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.
Sarah says
Let me just say – I must be completely naive about people in general. I’m shocked that folks would send you emails and comments saying things like that! It’s like you decided to do a little blog just for them to look at, so yes sir, how may we please you today? NO! It’s YOUR blog! I’m sorry if I seem dense, I just can’t believe that people would feel like they have any call to tell you how you should run your (what I feel is) intellectual property! I mean, you have a popular blog for a reason: lots of people like what you’re doing. So keep on. To heck with ’em! I admire your attitude about it.
And for the record – there can never be too much Clara and Burger! ;)
Amy @ The Button Casa says
I read your blog pretty much every day and have enjoyed the transformations and shopping trips, etc. This is a great post with great advice, thanks. Oh, and love the baby stuff, probably because I have 3 girls of my own plus a girl dog so my kids love seeing Burger.
Amanda says
I adored this post! Thank you for being our cheerleader, $herdog!
Allison says
My husband and I used to own retail stores and customers would sometimes say “you should carry this, you should sell that”. My husband would always whisper after they left the shop, “when you open your own store, you can sell whatever you like”. Keep selling what you’re selling Sherry and John, it is working. Your blog is the only one I read, every day, without fail.
Katherine says
You’re so awesome, and I love your blog! Great advice from your mom too, the world needs more kind people.
jl says
For the record – I thought the paint strip decorations were innovative and out of the box. Inexpensive yet safe for an active toddler. Perfect for a house under going renovation. Very creative. Thanks for sharing! You guys are an inspiration.
Amanda says
I love your blog. It’s the first site I check when I get home from work. I love to see what you’re working on and what you’re planning on doing next. I wish my husband and I had the same DIY endurance!
Thank you so much for always keeping it real and writing this post. It is exactly what I needed to read tonight. I am a teacher and just did my parent-teacher conferences today. My first conference of the day did not go well. When addressing my concerns about a student’s behavior, the parents blamed me for all the issues occurring. Instead of it being a time to have an open and honest conversation, it turned into 30 minutes of me being told how I run my classroom is wrong and how I am at fault. Needless to say, I was feeling pretty low, and the fact that I’m almost 9 months pregnant made me feel a lot more emotional about what happened. The rest of the conferences went extremely well, but all day long I couldn’t let go of that one negative experience. Despite my mom, husband, and coworker all telling me that I’m a great teacher and not to let that one piece of negative criticism outweigh every other conversation of the day, I didn’t really let it sink in until I read your blog tonight. As much as I need to take in every comment, positive and negative, and evaluate if there is room for improvement in my teaching style, I also can’t focus solely and be consumed on every negative reaction I receive. Thank you so much! These are the real posts that keep me coming back every day!
YoungHouseLove says
Oh Amanda, I’m so sorry about that! So glad this post could help in some little way!
xo,
s
Shauna says
Amanda, I teach too (in France) and I do hope you can move past the parental anger you felt there. I think parents are desperate for answers sometimes, and they lash out inexplicably when things aren’t going well. Again, Sherry’s tip n°4 is the key. Hang in there!
Bethany says
Great thoughts. I especially love the “do all things in love.”
This is my favorite quote on criticism – its from Theodore Roosevelt (sorry its long)
“It is not the critic who counts: not the man who points out how the strong man stumbles or where the doer of deeds could have done better. The credit belongs to the man who is actually in the arena, whose face is marred by dust and sweat and blood, who strives valiantly, who errs and comes up short again and again, because there is no effort without error or shortcoming, but who knows the great enthusiasms, the great devotions, who spends himself for a worthy cause; who, at the best, knows, in the end, the triumph of high achievement, and who, at the worst, if he fails, at least he fails while daring greatly, so that his place shall never be with those cold and timid souls who knew neither victory nor defeat.”
YoungHouseLove says
Great. So great.
xo,
s
Emily K says
OMG you guys watched Homeland?! My husband and I were obsessed!!!!!! I can’t wait for it to come back on again! (Love reading YHL every day, by the way!)
YoungHouseLove says
Yes -it’s so good! I can’t wait to see what happens next season. Ahhhhhhhhhhh.
xo,
s
Jacqueline says
Here’s some criticism for ya… (j/k)
The no.1 thing I LOVE about your blog is that you take the time to reply to comments!
