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.
Phyllis Kidd says
I think you guys are great! How you even find enough time to do everything is amazing and if you just let those comments roll off your shoulder, so to speak, my motto is “it’s hurting them more than you.” So just keep on keeping on! But I must admit I have an ulterior motive also – my Mom has a ranch style home in need of improvement, so I need ideas BAD! Love what you’ve done so far and love Clara and Burger to pieces <3
Monica says
John and Sherry,
I am a “mature reader” and I want to thank you both for holding my hand and coaxing me to try more, take an extra step and to realize my fails but to just try, try again. You are amazing parents of 2 and in this time when our country has lost focus, especially on family and morals, the two of you support each other and respect each other, families are so very important and your love for each other is so evident. Don’t ever let the ignorant folks out there sway you or affect you. You must make your parents incredibly proud and your happiness with life and each other is apparent! Keep loving and living and thank you for letting us into your lives!!
YoungHouseLove says
Aw thanks so much Monica! You guys are all so amazing. We’re lucky as all heck to have ya!
xo,
s
Claire @ Claire K Creations says
Great post.
I especially love the comment about your Christmas tree. Funny.. my reaction was WOW I wonder if I could get away with that in my house next year!
So true to focus on the good. I had my first bad one a few months ago and was thinking about it for days.
Jeanell says
Beautifully said! May I link to your post when I see other bloggers that need some support? I follow mostly quilting, crafting and sewing blogs and I have to say I have read some amazingly venomous post/replies. In a lot of instances it throws the blog off for a while. I found you through pinterest, but that was before I was a member so it must have been through someone else’s post or blog, I love your pins.
YoungHouseLove says
Of course! Feel free to link away! And I hope to “see” you over on Pinterest. Haha.
xo,
s
Abby says
That cuteness overload picture of Clara makes me want to squeeze her! And you should know, when Clara was born you posted a beautiful picture of her sleeping in her crib. My 2 year old son said he loved her and it made me realize it was time for baby #2…who is now 11 months old :) See, you inspire more DIY projects than you will ever know!
YoungHouseLove says
That. Is. Amazing.
So sweet! Congrats!
xo,
s
Roberta says
that was the best brain dump…evah!
So agree with what you have to share with blogging and sticking with it because it’s something that you enjoy and want to do. Not because you have something to sell or…ever do because you want followers. This is the biggest mistake new bloggers and old make. Blogs are like friendships…you have different ones for different likes and interestes and no ONE can be everything you need. I’ve had friends in the past who get very possesive and change when they find out that you have other friends and intersts. It’s really sad and troublesome but the bottom line is that you can’t please everyone all the time and it’s not my responsibility to make anyone but myself happy. Needy people find this “selfish” of me…but then again that is their problem, not mine. Like you, I know that whatever I’m doing…I’m doing it from the heart and I never, ever mean anyone harm. Carry on you sweet things ;}
Her Late Night Cravings says
If I heard it ONCE from my Mom, then I heard it 100 times…if you don’t have anything nice to say, don’t say it at all!!
Thanks for sharing your advice. We take the good with the bad, but focus on the good, because well…they’re the only thing worth our time. We blog first & foremost to make US happy…anyone else who likes our blog is just a BONUS! We’ve been incredibly fortunate to have some amazing & supportive followers though & we haven’t even reached our 1 year Blogiversary yet. :)
We’ve got mad love for you guys! Keep doing what you’re doing!
Mendi @ Her Late Night Cravings
Meghan says
You all = awesome.
Shauna says
I’m sorry I don’t have time to read all 14 pages of comments before making my own remark, because they are all very interesting.
I have been reading your blog for years now because 1)both of you are engaging, thoughtful, funny and talented writers 2)you write about things I can really use 3) you have integrity. It comes through loud and clear. I especially like your tip #4. Sometimes I feel like telling you guys to be careful and protect yourselves, but maybe you have the best armour, that of love.
