping. There was smeared mascara and a runny nose. The whole nine yards.
The enthusiasm, sweetness, and support that you folks send our way is nothing less than life-changing. I really mean that. The least we can do is crack open a little bit of ourselves in beyond-DIY posts like this from time to time (every once in a while we get the itch to overshare, like this and this along with our more recent J-Boom and $herdog posts). So lets get all sappy and share mom and dad quotes in the comments. Or any other older and wiser family member who said something while you were growing up that rings oh so true to you. My mom was also famous for saying “always wear nice underwear in case you end up in the emergency room” throughout my formative years. And let me tell you, she was right on the money about that too. It’s waaaaaaaay too embarrassing to go into, but I didn’t follow her advice and I royally regretted it. There were Care Bears involved. And I was 21. And I don’t think the doc grasped the concept of ironic underwear. I’ll leave the rest up to your imagination.
Update – Some of the most frequent requests that we get are for info about professionally blogging (how we made our site, how we grew our following, how we make money, etc) so we shared all of the details about how we started a blog, grew our traffic, and turned it into a full time job.
Emma B. says
I read daily – and appreciate all that you do. My blog reads are my guilty pleasure, my true stress reliever after teaching 9th graders all day. Every SINGLE day I am told that I’m doing something wrong at my job by a student, and I feel the same as you do. Sometimes I want to say “HEY! You don’t like the font on this worksheet??? Read the worksheet and you’ll like what you learn!” Same thing here … if people really read and read, they’d learn that there’s something about you that’s similar to something about all of us. And that’s why you are SO pleasant to read!
Megan says
Wonderful advice – for blogging AND for life in general!
Thanks for the reminder to “do everything with love”. Keep up the beautiful work!
Heather says
a. LOVE your blog
b. print by Enkel Dika called “all around the world”
c. Google it immediately!
YoungHouseLove says
Love it so much!
xo,
s
Em Rohrer says
As a blogger, I loved this post! Thank you so much for addressing some practical ways to address sometimes-snarky feedback in a positive way. Oh and I absolutely ADORE the photo of Clara “relaxing” on the chair! My husband and I are expecting our first baby in June and we just found out it will be a girl, so I’ll be looking to Clara’s adorable room for some inspiration :)
Maura says
You guys are the best! You always make my day a little brighter.
Warmest Regards,
Maura
Erin F. says
You guys seem great and your blog is awesome so just keep doing what you’re doing. Thanks for sharing the encouragement!
Whitney says
I’m not a blogger or frequent commenter, but amazing post Sherry!! I read your blog everyday after I get home from work, and LOVE you guys! You are great at everything you do, and still stay the nicest people ever! :)
edna says
sherdog! this is like the 1000 comment and you probably wont see it but i think the phrase you’re looking for is ” haters are gonna hate!” you guys are amazing keep up the great work! great piece today!
Haley @ thedistractedblogger says
I actually am oddly looking forward to my first mean comment, as long as it’s not from someone I know. I find something intriguing about such comments. I like to dream up odd situations that lead to the person leaving the nasty comment. I guess I just like making games out of life!
Felicity @ Our Little Beehive says
This is a very timely and thought-provoking post as I just this week deleted a post with a photo of our baby after receiving a painfully critical comment. My feelings were so hurt I didn’t even tell my husband about the post (which was supposed to be a surprise that he’d see when he got to work) or the comment. Of course you left me giggling over care bear undies….
YoungHouseLove says
Oh Felicity, I’m so sorry! Kid-related comments are the worst! They should totally be off limits.
xo,
s
Chrissie says
How awful for you! *mega-hugs*, don’t people know that you just don’t attack someone’s child?! What a mega-meanie-poobum!
Monique says
Sometimes I think it’s the so called anonymity of the Internet that causes some folks to write nasty, mean comments. I mean, really, would these same folks make similar comments to your face? Doubtful.
Another blog, which gives daily home tours seems to always have nasty trolls making horribly negative comments. What has happened to making comments about what you like and ignoring the rest? You know what moms and dads around the world have said, “If you can’t say anything nice, don’t say anything.”
Love your blog! It’s one of the blogs I look forward to reading daily.
