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.
Christy U says
Your blog is a bright spot in my every day! Thanks and keep it up!!!
Jennifer says
I want to be you when I grow up (I’m older than you, but love the mindset). My dad always said “pretty is as pretty does” – basically how you act is what makes you attractive or not, not your physical appearance.
Larissa says
My mom said things like “you’re cruisin’ for a bruisin'” and “how do you like them apples”, but she demonstrates how to live a life of kindness every day.
The thing I love about your blog is that I feel like you are talking directly to me, not 5 million readers. You’re not trying to impress me or fish for compliments or show me how funny you are. You’re just telling me what you did the other day and how it worked out. And you’re doing it with correct grammar and spelling. That is why yours is the only blog I read that doesn’t annoy me even a little bit!
Have a great weekend P-dogs!
Sara says
http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2012/hockey/nhl/01/26/governor.tim.thomas.rude.ap/index.html
I don’t know if either of you have seen this news story,but your post made me think of it. The governor of Massachusetts, in response to a Boston Bruins player skipping a visit to the White House after the Stanley Cup win commented that “It just feels like we are losing in this country basic courtesy and grace.”
I think this is the truth with respect to blog comments, facebook posts, etc., too. I feel that so many people just lack common courtesy any more (and this is not a “oh, you young people don’t respect your elders” type of comment because I’m only 28!) Combine the general lack of courtesy with the anonymity of the internet and people’s rudeness is amplified ten fold because they don’t have to truly stand behind what they say!
I think all the haters should stop their yapping! But since they wont, I’m glad that the two of you have developed ways to deal with the criticism.
Keep doing what you’re doing. I love your blog and I’ll continue to read it – even if every single one of your posts isn’t helpful for something I’m working on in my own home or fails to somehow change my life! lol.
YoungHouseLove says
So interesting! Thanks for the link Sara!
xo,
s
Anne Gore says
To quote Sally from When Harry Met Sally: “You see, [Sherry], this is EXACTLY why I HATE [translation: love] you…I really HATE [translation: love] you!
In other words, what is so utterly awesome about your blog and why I keep reading it is that you guys are so honest, and positive, and kind, and REAL. And, that last piece of advice really comes through in all of your posts and your responses to comments. It really does seem like you guys do everything from a place of love, and THAT is what makes all the difference. Thank you so much for being an inspiration to us readers in sooooo many ways.
Lindsey says
$herdog & J-Boom,
I’ve been following you and your adorable family for about 2 years now (can we say STALKER! actually no…I promise I’m not. I’m really very nice) But there is a reason I keep coming back for more, you’re both just AWESOME! I just love your ideas and watching your house come together. My dad always told me that “attitude is everything” and you both have such a positive outlook even when things don’t go the way you would like. So keep your head up and in the words of Joe Dirt “Keep on, keepin’ on”. xoxo
Leigh Ann says
I’m not a blogger, but I loved this post! We all have to deal with negative critique in life.
My mom always used to tell me what her mother told her– “If you can’t be good, be careful!”
I find that being the “life-advice” I most want to pass on to my students. (I’m a high school teacher.) It applies to so many instances!
Michele says
Great post! Negative comments on blogs always make me cringe a bit. Those cranks need to go have a cookie.
Anna says
Love you guys. Thanks for the positive messaging!
Georgia says
Awww, you guys rock! We feel the love, really we do. I think sometimes it’s easy to misread what people are trying to say (obviously not “your baby is ugly”- i mean, really, who says that?????). I get comments sometimes that I read first off and think that they are negative and then i realise that someone was just trying to be funny or to make a suggestion. I think it’s easy to be a little sensitve ( and most of the time it’s my dad, so i just have to suck it up!). I have two rules for commenting. Say hi if you drop by…not every time, but it’s nice for bloggers to know who their readers are. You wouldn’t peer over your neighbour’s fence at what they are doing without at least giving them a wave…. And say something nice. Simple. Btw, i really liked reading the comments and hearing everyone’s words of wisdom handed down from parents. I should have been taking notes!
