Update: We hoped to have a Thursday post for you guys but this week didn’t go as planned. So sorry!
Update #2: We’d love your thoughts on this thread that popped up on this post. What are your opinions about smaller posts when we can’t write something juicy? Skip them and just own that we can’t post that day with a little update like this one, or would you rather see something small instead of nothing (like a quick organizing update, a Reader Redesign, a dilemma we’re debating, etc)? Thanks for the feedback!
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Julie says
I agree, I LOVE the shorter posts too. Even if it’s just “things we’re digging.” I like the deeper content (for example, your site is the first I checked when I realized as a new home owner I needed to replace my fence). I think people like the shorter posts, cause if they’re like me, I sneak over and check at work. I love you guys, and 3 posts a week (I’m not counting giveaways), has put me into withdrawals. Not that I don’t support your focus on family, just don’t be afraid to give us some shorter stuff. :) (of course, this is just feedback, and you can’t make everyone happy, so YOU DO YOU)
Melissa says
John & Sherry
I too am a long time reader, back when Clara was just a newborn. I love that you are branching out! Book(s), Home-A-Rama, hook line at Target, Shades of Light partnering etc! Plus with two little people I know your days must be pretty hectic….. But I too miss the quick posts (especially on giveaway days and even moreso on days I am looking forward to a new post!)
Work/Life balance is so important and I LOVE your content, and I will continue reading regardless..but I have to agree the little quick posts are refreshing if your schedule won’t allow a full blown post.
Amy says
I haven’t read through all these comments, but here’s another one! :)
I like the idea of smaller in-between posts. Maybe a status of what’s going on elsewhere in the house (even in the midst of crazy, just a “real life” update), or something like what you used to post on Young House Life. Or shoot, make the weekly Teddy project a post maybe?
Danielle says
I’ve seen this mentioned to and I can’t believe how much time is spent on commenting on this blog. I imagine this is why you got so popular to begin with and the more people comments the better the blog does, but it has to take a full time job of one person just sitting there commenting. it drives me crazy when i see copy and paste comments on multiple comments asking the same thing. that has to take so long in the grand scheme of things (understanding doing it once only takes a second but i’m sure it adds up). i think it would be a wiser use of time to moderate a couple of times, maybe update the post in red like you did to this one with comments on the most popular questions and move on. you said you have scaled back but i don’t see it on the silly comments – you could probably do 2 posts 5 days a week again if you didn’t comment so much. i personally would rather see more content and less identical comments.
Shannon says
Hello!!
I have a son who was born just two weeks before Teddy and can totally appreciate how hard it is to find a work/life balance. I look forward to the day when I can figure that out for myself (will that ever happen?!).
YHL is absolutely my go-to for all things home and diy related. I check your site 1st before doing any project to see if you’ve ever tried it or to get the step by step skinny on how it should be done.
I wonder if you’ve ever considered incorporating guest bloggers into your weekly content? This could be something incorporated into the regular schedule or saved in the cue for light weeks. It seems like you are well connected and that there are lots of great bloggers out there that I don’t know about (because I exclusively follow you guys). Just a thought!!
I will remain a devoted follower no matter what.
Love!
Ashley says
Instead of a post, another take on this (in place of a post) would be for you to link to a blogger/article/website of something/someone cool you read lately…kind of sharing the love but still expressing your opinion. I’m always looking for new websites to read and never know where to start, etc. Centsational Girl does something similar once in a while.
I get the sense you are struggling with continuing on with the blog without incorporating too much personal–so it’s coming off as disingenuous (although, I don’t think that’s the intent). I also think you are a bit contradictory–you say you want to cut back because “you never intended for the blog to get so big” (paraphrasing from your previous post about “cutting back”) but then you respond to the same comment over and over or talk about how you have book stuff and other side projects…which is totally fine (and fun!) but it’s not consistent and comes off badly. I work, have small kids, so I get the time crunch but it’s kind of like, ok, work smarter, not harder.
I’ll still read, but I agree the website isn’t as exciting as it once was.
p.s. I do love that you are starting to look at more quality pieces now and not just going the cheap way–kudos!
Megan says
I personally would like something small on the days you can’t post anything too lengthy as I really look forward to your posts!
Sally says
Since finding your blog several years ago, I love how you open up about your life, teach us everything you know, and still have time to raise a family.
In my humble opinion, people need to back off! Your blog is still amazing and you provide awesome content.