It is lovely that you take the time to do this. It shows you respect your readers.
So many other blogs don’t receive nearly as many comments as you guys do and yet if you ask a question (eg. “Where did you get those cushions from?”), you’ll never get a reply… and lets face it, without readers, blogs wouldn’t be nearly as successful!
Jessica Matthews says
This is exactly why I love your blog! The very first blog I ever started reading (a few years ago) was just the typical hipster mom-blog and I loved it… that is until the owner got fed up with the “anonymous” comments and spewed out an ugly response post filled with f-bombs. It turned into a back & forth cuss word party and now she never posts anything anymore. Sad…
Anyways, I LOVE how y’all do things around here!
shanda says
It’s kind of like the people who complain about facebook or twitter… IT’S FREE! If you don’t like it, change the channel. You guys write a great blog with lots and lots and lots of details about how you do stuff. I will never look at penny tile the same way again :)
Sayward says
You guys have always struck me as incredibly kind and classy people, especially because of the way you politely respond to rude comments. I’m always impressed by how much grace you show people and how you resist the temptation to defend yourself. Seriously, I’ve been thinking that for years. When I have to deal with someone who’s being rude I try so hard not to take it personally and instead try to feel bad for them because something happened to put them in such a hateful, hurtful place. I actually usually think of how you guys would respond to the same person as extra motivation to love them and take the high road.
Also, I WISH I had care bear underwear right now. So I Googled. All the way to Japan. If I was the type of girl who paid more than $2 for undies I’d order these for us all.
http://global.rakuten.com/en/store/cinemacollection/item/sm-cbap-153-154/
And in the spirit of sharing awkward moments, today at work an eleventh grade girl ran out of my classroom in a hurry as I was walking back in, and she crashed into me. Specifically, her boobs crashed right into my open hands (you know I rock my Italian hand talking with the best of them). And as we were standing there in shock about an inch apart – while I was holding both of her boobs – our eyes locked and she accidentally cursed in terror. At the top of her lungs. Which drew the attention of everyone.
I just try to laugh this stuff off because what else is there?
YoungHouseLove says
Haha, oh man, that sounds like something I would do. And I’d probably scream “wowza” or something and accidentally draw the attention of the room myself. D’oh! Haha. Love the Care Bear underwear by the way. Just as cool as I remembered them. And as for your first paragraph you have no idea how much it makes me blush that you think about how we would respond. Wow, so sweet of you to say.
xo,
s
Jeanne Wagner says
Hi Sherry and John! I found you through my local newspaper. The Ledger in Lakeland Florida (online version) had an article about how you guys made a living from your blog, and a picture of your first house you reno’d. It was so pretty,I read the whole article then I followed the link to your blog and have been hooked ever since. I’ve never seen a blog like this before, believe it or not. I’ve been lurking for a long time, but never commented. This post got me to comment because my tiny blog gets neglected a lot. I never know what to write about because I suffer from analysis paralysis..and your post here helped! SO, thanks for that, and thanks for being real. You’re good people. :)
KarenH. says
Ha! Great post, and you’re right, you’ll never please everyone, and it’s your blog; make it the way YOU want it. Those should be immortalized as the first two cardinal rules of blogging :)
I have a tiny little blog that I write and I’d be shocked if more than 6 people actually read it. I started it mainly because my Mom has a lot of trouble figuring out how to download pictures from email, so I make blog entries and send her the link to the new entries when I post them.
Which is how my blog got named, too (Start from the Bottom)–get it? It’s instructions for my Mom without being really obvious :) A friend told me my blog was pretty trite. Well…yeah :) (Hence my secondary title–“Don’t Expect Stunning New Insights™”)
I’ll throw a party if I ever get more than 12 regular readers, but for providing me a means to let my Mom see what I’ve been doing around the house, it’s a very handy blog ;)
Meghan says
“The most amazing souls will show up to cheer you on along the way, but this is your game. Make a pact to be in it with yourself for the long haul, as your own supportive friend at every step along the way.” – Tara Sophia Mohr, 10 Rules for Brilliant Women (Google if you can!)