Thanks for all, and keep it up.
eileen marie says
I don’t read The Nest, have never read The Nest, & now will never read The Nest. I am all for freedom of expression, but a poll about whether you like YHL or not? GET.A.LIFE. It makes me want to stab these catty b’s with a steak knife! Well, maybe that’s too extreme. I love you guys, and I’m stalking you, I mean listening to you speak, all the way to Haven (I’ll be the one with the green skin-see avatar). There are more of us that love you than are critical of you, so keep your chin up. Catty people are just masking their own insecurities & jealousy. I may not love every decorating decision you make (but I do most!), but if we all agreed, our homes would be all be carbon copies. I once posted on AT asking about pot rack placement, and all the nutsos came out of the woodwork talking about our wall color. Again, GET.A.LIFE. -I wasn’t asking about paint!
Becky says
LOVE this. Perfectly said.
My blog has never had any negative comments, but it’s only because hardly anyone reads it—my mom and grandma think everything I do is wonderful (ha ha). I will probably cry when someone someday writes something mean or negative, but I’ll just come back and read your post and instantly feel better. :)
Wendy Brooks Kelley says
May we always celebrate the freedom to HAVE AN OPINION and appreciate our diversity at the same time.
Thank you for choosing love!!!!! I always enjoy your blog and your projects (even the ugly ones) ha ha!
Keep up the good fun!
Beth says
We have a saying around here “Thanks for letting me know!” (with a smile of course) & just ignore it. You guys are truly inspirational & I enjoy your blog tremendously! Keep up the good work!
Karyl says
Tip #4 (do everything with love) is definitely not cheesy. Shortly after we had our kidlet, my husband heard a radio host say something to the effect, “The world has plenty of smart people; what it needs is more kind people.” In the many years since, we’ve repeated that to ourselves, and our kid, at least a couple of times a week. You two seem very kind — and your blog shows that your DIY ideas are smart — so kudos to you for falling into both categories!
YoungHouseLove says
Thanks Karyl. I love that quote!
xo,
s
eileen marie says
I just stole that for my FB wall -hope that’s OK -I love it!
Brianne says
awesome post! as a new blogger I’ll take your advice to heart. and now I’m a little more motivated to post something on my blog tonight!
YoungHouseLove says
Aw thanks Brianne! Happy blogging!
xo,
s
Sarah says
Sherry- I wanted to share something I realized recently while reading your blog and it feels like this post is the perfect opportunity. I am a loyal reader and huge fan who generally loves 90% of all of your projects, purchases, and decorating choices. Watching your home evolve and being a part of your journey is a blast, not to mention the amazing inspiration and DIY knowledge I gain in the process. So on the rare occasion that you share some project, purchase or choice that I don’t like, well, I used to feel…disappointed. I’d think to myself, “Ooo, I do not like x, it would be much better if it were y,” and then I make my sour face. But then recently I had an epiphany: These (rare) cases where I didn’t LOVE something you did actually HELPED me more than all the times I was totally in love with or inspired by a choice you made in your home. Disagreeing with you really helps me do the hard work of pinning down my own style and aesthetic. I’m young and relatively new to the decor scene, and it’s so easy to just love every YHL project (b/c they’re all so awesome!) and set out to copy them in my own space, but that doesn’t help me discover my own unique style and decorating “voice.” The choices of yours that aren’t my favorites have helped me discover what i like and what i dont like and become better at creating a space that will make ME happy. So… the next time you get a comment from a reader who does not like a choice you made, you should respond with, “YOU’RE WELCOME!”
Keep up the great work and keep being you! So many of us appreciate it in so many different ways!
YoungHouseLove says
That’s so interesting! Never thought about it that way, but you’re right – figuring out what you don’t like is as important/telling/helpful as what you do like! We have learned so much by not liking things and tweaking them! Mistakes = growing. So funny that even seeing something you don’t like can help define your own personal sense of style. Thanks for sharing!
xo,
s
Sarah Watts says
I rarely comment, but I subscribe to your posts and they are always the first thing I read in my emails. I love your blog, it has been so inspiring and I LOVE your frugal projects!! That is what caught my eye about your blog and what makes it stand apart from a lot of other blogs/sites. I love it because it fits how I want/have to live….I mean who wouldn’t want a House and Home kitchen?! But that’s not going to happen here, so I love getting ideas and seeing what you guys come up with! LOVE your blog!
