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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Jenn says
I have to say that I used to LOVE coming here at 10am to read your blog. While I don’t think it’s necessary to post everyday or on a regular schedule I do get tired of your whining and complaining about everyday life stuff that everyone deals with. The difference is that we work 40+ hours, take care of our families, find time to make our houses into homes with various reno and design projects, and don’t make nearly the money that you are making with this blog. And to the commenters wailing about how mean people are…seriously? How much work did YHL actually do this week? Even counting the holiday…for four days we got one post about hanging a door that probably took them one day to do?! I wish I could do that little work and make as much money as they’re making just by your page clicks!
PS To the lady who posted earlier who is SUCH a fan…if you don’t know that the friend’s name is Katie B(ower) not Katy P than you’re not that much of a fan…
KathyL says
too funny, good catch ;)
mribaro says
That’s too harsh, I think. Taking care of a baby is a full-time job (three shifts), with no free time and no holidays, not to talk about two kids. Folks that work 40+ hours in the office usually don’t bring their children to their office (or nothing would be accomplished), but have somebody to watch kids while they work. John and Sherry take care of their kids most of the time, or at least I got the impression that only sometimes granny helps, but not for 8 hours each day. It’s a grand thing that they manage to do projects during kids’ nap time, and it’s a miracle that they have time (and will) to take photos, chose which go for a post, than edit them in Photoshop (I’m a graphic designer by the way, so I know it’s not a one-second-task), write a long humorous post, with links to previous articles, often gramaticaly proofed… while to some moms with small kids even having a morning shower can be the accomplishment of the day.
You still don’t know what really stopped them from writing this last post – maybe it was some kind of emergency with lots of emotional stress. I hope nothing really serious.
Kelly says
A number of people have mentioned “whining” and “complaining” on YHL. Could someone point out a specific instance of that? I keep seeing this comment and scratching my head. I’ve read every single post and I can’t recall any complaining. But it’s popping up a lot in the comments so I thought maybe I missed it or there was something that could be interpreted as complaining depending on what tone you read it in. So, in classic internet rabbit hole fashion, I actually skimmed through the last two months of posts. Couldn’t find any complaining. Definitely no whining. So what’s the deal, people who’ve complained about complaining?Whatchoo talkin’ ’bout, Willis?
katieg says
I don’t think these statements are too harsh at all. Yes, lots of moms of BRAND NEW babies have a hard time. But the oldest daughter is in school and their “newborn” is, what, 5 months old? And this blog is run by TWO adults. My husband works at home, we have four small children, he sure as hell manages to get more done that 4 hours of work a week. Or he would be fired. Period. No one can tell them how much or what to post, that is their own prerogative. But don’t tell people that they are exhausted or too busy as an excuse. Just don’t do it!
Oh, and if they in fact had a family emergency or had a house full of stomach flu or a flood, by all means, go ahead and spend the two minutes it takes to craft a post that says, “Hey Peeps! We will return to normal posting next week, we have all kinds of crazy up in this hiz-ouuz!”
Or, you know, whatever.
I too used to be a devoted follower. In fact, I remember thinking if they could style their house and do as much DIY as they did with a newborn that I certainly could too. Now I am just bored. I like the heavy DIY mixed in with a good style post, or shopping post, or cleaning/organizing post. I like the short and the long posts. Posts with pictures? Cool. Posts without pictures? Also totally cool. Do your thing and be GENUINE. If they could go back to “what got us here” I will come back and read…
P.L.P. says
Gah. I can’t believe I did that. I must have been saying ‘Katie Bower Power’ in my head and typed Katie P. Or put my own initial. I’m a dork.
Lauren M says
I love and miss the reader redesigns… if their a somewhat easy option for you on days you can’t post then yes please!
Jenny G. says
Hi Guys –
After reading some of these comments I would totally reach through my computer and give you each a hug. But that would be weird. And kind of stalker–ish.
It was really brave of you to ask for feedback so I hope you can take it all with a grain of salt. You asked for an opinion about posts, not opinions about life or business.
My opinion about posts is this:
I would love it if you had a post (any kind of post at all) every day. But you can only do what you can do. I don’t always have time to READ a blog post so how can I be offended or upset if you don’t have time to WRITE one. You have a family and a life and other job opportunities, just like I do.
My favorite posts are absolutely anything about you, your home, your projects, and your kiddos. This includes but not limited to: long technical renovation projects (can I just say WOW!); quick family updates; furniture placement; framing projects; vacation photos; adorable kid moments; indoors; outdoors; down the street; house crashes… You have a unique voice and a great sense of humor. That is why I have been reading for years, bought your book, and give a silent, sideline cheer for all the big and little accomplishments you share with us (jazz hands anyone?!)
My least favorite posts are limited to one thing. I don’t care for giveaways (I know, I’m in the minority, right?). I was wondering if the giveaways make things easier for you or if they’re kind of a pain to put together. I say, if they’re a pain, let ’em go. But if you look forward to giveaway days because they make your life just a little bit easier, I say – Keep on Giving on. I’ll still check in as often as I can and maybe even enter a few.