Be true to yourselves and do what you think is best for your family and for your well being.
There isn’t enough space or time to address all these comments and snide remarks coming your way. People, get a grip, Young House Love, isn’t here to always make your “day”.
Love you guys, keep up the fantastic work. I will always follow you no matter what!!!
Jenny says
I like the technical posts, and have been LOVING the laundry room remodel. Possibly because I’m super jealous of your slick solution to a problem I have (yucky, boring laundry). I don’t love some of the smaller posts like “hey I rearranged the mantle, or look some fresh flowers” but I know others do. I do enjoy window shopping or other “sourcing” posts because it’s opened my eyes up to vendors that I didn’t know about. I liked the Friday “Reader dilemma” posts too.
I think y’all are doing great, and as a mother to a 6 month old and 3 year old, I get that sometimes life has to hit pause or slowdown and I respect and admire you for doing it.
Krista says
I’d love the idea of more frequent mini-posts rather than bi-weekly super detailed posts! Reader redesigns? – YES! Design conundrum posts? – BRING IT! Do I care if your projects are posted in real time? – HECK NO! More quirk, family life, etc.; less technical construction how-tos? – PRETTY PLEASE!
Marianne in Mo. says
There’s a line in a song I keep hearing in my head….”don’t go changin’, to try and please me”. Do what you need to for your life! You aren’t new to this, and seem to know what you’re doing. I appreciate no sponsored posts, and if I just ONCE could win a giveaway I’d be happy with those. (I’m convinced that only other bloggers win them, JMO) I like short posts rather than long, but sometimes long is required. In other words, I’m mostly happy with you guys!
Dana Leigh says
I am actually on the fence with this one. I will admit, I miss the amount of blog activity. BUT, Your life has changed and , as a result, your blogging will progress naturally into the next phase. I think we blog followers, or followers of anything else for that matter, are resistant to change. It’s human nature, we are creatures of habit. Heck, look at the uproar when IOS 7 came out with a new look, lol. I think since a lot of your activity behind the screen (book duties, etc) are left unseen, it’s easy to forget that you have other commitments that demand your time. Do what makes you happy …. and the rest will follow.
Kaze says
I agree with Dana Leigh. I’m really on the fence! At the very least, you two have evolved on a number of levels since you started this blog, to say nothing of your family’s growth and other factors. So, I guess I’d say, “Don’t be the 40-year-old trying to be 16 years old again.” To continue with the pursuit-of-perpetual-youth-and-what-once-was theme, I’d say, “Dress and act your age, but remember the sense of possibility that you had at 16? Recapture that!” Don’t try to revert to your “hip, younger self,” but incorporate your younger self’s sense of optimism and adventure, if that makes sense.
To echo Dana Leigh, “Do what makes you happy… and the rest will follow.” Whether it looks like pumping up the blog or eventually phasing it out, do what’s best for you (and the kiddos (and Burger!) and your families).
Robin says
I would rather a smaller post than nothing at all. Also, I don’t think you need to monitor comments on these posts either. Overall, just prefer that you stick to your blogging schedule.
Amanda says
I love the Reader Redesigns! Reading them and linking to their blogs is how I have added several of the blogs to my blog reader. They are also great inspiration. What I appreciate about your blog is how real life it is. I think the small posts about organization or simple updates (like the soup cans for Clara’s crayons) are great. They are simple projects that spark inspiration in others and they would not have to be a lot of content. Just a paragraph or two and a few pictures (which I’m sure is more time consuming for you than in sounds).
Lindsay S says
Y’all…I’ve grown up with you. I’ve been reading since, I don’t know, 2006? Earlier? At that time…I didn’t have a house. I barely even had a room to call my own. I read anyway. And then I got engaged and used some of the backyard wedding DIY tips that you all suggested. I used what blog posts I could as we lived rentals for the past 4 years. I saved the cloth diapering post for when we did decide to have a baby. I made my own art because we were too poor to invest in any at the time. And then we bought a house! And had a baby! And we ripped out carpet/laid hardwoods ourselves and installed a diaper sprayer and made a crib skirt and gutted/re-did our kitchen and bathrooms and are in the middle of a giant landscaping redesign. So much of this has been made possible because y’all gave us the ideas. A girlfriend didn’t know where to start regarding her massive radon problem…and I actually had info to send her way–your radon posts. I love the “life” posts and the DIY posts…I’ll love whatever you all want to give us. You’re growing and changing, too, and I’m sure have irons in the fire that we don’t know about because you’re not ready to share yet. This is your blog. This is your space. This is YOUR LIFE. Share what you want to share. What you’re comfortable sharing. Not what some people think they’re entitled to learn about you. Yes, I love the “life’ posts, and things that have nothing to do with home improvement but have everything to do with life improvement. Nonetheless…know that there are followers who will always read what you have to say, because you’ve become a part of our lives.