Lisa H. (bountifulchaosmom) says
Hey, thanks for this blog post. My blog is on a break. Camera died. Thesis looming, you know the drill. But, I spent the day not feeling very good because of one comment that hit me earlier. Happened over to your blog and got a shot of virtual courage. Tissues are now put away.
Thanks for turning my lousy day around.
Lisa H. (bountifulchaosmom) says
Oh, and it wasn’t a blog comment that hit me – one of those real life zingers that you can’t even hide from under the covers or by closing the laptop! LOL
YoungHouseLove says
Oh I’m so sorry you were having a hard day but so glad the tissues are put away!
xo,
s
Megan B says
I liked this post so much I had to comment, and I never comment. But, my mom’s best advice to me definitely relates to dealing with the negative comments and it is….”Don’t let the turkeys get you down.” Why turkeys? I’m not sure, but she said it to me when I was in 5th grade and in one of those typical girl fights where it was 2 friends vs. me. She has said it to me anytime I’ve had issues with friends or with parents when I was a teacher. I love it!
Also, while I don’t blog, I feel like it’s probably almost a blessing/curse to be featured on Apartment Therapy. Those commenters don’t hold anything back–yikes!
Thanks for keeping it real,
Megan
Sarah says
I applaud you both for always being authentic and real.
It’s a rare thing, and I think one of the main reasons I (and probably many others) love your blog.
Thank you :)
Margaux says
I love your blog. My husband and I rent a cute 100-year old cottage, but we dream of someday owning a home together and making it special with that DIY creative touch. So for now I live vicariously through blogs like YHL and store away ideas for the future on Pinterest! I realize now that part of the reason I read your blog every single day is not just because of your awesome taste and keep-it-real style, but you guys are such kind warm-hearted people who have good values. In much of our negative, vulgar popular culture these days, it can be hard to find things online or on TV that leave you feeling good and uplifted afterwards. And checking the progress on YHL is always a feel-good moment for me. Thanks so much for sharing your home and family on the blog!
YoungHouseLove says
Oh thanks Margaux! So sweet of you to say that.
xo,
s
Adrianne says
You guys have been a HUGE inspiration! I love you constantly prove that a little creativity/treasure hunting can go a long way…this weekend, I got a HUGE dog kennel (for my puppy that is going to be bigger than expected, surprise!) for FREE from Craigslist. I then sanded off the slight rust, spent $7 for rust guard/paint cans and $7 for a piece of plywood that will act as a floor underneath his fluffy cloud of a bed. What normally would’ve cost me $85 or more cost me around $14! You have helped me realize that if you put in a little effort, it can turn into a big gain. I’m glad you don’t let the negative ninnies get you down, I found your blog about a month ago and am having so much fun reading about all of your projects. Thank you!
P.S. This is my (canine) baby boy http://a7.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc6/s720x720/166939_2345423887152_1596660129_31758700_774159588_n.jpg
YoungHouseLove says
Oh my gosh he’s ADORABLE! I love him. And I’m so happy to hear about that awesome kennel you got! Such a deal!
xo,
s
Angela says
Keep up the good work! You two are doing a great job!
Liliana says
I would like a “like” button to like all the comments and your post! You guys have a wonderful thing, and its clear some people can’t stand that and so, they have to say something negative. I started little blog but it does not have one theme, its about my life but its so small I won’t even share. I’m taking away your suggestions and your positive attitude. People who comments should g by this quote, “Share that which is good and desirable and withhold that which is bad and undesirable.”
Keep up your good work,it’s awesome!
~ L.
Eileen says
Just so you know – reading your blog is one of my daily highlights. I love it……
Thanks…..
YoungHouseLove says
Aw thanks Eileen!
xo,
s
Caroline says
Bahahahah I love the undies!!!!! Speaking from a nurses standpoint in the OR… Clean belly buttons are just as important!!
