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!
Curtains can make the room. And pillows, well, you can never have too many (at least according to my pillow obsessed wife). This week someone’s going to win $500 to spend at Martha & Ash, a family business that’s focused on fabric goods with quality and craftsmanship. You can splurge on pillows, dog beds, or score yourself some custom drapes, like a striped or two toned option in your choice of over 25+ colors.
Please use the Rafflecopter widget below to enter (it might take a second to load, but it should eventually pop up below this paragraph). This giveaway is available anywhere in the world!
Carrie M says
I’ve noticed that your content is a bit lackluster these days but I figure it’s just a matter of time before things get more exciting. Things, people, and even blogs change and evolve. I’ve been reading you guys for several years now, and I still really enjoy the posts you do.
As far as people’s opinions about this is your job and you shouldn’t use kids as an excuse, I really don’t think you’ve done that at all. And I’m a mom of two little ones (5 and 11 mos) and my husband and I both work full time. You warned your readers that you would be cutting back to focus on your family, so I’m not sure why people are so miffed.
At any rate, my preferences for content are less giveaways and more small posts. Another poster made a great point that she likes to read about your take on things, not some picture on pinterest. I agree, your writing and personability is always what has drawn me in. So definitely more of that is welcome!
Regardless of what you choose, I love the blog!
Danielle says
So interesting reading through some of these comments…what I find interesting is that basically you guys had a really busy week…I am guessing the book…and were only able to post the giveaway…which you post only once every week…on Tuesday…and lots of people got upset…and I think the last time you took a week off was to go on vacation?!? I have been reading since your first house, when you had a different name and I can honestly say you are probably one of the most consistent and hard-working blogs out there. Even your “cut-back” schedule still posts more than most blogs. So the last week or two has been really technical with the laundry room. Good for you for teaching yourself those skills and why shouldn’t you put it on the blog. And so maybe the two weeks before that were more light with family and design. The bottom line is your blog has always had a really good mix of design, DIY, and family which is why all these people still come back. It is very easy to sit at home on a computer and criticize and suggest do this and do that but I don’t know many people that could manage everything that John and Sherry do…I love your blog…I think you are great at what you do…and complainers will always find something to complain about…my thoughts:)
shells says
I still love your blog and check it every day as I always have. Personally I still like the content, but the one thing that I REALLY miss is the house crashing posts (virtual or otherwise). Also, I REALLY appreciate that you don’t have “sponsored posts” where someone gives you a freebe and you create an advertorial around how much you love it, an overload of those drove me away from another blog that I used to enjoy.
Fran says
I am a former stay at home Mom. My kids are grown now. I stayed home with my kids until my youngest was in first grade and then I worked part time while they were in school. It was the BEST job I have had. I don’t think anyone that works full time and has kids has any idea what they are missing!! Kudos to John that he gets to witness the amazement!!! As far as your posts —well this still is a new house and there are major changes you are making. That is why the posts are long. Down the road you can set a table scape or whatever. Keep up the good work and enjoy your kids! Remember opinions are like _____ everyone has them. (fill in the blank anyway you want)
Jennah says
^ that hurts. We know what we’re missing. Some of us don’t have a choice. :/
Mandi says
That was a very rude and ignorant thing to say about parents who work full time jobs. OF COURSE they know what they’re missing. When you’re a single parent you don’t have the luxury of staying home with your kids full time. Sometimes both parents have to work because they don’t make enough money for one to stay home. Think before you say things like that, not everyone is in the same financial situation as you.
Lora says
I never read the comment section of posts. I kind of forget it’s even there. However, the update to this post prompted me to follow the link. Wow, some statements are a bit much.
The TECHNICAL aspects and photos to show your process have been SO HELPFUL in understanding the project. You guys are up to some major renovations these days. Maybe surpassing the stereotypical DIY. I know you appreciate your readers and are always so gracious with complaints. You may loose (or disgruntle) some, but gain others, looking for information on larger projects. It will balance. It’s an ebb and flow and you post about what you are working on at the time. I’m always thankful for the attention to detail, photos and thought you put into each post. You even go into explantation of what approaches didn’t work and why. I just wanted to weigh in – I really enjoy your blog, keep doing whatever you’re doing!
stacey armstrong says
I absolutely adore your blog. You have invited us all in and made us feel like friends… that ability to connect to so many different types of people is a true gift. I have even caught myself saying to my husband, “Maybe we should consider moving to Richmond, VA.” We live in Vegas and there is no reason for us to move to VA. We’ve never even been. In his eyes it is probably the most random thing I’ve ever said… twice. :) I want deer in my backyard too.