Jen C. says
I actually like that you are posting less often. Gives me, as a reader, breathing space too. I do, however, miss your posts about smaller projects about decorating, party planning, or small improvements that don’t take much time – e.g., balloon garland (a favorite in my house), planters, etc.
Reader redesigns are also interesting, and I don’t think we’ve seem many of those recently.
I’ve also enjoyed posts on topics such as what to look for in thrift shops, how to save money, etc.
Your blog is terrific, and I will keep reading. Thanks for putting it out there!
Kate says
I think your content is great, and I’ll continue reading no matter what. But since you brought up Reader Redesigns, I thought I’d mention that I LOVE them. They’re quick before and afters, and that is what us DIY junkies love most – seeing instantaneous results! Quite frankly, I’d read a blog where every day is a reader redesign.
Donna says
I would prefer small filler posts as long as it doesn’t compromise your goal of more family time.
Kristen says
At least something small!! Y’all are my daily jam and my mood kinda deflates when I come to YHL and there’s no post for the day — Is that sad? haha
Catherine says
Blogging moves in seasons and this season reminds me a bit of when you built that beast of a deck. Once it is over I am sure smaller tweaking posts will be around. Hugs!
Susan says
Bring back posts and videos of the kiddos! Those would be great (and hugely popular) posts! I know you wanted to separate family posts from home/DIY posts, but perhaps you can reconsider??
Calla says
One more vote here for posts such as Reader Redesigns and maybe decorating/DIY dilemmas when you can’t swing a juicier post. I also seem to recall readers writing in and asking for advice for specific projects (not sure what that feature is/was called but they’d send in pictures of the space and explain how they were stuck), and I would imagine a lot of commenters would love digging into those if you guys don’t have the time to do it as thoroughly as you normally would. (The organization posts don’t do a lot for me just because I find organization is very case-by-case – the space and stuff different people have can vary so much that most of the time I don’t find organization advice very useful.)
And for what it’s worth, I don’t really read the technical updates because I’m a renter these days and have no need to know how to (for example) hang a door right now. If/when I become a homeowner I’m sure I’ll search your site for that kind of thing, so just because it isn’t my jam now doesn’t mean it never will be.
jill says
I love your site regardless and think you are doing a good job balancing. With that said, I also LOVE your quick little posts about organizing, etc. Thanks for sharing your lives with us!
Julianne says
I personally love all posts from you guys and they don’t have to be juicy every time. If it works for you & your family, a reader dilemma, organization tips, etc. would be wonderful! :O)
Colleen says
Hi guys, I come to your website for decorating, re-doing and general home ideas. I’m not very interested in the play-by-play of home remodeling, per se. I tend to go through your galleries, and look at the posts that suit me, i.e.: raising shower curtain, paining front door, decorating with plants, painting some weird object to refresh it….. thats my purpose in visiting your site. When you cannot make your post for a day, I just wouldn’t do anything, no need to ever apologize! Keep up the great work YHL!!!
EJ says
Hey guys, fellow GenXY-cusper here. From a personal level – I think you have hit this weird threshold/micro-crisis that many of us in our early 30s are going through right now – we aren’t as new and fresh and young as we were in 2008, and our voice is tracked in the public view,so we have tangible evidence of that evolution – but we’ve gone through a lot of life changes that make our experience and voice valuable and relevant to a broad audience as well – yet at the same time, because of that, our priorities are shifting, and it is really hard to strike a balance. You can’t please everyone, but I think first and foremost you need to give some thought to how you and your target audience have evolved in the last few years, and focus on the things that are most relevant there. So obviously parenting is the center of life right now, but maybe focus on how you approach the mix of parenting/working/DIY since that balance is critical and super relevant. Show how you prioritize projects based on family needs/finances/etc. Kid friendly decor. What you want to work on next. Don’t lose your tone, but keep evolving, keep growing, and don’t fear the feedback!