YoungHouseLove says
Hahaha- you never hear about that!
xo,
s
Laura says
This is perfect! This post couldn’t have come at a better time. I recently just had to deal with a (very) negative comment and I’m glad to see that I followed some of the points you said. Thanks for the post!
ps – here’s what I did to “address” that comment:
http://stylewoes.blogspot.com/2012/01/shit-fashion-girls-say.html
YoungHouseLove says
Ugh, so sorry about that ugly comment, but that video is hilarious. And I totally do that with bangs. Cut them, hate them, pin them back, repeat.
xo,
s
Carolyn says
Care Bear Underwear – AWESOME! I totally laughed out loud at that…I totally respect the lack of details, but oh, that sounds like a great (if mortifying) story. Also…definitely loooooved Care Bears back in the day. I had Care Bears everything!
Nicole says
I absolutely loved this post. Great advice for dealing with criticism in general. Your blog is fantastic and I’m going to try to learn from your healthy outlook on negative comments.
Melanie says
Just wanted to add to all of the other sweet comments. I love, love, love your blog! Instead of the morning paper, I sit down and read YHL every morning!
My husband always teases me because I talk about you guys like we’re bffs, yet I’m totally aware you have no idea who I am…what a fun and weird blogging world it is! Anyway, I’m so glad you don’t let the negative stuff get you down; because you have so many “fans” who just love reading!:)
Kelly says
I’m a frequent reader but have never commented. In fact, I have to admit, that I can’t wait to check my email every morning to read your latest post. I can’t even imagine or understand how you all could have critism. I just love your blog. You all crack me up and have amazing ideas along the way. You’ve made me feel inspired, happy, laugh and start my day off right all in one post. So, thank you so much for all you do. You guys rock!! And I love the comment about more cowbell. Totally diggin it!
Laci Waner says
WARNING! Random, off-subject comment:
I’m sure this has happened to other people. My husband reset our history this morning. *He is a fraud examiner and VERY careful about ID theft, info protection, etc.* So I had to type out the web address to get my daily dose of YHL. I accidentally left the “e” off of “house.” Holy-Moley! Let’s just say; I’ll be re-clearing the history on the computer but not bc of a fear of ID theft!!
YoungHouseLove says
Haha, yes. My own father discovered that and meekly emailed me one of the most awkward emails every saying “uh, did you know about this?” – there’s nothing we can do about it but we definitely try to type carefully! Haha.
xo,
s
Katie says
Y’all rock — love your blog! I have been following you your blog for a while but have never commented on anything other than giveaways because I never really felt I had anything to add, but I’ll be sure to start chiming in just to say you are awesome because y’all totally are!
Ginny-Beth says
I love you guys and your blog. I think it’s ridiculous that people are griping about it. That being said, can we see the hood in the kitchen already?!! I’m on pins and needles! :) Just kidding, take your time. We’ll be here waiting patiently like good little blog stalkers…er…readers.
Emma says
Thanks for sharing your advice… While it’s too bad you’ve had enough criticism to warrant these rules, I’m glad you are able to handle it so well!
One thing my mum often says, that I think is really important in this age of boundary-pushing humor, is “it’s only funny if everyone is laughing”. There’s sometimes a fine line between good-natured ribbing and cruel teasing. Of all the virtues I hope to instill in my son, compassion is one of the most important.
YoungHouseLove says
Great quote! I love it.
xo,
s
Anna says
Well you had me on the floor then. Somehow half way through the post I decided that it was John writing it, despite reading it was you, $herdog, at the top.
Then when I got to the Care Bear undies part I just about died laughing. That would have been a REALLY ironic statement from John…
YoungHouseLove says
Oh man, now THAT would have been embarrassing.
xo,
s
Patty Reid says
I love your site, just as it is :) I always feel you guys are true to yourselves and I truly love that. Afterall it is your site…you should put what you want :) I personally hope you just keep doing what you love. Those that have homes they work on themselves and have family…we get you, heart and soul <3 Looking at your Blog and post brightens my day and even if you change, that is cool too…thats life. Love your blog, love your style, and love all you guys.