YoungHouseLove says
So much fun right? Thanks for sharing those quotes everyone!
xo,
s
Sara says
Hey guys, great post(per usual). I never really thought people would want to waste their time writing/posting mean, hurtful or just plain negative comments. Bummer. I like the variety of your blog, if I didn’t, I would not read it.
PS love C-Wow!! I have never even seen Jersey Shore, but Clara would bring in the ratings with her cuteness.
Nancy says
This post is excellent in so many ways. I know lots of people will appreciate hearing these encouraging words. I think between you and The Nester, people will learn that the only ones who need to be happy with the choices you make are those who have to live with them. I used to work at a big University with incoming freshmen, and I would often find myself reminding them and their parents, “It’s great that you want Johnny to be a doctor/engineer/account/biologist, but he’s the one who has to do the work and he’s the one who has to live with it.” So, kind of the same with blogs, I’d think. I’ve learned so much from y’all, even if I might not chose the same paint color or fabric pattern. There’s a lot of theory and method to be learned if you pay attention. But I know criticism is hard to put out of your mind, somehow. In the immortal words of Julia Roberts in Pretty woman, “The bad stuff is easier to believe. You ever notice that?” It’s too often true for me. So let me affirm that I think y’all are super cool and keep on doing what you do. And what’s up with the tiny smiley-face down here on the far right? Is it just me? Am I losing my mind?!
YoungHouseLove says
That little guys is a tracking thing to track hits! We love that he’s friendly though. 5000 points for noticing. Haha.
xo,
s
Tracy says
I needed to read this today. Thank you!! You guys rock! One of my fave’s that my Mom always said and works every time…kill ’em with kindness. :-) Have a great weekend!
Dana says
I am totally blown away by the paint chips on your Christmas tree comment. It was ingenius!! You guys rock with your randomness and frequent song outbursts. Reading your blog is the highlight of my day and it’s perfect!
David W says
You had me at a bottomless box of Oreos that refills itself while I sleep…
I think your blog is terrific and inspiring and I am looking forward to your book…
and the upcoming Oreo box project.
anna see says
what a great post for blogging and for life!
btw, i might decorate my tree w/ tampon wrappers next year. i’d never thought of that before.
YoungHouseLove says
Aw Anna See! So good to hear from you. And I for one would love to see pics of that tree!
xo,
s
Kristin W. says
Loved this post! As someone without a blog, I think these points are applicable to any kind of criticism, online or elsewhere. They spoke so much to me and I look forward to passing them along to my own kiddos. Very well written!
Sherri says
Sherdog- You are so articulate,witty,and real when you write.(Even when it comes to criticism.)It’s obvious that being true to yourselves and “doing everything in love”(God commands that of us)works. And when I read your reply that someone had said “Your baby is ugly,” I had tears in my eyes. That person needs prayer because Clara is a little ray of light that God has created to shine brightly in this world, and we readers are blessed that you share her with us. Of course we love Burger, you two, and your DIY projects also. It’s all good!!!
Lisa in Seattle says
I think about this issue quite often because I read a *lot* of blogs. It’s heartening to see so many commenters who genuinely do not understand why people would love such nasty notes; this bodes well for us as a species. Truth is, trolling or griefing is a hobby, and they get as much enjoyment out of it as we would from knitting or gardening. It’s not a waste of their time, and if they can get all of us YHL fans riled up over a snarky comment, that’s the big payoff right there. They get the pleasurable brain chemical response that we would get from finishing a scarf or winning a tennis game.
Now I’ll confess the thing *I* don’t get is when people post after you’ve finished something and say, “I don’t like X. Why didn’t you do Y instead?” Those eggs are broken. That omelette is made. That baby has already been brought home from the market.