Ellie says
I agree – would love to see your window shopping, reader redesigns, etc. I would even love posts about including/choosing artwork and photos in your home. I completely understand the craziness with 2 little ones (I have a 3 year old and a 1 year old) but miss the little updates and suggestions. Congrats on the new laundry room though!
Adira zbenklifa says
I miss youre reader redesigns….. any post is better than none!
Tasha says
Post a survey! I got through maybe the first quarter of the comments and then scrolled to the bottom. I suggest you just make a post out of the whole issue. Survey everyone about what they would like. What types of filler posts would they read versus what they wouldn’t. Then make another post about your findings. Then everyone can SEE what your reader base wants and then they can’t cry if it’s not what they wanted specifically.
I love what you do…how you do it. Thanks!
Kimm says
I understood the pulling back when baby #2 was born, totally understandable.
I have read your blog daily for years. Loved reading it every day even if sometimes your ideas were not my taste. There have always been more that I love or can take an idea and work it for myself.
Honestly now, I find your blog very very boring. There is nothing “family” oriented about it, it seems to be completely John focused. The “Sherry/John/Burger/Clara stuff was fun along with all the DIY blogging stuff.
Now it just seems like you are thinking too hard to find something to post. Like your hearts are not into it at all.
You are either a “professional blogger” or you aren’t.
Maybe blogging as a whole is not as popular as it used to be, who knows. I for one feel a real switch in your style and it isn’t making me want to keep coming back day after day.
Please just consider this as a “comment box” comment. If I was visiting my fave store or restaurant and things had changed drastically, I would let them know what I liked before all the changes.
Best to you and your family,
Kimm
Christina says
Since you asked, some disorganized thoughts:
I’ve enjoyed the blog consistently since I found it during your second house’s kitchen renovation. I check in daily, and while it has changed over the years and at times is less relatable to my own life…that’s cool. I’m a mid-20s, child-free, apartment renter, so while I haven’t been able to apply big chunks of the current house content to my own life, it’s still fun to read. Heck, I read Manhattan Nest, and that blog is entirely heavy home renovation.
PLUS, I get to read all of this content, ogle all of this eye-candy, and get tips on sources for free. I’m not entitled to a post every time I expect a post. That said, I wouldn’t scoff at a cute picture or mid-project teaser on days when a complete post isn’t possible.
Some commenters have suggested that you spend less time on comments, but we all know that’s one thing you do that makes your blog special and keeps readers coming. I think it’s a silly suggestion.
TL;DR, little posts here and there would be a nice addition to the recent content. Thanks for all the work you do, you guys!
Kari says
YHL- I discovered your blog almost a year ago and check it every morning at work. It is my mid morning treat to take a few minutes from the craziness of my morning…sip the last bit of my coffee and jump into DIY/decorating world! Sadly, I agree with Susan M and Luke. I completely understand scaling back and the laundry room re-do, however, many people are working full time and raising kids and can’t scale back nearly as much as you have lately. The second book will be great no doubt, but your blog is where I feel connected to you (whether be a large project or a simple reorganize/re-design). The blog gives myself and many readers something to look forward to each morning while we slave away at desk jobs when we would rather be completing all the fun projects you two are doing! The fab freebies are very generous, but in reality few of us will actually win one. If you don’t have time to share a project of your own, then I agree with the other posts…window shopping, kid related, house crashing, etc. This feedback is sent with love and in hopes you find it helpful!
Heather says
I still love your blog and check every single day for updates! My husband and I would probably never attempt any of the crazy (in a good way!) updates that y’all do so I don’t always read the details but I love to see your ideas and how they all come together to make such beautiful rooms! I think Sherry is AMAZING at decorating bookshelves and tables, especially for holidays and would love to see more of those posts because I am terrible at that! And who can’t use more organizational tips?!? Whatever you decide to do, I’ll still be excited when I see a new post!
eica says
I vote for shorter, quick posts and more personal posts about your family!
Rachel says
I was a daily reader since house 1, but this year I’ve only been checking in a few times a month.
1) The lack of content is frustrating because this is two people’s full-time job.
2) I don’t care about books, doorknobs, lighting, showhouse…stick to what you are good at (blogging)
3) It seems like your time is not being used wisely. Stop moderating comments. Stockpile posts for when unexpected things pop up. Get Child care. Hire an intern or assistant. (you don’t have to tell us!)
4) My style has matured over the past five years, but I don’t see any growth in your design knowledge. I wish you would take classes or read books about basic design principles (scale, balance, etc.)