Stumbled upon this quote a few months back and I can’t tell you nice it is to have in the back of the mind when you question yourself. Even when you believe in yourself and your choices…
It’s about being completely and 100% supportive and grateful for the communities and people along the way, but realizing that staying true to yourself is hugely important. Obviously, it’s a two way street for ya’ll but it’s a lovely way to think about the “amazing souls” who served as cheerleaders and guiders. And isn’t it nice to be your own cheerleader? Plus, your house is lovely, you two make a great team, cute dog and let’s not talk about how cute Miss Clara is. If nothing else, I’ll be your cheerleader. With love from Chicago!
YoungHouseLove says
Aw, I love it! So completely true and perfectly stated.
xo,
s
Lilly says
I have a scary question. R u guys doing anything to prepare for the whole “doomsday” if so do u mind sharing any tips. I’m scared and unprepared to say the least I have two amazing beautiful daughters that mean the world to me n I want to keep them safe.
YoungHouseLove says
We actually aren’t doing anything for that. Does anyone have tips to share with Lilly on that subject?
xo,
s
LauraC says
Hey, I haven’t been commenting here (or anywhere) for awhile (actually organizing my life rather than sitting in front of the computer, among other things, no power for two days – Seattle snow storm!) but I have to add that I LOVE YOU GUYS and think you and what you do are/is great. You got your heads screwed on right!
Liz Chaisson Thompson says
I’m not sure where I got it from, but my favorite quote on this subject is “What you think of me is your business. What I think is mine.”
But I still try to live by Thumper’s Mother’s advice…
“If you can’t say anything nice, don’t say anything at all.”
Steph says
Im a big fan of your blog from all the way down under! I find your posts interesting and your writing style is always fun and light! Keep up the good work!
An Aussie fan!
Carolyn says
Loved this post. Especially #2 and #4. I am the queen of self doubt. My husband keeps encouraging me to do something with my photography, but I always have this little voice in my head saying “What if somebody hates your work?” “What if someone discovers that you’re really not that great?” So then I stand still and do nothing because I’m afraid. I admire you both for your honesty and confidence to put yourselves out there.
P.S Sherry, I loved the underwear advice and story. I went and got fitted for a new bra yesterday (haven’t done that since being a teenager!) I had my kids with me, and had to change the 5 month old’s nappy (or diaper as you call them). My daughter suddenly says at the top of her lungs “Thomas has a big peeenis!!!!” No embarrassing underwear, but still kinda embarrassing in a store full of people.
Have a great weekend!
YoungHouseLove says
Haha, oh man, that’s both mortifying and hilarious at the same time! A friend of mine took her toddler into the restroom with her at a crowded restaurant and sat down on the toilet in the stall with her when her child announced “You pooping mommy?” really loudly. She was mortified and very loudly said “no, Mommy’s not pooping silly” and then her daughter said “Ohhhh, just tooting” equally loudly. Hilarious slash mortifying, right?!
xo,
s
Lynn Matteo says
Well said. Love your blog!
Jamie says
You all are so sweet. What you said is true for life – not just blogging. Warm heart feelings. Thanks.
Nona says
Oh boy are you right on the money Sherry!! I so agree with what you wrote, and especially – Do everything from a place of LOVE!! And indeed, your blog is your baby. We should tread it as such, right.
I’ve been following you guys for a while now, and each time I check in I get positively inspired, get a number of good laughs, and ALWAYS leave with a BIG smile on my face!! So thank you!!
You guys (all 4 or you :D) really SHINE YOUR LIGHT, are wonderfully GENUINE, and true INSPIRATIONS!!
Take care,
Nona
Annie says
I used to take negative comments well, until I took an arrow to the knee.
YoungHouseLove says
Bwahahha.
xo,
s
tia says
you know what Sherdog, I used to want to roll the eyes at some of your phrasing. I might have kept reading out of jealousy. But having kept up with your antics I find myself really inspired by you. Truth is I’m a total nut always have been. My students (I teach Art) laugh at me because I say cheesy stuff and geek out over things that other people don’t notice. I recognize the jealousy now and appreciate that you don’t hold back. When I read this blog I hear you and John. I love that you write just what you would say, no one wants to read a manual, my husband might, I don’t. I’m glad ya’ll are able to make this thing work and I’m always impressed with how you keep things interesting. I can’t imagine coming up with something to share 5 days a week! So thank you!