Barb says
I love your blog! I love how real and creative and determined you are. I read you daily and it never occurred to me to criticize a thing. I admire your creativity and perserverence. You inspire me. I wish I had 1/2 of your motivation and energy and completed house projects!
Anne says
Mwaaaah! Love you for posting this! It’s posts like these that earned you every ounce of your success. Thank you!
Kaity says
You guys are the sweetest. Thanks for giving me the guts to try new things and for making me smile while you’re at it xo.
Angie says
Tampon wrappers!?! I hope you blocked them from leaving comments. Wow!
YoungHouseLove says
Haha, nah, they can stop in whenever they’d like. Sometimes you just have to laugh!
xo,
s
Queenie says
I am a fifty-something-ish dedicated loyal follower of yours and have been for years .I start my day with my cup of coffee and a dose of YHL and then I am motivated the rest of the day !!!It was especially great that you did all my homework for me when it came to washer and dryer shopping ,timing was so great !!!
mp says
Sherry, you and John deal with criticism like true Southern gentlepeople. I know, technically, that you were born in Jersey, but as far as I’m concerned, you’re a Southerner who happened to be born north of the Mason-Dixon line.
YoungHouseLove says
Aw thanks MP!
xo,
s
Misty says
some people are jerks. What ever happened to ‘if you don’t have anything nice to say, don’t say anything at all’? you guys need to do you! I enjoy what you do and am proud of you for putting yourselves (and entire fam) out there.
Ashley says
I have been reading your blog for about a year and a half now and i feel like i know you both so well! Sometimes i’ll say “John & Sherry did this” or “Clara said that” because youhave been part of my daily routine for so long. It might sound odd, but you guys are really special to me & reading your blog is what reminds me that its okay to mess up, and that all your hard work definitively pays off in the end. Thanks for sharing your journey & your family!
Dwana says
Seriously. That’s why I love this blog. I was all into your wise words and the appreciation for your readers at the end of your post — feeling sentimental. And then you bust out the bit about the Care Bears undies. HI-larious! I love it!
Really, though, you guys are great! Yours is the first blog I check in the morning and when a new post isn’t up when I first check it, I come back every few minutes until it’s posted. Shameful, I know. But at least I don’t look at my watch and say “What time is it? Why haven’t they posted yet?”. Okay, maybe I have done that once. Or more than once:)
Keep doing what you’re doing. I love the details b/c I’m a wanna be DIYer who is not handy at all and needed the post about how to install drywall anchors. Yeah, I’m starting from scratch. I think your blog is amazing and your posts always put a smile on my face!
Ali says
I think it’s really hard to put yourself out there. I get feedback on my (much smaller) blog that sometimes doesn’t make me feel too good. But overall, I know that I’m doing what I’m doing well and that’s all you can ask for. not everyone is going to understand or love me. Too bad. :)
Thanks for writing this post. I think you guys do a great job!
Jenn says
I cannot believe someone said that about your paint chip tree! I thought it was cute and so you. Also people make all kinds if art with paint chips and I’ve yet to see a piece if tampon art. That would just be awkward.
And now you sooo have to tell about the care bear underwear. You can’t leave me on a cliff hanger like that! Lol
I’m glad you wrote a post like this. It makes me so angry when I see angry comments to you guys. Now I know if you guys don’t get worked up why should I. Lol.
YoungHouseLove says
Haha, the Care Bear story was actually partially revealed a few pages of comments back but tonight at the comedy show that we were at they made me tell the whole thing so I think it’s on video now. Ack. Might have to share the link when it’s up… if I can get over the embarrassment!
xo,
s
Holly says
I have not commented before and I just want to say I enjoy all your comments and the quirky little ways you two describe situations! I laugh out loud in the best kind of way, and love how often you actually do post your projects and little things in life! Keep writing just as you two do!
Linda says
I’m almost twice your age, and am planning on printing out this post to keep at my office – so when I veer toward my normally snarky stuff, perhaps I’ll wait a moment before saying something I might regret.
And can’t wait til I can order your book – I’m thinking multiple copies because I suspect the book will be a great gift – just for the warmth and enthusiasm that will infuse it.