Amber says
To your 4th point – They have a book out, they show up on TV every now and then, they speak at conferences, they HAVE A LINE AT TARGET, did a show house, have some other mystery project and I’m sure I’m missing some things… but anyway, I don’t know what your standards are, but I’d say they’re doing “ok.” With or without you seeing any growth. :)
Sarah K says
Hi there –
First off, I don’t know how you are going to get through all of these comments! Hope you are comfy on the couch reading through them all.
Like many of your other ‘fans’ I have followed you since the first house and have come to check in on a daily basis. I find you to be inspirational in a diy/decorating sort of way, but also as people in general. You have accomplished so much in your years together. Don’t forget to stop and recognize how far you have come, and enjoy that achievement.
As far as the blog goes, I don’t mind the less frequent posts, but if you were to add some short filler type posts, I for one, would vote for before/afters. Those are the most interesting to me, and not knowing what it takes to produce a post, I would think pictures are easier than lots of words. You have also built up a large enough fan base where you probably have a great talent pool to dip into. I have designed 4 rooms in my house from scratch and am working on the fifth one now. I use mood boards without knowing what they were called ;-). I would be thrilled to share those with you/your blog. As for the budget blooms and other small posts, those seem more like fluff than quality to me.
With all that being said, I think you are doing a great job and honestly wouldn’t change a thing if it is working for you. Thanks for your consideration. Sarah in CT
Beth says
Hi! I am a long time follower and I have loved your blog. I’ve always appreciated, above all, it’s dependability (and fantastic content). Anyway… I think mixing in shorter posts with longer ones would be nice. I wouldn’t want to have only shorter posts – but if I were choosing between a short post and no post, I would pick short.
I’m sure you are busy, busy and I’m glad that you have the flexibility that you do! But recently I’ve been disappointed with the general lack of content. It’s alway sad to pop in to see that there isn’t a post when it’s expected.
Kismet says
The way I see it you are basically down to 3 posts a week because one day is a give away and of those posts most are John’s who is (love you, John) too wordy.
I would love to see even a morning breakfast table aftermath pic rather than scroll and scroll and scroll. We do need those post occasionally but not every week.
Do what you need to do but please try to include more of the everyday.
Jennifer says
For whatever reason I feel like I have to throw in my two cents.
I like the heavy stuff posted every so often. While it’s nice to see what other people are doing & trends are changing, I can figure out how to style my bookshelves and pick a paint color on my own. And if I just “have to have” that purple bowl on Claras dresser, I’ll google it. (Every blog I read, someone ask for somethings source!!)
Kudos to you both for trying to find a balance on the crazy working parents thing. Good Luck!
maclaine says
Long time reader and I totally respect the changes in direction that your blog has taken over the years. I too would love to see more small, simple posts interspersed with the complex, technical posts. I sometimes wonder if you are holding yourselves to an almost painfully high standard with your posts. The detail in your writing and the sheer number of pics you must help you to not have to go back and answer as many questions after publishing but I myself would be happy with your thoughts and maybe just a couple pics. Either way, you have me hooked and if this is the format that is working for you in this season in your life, I’ll still be here :)
Valerie says
Hi Sherry & John,
I love your blog! Honestly, your blog is the only one I check out on a daily basis. I have two young children as well, so I completely understand the chaos and lack of time in the day. I really like the idea of smaller posts, when you don’t have time for the longer ones. Keep up the awesome work! And I can’t wait to buy your second book! Your first one is sitting on a shelf in my office. All the best to you and your beautiful family! :)
April says
First, I’m a huge fan. Second, I totally understand and support your decision to scale back. Since you asked (and I’d be ok if you didn’t and just did what works for you) here are my thoughts.
1. I could care less about giveaways. Seriously. One person wins and it’s like a giant ad for the rest of us.
2. Your content lately has been fine. Yes, more technical than your average post but fine.
3. Yes please add more short but sparky posts. Reader re-designs, budget blooms, and smaller posts about pillows, craft projects, kid stuff, how you deal with x, how you organize x, etc. are great and enjoyable reads too.
4. Sadly to be honest, I whole heartedly agree that I’d rather see a smaller post than no post at all. From a business perspective, it keeps you current and relevant. You can’t redo a kitchen every post, but that would get boring everyday. So feel free to break it up. Write more honestly. Write more often, but write less!
Always a fan!
Ashley says
I miss house crashing posts, those were always fun to see because it showed different types of styles.
I liked the cloth diaper and living simple posts.