Readers who are unhappy with the topics you choose to write about, or the style in which you write about them, should be encouraged to visit your customer service department to request a refund of the monthly subscription fee you charge. Oh, wait.
annie says
Sound and timely advice. For anyone – in a job, a blog, etc.
For what it’s worth, I would totally be (or want to be, because heck knows I’m not too normal or cool!) your friend in real life – as do most of my real-life friends. I look forward to my coffee breaks and the morning post with you guys every day!
YoungHouseLove says
Aw thanks Annie. You’re sweet.
xo,
s
sarah says
my little blog is not popular at all, but i love writing on it when i have time, and i wanted to say thanks for this post. you guys are great. keep doing what you have been, and thanks for the encouragement to love in spite of the negativity!
laura says
Awesome post, and so true. I also try to think someone has had a bad day when they are rude or mean, and it makes me be nicer.
I write a lot about my Pop-pop: he always told me that anyone that enters your house (or life or blog!) should leave happier than when they arrived. He also taught me that if someone before you did a job, then you also can do it. He really was affirming to everyone (esp to me as a girl) that I could do anything, and this was someone born in 1905!
Laura
YoungHouseLove says
He sounds totally awesome and full of wisdom.
xo,
s
jrm says
I am a relatively new reader but thank you for sharing everything. You have a wonderfully healthy attitude and perspective. It is refreshing.
Jennifer says
Well said!
kaylan says
i’m sorry, i’m laughing so hard at the idea of paint chips being akin to tampon wrappers. no, no they are not. not on any level. maybe it’s because i have an unnatural love for paint chips (i culled my stash recently and selected a few to be coasters and another set for book marks), but really? tampon wrappers?
anyway. i love your blog. it’s been a great resource as we start to paint every square inch of our apartment (something neither of us have done before). keep on keeping on!
Sonya says
This is great advice even for those of us without blogs,in regards to not taking too much stock in negative criticism or caring too much about what others think. It’s your life, you do what’s best for you. It’s taken me a long time to learn this myself! I loved the $herdog and J-Boom posts because nothing drives me crazier than blogs or Fb posts where people act like they have a perfect life. And OMG, the Cindy Lou Who story made me laugh OUT LOUD!!
Jessica says
I’ve learned that you can’t please everyone. Whether it comes to blogging or not. It’s just not going to happen. That’s why I love this quote:
I don’t know the key to success, but the key to failure is trying to please everybody.
LARY says
I’ve said this many of times, you guys are AWESOME and inspire other bloggers to be better everyday, at least that’s my case :) I know it’s crazy but the fact that you guys share all the things you share makes me feel like we are like neighbors or have known each other for years. I’m pretty sure I’m not the only one who might feel like this and I really enjoy it. That’s why when I see a ceramic animal, or bike art, or anything “Richmond” I think of you guys. My boyfriend makes fun of me all the time cuz of it. At the end, I’m just glad I get to read your blog every week. Btw, my name is spelled Lary but is pronounced “lottie” (it’s spanish)… in case you guys read it as “Larry” and think I’m a guy hahaha It happens to me all the time. I blame my parents lol
YoungHouseLove says
Good to know! We knew you were a girl from previous comments, but never knew the pronunciation! You learns something every day, dontcha…
-John (pronounced boring ol’ “Jawn”)
YoungHouseLove says
Aw thanks Lary! I love that you’re a lady and Lottie is such a sweet pronunciation. Your parents are onto something.
xo,
s
LARY says
Ok. I feel spoiled. I got a reply from both of you! Yey! Have an a awesome weekend guys.
YoungHouseLove says
Aw take care Lary! We love you!
xo,
s
Erin says
I will never understand the snarky attitude some people get. Jealousy is an ugly thing!