You guys are the best. Don’t let anyone tell you otherwise. Thanks for sharing your life with us but be sure to hold some back, just for you. You deserve it.
LMG says
Second comment here…
My first thought when I saw no post was that Something Had Happened. I really hope you guys and your family are ok! :) Sorry to not say that earlier.
Whitney says
Been reading since 2009. I’d rather see a variety of posts (reader redesigns, thrift store outings, doable DIY and more challenging DIY, house crashings, etc.) than what content you have been posting lately. Perhaps the laundry room is just an anomaly of technical posts, though. But for future long-haul renovations, this might please the bulk of your readers.
A lot of people are saying, “You had a long weekend!” to make a post for Thursday. Reality is, you’ve had a lot longer than that to stockpile content for your readers and you dropped the ball. You are a brand and we are your customers, and you didn’t deliver the content you owe us for coming to your blog. Family aside, if it’s not an emergency, then excuses are boring. I am positive it was not your intent to have everyone be disappointed by clicking over and seeing “updated: no post, sorry!” I hope you own it, move forward and start amping up to get your blog’s mojo back.
Jill says
I will read either way! I enjoy both the house stuff and the family stuff, probably the family stuff a little more! Good luck to you both. Life evolves, so must blogs.
Kathy says
I havz all the feelingz. (Also, I cannot read thru 1,000+ other comments, but that’s not my job.)
A few years ago, maybe even last year, you indicated you wished there was some way you could get reader feedback. There is! Once, I needed to google “Yhl” and after that, there was a phrase that popped up in the google auto-fill that I had never seen before. GOMI. Try it out. It’s an eye-opener. I’ll wait……
Basically, it sums up a lot of what people have said here. You haven’t grown along with your readers and it shows. At 7 years in, you’re probably not “accidental DIY dorks” anymore. You need to work smarter, not harder, even if at means relinquishing control of the blog in some aspects (comments, filler posts, etc). This laundry room re-do, which was birn out of a reader suggestion, has taken 90% of the posts and most of your readers are bored.
To quote the newest Eminem song (I know it’s not from the Y2K genre, but from hear me out:
“Feels like a close, it’s coming to
(Bleep) am I gonna do?
It’s too late to start over
This is the only thing I, thing I know”
Leann says
I am sure they are well aware of what GOMI is, and I don’t think its actually healthy for them to go there. That’s a SNARK site….made for snarking. Very few threads on GOMI are for critical yet positive feedback. GOMI wants blogs to fail. I think what is happening in this comments section will more than suffice for them to get a reader opinion.
Heather says
Truth be told, I think you really shot yourselves in the foot when you decided to scale back your workload a few months ago but still did the almost-daily posts. I’d rather be pleasantly surprised by a post with tons of useful information once or twice a week than 3-4 days in a row of stuff that I just skim over and think to myself that I wish there was something useful.
I do want to say that I fell in love with your site when I was a newbie homeowner just trying to get ideas as to how to conquer decorating and fixing up my place, but over the past few years it’s hard to relate to a couple who is pretty much the opposite of my husband and I. We scrimp and save to get a project done but then we do it right and get it done in our very limited time that we have after putting in 8 or more hours a day at our jobs, dealing with personal/family matters, and (for myself) going to school in the evenings/weekends to finish my degree. I find it hard to believe you’re in the same boat, with the luxury of working from home and raising two cute kids, so my reading has gone way down. So yeah, I’m a bit disappointed that I can find a few hours in my day, after work/school/myself/family to work on things around the house compared with your habit of posting something new almost every day and not having a few moments to put up another fluffy post about paint swatches or even throwing it over to “hey look at these cute new pictures of the kids we put up on the right side of the website!”
We all have our off days, but some of us don’t have the ability to not have a backup plan when that happens, like a post waiting in the wings or something similar. In my world, when I have an off day and I need to miss work, I have plans in place for how my stuff will get handled so that it’s painless for everyone.
I just had to get that out there.
Luke says
Wow – this really started a lot of thoughts. Just to clarify, my comment had nothing to do with quantity of posts. I completely understand setting boundaries and giving more time to family. That’s awesome. My thrust was more to content. It’s kind of felt more like than This Old House than Divine Design lately, if that makes sense. Both are high quality information, but target slightly different demographics. I also may not be a target reader since I’m still renting and can’t do true renovation. I actually felt kind of guilty posting, so I’m glad other people have had similar thoughts. Again, I wish YHL nothing but good stuff.
ABC says
I’m not sure what has happened to YHL. I have followed your blog for ages, and it’s just not the same quirky fun any more. Are you pulled in too many directions?Have you lost interest in writing blog content because you’re working on Book #2 and other projects? And how many possible posts do you need for a laundry room reno? It feels like you’re just stretching it out for content. Now there are complaints and whining about tasks and issues that come up during the DIY process. I am sorry that I no longer read YHL on a daily basis, and I miss those days when you used to convey joy in sharing your projects and family life on YHL.