I LOVE the technical posts! And, just because they may not be relevant to my life that day doesn’t mean they will not be later. All the larger projects I have tackled myself have been because your uber-detailed instructions made me feel like I could. They are invaluable! AND, the tech posts mean we get to hear from John more often… I love that!
From my point of view, there is nothing I dislike about the site. As a long time reader, I understand that you are adjusting to your new life. That’s awesome! I’m still going to click to visit everyday.
Okay, here are a couple things swirling around in my head for your super busy days when you’re both crushed:
1. Loved the family blog… even just a little family update would bring many of us a big smile. Those Clara Convos are amazing. I laugh every.single.time.
2. Maybe have a contributor from another blog for the day? You once had Bonnie from Going Home to Roost (who I also read everyday) and I was psyched!
3. Products you love or items you’ve seen that are on your wish list. I love that your product reviews are all based on your actual experience with them and not because you were paid.
4. House Crashes… I love seeing other peoples decorating styles.
If you have to type, “Sorry we ran out of time and couldn’t post today.” Well, okay… that’s life. I get it. I’m a reasonable human. Cool, I’ll check back tomorrow… :)
Lastly, I just want to add that I totally respect you guys and the time you invest into your blog/business. There are so many countless hours that are put into running a successful family business that are never “seen” by the public. I can empathize. #grandhustle
xo
Emily @ Table + Hearth says
There are a million opinions contributed already but I just wanted to add my 0.02 that a) I would prefer smaller posts on busy days, b) and would LOOOOVE if you brought back Reader Redesigns for some of those busy days. I will always be a reader so whatever you guys do is fine with me, I love anything y’all talk about :)
kg says
Count me as a reader forever, since H1. But I don’t come that much anymore either. Are you surprised, shocked by this? I can’t imagine you are, you had to feel the shift in your readers as much as the readers felt the shift in you.
Showhouse started it, IMO. You just became so completely distracted, readers began to feel left out, disengaged, under appreciated I guess. Hurt, angry. Even cheated on.
Sounds kind of weird when I write it, but one thing that has always set YHL apart is their relationship with the readers.
It’s bound to get spooky, creepy at times, and even scary with the littles now. You created a relationship – and relationships can’t survive when one stops sharing, stops engaging. Even in this weird online way. Over and over you hear people say they “miss you”, they want to hear from you, they need you, and your “heart” isn’t in it. That’s a relationship.
So I guess the answer is Dr.Phil. LOL Not really! Just whether you want to continue this relationship or not. If you do, you turn INTO the relationship, not out. The books, the showhouse, target – it all has to come second. (god i do sound like drphil eep). But if you are done, don’t string us along. Let us know, let us down easy but cleanly. Hope you figure it out!
Aoife says
Am I don’t agree. I loved the show house stuff! I hadn’t seen thé reduced postings as a ‘heart not in it’ way but just the reality of life with a newborn. I have a 10 month old and am in awe of all you guys manage to do!! Your blog is my favourite and I think you guys are great. You have developed a relationship with your readers but every relationship changes over time. That’s no to stay it has deteriorated or anything but in the end this is your job and I think you are very generous with how much personal stuff you share. People should respect that it’s up to you to share as much or as little personal stuff as you are comfortable with. I do love the family content though!
Carrie says
Hi guys!
What I fell in love with about your blog was the mix of family and growth updates mixed in with home (be it decorating, DIY-ing, party hosting, ect)
The people in the house are what makes it a home! ???? also thrift store finds were fun too! Sounds like you guys are busy though, natural ebb and flow – not worried.
