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!
Sarah says
I came to this thread after seeing you mention it on today’s laundry room post. I thought, “Oh no, what happened? Why does it seem like they offended someone?”
I was shocked when I saw the topic. I honestly find it bold and a little inappropriate for readers to criticize you guys when you’re still producing great and informative content while raising two small children. You can’t please everyone I suppose. We still love your blog in our house; keep doing what you’re doing! :)
Dani P says
Hey Guys! I know you have a million comments to read already but I wanted to share some encouragement because you deserve it. While I agree that the content has changed somewhat over time, I think that you’ve been able to maintain standards while juggling your evolving priorities. I can’t even imagine generating the amount of creative content (and content that centers on your actual lives) the way you do. Bravo.
I’m pretty surprised at people admonishing you for unexpected things interrupting the blog schedule. This is the first time I can remember something like this happening (a planned post day missed). And don’t other people also take a day off from their full time jobs here and there to take care of sick kids, a broken down car, or just life in general? Strange that anyone would hold you to a different standard.
I read YHL for fun and inspiration, and I’m still getting plenty of both. You have invested in art, furniture, landscaping, hiring experts – to me this more than fulfills the promise of being “more grownup” in this house. At the same you still do what you love – amazing DIY projects that fit your lifestyle. It’s not always my taste, but it’s the spirit of each project that matters. I think you have always been true to yourselves but realistic. And I never forget that you’ve decided to make this “work” but it’s also your lives and it’s up to you how you live it.
As for posts, if you have a hiccup in your schedule, I’m ok with no posts or something you keep in your back pocket for such an occasion. I loved House Crashing and Reader Redesigns!
Emily says
I love your blog and think you two are inspiring to many people! I read all of your posts, though I tend to skim the technical ones. I would happily read any of the short posts. I also loved Young House Life and would enjoy any of the content that used to be on there to show up on Young House Love. I would also welcome the Teddy weekly photos to be one of your posts, since I usually read your blog on my phone during my train ride. I’ve definitely used and referred people to the products you use/love. I hope you two figure out what works best for you guys — I’ll read no matter what.
Sarah says
Or about how your baby decisions are working for you – like I learned a lot from your post about washable diapers for Clara. Are they working for Teddy? Is there anything else you do to try to make having a baby environmentally sustainable?
Caitlyn says
Hi John & Sherry – I’m a longtime reader (back to when the blog had a different name!) and I totally love reading every day. (Except: I skip the freebie days – always have – and as a result, didn’t see the conversation until today. Better late than never?)
If I had to come on one side of this debate, I do miss the family updates – Clara Conversations, a post on Teddy’s photo project…smaller posts about these things are great. I like when it’s not all DIY, actually.
Having said this, if you feel that the right decision for your family is not to share information about the kids (for example), that’s the right choice for you. The readers may just miss the little things, that’s all.
Go Team Petersik!
Andrea G says
My two cents, long time reader. Definitely missing your posts, as a full time job for two people I would hope for more posts. Yes to including shorter posts about little stuff- organizing, seasonal decor, shopping trips, family updates, etc. definitely seems like something is missing from the blog these days. Missing the good ole YHL days, hoping y’all can find a good balance
Christy says
I am de-lurking to add my 2¢.
As a blogger (in another genre), I know that the “little posts” that everyone keep using as an example of what you should post on super-busy days can take just as much time to prepare as the heavy technical posts. Yes it would be great if you had a stockpile of them…but it’s not the work of 10 minutes to throw a bunch of them together and be ready for those curve-ball days. Not to mention that – there will be another set of people that will complain that the little posts aren’t technical enough. You can’t win :)
I thought it might be nice to hear that some of us understand that you have LIVES first and foremost, and a blog that comes in a very distant second. Just because you make your living from the blog does not mean you owe your readers every second of each day. After all – no one comes to our place of business and complains we we take an unexpected day off!
I’m in the “will always keep visiting multiple times a week” camp and there are a lot of us here. Hope you guys are doing well!
Kelly says
Wow! I am shocked at all the negativity in these comments. Family is number one! Those first few years go by so fast, enjoy your time and take the time.
I disagree with the comment about wanting high end furniture/decor posts. Not everyone can afford high end items nor do some want it. Especially with kids around. It may be for some people but when you have a busy family life a 3k lamp isn’t going to cut it.
Maybe a video response would be best when you respond to the feedback/criticism would be best? I always enjoy hearing you talk through the anniversary posts etc.
Stay true to who you are!