Sarah T says
I love that you are seeking a balanced home/work life. It’s so easy to lose sight of your priorities and so I really don’t mind fewer posts; however, I prefer the small posts! Yes, I enjoy the eye candy when you do a major renovation, but as someone who can’t afford those things, I find the simple, easy DIY/organizing/thrifting scores/crafts/tablescape posts to be more inspiring and useful. Thanks for your blog. I will read it even if you only post once a week. You guys are great!
Marlayna says
I have fallen in love with reading your blog because you’re adorable, inspiring, enthusiastic, lighthearted, motivated, driven, creative, spunky and brave enough to boldly be your unique selves in the world. You inspire me to be, create, do and see things in ways that make me excited to live life and keep growing up. I’m a few years younger than you both and I enjoy having you to look at for reference in how I’ll build my own next life phase and live every day so colorfully and creatively.
I love all posts on home life, home decor, home Reno (technical & simpler), family fun, and navigating new great/challenging phases of life together.
To answer your question:
Yes, I’d enjoy small posts about whatever is relevant to you in this phase of your lives and whatever you are most enthusiastic about in relation to family/home vs nothing at all. But only if it makes you happy to do so. If you feel obligated it will steal the fun out of it.
Thanks for all you’ve shared over the years. It’s made my life better :).
KathyL says
18 pages of love man…..sounds like we’ll take whatever you give. I do miss the old days, I used to NEVER miss a day with you, and now I do go a few days….but the kids will get bigger and you’ll get more time, and it will all work out. Thank you for caring! Kathy
Julie says
I’ve been a reader since the near beginning of your blog. I love your blog but do feel there’s been a shift the last few years as you’ve taken on other outside projects. Here are my thoughts since you have asked.
You can’t please everyone and the true purpose of your blog is to document your life happenings. I feel like it’s become too much like a business and is lacking the laid back and fun approach of posts years ago. I’m interested in what’s going on on your life, not what is going to get a lot of readers. I would like to see more of a balance between big and small posts so you don’t feel like you have to “fill in” with fluff during really busy times. I know this hobby has become your business but try to keep in mind why you started to blog in the first place. Ultimately this is an online book of your lives with the perks of a paycheck too.
Natalie says
Trying hard not to make this an omgsomean!!! comment….. I think you guys are genuinely lovely people with great priorities, but I feel that you have lost the love/spark/joy of DIY that made your blog so gosh darned addicting during house 1 and part of house 2. For me it was about the time of the house 2 kitchen Reno/book 1/secret house 2 buying crazy flury of life where the change occurred. I think it just burnt you out! Now I come to this site like a trained Pavlovian dog… And I’m usually disappointed.
The technical stuff: I’m more likely to seek out a post from a real expert… This old house, etc. or just watch the same YouTube videos you reference. Sometimes your technical posts seem like a blind leading the blind situation.
Small stuff: I miss house crashing!!!! I love seeing other styles. Yours hasn’t changed or evolved much over the 5+ years I have been a reader, so seeing other houses is a breath of fresh air.
Comments: seriously… No. Need. At. All. To respond to every. Single. Comment! Seems your are spending more time responding to comments than diying. Less comment moderating more diy.
Frequency: you don’t have to post everyday. If you do, mix it up. If you don’t, make it a post worth waiting for.
Anyway, take time. Figure out what you want, if you still love DIY/blogging. Don’t just do it because that’s what you do, it shows in your posts. You have some crazy loyal fans (not crazy and loyal;) but this lack of sincerity is hurting.
beth says
Well said, from another long time reader. I agree with every single point.
Chantalle says
I can’t imagine trying to keep up with a schedule like you guys do! Props to you! As for feedback… I never enter giveaways (or read them) and it surprised me that your last weekly post is Thursday, so then it’s there for 4 days instead of skipping Thursday and posting Friday. Just thought that was interesting when you started the new schedule. I don’t know how you balance your integrity as a DIY whole-home blog vs. just large projects and just small projects like other blogs. I personally don’t have a fixer-upper, or a desire to do most of the big projects you do, but I appreciate that you are doing them and enjoy reading about them! Reader since the first year :) My favorite feature ever on the blog is when you did the mood boards for people, and then seeing their spaces once they did them. I understand it took to much time for you to do, but I loved that connection to rooms outside of your own home. My favorite (and my family’s, we talk about you) house of yours was your first. Best of luck with everything!
C says
I couldn’t agree more with Jenn, Holly, Corie, with KG, Mandi..and so many others. Tons of great and honest comments. Truly nice to see people freely sharing their honest opinions. ….And really–that is the exact thing lacking on this blog–honesty. Like I said before–I’ve been a reader for many years now, but have found myself clicking over here less and less. I’m disappointed to find only one post this week, and just three posts on normal weeks, sometimes only two (sorry, I don’t view a giveaway as a post).
I agree with so many others that this blog used to be near the top of my list, and I agree with Luke that it feels like they are moving onto greener pastures, and also saving content for their new book. J&S earn money other ways now–multiple books, Target product line, higher traffic here on the blog, so of course they don’t have to depend on the blog as much. Unfortunately, this fact has become more and more glaringly obvious to the readers, and it makes us feel sad and used –another reason why I personally tend to visit less often.