Ana Silva says
Any post to me is better than none. I like reader re-designs and all the small posts as much as the big ones. I love it when you are all tackling a big project because I look forward to all the updates as it goes along. Please don’t aim to please. Keep doing what you are doing and do what is right for you. We as readers don’t pay you anything and get joy out of reading your blog, copying your ideas and what not. Please try not to be discouraged by people’s opinion when they say negative things like you are being cheap or the post are too big, too small, too few, too many! Some fail to realize how hard it is and what a great job you are doing. Most blogs die out quickly or don’t keep people coming back regularly. They also fail to realize you all are great philanthropist that don’t accept freebies, etc. So of course this is your job but it’s not like you are swimming in money. Plus, that is really none of our business. And also, did people fail to realize you are working on your second book? As much as I like reading your blog everyday and was sad when it was no longer that way. I still support you, love your blog, and will always continue to come back! Have a blessed day John and Sherry.
Kat says
I’ve been reading YHL since the early days and I enjoy every post. Since you had let us know you would be scaling back after Teddy was born, I fully expected much less than you’ve been doing/posting and continue to be amazed at your energy! I say keep on doing what you’ve continued to do. I think a mix of giveaways, reader redesigns, large and small projects are great. And if you need to post 3 days/wk occasionally, no big deal. I think most of your loyal fans will still be here.
I have one suggestion sort of similar to reader redesigns: It might be interesting and supportive to include “guest posts” –articles written by your fellow DIY bloggers who are looking to promote their small blogs.
Thanks for inviting suggestions from your readers :)
Jessica K. says
I’d love small posts about anything! I love, love reader redesigns and house crashing posts! Or more posts about the kids or being parents.
Cassie says
I have to agree – all of the giveaways are nice, but boring. I LOVE your blog. I have been reading it since before Clara was born. I understand putting family first and I think that’s great. But don’t lose the flare in the meantime.
I do have one comment about the giveaways. Do people actually really win those because I never see you announce a winner. Or shoot, even give some feedback, I am sure winners have had to have said – look what I did with what i won from your giveaway. IDK – maybe that would give people hope. lol.
C says
Good ideas.
Erin says
I’m not sure if I’m chiming in in the right spot, but my opinion comes from both being a mom of 1 (and another on the way) and a longtime reader.
I was so happy for you when you said you’d dial things back. I can’t imagine keeping up with two kids, your other projects, and so many posts.
That said, like many, I was a faithful regular daily reader until recently. I really am not interested in the freebies at all, even the product looks great, I’m probably not going to win anything and it seems kind of like filler. Maybe one giveaway less often would be better, but I also get your desire to pass on cool things to your readers. I love the idea of more reader generated content, though I understand that still requires time from you.
I’m also not very interested in the technical stuff, but appreciate that if you’re going to spend so much time on it, it makes sense for it to be blog content, it’s just not my thing. The end product always looks great.
So between that mix, I just kind of slowly stopped reading as much, and picked up a few more blogs (none of which were design related) to try to fill my YHL void (it’s like there was a hole in my heart, haha) I totally get that you can’t post regularly, but now without having the posts as a regular part of my day, it’s a little easier to forget, and I’m also a lot less interested in the content personally. Doesn’t make it bad or good, just my own opinion.
I think many of us selfishly would love if blogging took up a bigger piece of your time than some of the other projects (though I’m so looking forward to the second book and own the first! and also loved the show house)! But those are not our decisions to make! I’m merely giving feedback on my own opinion. Goodness knows I’m not brave enough to ask such a wide audience what they think about how I spend my time.
At the end of the day I will always be a fan, even if I check in a bit less often. I hope that any decline in readership is easily made up for financially with some of the other ventures you are exploring – it is awesome that you have that option, and even cooler that you’re focusing on making sure you also keep your family a priority. You’re both kind, interesting people, and I wish you the best.
alex says
I don’t mind the filler posts you used to do during house 1 but your posting has gone down hill since you got into house 2 and started with all the side projects. Posts about secret projects are annoying, so many bloggers have done side projects that the teaser posts seem silly now that everyone has something. I’d rather have you schedule 3 or 4 update posts a month if you don’t have the time to do a full, meaty or juicy post. Some other blogs republish a post with a few additions or comments about how projects have held up.
Carolyn Hunt says
Hello! re: feedback, I would enjoy little short posts. I completely support your decision to do what is best for YOUR FAMILY regarding time spent, # of posts, how much ad revenue that generates for you, etc. Mean people are just…mean. Love ya!
Chelsie says
You guys are great, do your thing, however it works for YOU. I have been reading your blog for 6yrs and you have had a lot of changes in that time, but I think you have managed it all very well.