A friend told me about your blog 2 years ago and I’ve told SO many other people about it, all of which still read it. Obviously you’re doing something right! :)
Amy says
I am not a frequent poster…but I do know negativity and how hard it can be. I read this quote yesterday and it moved me. Maybe it will move you…
“The most beautiful people we have known are those who have known defeat, known suffering, known loss, and have found their way out of the depths. These persons have an appreciation, a sensitivity, and an understanding of life that fills them with compassion, gentleness, and a deep, loving concern. Beautiful people do not just happen.”
–Elizabeth Kubler-Ross
YoungHouseLove says
Wow. I love it.
xo,
s
Amanda says
I love this post and it has perfect timing! Just last night I saw a comment in a thread on one of those awful snark-blogs where one reader said my design style in my home makes her gag. I wasn’t upset – I was definitely able to laugh about it (she referenced my obsession with yellow and bold patterns, which, um isn’t going anywhere!) but it’s still nice to have the reminder. Plus, the comment was in a thread about home decor blogs and included mostly ones much bigger than me, so I kind of felt special to be included with the big dogs of the blog world! :). Anyways, all that to say thanks for being so awesome and encouraging – your timing is perfect!!
Laura says
As someone who works on the customer service side of a nonprofit, I’d really like to echo what you guys said about #4. It’s been one of the most important things I’ve learned about life through my job! I’ve also discovered that, sometimes, all people are looking for with their negative energy is attention. People just want to be heard! And when you give them your attention and demonstrate that their opinion is acknowledged, sometimes they even forget about their evilness and respond with kindness! I’m sure that we can all think of a time when we were having a terrible day and someone’s kindness turned it around.
jeannette says
Dear Mrs. Petersik:
Inspired by you and your five million hits a month, I am writing to tell you I have started to save tampon wrappers to decorate my Christmas tree in 2012.
I am soliciting you and your five million readers to send me their tampon wrappers, which will be folded into origami toads, witches, and t**dblossoms and sprinkled with pink glitter for attachment starting Dec. 1, 2012.
Merry Christmas to you and your family.
Yours truly
Gandalf the White
YoungHouseLove says
Haha. Now taking tampon wrapper donations…
xo,
s
Megan says
My mom passed away when I was in high school but favorite peice of advice from her was to “Be Mulan, not Snow White.”
Mulan went to battle with her problems. Snow White sat in a forest and cried.
My second favorite peice of advice was to never leave the house without mascara. Equally important in the grand scheme of things, really.
YoungHouseLove says
I love that so much. So sorry for your loss. Your mom sounds like an awesome lady indeed!
xo,
s
Dee says
I post few comments but I make it my business to MIND MY OWN BUSINESS when it comes to telling others how they should —-, or what they should —, or any other “advice” or “criticism”. The anonymity of the internet has really given cowards the ability to hide behind the curtain. I could care less what a perfect stranger thinks about ANYTHING I say, do, think, wear, etc., etc. I think your advice here is spot on and is EXACTLY why you guys have the following you do! Just a couple of “DIY Dorks” (as you call yourselves) doing your thing with love and excitement. You keep on doing what you are doing and ignore the freaks who are compelled to give you their opinion and negativity. That says way more about THEM than it does about you.
Rosemary M. says
Hi YHL+CB!
I don’t know why people waste their time w/ negativity, if you don’t like the content of the blog, click the RED X in the corner and move on!
p.s. How is the washer doing today? I’m anxious to know bc I bought a set almost 1 year ago and i’m nervous about them breaking down on me too.
Thanks!
YoungHouseLove says
It’s fixed! Whirlpool came through for us and sent a service guy out. It turns out I string from our duvet cover had gotten wrapped around the pump. The repair guy (from A&E Solutions) was super nice and even showed me how to fix it next time. Woot!
-John
Rosemary M. says
Awesome! So glad it was something easy.. relief!!
Happy Weekend!
Leslie says
I love your blog! I’ve been following along for years now, and I enjoy seeing your home progress and your family grow. I grew up outside of Richmond, so it’s always neat to see familiar places mentioned. I can’t believe that people can be hateful towards YHL; I truly think that you all are my favorite decorating source but you both also have such a good perspective on life that makes your blog especially worthwhile!