YoungHouseLove says
Aw you’re so sweet Linda. Thanks for the kind words. Thanks to everyone. 833 comments later… wow. We love you all more than ya know.
xo,
s
Stephanie says
I just have to say that I am completely in love with your blog, and I am so thankful that you share your home (and your family) with all of us! I can’t wait to see what you guys are up to everyday – catching up with you/your blog is seriously one of the highlights of my day!
So it just floors me that people can be so negative. I deal with a lot of negative people in my line of work, but I always try to focus on the positive, or it would make me crazy. Everyone always tells me I’m an optimist. I don’t think I was born that way, but I CHOOSE to be positive and optimistic!
You’ve inspired me to try so many new things in our house – I felt totally clueless about what to do to make our house a home, but you guys are a constant source of inspiration. I never would have had the guts to paint our front door blue or try spray painting for the first time (to makeover my 80s brass mailbox – which turned out AWESOME, btw).
This post makes me love and respect you guys even more :)
THANK YOU!!
YoungHouseLove says
Aw thanks Stephanie. So excited about your blue front door and your mailbox makeover. Wahoo!
xo,
s
Kal says
Hey guys,
Just in case you haven’t read it enough- this blog/ you kids rock. My dad used to tell me other kids were mean/spiteful because they are jealous of you. (Uhhuh, string bean, braces, glasses… jealous didn’t make sense to me. Lol.) But it turns out he was right. You guys do some for realz butt kicking over here. I love your projects and started trying some on my little beginner-blog :)
I hope the haters don’t get you guys down… I look forward to reading your posts every day. I save your blog for the verrrry end, so I get the good stuff last. (It’s seriously an addiction… or so I’ve been told…As I type with spray-paint-stained fingers…) Keep going please. I don’t know how to get through a day without Sherdog and J-Bomb. It wouldn’t be pretty. Probably some shin kicking and awkward, angry hand gestures. Or at the very least, some “accidentally” spray painted frames. Just to jazz them up.
Vanessa says
I think you guys are great! I have been reading your blog for over a year now. I commend you for putting it all out there and not letting it get to you all. Keep it up guys!
Heather J. says
Obviously, I think y’all’s blog is great. You guys motivate me and inspire me all the time. It’s motivated me to start getting serious about getting out of debt so my husband and I can create the home and the life we want. You guys are kind of my role-models (except I’m more redneck than Jersey – sorry, Sherry!).
The importance of being kind cannot be overstated. My junior year of high school, one of my dorky, ostracized classmates wrote in my yearbook something along the lines of, “Thanks for being nice to me when nobody else was.” He and I weren’t even that close, but it made me realize that a little bit of kindness goes a long way, even with one person. It might seem insignificant, but being nice takes a lot less effort than being mean and spiteful.
You guys are great – I would love to see you do a landscaping “house crash”, just to throw it out as a suggestion. I won’t stop reading the blog if you don’t, but I would love it if you did!
YoungHouseLove says
Oh man, stories like that make me tear up. A girl Facebooked me a few years ago saying something like that too and it wasn’t even something I thought about but it struck me so much that how I acted remained so memorable to her. It’s kind of amazing to learn how much of an impact we humans have on each other!
xo,
s
Angie says
I look forward to reading your posts EVERY SINGLE DAY and haven’t missed a day since I discovered you a year ago. I only approach my computer when I can truly read in peace and quiet with a fresh cup of coffee (so usually not until noon when the kids go down). There are a number of blogs I read but yours is at the top of my list and definitely my most favorite read. I actually have pondered a number of times WHY i prefer your blog over so many other wonderfully written ones. I think this post pretty much sums it up. Your honestly and philosophy in blogging really shine through in your most simply of posts to the more complex. And it gets me every time.
Nini says
Can we pass on quotes from super awesome TV Dad’s? How about Cosby?
“I don’t know the key to success, but the key to failure is trying to please everybody.”
True story, huh? You just gotta be yourself and hope that people out there see that different is beautiful.
Much love.. xo
YoungHouseLove says
Great quote!
xo,
s
Lori says
It is posts like these (and everything else) that keep me coming back for more. I completely agree with everything you said and it inspires me to keep on keeping on with my blog.