Kris says
I’d love to see more crafty, organizational, and quick diy projects in the mix because I find them interesting and they are often easy and affordable, major pluses when you’re trying to stick to a budget and save up for the next big home improvement and the arrival of a new baby (our second is due soon). I still read every post. I skim a bit on construction projects that aren’t in our immediate future, but I always search your website when we’re looking to do an upgrade somewhere in the house. I like the idea of a quick photo and comment on what is happening to keep you so busy rather than an update to a previous post, but whatever works. I like the idea of throwing up a photo from Instagram, some Clara quotes, Teddy updates, or even a quick “how many of you just had the busiest day ever and yet feel like you got nothing done” post. Whatever you do, I’ll keep reading. Good luck!
Kristen says
Hey, have been reading the blog for a few years and am a big fan. Would love to see some smaller/lighter posts if you can do them. I am a homeowner and enjoy the DIY projects and all the photos. I do check in a little less frequently but that’s because you guys warned us you’d be posting less! Keep up the good work :)
Charity says
Would rather have something small than nothing at all. But it’s your blog.
Heather says
Hey-yo! Data-nerd here! *waves at John*
I do really appreciate your candidness about soliciting feedback. However, while I’m sure you’re already doing it, have you noticed a decrease in click-throughs or revenue or first timers in your analytics? Is your paycheck decreasing? If so, then yeah, maybe time to re-adjust back to where YOU want to see those numbers. I bet you can tell with some quick calculating what works and what doesn’t. People can SAY they hate long technical posts (not me btw), BUT if the numbers the don’t agree, then well, haters are just hating for the sake of the hate. Boo to them!
I’m the perpetual people pleaser, but sometimes I find comfort in the facts–cause numbers don’t lie! If you have financial goals, and you’re meeting those comfortably with the level and scope of your work, then more power to you!
Also, more Burger!
xo Heather
Megan says
Wow! So surprised to see 900 comments when I popped over today since Wednesday. Hope you don’t feel like you opened a can of worms with all this feedback. Bottom line, you gotta do you. Some days I’m uber productive and some days I’m not. You throw in things like a busy week or a sick kid and it all goes to hell!!! I know this is your job, but it is also your life. Don’t feel the pressure to do anything that doesn’t work best for you, your marriage and your kids. I think the masses would choose more design/decor/small DIY over the big projects/technical stuff… but again, life dictates your subject matter. It would be weird to go through a major reno and not blog about it much. Perhaps to keep everyone’s attention a bit more, you could make a rule to not string together so many posts on one topic within a certain time period. Variety is the spice of life!!! :-)
Pam Groom says
I’d prefer a small post over none. I look forward to new content every day because I enjoy this blog so much. With that said, it’s amazing that you get as much blogging in as you do. I expected the posts to slow down with Teddy’s arrival. You warned us, and you have your priorities straight by prioritizing family. Even with balancing family and work, you guys put out more content than most (even given a little slow down) and it is of high quality graced with your playful perspective. Your blog IS the BEST. Thanks.
Lauren says
I’m a loooong time reader since before Clara was a main star and since you asked, I miss the balance of “life” and home improvement posts. I too skim technical posts if they don’t immediately apply to something I’m working on (have my own first fixer upper now) but I ALWAYS appreciate having them to pull up when I need them. Agree that your brand = quality and trusted thoroughness that should be rewarded.
I miss the joy and spontaneity on YoungHouseLife! I totally appreciate, understand and applaud you for reeling things back in to focus on family. I guess I just hoped that Life would spill over into Love with more frequency. It seems your instagram account has taken over for more life posts but if you’re willing to again share, I’d love to hear more about the kids, vacations and other random thoughts.
To me, that “life” content wasn’t ever filler- it was what made your blog unique.
One thing I don’t care for are the giveaways. I’d rather read a funny story about Clara’s first day of school or Halloween costume or something different you guys noticed on evening walks around your neighborhood. :)
Keep doing what you’re doing! I wish you guys much (more) success!
Kirsten says
More small posts is a wonderful idea! The thing is, my appetite for your blog posts is rather insatiable. Judging by the comments, I’d say a lot of us feel the same. So when asked, of course we’ll say give us MORE! But I do hope you’ll continue to find a balance that works for you and your sweet family. You deserve it. And I’ll continue to enjoy all your posts – big or small, frequent or not, family- or home-related.