Kelly says
You guys are doing an amazing job!
I work as an in-house content marketer for an organization, and it takes a team of people working full time to do what you two do on your own. You’re like superheroes, in my book.
Ignore the haters who say your job is only decorating your house for a living. They have NO IDEA how much work this is, especially the business aspect that readers don’t see.
Keep on keepin’ on. I love your website. I love your affordable, stylish advice.
If readers do want more posts, maybe consider taking on freelance writers. You can’t always do it all on your own!
Emily says
I have been reading YHL for a very long time – since before Clara. I have kids a similar age to you (4 1/2 and 2 1/2) so in general I identify with you guys a lot.
I really like your blog for the technical DIY articles. I definitely use you as a resource. I personally don’t really like the styling posts and get frustrated with fluffy styling and decorating that I find on other blogs. The reader redesigns were okay but never as interesting to me as what you guys were up to.
In general I’m satisfied with the posts you guys put up, even if they’re not as frequent. I don’t think you need filler posts. However, a few other readers have mentioned wanting more posts about your lives, and I would enjoy those.
I think Heather Baleka said it well: “Post when you have something to share and I’ll be here to read it!” and I feel that way, too.
Jen says
I just think you have to be really careful about how you decide to make more family time. Everyone wants to spend more time with their family, especially when your kids are young. My husband would love to be able to limit the number of hours he works, but he can’t. He’s an attorney and the clients, courts, judge, etc. just don’t care if he would rather play with the boys rather then get a brief done on time.
You work for yourselves, but that doesn’t mean you don’t have a boss. Your readers are your boss. And your readers can “fire” you.
I was thrilled to buy your first book, thrilled to buy things from your Target line. Now you’ve up and disappeared (in comparison to your 10 posts and week, now it’s 3 and a giveaway.) I don’t really feel the need to spend my hard earned money on another book, another Target line, etc. Careful. It’s a slippery slope.
I know you’re eternally cheap, but you need to treat your blog like the business that it is. HIRE HELP! Get interns to help if you’re too cheap to pay someone. Interns could help take pictures, edit pictures, approve comments, etc.
This isn’t meant to be mean spirited, just honest. I love your blog and really hope to see more of you soon. I doubt I’ll last until the end of the year if you don’t get your act together.
Lisa says
Bring back Design Dilemma!! I loved seeing an incredibly perplexing space and then seeing your ideas for the space. I love reading your logic behind the choices and learned so much from those.
But I agree with the smaller posts. Or even breaking up large posts into smaller posts. Like today could have been the laundry room reveal. This afternoon or tomorrow could be the $$ breakdown.
Just my 2 cents!
Stacey says
I usually just read your posts without providing a comment – but you seem to be receiving some pretty tough comments. I actually do see some major differences in your approach to each house. I appreciate that you are showing how to DIY a lot of the work you are doing on the house – wallpaper removal approaches, laundry room, deck, etc – and that laundry room is to die for! You have also mentioned that you plan to spend some time in your house before making major changes (kitchen). I respect that you put so much of yourselves out to the public through your blog. Do what is best for you and your family. Fans may come and go – but your kids are forever. I for one – will continue to read your blog. I love it!
Nickie says
As I read through some of the comments (only after today’s post mentioned addressing them soon), I started to wonder what gives anyone the right to critisize a blog. If you don’t like it, don’t read it. But then, I realized that isnt the right mentality either. It is crucial for writers (of all sorts) to receive criticism. While I think that some of the comments were a bit harsh in tone, readers have every right to state how they feel. I personally disagree completely with Margaret-I enjoy all the spraypainting and inexpensive fixes. Like many readers, I cannot afford $1400 outdoor couches! I appreciate the diversity of the site, and of their home. That just goes to show that with such a large audience, you cannot please everyone. I have always appreciated that the commentary I have taken time to read has been respectful and constructive. Keep up the wonderful work John and Sherry! I will keep coming back. I like the small updates too-makes me feel less disconnected when you don’t show up one day :)
Em says
I don’t mean to take a firm standpoint here, but I do *not* understand all these comments saying “this blog is for you, you do you.”. I think these readers don’t understand that this blog is a business. It is what they do to earn a living. It’s their main source of income. Without readers there wouldn’t be a blog, therefore, without readers there wouldn’t be income. So of course they need reader feedback in order to maintain and grow their following. The more readers they have, the more money they make. So this blog is not for them, it’s for us, their readers.