Also I can’t wait for the exhaust vent!
YoungHouseLove says
Aw thanks Tia! You’re so sweet.
xo,
s
Kelly says
Love you guys and your blog! I have to say I favor Burger only because I think my Chihuahua and he would make the cutest little doggie couple, I see all the pics and news on him and think “Georgia does that too!” Thank being said you guys are pretty cool too and Clara is just priceless : )
Keep doing what your doing!
sofie says
5 million readers a month? That’s half of the people living in my country (Belgium). Congratulations! :)
YoungHouseLove says
Aw thanks Sofie! That’s our hits, so it counts people coming multiple times (it’s how many time our page loads each month) but it definitely blows our mind!
xo,
s
Wesley says
It is so infuriating to read that people will write negative and dictatorial stuff, and yet I really believe that stuff is about them. I’m thinking of that old quote that applies to DIY pretty well, “when you’re a hammer everything looks like a nail.”
Your blog helped save my sanity when my partner and I moved across the country to a giant fixer upper and I cried for 3 months straight. Seeing your process helps me 1) be brave, and 2) feel less crazy. That’s the best gift ever!
Norma says
“You are very wise young grasshopper.” Just keep on keeping on!!! :)
tjack432 says
I really needed this today, I am so glad you posted it. This is really something to keep in mind for the rest of my life. Especially #2 and #4. The last year and a half was pretty challenging do to a certain someone, but listening to #2 and #4 really make it much better.
You guys are great. Keep doing what you do :)
Bethany says
#1…LOVE the first pic of Clara. She is almost exactly 1 year older than my little guy and I enjoy seeing what I have to look forward to next year via your adorable little lady.
#2…I am not a blogger myself but your advice translates well for life and that is what I am taking from this wise post. There are haters everywhere and you cannot change their perspective but you can change how you react to it.
Keep doing what you’re doing…you are perfectly imperfect!
Keria says
I just have to say that this entry perfectly captured why I follow and adore this blog. As someone who doesn’t get into blogs and finds most of them terribly annoying, I actually look forward to finding the e-mails in my inbox when there is a new entry from you guys. Your personality is really what makes it perfect. =)
Megan says
Some people don’t like to see others succeed. And they don’t like to see you happy and positive and making the best of things. If there is ever criticism saying you’re not keeping it real or that you make it look like you have it all together, that’s just silly. I much prefer to read a blog that keeps a positive note on everything rather than a blog that is full of complaining and dark vibes. And people forget that it’s just a blog, and that you are not obligated to reveal your whole life. Bravo Sherry and John!
Shirley@Housepitality Designs says
I made a comment on another blog post that was similar to yours..You two exude “real life”….You too are sunshine and a breath of fresh air!
I call those critics “SNIPERS”..they shoot from their computers and hide behind the screen…Love reading your “real life stories” an inspiration to us all, young and old!
Rena says
Thanks for posting about this. I love your blog and have read it from beginning to end when I first discovered it years ago. I myself have started a blog recently and have had a few negative comments posted. It’s hard not to take them to heart, as my blog like like my baby (but no one would ever call your baby ugly to your face). I like the part where you said to weigh the negative as much as the positive. I have to admit that although some of the negative comments were just plain mean, some of them where constructive and has helped me build a better blog.
Thanks again for the blog that keeps me entertained!
Maidless Wonder says
Thanks for posting this. One reason that I love your blog (other than being so informative on just about any DIY project around the house) is that you guys are so positive. I will read about an awesome makeover on a blog, only to read the next thread in which the blogger trashes her hubby or neighbor, etc. and I won’t ever read that blog again. I am a devoted reader because you have awesome ideas AND you don’t belittle others.
Not sure how you stand on these issues, but you really show Philippians 4:8 “…whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable — if anything is excellent or praiseworthy — think about such things.”
Thanks guys!
-Maidless
Jennifer M. says
Hi. I’m guilty of posting a negative comment and I felt bad about it afterward. I wrote that I didn’t think something you put together looked right together. Of course, you posted a very sweet reply. I think sometimes when we read blogs like this, that are so personal, the readers feel like they know the writers. And posting a comment feels like having a conversation with someone you know. But we don’t know each other and we’re not having a live conversation. So posting something critical isn’t the same as having a live discussion with a lot of back and forth, hand gestures, and facial expressions that round out the words. I would guess that some critical comments are people just trying to have a conversation and work things out in their own mind, and others are just being jerks and are hoping to get a reaction.