WSquared says
You know, “do everything with love” is not in the least bit corny. It’s very, very spot on, and more important than we often think when we rush to get things “done.”
St. Paul said it better than I can: “If I do not have love, I have nothing.” [1 Cor 13]. I know, I know; everybody likes hearing it at weddings (“love is patient, love is kind…”), but if you we pay closer attention to it, and if we’re honest with ourselves, this rather “common to the point of corny” Scripture reading happens to be the one at which we all constantly need work. In our marriages, in our relationships with others, and in the work that we do.
So thank you both, for doing what you do, for loving what you do, and for reminding me that rooms in our homes, just like our lives, are worked on, bit by bit. In love, and in honesty. And yes, there is room to fail, room to learn, and do-overs. That’s a breath of fresh air.
Kristy says
Fantastic post Sherry :)
I have taken alot from it, but strangely the most immediate is that it’s time to part with my collection of Hello Kitty undies. I’m 28, it’s time to let go.
Anna H says
That was the sweetest post! And I’m totally glad to read it tonite of all nights! Very inspirational and well written. It’s always good to let your readers get to know you, all of you, the good, the bad, and the ugly! Sooo… speaking of that, I REALLY want to hear your embarrassing underwear story!! Haha! My Mother-in-law loves to tell me that same underwear phrase to this day and I’m 27!
YoungHouseLove says
Hah, I spilled some details a few pages of comments back. And they actually made me tell the story tonight at the comedy show we went to, so I think it might be on the internet now. Haha. I’ll have to link over to it once we get the address. So embarrassing…
xo,
s
Laura eastman says
I just want you to know that I love your blog. Your address is on my toolbar. I have followed so many of your tips as I am a first time home owner. To do everything with love is not corny, it is how it should be. Some people just didn’t get that. Super huge Thank You for being just as you are! Cheers!
Christina says
I don’t comment very often, but I wanted to let ya’ll know how much I love your blog and feel inspired by you guys!
I stumbled upon YHL when I looked up a few Wedding DIYs for my sister and didn’t leave the site for a few hours. Haha! (Not to mention got totally off topic and had tons of ideas! Wedding and otherwise)
The two of you are so creative, resourceful and inspiring! I have always wanted to pursue my little ideas and always put it off because I was too busy or something, but now I’ve been doing more of those things that make me happy.. Thanks to you two! <3
YoungHouseLove says
Aw thanks so much Christina. You guys are all so sweet and I love ya.
xo,
s
Jenny says
Thank you for this post! I actually stopped blogging for a while and avoided facebook because I was tired of all the negative talk. It’s amazing how the anonymity of the internet can give people the courage to say things they probably (hopefully) would never say to anyone’s face.
I love your tip of Do everything with Love. The world needs more people who think that way! You guys are amazing, keep up the good work!!!
Traci says
I cannot even think of what my life would be like without you guys. You have motivated me to do the impossible and I love the Clara and Burger posts….it would somehow not be YHL without them. My house loves you more than anything, thanks for you’re support!
YoungHouseLove says
Oh Traci, thanks so much!
xo,
s
Kristen Miller says
Bless you guys. You are awesome.
Danielle says
People say not-so-nice things around here? Whaaaaaaat?!? I admire the creativity and love that shines through every project you share!
Lydia says
Great post. I admire that you don’t delete the criticism unless it’s really ugly, hurtful stuff. Though not sure why someone has to compare decorating a tree with paint chips like decorating with tampon wrappers — why say anything if you don’t have something nice to say, especially re: home decor type stuff. So subjective what one person likes versus another.
FYI–I’m currently working on a photo book of my kids, first in six years (that’s embarrassing to admit!!!)–inspired by your post on your photo book for 2011.
Elaine says
I LOVE your blog! I don’t feel like my day is complete until I read your daily posting(s). I’ve learned so much from you guys and you’ve helped me figure out what my design style is. Thanks so much for the daily inspiration!