That’s not entitlement, that’s people giving them the feedback they need so that they keep us as readers, and therefore so that they then can make enough money. It’s that simple.
Kristy says
Do what your gut tells you. Trust your instincts and do what you love.
Ashlee says
We personally love the technical posts, we often use them as reference when we are doing our own home projects. Maybe there is a good way to wed the two? I think you all are doing a great job!
Cindy says
i just wanted to say that I love you guys. love the big lengthy posts, the tidbit ones, the pics, the money saving ways you decorate, and the splurges you acknowledge (and your honesty about both), your style, your family, etc. do more posting, do less (or longer or shorter)… don’t really care. with my limited time, I will enjoy what I have time/need for skip the rest. from where I sit, keep doing what you are doing!
Elizabeth says
I also have a 4 month old & can’t read all the comments, was looking for one I agreed with. What Cindy said. :) I know you guys take this seriously, I’m happy you’ve had success and are doing what you love & parenting your sweet family.
Keep blogging & I will keep reading. :) Long time reader here, from This Young House days.
Vel says
Yikes! I’m shocked at all the negative comments! As others have said, you don’t have to keep reading if you don’t like what YHL is posting–or the frequency of posts. If they choose to scale back their business, that is completely their choice!
After Teddy was born, S&J said they would be posting less often and understood that might effect readership (and their income), and they were OK with that. The rest of us need to be OK with that, too.
I’ve been reading for 4 years and have not noticed any real change in the content of their house projects. I’m continually amazed at what they accomplish and the beautiful Before and After results of a room. Most all of it is beyond my budget as it is, and so I’m glad they don’t include many high-end pieces.
YHL inspires me and makes me smile.
I’ll continue checking in daily for a post, whether big or small.
Odette says
Hey guys!
I didn’t read all of the thread and I got the jist of it and wanted to throw my opinion into the mix (if you can stand to read another comment lol) I’m a LONG time reader circa 2008 so I feel I have followed your family and come to adore them from afar. I have felt very similar to Luke for awhile – a hard thing for me to mid considering the loyalty I feel for you guys. But ultimately it comes down to this – as your readers we are your clients so to speak. And while family should always be first in your life, I can’t help and feel disappointed when it is obvious that other projects have more of a priority then the product that I keep coming back for. If I’m being perfectly honest I’ve become a very lazy reader I barely check you guys any longer because the projects that you guys are focusing on more heavy duty and don’t apply to me. I like the posts from when you were two youngsters trying to make your house as homey as possible on a small budget. Hoping to see something better soon.
Linda says
I am saddened about what people think as positive criticism. I would think that’s it’s hard to please everyone, especially with such a range or readers from homeowners, renters and students but I love reading your blog and I look forward to your next book, which I hope another book tour will follow! I missed seeing you last time as a snowstorm hit Boston.
Also, just so you know, many other blog from well-known Interior designers, food blogs and life style blogs do not post on a daily basis. Regarding content, I would love to see more house tours, reader redesign or even updates on how things have been holding up around the house!
Melissa says
Geesh, mention the comments section in a blog and ask for feedback and you’re left with 20+ pages to get through. My goodness. There’s a weird sense of entitlement that many people have here. Anyways…
First things first, long time reader, very infrequent visitor to the comments section. Learned a lot about design and thrifting from you guys – braved Craigslist for some amazing finds based on your tips. My husband and I are not handy and will never take on a project like your laundry room so while I could never apply those things myself, I am the kind of person who likes to learn how things work and see behind the scenes of things so those kinds of posts are still interesting to me. I would still prefer to see other types of smaller posts mixed in though so it’s not just all massive super technical DIY every day for weeks.
The giveaway posts are obviously a revenue generating space for you guys but for readers, they are just ads. Just like when watching TV, I usually skip those but occasionally something catches my eye and I’ll try to enter to win. It would mean more if the giveaways were somehow mixed in with polls or more than just ‘click here to win’ – like, “What would you do with $500 to Target? Tell us in the comments section and we’ll pick a few finalists” etc… I’d also like to see the giveaways followed up on – who won what, pictures of the winners with their goodies, Reader Redesigns based on those prizes and what not.
I feel like since your announcement about cutting back, you have been trying to keep more of your private life private. I totally understand that decision (if that is something that you intentionally decided) but it is definitely a tonal shift, which I think people have picked up on but you haven’t really addressed.
I would be curious to read a post with your take on all of this feedback and see where you guys are coming from.