I love your blog and I think it’s the best design blog that’s out there. I’ve learned so much from reading about your projects. You’ve inspired me to think more creatively about decorating my own house. I realized after I posted that negative comment that it doesn’t matter one bit whether or not a certain color and pattern combination appeals to me personally. I learned something from it and was inspired by it. Besides, the room really grew on me after I kept looking at it and I ended up liking it. So right now I would like to apologize for my negative comment.
YoungHouseLove says
Aw Jennifer M, no worries at all! We have definitely come to realize that everyone has a different sense of what looks good so its really a personal thing!
xo,
s
Stephanie Louise says
I’m a beauty bloggers, and although few and far between, they can really get to me. Reading this made me feel ready to take on the next one…. There is indeed always another troll.
Sue J. says
It amazes me to my core that anyone anywhere would actually take time to criticize what you guys do. I have a blog. It is teeny with a teenier following. No criticism so far, but I follow bloggers who have addressed this issue and I am stunned that there are trolls out there who take shots at successful, funny writers. Puh-lease! I look forward to reading what youz guyz are up to, so delete those majorly crabby pants and carry forth. You guys are great and doing greater things. Dream on.
Jessie says
$herdog and J-Boom- Your honesty is refreshing! Sometimes that 1% of people just suck. I love your blog and wish we could be friends in ‘real life’ you both are genuinely great people, you have a beautiful family and your DIY inspires me daily.
Kath says
Great post guys!
Carolyn says
I’m a brand new follower and you are right on the $$$$ with your comment! Love makes the world go round and God is LOVE. Enjoying your blog so much.
LuRae says
As another commenter said, excellent philosophy for not only blogs, but also for life in general! {hugs}
Laurel says
You are so right! I’m not a blogger, but I do run a small business with my husband. We’ve been in business for three years and everyone has an opinion about what we should do and how we should do it.
Doing your own thing is liberating. It gives you the opportunity to try, and fail sometimes, and try again! Not one person can prepare you for the changes that will come along from those experiences.
When we get negative feedback or a client who is just impossible to please, I always try to kill em with kindness. It’s the only way to come out of the situation without regretting something I’ve said or done. And Sherry is right; often times they are coming from a place of having a bad day, going through some sort of struggle or what not that convinces them it’s appropriate to say what they are saying. If I can be compassionate in those most trying of times, I always come away from it feeling like a champ.
Beth M. says
One of the best parts of my day is checking in to see what you guys are up to! I love your enthusiasm, humor, and spark for life and decorating. As a stay-at-home mom to 3 little boys, you give me lots of fun tips and things to try! :) Keep up the great work!!
Katherine says
I love how everyone is quoting their parents today. See Mom & Dad we all did listen, and recanting your advise is proof that we have grown up.
Here’s the thing: 1) you guys are the bomb {otherwise you wouldn’t have this much attraction, good or bad} 2) people can click off the page as easily as they click on if they don’t follow what YOU are all about 3) did I mention that we all love you!?
Paula Koziol says
Driving in Pittsburgh area this AM and I SWEAR I saw Sherry’s face on a billboard. Is this possible? Are you/were you in the area for an event!?!
YoungHouseLove says
Haha- that’s so funny! It’s not me… unless they’re using my image without me knowing. Haha. But I’m sure it’s just a doppleganger. I hear I have a bunch of them out there!
xo,
s
Natalie says
I love you guys and I will keep reading your amazing blog as long as you keep writing it! God bless!
~ Natalie :)
YoungHouseLove says
Aw thanks Natalie. Love you right back.
xo,
s
maggie says
my mom always said to wear clean underwear too!! she used to be an OR nurse, so i’m guessing she saw some less than prepared people and knew how clumsy i was, thus increasing the liklihood i’d end up in the hospital.
but i digress.
yall are a riot and as someone who is wicked cheesy and was always taught it’s better to be yourself than anything else, i applaud you. keep on keepin’ on!