YoungHouseLove says
Aw thanks Elaine! So sweet of you to say!
xo,
s
Melinda says
Please dont ever do a post about this again…………haha j/k. I love everything about your blog. You guys are so real, and I feel like I know you guys. My daughter actaully made a face today and I was thinking to myself that is a Clara expression….I probably get on your blog way too much. :)
YoungHouseLove says
Haha- so cute!
xo
s
gen says
delurking to say that I am a new reader, love the blog…and died laughing at the care bear underwear (because my mom also said the same thing to us as kids)
showed my 11 year old Burger messing up the freshly made bed and she loved it.
YoungHouseLove says
Aw, so glad. Burger and Clara are totally the stars of the show.
xo,
s
Rabeeya says
People who make mean comments are always jealous. Envious of other people’s happiness, success and life. I think constructive criticism is important to excel but it should be polite and well intended.
I recently checked out a blog and after reading couple of entries it felt such a spin off of YHL way of blogging/writing. Certain catch phrases and posting style were very similar. I mean clearly they are your followers and you guys are such an inspiration but there should be a distinction between inspiration and copying. I wanted to tell them that they are very talented and have a wonderful blog and it would be hundred times better if they bring original character to it so that YHL inspiration is not dominating. But I did not!!
I think even positive and well intended criticism can be hurtful to people specially on the internet. Internet is such an anonymous space but things said here are sometimes more painful because of lack of face to face interaction. Your intentions can be misread and can leave a person in serious doubts. I would hate to be one casting any kind of shadow on somebody’s day.
You guys are awesome and sorry for a lengthy rambling…
Barbara says
Okay, I feel terrible now! I was one that said “More Burger!”, but I didn’t mean it as criticism!! Honest! I just love Burger!!
YoungHouseLove says
Haha- not at all! We never take it that way. I chant “more Burger” too!
xo,
s
Abby says
I don’t comment too often, but I thought this post warranted one. You guys are so awesome. I have gotten so much inspiration from your projects, and I cannot wait until we move into our first house in a few months so we can actually try out some of your projects. But even if I wasn’t into the DIY thing, I think I would still read your blog. Your humor (even when it is a little cheesy :) )totally makes my day a little brighter, and it is so awesome to see a family doing something they love so much for a living. Rock on, guys.
Elise says
I had a dream last night that my boyfriend bought me your book for Valentine’s day and I was SO EXCITED. I actually woke up excited!! FYI: in the dream the cover was beautiful! I got a little disappointed when I realized the book wasn’t out yet so I guess I’ll tell the bf that jewelry will work instead.
YoungHouseLove says
Haha, jewelry always works! Now I’m curious to know what the cover looked like. Maybe you predicted it before it was made!
xo,
s
Josephine says
Well said, Sherry. I don’t have a blog, so this isn’t something I have to deal with, but it’s good to know you guys have such a healthy attitude towards it all.
Can I share my mother’s favourite saying/pearl of wisdom?
‘Never let it be said you didn’t do the least you could do.’ This works for me in so many different situations ;-)
YoungHouseLove says
So wise!
xo,
s
Candace says
Hey guys, I whole-heartedly agree with the other 700+ replies, I dig your blog!
My mom had the same advice as you gave: “Do all things with love”….she also still loves to remind us of that famous quote, “Be kind for everyone is fighting their own battles…” So true! I like the “Kill ’em with kindness” one myself…you guys follow this mantra and are a true inspiration on so many levels. :)
As for the Care Bear undies episode, I can relate. I got taken to the ER a few years ago a couple days after Christmas. Long-story-short, I was wearing these nerdy reindeer undies that when you pressed a little button, it sang ‘Jingle Bells’….the best part was, a hot male nurse ended up having to give me an enema and burst into peals of laughter when the music went off…..NOT one of my better moments. sigh…..
p.s. Sorry if this grossed anybody out….just keepin’ it real…:)
YoungHouseLove says
Hahaha- that’s classic. You have dethroned me for underwear stories. I bow to your presence.
xo,
s
LauraC says
All these underwear stories, I’m sitting here laughing, and it hurts, because I had abdominal surgery yesterday!!! Stop it! Stop it! (but it’s so nice to laugh about funny things, thanks for sharing) And no hot male nurse helped me (but some very nice grandma-y ones.)