Megan says
Love the blog. Design is personal, and I can’t even imagine how difficult it is to do what you do knowing that you’ll get judged for your taste and choices! I know some would rather you go “higher end” or have a major evolution in your style, but that is ridiculous. You have a great style that works for both your tastes and your life and that is what design should be geared towards. Designing to please internet commenters is inauthentic and unreasonable. Keep doing what your doing. Love any and all posts, would be very happy with some shorter posts and reader re-designs mixed in with the in-depth posts.
Sara C. says
I’ve been a fan for quite some time and often wondered (and still wonder) how you guys can accomplish so much in the time allotted. I too have two little ones and I find it simply impossible to rip out a few bushes on the side of my house let alone build, insulate, paint, tile, etc. AN ENTIRE LAUNDRY ROOM! I’m glad you have scaled back since having Teddy.
I’ve found your blog to be extremely informational. My husband and I have actually referred to your blog posts in working on small electrical repairs not to mention many others. I agree with what another reader had mentioned. Basically that your blog follows your life at the time and the projects featured represent that. Which I like!! That’s what makes you two so relateable.
Personally, I would enjoy seeing some stock piles of simple posts rather than nothing at all. Seriously, keep it simple though. Like many others, I’m a huge fan of before and afters. It’s the best way to inspire DIY’ers if you ask me.
Whatever avenue you choose, I hope this thread doesn’t find you two discouraged in anyway. Even if your blog was only one post per week, I would still follow. Sad but would still follow :)
Donna says
I would love to see small posts again like you used to do back when you were in house #1- Love the blog! :-)
Mary says
I’ve been a reader since the first house and prior to sweet Clara’s birth. I’ve loved your blog since Day 1. Still absolutely love it…even though I’ve noticed the changes. Truth be told, I’ve been doing a lot of skimming through, for those technical laundry room posts. But I’m still happy to see them, ’cause I know I can go back to them when I need that information for my own laundry room. I’m happy to see the shorter posts, too. And the mix is always fun. I really appreciate that you guys don’t do sponsored posts. I’ll always check in to see what my favourite (yes, that’s how we spell it in Canada!) bloggers are up to. You guys rock!
Rachel says
Personally, I don’t think you need to apologize or announce if you miss a post. I’ve been a fan of your blog for a long time and use a reader to view new posts so I have no idea what you’re posting schedule is anyway :-) This is your business and it’s your prerogative to manage it as you are able and as you see fit. If there’s a post that doesn’t really catch my interest, I’ll just skim over it. It’s not a big deal and it doesn’t mean your blog sucks! People who have nothing better to do than criticize something they read for free have far too much time on their hands. You can’t please 100% of the people 100% of the time – just do what you do and try to find joy in it! And like Taylor says…shake it off! http://youtu.be/nfWlot6h_JM
Annette says
Chiming in really late…but as I’ve been a fan since I saw ya’ll in Nest magazine back in the day (2007?)and I got my brother reading your blog and we talk about you guys on a first name basis. (“Did you see what John and Sherry did in their living room today?”)
I’m going through a reno right now, I really appreciate the installing a door posts, and the big projects like that and the laundry room, since remodeling my laundry room is next! I feel like we’re going through a lot of the same things. As a mom of 4, I appreciate you posting less and all that. Do I like it? No, but most importantly I want you guys to do what’s best for your family, not at the expense of your family. That makes me enjoy you and your blog more!
Keep on keeping on! I’ll be reading no matter what.
Jessica says
My goodness! Everyone has an opinion. I personally feel like as the owners of the blog, you should get to decide what to blog about and the frequency to do so. I like some posts more than others, but I am along for the ride as you fix up your house and understand that I will connect with some projects more than others. Keep doing what you’re doing! You guys are hugely successful!
Anna | Gone Banannas says
This must have been fun to read through, eh? :)
Here is my feedback: BIG HUGS!
<3
kelly says
I am 47 years old and we still shop at Ikea, Home Sense (equivalent to your Home Goods) and Target…although the Canadian Target pales to yours! I love reading your blog and following on Facebook. Your diy’s and renos are I inspiring .People seem to forget that you haven’t just been doing your blog (although personally I don’t know how you do it!!) You also did a book and now have a second one in the works plus you just did a “dream house”! You guys are up to your eyeballs and I appreciate any post you want to give us! Just a reminder to people…. $$$ does not make a grown-up. Keep on being your fun selves John&Sherry!