Some honesty would be nice. Who else cringed when they started piling on the family excuses? (which was not like J&S at all mind you). At that point anyone could see what was going on, and I knew it would be downhill from there (which it has been). But hey, at least they gave us their typical warning, eh?…that way it’s a-okay in their minds. ;)
Bottom line, this is a business. People may not want to hear it, but they do this gig for money. That’s gonna be the number one driver in the changes we’ve been seeing. I don’t really blame them–if I could get away with less work and more money, who wouldn’t? But at least they should be honest about it.
So, deep-down what I take the most issue with is the general dishonesty I walk away feeling when I read this blog. Again, it’s obvious that they make enough money from other venues (book deals, Target), and from increased blog traffic, that they can afford to post only two or three times a week (I imagine less even -they make big bucks off this thing). If it was not feasible or profitable they would simply not be doing it this way. So some honesty would be nice–just tell it to us straight, instead of using family excuses or whatnot. It wouldn’t be a big deal.
One more thing–I feel a bulk of the posts have become completely unrelatable to me — for instance, dropping $3,000 or $4,000 on a laundry room, or $1,400 for a patio couch…When so many Americans are struggling…these sorts of things are unrealistic for not only myself, but for the majority of this country/world. You have to consider how bad this makes other people feel. Especially when it’s literally hundred and thousand dollar purchases one after another. All the while we are hearing J&S whine about work and money. See how that doesn’t make any sense to the readers? And when you’re already doing less blog posts?
Obviously they can afford to work a lot less on this blog and still earn the same amount of money (likely much more). They wouldn’t be doing it this way if not. // They’ve done so well, but hopefully they realize they’d be no where without the clicks of their loyal fan base over all these years. Please don’t throw us away, or be dishonest/pretend we’re stupid, or make us feel used. It hurts. // Thanks again for letting us comment candidly…very refreshing to see in the blog world. :)
Leann says
C,
I think what you are forgetting is, unlike the rest of us, pouring money into their house IS their business. If they didn’t renovate, buy furniture, etc., what would they write about? They penny pinch some places to be able to buy nice pieces of furniture. Also building a room for $4000? Dirt cheap compared to what most would spend. Not disagreeing with everything you said, I just think it isn’t fair to judge them for working on their house….when their blog is about….working on their house!
C says
For sure, Leann, I agree with you. To that effect, they are lucky that working on their house IS their job. Most people have to work on their house ON TOP of two 9-5 careers. You have no choice (or you’re house is gonna fall down). Both J&S get to work on their house at their leisure AND get PAID for it AND not have to show up at a job. They’ve got it made. Talk about knocking out two (or three) birds with one stone. This is another reason alot of us cringe when we hear J&S complaining about time, work, or money.
C says
Furthermore, I’d be willing to guess that almost everything (I mean everything) is a tax write-off for them. And whatever’s left over is certainly made back in huge profits.
Leann says
I was only disagreeing with you saying spending tons of money on their house is warranted for their job, so of course they’ll spend more than the average Joe. I do agree they are lucky and that this blog no longer appears to be a full time job for them. Also, not sure if this is still true, but back in the day they said they didn’t do tax write-offs because then they could not profit from the sale of a house due to it belonging to the business…or something like that.
Becca says
Bottom line… This blog is what supports your family and has afforded you the ability to purchase houses, and turn them into homes. You two know what’s best for your family, and the only negative change that I have seen is the lack of personality. The silly Sherry, and goofy John kinda disappeared. Maybe it’s the lack of sleep with a new baby, but we as readers miss the authentic “you” that made your blog stand out from the rest and develop a strong following. People change, and if this whole blog thing isn’t your “jam” and no longer makes you happy, then it might be time to move on. Obviously you guys are loved by many who enjoy, respect, and want the best for your family regardless of the outcome of the blog :) Many blessings to you two!!!!
Ellie B. says
Since you asked for feedback, and you have gotten 18 pages of it, you clearly need my opinion on top of it all :-)
I have been a daily blog reader for years, first house days. I do find myself checking less not because of the projects, because of the tone. I miss the fun. I loved anything you wrote back in the old days because it felt new, exciting, fun, and generally enjoyable to read no matter what the content was. I liked the mix.
As a renter the technical posts are less relevant now. I have tons bookmarked for when I do find myself in a home I can really dig into. The small posts are fun because I can use the information more easily or even just dream with you. Most of all I miss hearing about your real life and the joy you used to have for blogging. I hope you can find it again, whatever the content.
Geertrude says
Oh my, maybe you’d better made a survey about that question – shorter posts? yes or no. That would save a lot of time! (my answer is yes).
The only thing I want to say about the rest of this dscussion is that I hope you are able to process all these comments, both the not so nice and the too nice (there is life without YHL, people!), without it making you feel even more overwhelmed. Whatever is going on in your life right now (I’m guessing we’re not up to date with every detail) I hope things get better and that you soon will feel up to blogging to way you think is right!
Have a nice weekend!
Hmn, I just realize that I hope you take the weekend off, at least in reading all this feedback, but then you wouldn’t read this. Oh well ;-)
Oh, and to people who will comment to this to tell me that this blog is J&S’s business and that they make money because we read it etc. etc. : yes, but that doesn’t give you (us) the right to turn a simple question into a discussion that touches every aspect of their life!