Cherri says
I’d vote for a short post over a giveaway any day. Cuz the chances of winning are pretty small, know what I’m sayin?
Rowena says
Keep on doing what youre doing! I think I would enjoy a mix of smaller posts and big projects, as well as family stuff. But family comes first. I have one baby and could barely shower and make a load of laundry in my day so i dont know how you guys manage to have the time and energy to not only plan, do and carry projects, but also write about them and everything that comes with it.
Its your blog!
jenw says
I like smaller posts on the days when you don’t have a big one ready. I don’t mind the one a day posts now…but it does feel kind of light on the content lately. Do what works for your business, but I’d like to see more variety in the posts.
Anais says
Hi John and Sherry!
First off, I love your blog :) I saw your appeal to feedback at the top of the post and although I’ve always been lurking in the shadows, I’ve been reading you guys for 2 years now. So thanks for 2 years of great stuff!!
I agree with those comments that long for a better balance between the “light” and the “heavy duty” posts, and between the “long & technical” posts and the “here’s 2 inspiration pics” posts. I read the first few comments on that thread and love the sound of everything One Bedroom House suggested :D My favorite posts are usually in the family life and decor/design category. It’s always great to read you, no matter the length of the post, and I’m sure I’ll love everything you post even if it makes you feel that “nah that’s silly/too short/too trivial, readers won’t be interested”!!
Of course we all remain understanding of your choices to be a bit less active, and we all know that sometimes life just throws something at you that you didn’t expect and it takes a few days to get back on your feet.
So that was my tiny thoughts on the issue, plus a truckload of gratitude from Dubai for ya! Hope this little roar from readers won’t put you down because you guys are great! We all fall short sometimes and that’s perfectly ok, but I’m sure it must be a bit harder on you because thousands of people feel like you “owe them more” and you “let them down”… Well, don’t let the put YOU down, you rock!!
Love
Louise says
I love your blog and I would always read more posts. That being said, your little ones aren’t little forever. Balancing 2 kids and any job is HARD and you just have to find the groove for you.
One of the things I love about this site is the quality. You really think through things and I’m sure it takes a lot of time. I would hate for the quality to suffer just to get more posts.
And just for the record, I love your houses!!! They don’t look like my house but then, they are yours and mine is mine. I look at what you do and I get ideas that may manifest themselves differently.
MaLeisa says
Yes! Please PLEASE go back to the way it used to be, even if there are fewer posts…..
Lyndsey says
My second son was born the same week as Teddy and I totally get how crazy life is! I really, really miss short personal posts like what you used to post in Young House Life, though. Would love to see shorter posts with personal anecdotes, small craft projects, shopping trips, or parenting advice! Some blogs I read post a weekly post of their Instagram pics. Possibly boring for people that follow on IG, but a great way to recap weeks and share a little more about the pics.
Celia says
I am also a long time reader and for years checked in daily. I have always appreciated your generosity in the amount of information that you shared, I enjoy your writing style and like that you keep it real.
In answer to your question I would prefer to see more frequent and shorter posts rather than fewer posts.
I always liked the design side of your work which is more relevant for me than some of the more technical stuff.
Thanks for asking!
Leah says
Hi guys! I haveno complaints about the recent content but I would LOVE to see some smaller posts too! As far as I’m concerned any update from you is a good one.
Morgan says
I’ll be brief and to the point. I have no issue with the frequency of posts. It has gone down but I applaud your decision to prioritize your family and support the less frequent posting. It’s also understandable that some projects will be covered in a series of posts. I have no problem with you spending several weeks on the laundry room lately.
I do miss the smaller diy projects that led me to your blog in the first place. Projects lately have been big in scale and I agree with Luke that it seems some small projects are being saved for the book instead of posted about like you used to do. Ultimately you guys need to do what works for your family. But if there’s a way to bring back the smaller feel the blog used to have I would love that. I also will repeat what many said before me – I miss hearing about your family. Your posts on cloth diapering were my first exposure to the concept and now it’s what I’m planning to use for my first child.