Shelly says
Hi Sherry and John –
Thank you both for putting yourselves out here for those of us who are your high-pitch cheerleaders, cheering you guys on for all of your hard work. I’m new to blogs and fell in love with yours instantly because of your genuineness and awe-someness. It’s hard to believe how cruel people can be sometimes. It’s equally hard to believe, as fellow reader, that they choose to be so cruel instead of simply choosing not follow/read/whatever. Anyway, your response has made me like you guys even more.
Meg says
Love you guys. Don’t worry about the naysayers!
I’ve got a question, though, that’s probably off-topic for this post, but oh well. What are your thoughts on the funky empty space about kitchen cabinets? There’s really not enough space up there for anything significant. Do you prefer to soffit it for a more streamlined all-the-way-to-the-ceiling kind of look? Or something else? We’ve been contemplating/trying to figure that one out for over a year now and we still haven’t done anything about it. Thanks, and did I mention I love you guys? :)
YoungHouseLove says
Oh we wrote a post about that a while back!
https://www.younghouselove.com/2010/04/email-answer-cabinet-conundrum/
Hope it helps!
xo,
s
Elsie says
This is a wonderful reminder, not just for blogging but for real life. Also, I just have to say how much it impresses me that you take the time to actually read every single one of your comments! Some bloggers just don’t seem to care, but the fact that you do is part of what makes you and your blog so loveable.
Kristine says
You guys are so awesome fantastic. I have read every single post on your blog and continue to every day. Honestly, it’s the only thing I read on a daily basis b/c I don’t really like to read. Hehe. Don’t ever change. I can’t wait till your book comes out. It will probably be the only book I’ll ever read cover to cover, several times. ;) Have a great Sunday!
Anna says
Great advice!
Tonya says
My sweet head-covering wearing Mennonite Grandma would always say with a smile “I am so rich” when talking about her family, but I’ll never forget the day her baking flopped and she announced to us all that her pies got half-assed. I was just a (very shocked) child then but I still laugh out loud when I think of it nearly 30 years later!
YoungHouseLove says
That’s hilarious. She sounds like an awesome lady.
xo,
s
Erin says
I love you guys and your blog, overly enthusiastic and all! This advice is fabulous and I think it applies to dealing with all kinds of nasty-ness in life, not just in blogland. Haters gonna hate.
Jasmine says
I think the fact that you have 900+ comments on this speaks for itself :) Been following you both since early 2010 and despite the fact that there are so many blogs on DIY/home improvement, you guys are my favorite BECAUSE you are so open and just you. It’s one of the best qualities about your blog- the sincerity! Keep up the excellent work :)
Meredith @ Reilly + Copper says
Love this post! As a new blogger I’m still hesitant to post on some of the things I’d like to – just before hitting the ‘publish’ button I still cringe a little bit each time. What if people don’t like it? What if I got a little too personal about ourselves? Maybe I should have waited and thought this post through a little bit further?
Regardless, you’re right on the money with this post! Besides, the people who actually take the time to post or comment in a mean or rude fashion just have some major issues of their own. Maybe making someone else feel bad is their way of making themselves feel better. Tis sad!
Lauren @ Around the World Food says
This is a great post to read, especially for newbie bloggers!
Jenny says
This is a great post! I really love your blog, so keep doing what you’re doing!
Richelle says
I don’t comment much, except for the giveaways :-) but I just wanted to say I loved the pictures in this post!
My hubby and I are currently searching for our first house (for 3 months now) and every time I see an ugly kitchen or something else I don’t love in a house – I think of this blog and all the great tutorials that we could use to make it beautiful. I’ve never done any big DIY remodeling projects but I feel like I could definitely attempt them after seeing you guys do it, so thanks so much for blogging about all your adventures!
Ali Maloy says
A friend of mine sent me a link to your blog in an email. This is the first post I’ve read – and you know what? I’m already hooked. An adorable family, an honest blog post and awesome pictures – hook, line, sinker. Keep up the good work, and thanks for the boost of energy on this chilly winter weekend.
YoungHouseLove says
Aw thanks Ali!
xo,
s