Carla says
Unlike you win the lottery or have inherited money, every family needs at least one parent working a full time job.
If the income from the blog (in its current abbreviated form) plus all your side projects constitute the equivalent of one full time job, then great for you and so be it. Just be honest that this situation works for you and you plan to keep the blog in its current abbreviated form. Don’t promise your readers more or ask for advice to improve if you have no intention of doing so.
However – if you still the income from the blog (in its fullest form) to constitute the equivalent of one full time job, then I think you’re in trouble because you are falling short on what you deliver to your readers.
You can’t have your cake and eat it – you want to have time with your kids (which everyone wants by the way), you want a successful blog that brings in the dough, and you want to be in full control of all content on said blog, and you want to bring in enough dough. Something’s gotta give – in this case, giving up some control of the content in favour of guest/regular contributors and reader submissions is the easiest way to get the REST of what you want.
Get advice from a business analyst – you have a grand total of a FEW years of advertising experience in the real world – admit that you might not be make the best BUSINESS decisions and seek help from someone who knows better. That’s what other mature grownups in a problematic situation would do. That’s how you grow – no-one grows from solely leaning on their own understanding.
Beth says
Oh mercy, the floodgates have certainly opened. I feel stressed reading these comments and it’s not even my blog!
Do what’s best and right for you and your family. Mother Teresa’s “Anyway” poem comes to mind if you are looking for some comfort after wading through all of these comments.
Blessings on your journey.
Gayle says
Hi! I didn’t read all the posts, but my general commentary is that I also feel some of the charm & sparkle (your personalities and content) from house #1 and #2 just aren’t there in House #3. This is your business & not a democracy. It is nice that you are allowing readers to go public with thoughts…Now that is fresh and new and probably going to be one of your more popular posts when it’s all said & done.
I don’t check in as often as I used to…construction posts get long and become more serious “how-to’s” rather than being light, cheeky, and having fun with what you’re doing. I do know & understand you’re done learning the basics & trying new products which made awesome posts in the past years (i.e. how you paint your trim, how you caulk your tub, etc). With all due respect, I am in the construction biz…and I just shake my head at how you do things sometimes…choices in safety, etc. now that you are taking on bigger “construction” projects on your own. I have no judgement on your choices…I just think your DIY construction posts were more fun & worth reading when the focus was keeping it real by laughing at yourselves more often, trying new things, showing us what you learned & how you problem-solved just like a true homeowner…and not making things so “step-by-step”/tutorial. Serious tutorials are already out there from much better sources with better results.
I like you & your family & your online gig you’ve developed!!! You caught readers (me) because I like you as people, I like your humor, I like your passion, etc. I read because of you…the human aspect & presentation. Clara & Burger I can take only in small doses. They are not reasons I would stay engaged in YHL. It’s all about the house and how you interpret it…that’s the name of your empire…thats my interpretation.
I really like decor & architectural features, organizing, home keeping…I like houses in general…I love that you love your houses…Lets talk about houses and the love of them. I like to see OTHER houses too. We see your house all the time, and lets be honest…despite which color/print of curtains or chairs you are asking readers to vote on, we all know your decor style already, we know how to replicate it if desired, and where to shop for the stuff to do it. There’s nothing fresh & new in the decor presentation anymore. I want to see you get excited again (the “young” aspect) over something more out of your comfort zone. An example:
What would John & Sherry do in a historical home where you have to respect the features and time period (victorian)…and not really have the opportunity to go full-on YHL decor??
I just think you need to keep doing what you’re doing, but balance it out with some new & different things to keep YOUR OWN excitement alive.
Keep on keeping’ on!
jessie says
I agree totally. I come to read about houses. I don’t care whose house! I loved your reader redesigns, house crashing, etc. We’ve already seen your house, unless you’ve done something new to it, and your style isn’t one that I would replicate in my own house. I would love to see even more houses, with a variety of styles. It would be fun to see follow-ups to the design problems people posted a year or so ago, too.
Jackie says
Hi there,
I started feeling bad when you seemed to back away from Katie Bower when her “crack house” drama broke. (which was a ridiculous fuss about nothing)
I might be wrong, but my perception was that you distanced yourself (blogroll disappeared) because it may have affected your image.
i hope I’m wrong and that you are still friends.
i still read regularly btw, you and katie.
C says
I’m not going to get into that one, but I admire J&S’s decision to distance themselves (online), because that was the most insensitive cruel thing I’ve ever seen on a blog. ..Someone above had brought up that site, GOMI (which I haven’t been to), but I’m sure the story is probably over there.
Gayle says
A Post-Script: “Ram Down!” is my all-time favorite post! The human aspect is where you thrive.
Courtney says
I couldn’t agree with this comment more, it is the human element that made people fall in love with your blog and in Gayle’s words where you thrive. Recently this is missing (no offense John!). I just get the feeling this blog isn’t as “fun” as it used to be for you and more of an obligation. We miss the DIY and decorating passion you guys used to show.
Jean (notsupermum) says
Oh wow, so many comments are some of them are very harsh!