Elizabeth says
Just to add to the pile of conflicting advice… I vote any post is better than nothing. I really look forward to reading you guys after my kids go to bed, and days when there’s nothing new make me :( I’d also love to see something on Fridays, since otherwise my nightly blogroll is empty of Petersiks for 3 days in a row… another :( Consider adding a contributor, or reader redesigns etc?
That said, I TOTALLY support you backing off a bit to spend time with family!!! Work to live, not live to work.
Forget the haters, cause somebody loves ya! (I really expect you to get that reference.)
Amanda R says
I second what SusanM said!
Aimee Claeys says
Since this blog is your business, I’ll offer a comparison from my real-life experience. My husband and I used to frequent a pub in our neighborhood. It was our small, locally-owned, go-to establishment. After a few years of patronage we noticed a decline in service, which we could forgive (hey, they served beer!), but eventually it reached a point where the pub would randomly and unexpectedly be closed. I don’t personally know the (now former) owner of the establishment, so I can’t comment on his reasons for having his pub closed during hours we expected it to be open. I will say that after a few times of us showing up only to be greeted with locked doors, we just found a new local pub to frequent. My husband and I occasionally reminisce about XYZ pub, but we are perfectly content with the new pub that we’ve settled into. Needless to say, the pub we once loved so much eventually changed hands. This is kind of how I view your blog and it’s “transition”.
Sharon says
I can’t really believe that you have to submit your lives and your jobs to soooo many opinions! My hat is off to you.
And here’s my opinion :)
1) you missed ONE POST, because something happened, and everyone can just deal. I hope everything is okay. Sometimes I miss work too :)
2) I like the technical stuff. I went home and explained the difference between a door jam, stop, and casing, and it was SUPER USEFUL. You can’t please everybody all of the time, or some people any of the time, so don’t over think it.
3) Family comes first, you made a good choice.
Having said that, it has felt a bit like your heart’s not in it, like its a bother, which I care more about than the frequency of posts. Are you still into us?
You are still my most reliable blog-break, which I appreciate!
Heather says
As for the new thread (“Yeah, you’re working parents, suck it up and post already” vs. “Love your blog, do what you want and post when you can”) I think that both have merit. Hopefully all those comments were said with love, lol. As a mom of six, there are DEFINITELY days when things don’t go as planned, and often, the better things go, the busier they get (second book, anyone?), right?
That being said, we tune in almost every day, because we looooove that there is a post or two every day! My personal feeling is that you should definitely do what you want and do what works best for your family. But, to keep those readers (and your ad people happy with consistent blog followers) maybe a backup file of small posts as an “Emergency Blog Kit” – things you’ve found inspiring, new retailers you’ve discovered, a ‘___ years in, here’s how it looks now’ post, a reader suggestion post (okay, we know we want to do SOMETHING with this corner, any ideas?), “New design trend – delightful or diabolical?”, etc. Just ideas that aren’t time sensitive, only have one or two photos, and you can just post in a minute or two on those crazy days when things don’t go as planned. Love your blog and it always keeps me interested!
Lauren says
I remember reading the blogiversary post from a year or two ago where you broke your day down hour by hour. The workload was impressive, and that was with just one kid. I can’t even imagine what it must be like for you now with a new baby, a four year old, a book and a blog (etc.–and I’m sure the etc. is substantial enough!). Sure it was disappointing not to see a post on Thursday, but I figure everyone deserves a sick day. Everyone.
The thing is, if you give people the choice between more or less, they will always choose more, even if they are coming from a place of love. (Personally: I would like more posts, preferably of the DIY nature. But even little family posts are appreciated, just for the fun of reading them.) It does feel like the blog has become less “fun” for lack of a better word, and maybe that’s the way some people like it. While I appreciate the step-by-step tutorials for future reference, I preferred the attitude of the old blog.
Ultimately, though, it all depends on how you guys can make it work for your family. Maybe that means stockpiling posts for occasions such as what happened on Thursday, or taking a “vacation” during book shoot weeks (and warning us ahead of time that there will be 1 or 0 posts that week. “Light” was a little vague). Maybe it simply means more variety (tech, design-y, tech, family, etc.).
So… yes, I’m in the camp of “something over nothing,” but I also don’t think you need to do anything drastic. Keep tweaking it and you’ll find your groove.
I’m a long time reader and a big fan. You guys are great, either way!