I like the giveaways.
I liked the family stuff as well, but I also appreciate that your children are getting older & you’re becoming more “known” so you may be rethinking things from a privacy concern. It’s a free to read blog, you don’t owe “us” (the reader) anything, especially from your personal life.
From the professional side of course you want to keep readership up, I like the idea of stock-piling smaller posts for busy days.
I support the cutting Fridays and afternoons out, you have to find the balance.
I like the technical posts mixed in with the style stuff. Do I skim most of the technical ones? Yes initially, but I come to this blog first when I’m doing technical work at home and search for things I’ve seen you do in the past. I also find the budget sharing very helpful.
Maybe a good way to satisfy both sides of it is to not worry about showing us your technical updates in real time, space them out with unrelated small stuff in between.
Also, you’ll never make everyone happy, so don’t sweat it too much.
When I see small lines like “hey can’t post today, sorry” I appreciate the heads up (yes I’d rather a filler post) but I also stick with the idea of, I don’t know what’s up with your life and it’s not really my business. Maybe it’s just a busy day, maybe something huge and terrible happened within your family. You don’t owe us an explanation of which.
One of my favorite quotes: “Be kind, for everyone you meet is fighting a hard battle you know nothing about.”
Whew that was long.
Have an awesome day! Still loving the blog.
Renee says
“Maybe a good way to satisfy both sides of it is to not worry about showing us your technical updates in real time, space them out with unrelated small stuff in between.”
Love this!
Definitely appreciate the heads up vs showing up for no post.
Kathleen says
Two more cents from a regular reader:
Kudos to you for scaling back. You can always work more, but you will never again have this kind of time to invest in your kiddos!
I like the meaty posts more, but also enjoy the lighter, little postings. Anyone who doesn’t can just skip over them, especially if you call it what it is – we don’t have time for a big post today, but here’s a little tweak you may enjoy……
Erin Hernandez says
L-O-N-G time reader here- at LEAST 5 years! Still check in pretty much daily- except Friday ;) Bottom line, we are spoiled! You guys have always provided such rich content and a warm, cozy place to come and imagine possibilities within our own homes. I am thrilled that the two of you have been able to turn what you love to do into a business to support your family. I do miss daily posts (who wouldn’t?) but as a working mom I totally get the need for balance and commend you on being brave enough to find it! I have always been most inspired by posts that represent something I can do in my own home to make it better- quickly and on a budget! I also really enjoy and seek out the product reviews you guys do while working on larger projects. Reader Redesign posts are nice because many times they show us, with a little ingenuity and diy power, we too, can improve the space we live in. Congratulations on all your success and I can’t wait to see where your blog takes me in the next 5 years!!
Rebecca says
I love your blog, I have been reading for a few years. I was bummed when you said you were scaling back, BUT completely understand. It makes sense! I miss seeing the daily posts but it hasn’t stopped me from checking everyday. I think one of my favorite things about your blog is there is always something different, you have big projects, little projects, life updates, house crashing, giveaways, etc. I like house crashing, reader redesign, update on design choices you made (i.e. concrete counters or painting the fridge) posts. I really like the get on that already or pinterest challenge posts. Change is hard, not everyone is going to like it but at the end of the day you have to do what’s best for you. I don’t mind smaller posts – but not if it’s just to have a post.
Cat says
So I very rarely comment on any site, and I don’t maintain any kind of online identity. That said, I have been reading your blog, in some capacity, since before the name change. I’m nearly the same age as you, have found my “forever” home just like you, and have started my family, just like you. I would speculate, based on all that, that I should be an ideal target reader, and identify with your story and challenges.
I just don’t. I no longer check daily, and I no longer even check weekly. Here’s why:
I find your choices over the past several months/years questionable–and not just related to our different design aesthetic. Your “forever home choices” seem shortsighted, almost like they’re made for the lowest common denominator of ease/access/price. Ikea/Target/Homegoods was my go-to in my early 20s, but not anymore.
I also find the way you cope with criticism unsavory and not befitting of two hard-working thirtysomethings. I find your tone veers to justification/defense/deflection more than genuine introspection. This doesn’t signal “grown up” and makes me identify even less with your choices. I sometimes imagine me saying these types things to my colleagues; I shudder at what their reaction would be.