I’ve been reading your blog for a year or so, and look forward to taking a 5 minute tea break at work at 2pm everyday (UK time) to read YHL and although I wish you did more regular updates I’m not going to criticise.
The thing is, you said you were cutting back after Teddy’s birth, and you’ve done exactly what you said so I don’t understand the backlash against that decision.
I suppose when you write a successful blog you enter the public domain and fans/followers feel like they own a little bit of you, but I think some of the criticism is unfair. Your family come first, and you made a decision based on making that your priority – I totally respect you for that, and if you can still earn a living on a reduced blog regime, then great!
For what it’s worth, here’s my thoughts on your blog:
– I don’t mind the technical posts (although they’re a bit over my head) but I’d love to see more of the old posts where a small change makes a big impact, i.e. the recent one where Sherry put the colourful material on the wall of Clara’s closet is a perfect example – 20 minute job/big impact.
– I love reading about Teddy and Clara, a weekly update about them would be perfect!
– call me a geek, but I LOVE the lists, and the overviews of where you are with the house.
– What about readers’ DIY/decor dilemmas? For example: I CANNOT WAIT to see your finished laundry room but I have a laundry room dilemma that I wish you help with – I started work on it but the dimensions don’t quite work for me and it’s been unfinished for over a year. I think it needs someone with fresh eyes to find a solution. Help!
Anyway, good luck with everything and don’t forget: at the end of the day, it’s your blog x
Olivia says
I started reading your blog last year and immediately fell in love with it. I went back to the archives and read everything.
I definitely preferred it when there was a new post 5 days a week (2 on giveaway days), but I do understand why you decided to scale back.
The thing is that you’ll never be able to please everyone. Some people say they don’t like it when you buy expensive stuff because you are no longer relatable while the others say they are tired of seing you buy stuff from Ikea, Target… Personally I’m not a huge fan of Ikea stuff and prefer it when you splurge on things. But it’s your house, your money so your decision.
As for the laundry room posts, I do understand that those technical posts may not be everyone’s cup of tea. While I have no intention of ever building a room, this was one of my favorite projects from you guys because it gave you the opportunity to do something new and learn new skills. I just think it would have been better if in between posting laundry room updates, you also posted other small updates, decorative posts, reader redesign.. those kinds of posts so we don’t only read about the laundry room for 3-4 weeks straight.
All in all, I really enjoy your blog, it’s my favorite one and I have no plans to stop reading it.
Olivia says
I forgot to add that I would love it if you did a day in the life post. I’ve loved your previous ones.
Eileen says
Simply put,I think you should do what works best for you and your family. Everything else will fall into place.
Cathy says
Hey John and Sherry! I’m another longtime reader – I’ve never loved a blog as much as I’ve loved yours. I have to admit that I really miss your daily posts, even though (as someone who cut back to part time work after having kids) I TOTALLY understand. I think the problem, for lack of a better word, is that the diminished posting frequency seemed to coincide with a diminished joy in the posts themselves. Your voice, your enthusiasm, has always been what sets you guys apart. I think that’s what some of us miss. We want you to love blogging, to WANT to blog, as much as we love reading your blog! But that’s not something you can force/fake, and I’m sure there is a lot of behind-the-scenes stuff that goes on with running a large, successful blog that just isn’t remotely fun. I would personally rather see more posts, even if they’re smaller. I enjoy everything from the big technical tutorials to the small decorating posts to the family stuff – pretty much everything except the giveaways. ????. I will continue to visit and read for as long as you guys do this. Wishing nothing but good things for your family!
Leslie says
I have to agree with many of the other posters. I do like some of the longer, more-involved posts, but the laundry room became agony for me. I do understand you have a growing family and are working on the book, but I really miss the shorter single-day project posts and when you highlight the work other bloggers are doing. The Reader Redesigns are great and inspiring. It does seem that you aren’t as committed to doing the blog…that it’s become more of a chore than anything else. I, too, have been following you for years. Sigh.
Leah says
Wow, I know I’m just adding to the pile at this point, but here goes. First of all, I love that you have scaled way back on Clara’s presence on the blog. She’s adorable and an absolute sparkle of life, but it always made me a little uncomfortable that I knew more about her life than some of my nieces or nephews. I’m glad her presence has been diminished in the last few months and her privacy is more protected. I would strongly urge you not to go back to your previous over-posting of the kids.
Now the not so great stuff. I think you’ve really struggled with how this blog is going to grow up and also yourselves. I started reading when I was in my 20s, with a new house, and only pets as responsibilities. Because of that, I loved your quick fixes, I loved how to incorporate ikea, and I loved learning the basics in sprucing up cheap furniture. But, I’m older now (as I would imagine are most of your readers). I have a kid myself now and my tastes have evolved. What I feel like I can handle in the diy and department has grown and I’m much more interested in the longevity of my furnishings and choices. This is the crux of your problem (imho). I think you have focused soooo much on “this is what got us here” that you haven’t evolved. You’re honestly not professional enough to be experts in bigger diy projects (like tutorials associated with This Old House, etc.) but a lot of your other choices still seem very young and I think that’s what keeps you from feeling very interested in them. I’m not sure what the answer is other than taking a good long look at the direction you want to go, what you want the brand to look like, and definitely, definitely getting some serious business advice from professionals. Oh, and hire an intern to help out with smaller things like approving comments, etc! For better or for worse, you are a business!! Much love and I truly hope things work out for you!
meg says
I had a baby boy right before you had Teddy, so I know how demanding they are and how much you just want to snuggle and stare at them. Who cares what the house looks like, or what you look like? I hate going to work now, I miss my baby!