Nicole M says
Wow, what a lot of ‘discussion’ in the comments. It always makes me sad when I see such’critique’. I would be happy with shorter posts every now and again. Your blog is the first on my checking list every day. I really love that what you do is achievable to anyone – most of the time! We work on a serious budget in our house (currently making a deck from old pallet wood etc!) so I like to see projects that I can possibly actually DIY! I do love when you do bigger projects….but also love that you live within your means! You guys make me smile with every blog post too…keep that up!!
Elaine K says
As one of your first readers (I started when the article was in the RTD about your pedestal table), I can see the changes and felt a need to comment. I miss seeing more posts, but am glad that you are able to spend time with your precious children and to write another book. I am constantly amazed at how much you get done with 2 young children! That really is the most meaningful work you will ever have and as a mom of two young adults my advice is to enjoy this time with them as much as you can. If that means less posts for us, that’s OK. Shorter, “lighter” posts would be good when you have time–I’ll take anything! I enjoy your sense of humor, your adorable photos of your children, and your sense of design. You have motivated me to start painting my blue trim in my 70’s colonial and given me confidence when choosing colors, pillows, and furniture that I never had before. So…. please keep on doing what you do so well.
Betsy says
Friends, please don’t let this inundation of commenting drama overwhelm you. I know it’s a huge part of your life but 99% of these people would never say these things to your faces over coffee. Why? Bc it’s the blogosphere and it ISN’T REAL. It’s a sliver of life that is as popular a part of pop culture as reality TV. When I don’t see a post, I check my email and move on. If you buy expensive stuff you piss off the DIY diehards. If you spray paint a light you offend the sophisticated crowd. If you move you don’t love your house, if you stay things will get bor-ring. If you talk about Clara and Teddy – why are you talking about kids? This is a design blog. If you don’t talk about them, you’ve lost your way and make us miss the good ol days. If you do giveaways you upset the people that think you are trying to make money. If you don’t do giveaways what are you, selfish? Filling your house with free stuff we could never afford! There is no way you can please everybody but there is a way to let the internet become larger than life. I echo a bunch of ppl who have already said this: do your thing. We will all survive. The laundry progress is awesome (show it to my husband worthy), the fabric wall is charming, the simple garage facelift is inspiring and Teddy is squishy and healthy – and that’s what really matters.
Has Clara seen Wild Kratts on Netflix? She will love it.
Jessica says
John and Sherry-
Your blog is my favorite and I have loved the more technical posts. Many of them have been poured over and bookmarked for future projects around the house. You have a way of explaining things (like the post about installing a new door) that makes sense and empowers me to feel like I can tackle the project myself.
I do love the other types of posts as well that are shorter and involve design options or small projects. I think a mix of both is ideal, but your creativity, sense of humor and approachability will keep us coming back for more of whatever you offer, I am sure.
Stella says
I think you guys have a lot of words you need to get out and with the abbreviated posting schedule, your posts have gotten longer and lengthier instead of spread apart into readable chunks. I zone out a lot by the end of the posts lately because there is just too much info. Side note – I think the other rooms had more design in them and the laundry room just doesn’t have too much design in it. That’s why the reader redesigns and the smaller projects are fun too because it is a DIY construction and home design blog. Keeping the balance is good.
Missy says
I just recently left my full-time job because I wanted to pursue a writing career and have more flexibility and a less hectic family life. I know some people think I’m nuts to give up a high paycheck and pwrks, but myental health is soo much better since I made the switch, and family life is so much easier. So I totally get why you would make that choice. A life that is all work is such a drag!
I’d like more posts about how your life is better now that you’ve made the switch to write fewer posts.
And I’d love more and shorter posts. Frankly I don’t have the time to read many of your longer ones. You could do a post every Thursday for instance with a picture or two of an item in your home that we may not have seen before. Or every Friday you could post one special picture conveying a moment from the week. Balance that out with a couple updates on projects and you’d be set. Not every post needs to be 2000 words. :)
Love you guys!!
AnnieM says
John and Sherry,
I have read most of the comments so far from this post–and probably this will echo at least a few others, but here goes:
YOU HAVE NO OBLIGATION TO DO ANYTHING OTHER THAN WHAT IS BEST FOR THE BOTH OF YOU.
Sure, there are lots of people (me included) who loved twice a day posts..who wouldn’t?
But I firmly believe that we ALL have to prioritize our lives, and right now, you have yours. They may not match up with anyone else, but it is your family you both have to please.