Julia says
My Grandma broke her hip skiing – they had to cut off her pants at the ER and what underwear was she wearing? Holey underwear she had told herself she would throw away after skiing that day :)
YoungHouseLove says
Oh man, that would totally happen to me!
xo,
s
Beth says
Lovely post :)
Kristen says
You guys are crazy amazing and nice, as always. You personally approve every comment (and respond)! You respond to DMs on Twitter, and emails and who knows what else! You all set the bar really high for us other bloggers! Just kidding…but more seriously, I’ve read your blog (almost) since the day it started and the reason we all keep (obsessively) reading is because you are REAL and you manage (through some great writing) to really capture who you guys are. And we love you. No matter what the heck you’re blogging about. It makes me happy to know that you all ARE really happy and your cheerful, optimistic writing has really lifted me up on down days! You give us confidence to keep writing on our blogs, working around our houses, or just feeling good in general about who we are. <3
sophie says
I think the recommendation to just be who you are is probably spot on. I get lots of comments on the professional work that I do (both written work and oral presentations for my work) and some of it can be snarky. But sometimes, it’s just a difference of opinion.
Who cares if somebody hates the colour I chose for my kitchen? It’s mine. And that’s all fine with me. And if they want to say they hate the colour, that’s all good, too. It’s a free world. they’re not saying they hate me; they just don’t agree with my decorating choices. so what?
and ultimately, it’s your blog space. You create it and you moderate the way you best see fit. Doesn’t really matter what anyone else thinks.
Shannon says
I concur and raise a glass to you both! I’ve used your blog as a reference point for myself and friends on DIY and appreciate all your efforts. Keep on keepin on
Shannon
D'Ann says
I love your blog, the subject matter and both of your personalities that come through in your writings. As someone who is childless(and not by choice) I do sometimes find it annoying/difficult when someone’s writing is regularly gushing with parental pride- so I stop reading those. I NEVER get that when reading YHL! You have balance, you are real and you’re real funny too. (and it helps that Clara is so stinkin’ cute!)Something tells me any negative comments you get just make you appreciate the positive ones even more.
Keep on Lovin On.
Allison says
Love you guys! And Sherry – best line ever “There were Care Bears involved”. LOL
Jo @ Jo In the Kitchen says
Oh my goodness, you guys are awesome! I’m so glad you don’t pay much attention to the nay-sayers. Please just keep doing what you do :D
jeannette says
p.s. vadis turner is not the only one who makes hip tampon art.
http://sadiemagazine.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=18&Itemid=44
YoungHouseLove says
Oh my gosh, too funny!
xo,
s
Jodie says
Sherry you are an incredible writer. I don’t have a blog, but your advice definitely resonated with me. Thanks for your words of encouragement!
Sarah says
I think that you guys are absolutely wonderful! Please keep doing what you’ve been doing. Thank you for such an uplifting post!
Katie says
Love your blog, love your creative spirit! I’m a stay-at-home mom with a love for all things home. Thank you for inspiring me daily. The only words worth listening to are true ones.
Keep On!
Mallory says
I’ve generally found that unconstructive negative comments (online and in person) have more to say about the person saying them, than the person they are commenting on.
I live by the rule: “Be kind, for everyone you meet is fighting a hard battle.” ….and secretly feels awkward <— my addition, as someone who tripped over the elliptical machine in front of a crowd at the gym this week – I can't be the only one running into things and putting her foot in her mouth, right? Awkwardness is never alone :)
(Oh, and the quote is Plato's nugget of wisdom according to the internet – not a mom or dad quote and I don't think Plato and I are related, but hey :) )
YoungHouseLove says
Haha, so true. Thankfully awkwardness runs rampant, so we’re never alone.
xo,
s