Dawn says
Been reading your blog everyday for YEARS (since first house). I don’t care even if its one small paragraph about something silly or long and detailed. Your readers look forward to everything and anything in your lives. Its what keeps us reading. I think even if its just to check in, give us a thought or suggestion on something and post a crazy pic we are down for anything! Top favorite post of all time the April Fools Rap video!!
Jasmin M says
The best advice I ever got was “Don’t take advice from people with less success than you!” What do the people you respect think about your blog? You can’t please everyone and your super successful so don’t be too hard on yourself.
C says
That sounds like a pretty selfish attitude to have.
Gilly says
You guys should do whatever is best for you.
If that means you have a curve ball week and you miss a post, the sun still rises and sets.
By the way, I sincerely hope everyone is healthy and things are OK at home!
You will never make everyone happy, so make yourselves happy and this little tribe you’ve created will continue to follow you, and it will grow.
Reading through these comments, even the people who claim they’ve “lost interest” still check back in to see what you’re doing. So it’s only a matter of time before you do a project they’re into, and they’ll be daily visitors again, even with the reduced content.
It’s just a season you’re in.
Love you all to the moon, and I’m not going anywhere even if you post once a month about Teddy vomiting on Burger.
xo.
Hannah says
I’ve been following your blog for several years now, and yes, things have changed. The posting was so consistent that I would have my second cup of morning tea while reading the blog promptly at 9:15am CST. It took some adjustment for me and, sure it makes me sad when you all don’t post new content, but that’s all part of growing and changing. I expect that your priorities and interests will shift; so many things have changed in the last couple of years for your family and it is so wonderful to be allowed to peek ;) I think you guys should do what feels right to you, as long as that does NOT include leaving YHL altogether…
Robin says
It’s your blog, you should do what you want with it!!!!
As a long time reader, I do think the tone of the blog has changed. I think you guys are moving on to other things……bigger, better, different things that are interesting/challenging to you. As we all should in life.
It feels like the blog is something you have done for a while and is not your main priority any more, but you keep doing it because it is part of “what you do.”
I am fine with what ever you do on the blog…..cuz, it’s your blog!!!! People started reading it because it felt real, you guys put yourselves and your lives out on the internet for people to see. Now, your lives are going in a different direction and that comes through on the blog….
Kudos to you….. I will still keep reading.
Sarah says
It’s interesting you bring this up right now, because I have actually found myself skipping most of your posts lately, simply because there’s been so much technical stuff that it just doesn’t interest/pertain to me. I was never upset about it – it’s just where you guys are right now in your home improvement world. That being said, I would love to see some of your smaller projects/posts here and there. I miss the inspiration that I’ve gotten from your blog. I have a 10 month old and my own blog is sorely neglected since I also work full time outside the home. Big projects are just too tough for me to fit in, but smaller ones I might be able to handle. Some of my favorite posts are how you keep a simplified life, combat clutter, and keep your clothing pared down. And I totally miss reader redesigns!
Sherri says
I would prefer more posts, even if they’re short or include a lot of pictures, or no pictures & more text. I guess I don’t see giveaways as actual posts, although I appreciate that y’all do them. I’d actually prefer fewer giveaways & more content of any kind generated by y’all :-)
And I appreciate your asking us :-)
and I’m for whatever your family needs to do.
Teri says
LONG-TIME reader here… from back when you were under a different name (funny story on THAT one). And like many others, I miss you guys. I check in every day. I also agree that the laundry room seems to have taken over the blog (but you probably feel the same way). I love those day-to-day issues you’ve written about. Love the “get on that” posts. And even though my children are long-gone/grown I enjoyed hearing about you using cloth diapers. And strange as it may seem, Sherry spray painting that ceramic rooster purply-red was a hoot I still remember. (didn’t it show up in the show house?) What makes your blog special is YOU! Share yourself and I’ll keep reading.
Monica M. says
I miss the “fun little short” posts but also appreciate the posts on the larger tasks and the detail you have put into the larger ones, such as, the laundry room. I have only read the original commentor’s post about likewise missing the smaller/more manageable content. I have to admit that before Teddy arrived, your pace with the Showhouse and the new place was at record breakneck speed. I appreciate the slow down pace since Teddy arrived but I also agree about asking you to share the little practical everyday home improvements too rather than saving them exclusively for a book.