Your kids are only young once, so enjoy this time. You are being good parents who value their family time and their marriage. Your priorities are perfect!
Tell the people who don’t get it, who you don’t know either to go jump.
That being said – I love the reader redesign posts. You could even have the people submitting them write about their changes and just edit them and add your own voice.
Work smarter, not harder!
Sheila F says
I have remodeled 7 houses while living in them and raising 4 kids and both hubby and I working. I love your blog. And I enjoy the small posts as well as the indepth post. That being said, it is hard work remodeling a house and raising children. I will respect your desire to create the content that you wish on this blog. I certainly would have never had the courage or stamina to create and run a blog! Do what is right for your family.
Sheila
Kathleen says
Hi there! I check your blog regularly, and I enjoy each post. Maybe it would take some pressure off of *you* to let some posts be short and some long, some “heavy” and some “light.”
ALL your writing is excellent in form and humor and interest. (Okay, can I side not unload here? John, ampersands are not a substitute for the word “and.” Technically, they’re to be used only between two proper names. When you use ampersands for “and” you make it look acceptable to all the other blog writers who are much, much, much less skilled in language and spelling than you! Please, keep the writing bar high. Forgive me, I’m an editor.)
You don’t have to write a novel for each entry. It’s *you* we love!
Kathleen says
Ack! That’s side NOTE!
Gillian says
First of all, thank you for all of your hard work and trying so hard to keep readers happy. I’ve been a very, very long time reader, and have enjoyed every aspect of the blog and how it’s developed over time.
I really appreciate the technical information with the long descriptions, pictures, and videos, and I also appreciate being stepped through the decision-making process.
My two cents is that you need to figure out what works for you, and your readership will morph and change to reflect a good fit. Just like when you first started, you did what felt right and learned along the way, this is a changing time for you and you need to suit yourselves and your current ‘personality’ of offerings.
Once you figure out a posting schedule, however, I do think it’s important to post on that schedule. I’m sure you already do this, but most bloggers seem to create content ahead of time and then organize it to auto-deliver … it wouldn’t matter to me if I saw your laundry project a month from now … it still will be relevant and useful. Also, you could do mini-posts with styling and trending ideas interspersed with the longer posts on technical issues.
Thank you once again for providing high quality content that I enjoy reading.
Looking forward to following you through this next phase of your journey!
xoxo
Emily says
I think the fact that this post is the first post in months to receive over 1,000 comments speaks volumes. Heck, it’s the first post to receive more than 500 comments in months. Face it, your readers are Bored with a capital B. Clearly the blog needs some spicing up.
Elisha G. says
Hi, I felt I needed to post (never done so before) after the discussion above. I discovered your blog a few years ago and it has become one of my favorites. My husband and I bought our first house last year and we are in the middle of a number of renovations. I can totally relate to your posts and find them very helpful and informative as so many times you post something and then we tackle a similar project. While I miss seeing posts everyday (favorite blog after all), I applaud you both for finding a balance between your work and your home life. Please continue to keep up the good work!
Barbzzz says
I’ve been following your blog since House 1, where your easy, breezy style seemed to match your personalities. House 2 reflected a major style change that I found questionable, at best. And, house 3 even more so. It feels to me that, these days, you are trying too hard to keep up with design trends and Pinterest fodder. It doesn’t feel, to me anyway, like “you”. And, maybe that is where you lost the joy and fun.
I don’t come around as often as I used to. But, I was excited with your laundry room Reno and have skimmed through the eleventy billion posts with great anticipation. Personally, I don’t need tons of construction details. I want to get to the pretty. I am still waiting. With so much meticulous work, I am dismayed with the jagged tile and the odd little shelf. Neither seem like quality finishes for what should otherwise be considered a high end laundry room.
I also think that the frugal penny pincher thing is a bit disingenuous. You have made a lot of big ticket purchases over the last six months. It’s cool with me! We know the blog and other business lines have provided you with a very comfortable income. I don’t begrudge you for spending your hard earned bucks however you want. Just own it!
I miss reader redesigns, mood boards, and house crashings. I’m also interested in cooking. I think it would be fun and hilarious to follow Sherry taking a cooking class, cooking at home and sharing the failures along with the wins. You don’t have to come off as perfect all of the time! Actual cooking could then inform your choices when you finally decide to do over your current, awful kitchen.
Please don’t take this feedback as being negative. I like you guys and your sweet little family. I’m just hanging around waiting for quality content that makes me want to come back for more.
PatC says
Sherry and John, thanks for asking for our opinions. I like your idea of smaller posts when you don’t have time,a child is sick or life just intervenes. I’m a busy person, so I like it that you helped to make my life a little better with some of your ideas.