You both are at home with your children–such a luxury. Your potential for project production is so much greater than most. Yet the work that is visible from your blog is quite honestly less than I believe most typical couples (even those with little ones) can and do achieve in a weekend of effort. In a nutshell, I believe that is the essence of your issue. When you exclaim “OMGSOBUSY” or the like, but take days off, jet to park/beach/festival and produce little for your readers, I just have to laugh, because you seem so out of touch with the challenges that most families face in balancing work/life. Not relatable, not worth reading. You may be busy with side projects, but in that case this blog is hardly a full time job, right?
To sum up, since this has gottne a bit out of hand:
I would NOT want your blog supplemented with more pictures/stories/quotes/etc of/from your children. Like all children, they are lovely, but I feel sad for them they won’t get the opportunity to craft their own online identity from the ground up, when they are old enough to make informed decisions for themselves.
I don’t value techincal step-by-step posts/tutorials the way many do, and really never have. I mean absolutely no offense, but when I need advice on a home matter, I seek it out from experts, those with certified experience, aprpopriate tools, etc. I don’t refer to another couple bumbling through projects and road testing things for the first time.
No more exclamations of how busy you are or how tired you are–that’s everyone who balances life/family/work–many with jobs out of home.
What I would like are posts that reflect the fact that you, have in fact grown up. I would like to see your style evolve, and an honest assessment of your needs/rationale for your design choices, even if they do end up being the cheapest/most accessible option. If I felt truly that you were being honest and forthright in your assessments, I’d be much more likely to pick up reading once again. I want you to succeed and I want to love your blog. I just need it to grow and mature.
Ashley says
Wow, the fact that you took the time to write this long “essay” this astounds me. Just go find another DIY blog to read if you are that upset about things. Geez.
abby says
This is the best comment I have seen. I am also getting tired of the OMG so busy. This is two people’s full time jobs.
I’ll admit it, I wish I was so lucky that I could do what you do and still get paid. At times it seems like you essentially bang out a couple of projects at nap times, hit publish and then have time to do whatever you want. I wish! I have to paint an office after I worked 8 hours a day.
I’ve seen the day in the life posts and I know most of the day is spent responding to comments. That’s not DIY-ing. That is being so “omg famous” on the internet.
I still click though because someone you’ve gotten most of us trained like Pavlov’s dogs. You made more money in one day not even posting than I probably make in one week.
So like I said, I’d love to see more of anything getting done because I don’t get how so much nothing qualifies as a job. But I’m still jealous that my boss doesn’t care that I just had a baby and won’t “understand while I scale back” So Kudos that you’ve found a gig that lets you coast. That part is super impressive.
Jessie says
I agree completely. 100%.
Christina says
I’m with Ashley. This critique is judgmental and based on some heavy assumptions.
Melanie says
I completely agree with this assertion. Especially with the ‘junk over quality’ nature of the majority of their home purchases. Whatever the ‘spark’ in this blog was…it feels gone.
sharon says
I agree with Luke, OBH, etc. I miss Sherry’s voice on small things like switching up place settings or restyling a shelf, going window shopping, etc. I’m a huge DIY fan as well, but all laundry room all the time has lost my interest. In short, YES to shorter posts as needed! Variety is the spice of life, eh?
xo, Sharon
Theresa W says
Adding my 2cents as a longtime reader – I love ALL the posts! No matter what you decide, as long as family totally comes first, you’ll win. Always.
With that said, I love little posts just as much as the big ones! Remember the post from waaaaay back when your washer and dryer were scheduled to arrive any second? so fun! I enjoy stuff like that and posts I with tips that I can use in my every day life (like re-styling shelves and tips for pantry organization – I just bought that hanging bread shelf you have and I’m in love with it!!)
I guess all that is to say I don’t need a million pretty pictures or pages of details to feel like I read a ‘good’ post. I just love hearing about your day-to-day life. Please don’t feel like some things ‘aren’t good enough.’ Thank you for all you do and share!!
Christy Niebaum says
Personally, I’d rather get a little something than nothing. But really, you have a newborn, so if you don’t have time to post, you don’t have time to post. I totally get it.
Amber says
It’s so sweet that you care so much about what we want.
I agree with many others that things have been a bit slow and disappointing lately. I figured you were still adjusting to life with 2 kids and that you’d pick up again soon.
But in the interest of not losing readers and income, I think small, simple posts would be great. You probably don’t need to write as much as you think you do. I think this blog is at it’s best when you guys mix up small and big projects and don’t get too heavy in either direction. We also love family updates!
Whatever you decide, please keep blogging! You guys are great!