One of the reasons that I like your blog so much, is that you try to do things economically. Another is that I like your style. It’s down to earth and you do a lot of dyi. So you give me the courage to do the same… but on a smaller scale. So keep up the good.work and do what resonates as right for your family.
Hearing about you and your kids, brings me back to a sweeter time in my life. Thanks for letting me come along for the ride. :)
katieg says
One other thought, I know you like to moderate comments and make sure that questions are answered. I like that about you guys. I like that you care to follow up and not leave people hanging. But maybe instead of answering all the questions in each post you do a Friday post of FAQ. It would be a great way to round out the week, you could basically have the draft running all week and then just hit publish Friday. It would drive more traffic to you on that day as well as drive people to posts that they might not have had a chance to catch up on yet! Just a thought…..
Jess says
I’d LOVE to see smaller posts! More posts = more better. I (and many other readers, I’m sure) love seeing little pieces of your life… house, family, organization, color schemes, questions you want feedback on, infographics (ahem, John,) polls, reader redesigns, window shopping, updates on what you’re up to, trips, baby stuff, kid stuff, Burger stuff, etc… They’ve all been fabulous over the years! And please… more Clara Conversations! :) Hope this week has been a GOOD kind of busy and productive and you are enjoying a relaxing weekend.
Jess says
And now after reading some of the other comments, I just have to say… I think it is CRAZY that people are using this as an excuse to criticize every single aspect of your life and blog! You guys are the best bloggers out there. Keep it up!
Tyra says
In regards to the feedback I too would love to see some of those smaller posts come back! Reader redesigns were always some of my favorites! I agree I think it’s fine y’all scaled back after Teddy (I too don’t work on Fridays so not having a post on Friday isn’t the end of the world for me), but having some content M-Th would be awesome!
Donna says
I’ve been following your blog for about a year and it is one of my top two favorites. I’ve only been following blogs for the past two years (when I had my third baby and kind of got hooked on them during late night feedings). When you do have a light week on posting, I usually go back and thumb through your firsts posts on the other houses. Could you do flashbacks of your favorite posts and maybe with a small update for those of us that are new to your blog? I’m sure someone else has already made this suggestion, but I didn’t read through all the comments. I agree with a lot of your other readers that I don’t mind if the blog evolves and changes based on what you’re doing in your real life. Enjoy those kiddos!
Micheal says
Don’t do away with the fab freebie’s! I’m hopeful that one day I will win. Also, I think a small post or picture would be better than nothing. I like the technical how to posts too. You guys have a great blog, keep up the good work!
Peggy McKee says
My 2nd comment:
I still like the blog but ever since J&S hid preparing house #2 for sale and the purchase of house #3 for 6 months, I have liked the blog less and had less good opinion of their characters. This may not be fair, but that’s how I feel.
In any case, I think the blog was at its best in house #2, and my favorite part of #2 was the kitchen renovation.
Michela says
I thought I was the only one who felt this way! It felt so crazy to be almost-offended at the secret, but that just goes to show how much your readers connect with you. I remember the old Blogiversary videos when you said “this is our forever home” back in house 1; when you bought house 3 and hid it from everyone it felt sort of sneaky, like you didn’t want us all to notice the shift from fun, frugal bloggers to savvy, money-chasing businesspeople. I understand the reasons you kept it quiet, but as others have said before, house 3 also coincided with a loss in energy and enthusiasm for your blog. I think that’s why we’re all chiming in now. It’s not because we’re overreacting to a missed post (that’s beside the point)- it’s because you asked, and we’re all breathing a sigh of relief as we tell you what we’ve been holding in for the past year or so. We miss you guys! Come back.xo
Elaine says
Since you are asking for opinions… ha! I seriously <3 you guys! I miss hearing about whats going on in your family (like in your young house life blog) and I ALWAYS skip the giveaways. I have really enjoyed your laundry room posts and I find it incredibly interesting to see how you take an idea and actually turn it into a really usable space! I think shorter posts would be great cause I think you guys are funny and interesting and I miss hearing from you! Also, more Teddy and Clara!
Jessica says
Hi John and Sherry! I love the blog and would rather have a small post than nothing at all! You’re part of my morning routine :)
Dan says
Great fun to read your blog because you guys are fun. Don’t over-think post frequency or content- blog when you want about what you want and enjoy life the rest of the time. Thanks for what you do.
Elaine in Ark says
Guys, As much as I loved the continuous stream of posts, I’m perfectly happy with 3-5 posts a week. Even small ones are great. You both have inspired me to “just DO it”, and your detailed how-to posts have boosted my DIY confidence. Really, I seldom tried to do things because I didn’t know the “right” way to do it, and heavens, what would happen if I failed? (Nothing much, apparently. I’m still here and my house is still standing.) I’m a bit more fearless now, in large part because of your posts.
Like so many other readers, I feel like you’re almost family. (You can call me Auntie Elaine, if you like. I’m used to it.) Take care of your family first. These years will go by in a flash, and I’m happy that you can spend so much time with your kids.