I remember after working full time for 7 years, I was pregnant with my first baby. Everyone else at work talked about how easy it would be to come back to work as we had very flexible work schedules. After I had my baby, I decided to stay home and honestly, I got a lot of resentment from others not doing the same thing. Did we have unlimited funds? Nope, just the opposite, but I felt a pull to be a full time mother. As my (ultimately 3) children aged, I felt the pull back into my field. I feel you are both segmenting your lives, and pulling back a little to where life is best for you and your children. Resentment will happen when the status quo is altered. NO ONE understands what your family needs other than you two.
As a long time reader, I will wait patiently for what’s to come (a new book!!!) and feel comforted in the knowledge that you are doing what feels right to YOU.
Hugs,
Annie
Heather says
I realize I’m a little late in this, but I love you guys and this blog so I thought I might chime in. I loved when you announced you would be slowing down to focus more on your family, because honestly I was worried for you guys. That said, I also love this blog and I love finding a new post. But, I also agree with some others, the tone these days is different, which is fine because you are different, but it really seems like you guys are tired. And I fully know, with a new little one (and I think you said Teddy isn’t as great a sleeper as Clara was) you’re probably exhausted. Just a thought, but I for one would fully support if you guys took a full week off of blogging, say every quarter, just to recharge if that would help keep you inspired. I was also wondering if you had thought about, for the technical posts, maybe for the post itself keeping it a little shorter and more before and after; was it harder easier than you thought, cost break down, simple things like that and then add in all of the technical steps for the archive resource. I’m also one that skims these posts when then first go up – but then I go to your archives when I’m looking for a specific how-to.
Basically, I love you guys, and I love this blog, but I want you to find balance. I also miss the short and simple posts and family posts. I also chose to cloth diaper largely because of your posts about it. And I have been so inspired by some of your smaller posts, I’ve even fully reupholstered a chair on my own (while pregnant) because I figured if you guys can tile a wall and rehab a kitchen full of cabinets, I can staple some cloth on a chair (turned out beautiful by the way), and when my daughter is old enough I look forward to building her a doll house and other meaningful toys because you guys have inspired me to realize that I can.
Cathy says
I enjoy the smaller posts, and loved your Reader Design Dilemma posts! I liked the suggestions you posted as well as reading what others suggested. It brings a relatable link to readers. As well, reader redesigns are great, too.
Catherine says
I’m a work-from-home, stay-at-home mom too and I purposefully wait to take my morning zen (zone out?) time until 10:15 so I can spend it reading my favorite blogs. I TOTALLY understand how busy life can be, 3 little boys over here, but it was such a bummer to not have anything to read. I’d have been happy with some random iPhone pics and some of your quirky captions to be quite honest, but my favorite filler blog posts from other home/lifestyle blogs are the “Saturday 6” or “last weeks links;” where the blogger shares their favorite finds from Pinterest and/or the internet in general. It doesn’t take long to write but for those of us who follow lots of blogs on Instagram and Pinterest, it gets hard to sift thru it all to find the gems. Still love y’all :)
Jenn says
While I agree that there is no need to be rude in one’s feedback comments, I’m assuming that they are asking for feedback because they want to keep readers and want to provide content that people want to read. So for those comments telling people to just not read if they don’t like the blog – that doesn’t actually help YHL meet their goal of keeping readers or adapt to the readers (their “customers'”) interests.
Anyway, I’ve read this blog faithfully for over 4 years, but the past year or so I’ve lost interest. Mostly because all the designs seem to be the same between the houses. Same colors, same style. I understand it’s your home so you will decorate to your tastes, but maybe showing some reader redesigns or some house crashes which incorporate some simple DIY instructions would help keep things interesting and varied from a design perspective.
I don’t care that you are posting less because you have a family or because you are busy with other business projects – do what you gotta do. As long as when you do post, it’s useful content. Not a fan of the giveaways. I never read them. I liked the shorter posts showing smaller DIY projects. I actually started reading just for those. Most people aren’t adding new walls or rooms to houses, or even totally gutting kitchens. But I’m always looking for fast, inexpensive projects to update rooms.
Oriah says
I was a long time reader and have sort of left your blog for a variety of reasons.
I like the detailed posts on big projects. I am a homeowner and have always felt inspired by bloggers who tackle big diy projects. I like that and suggest you keep it up. Smaller projects are fun too but i’m not particularly inspired by spray paint.
I would actually avoid creating lots of blog “filler.” Every time i see your “future bunk room” it looks like the room of discarded filler content to me. Please don’t return to buying stuff just to have something to write about.
I’ve always had “issues” with how little privacy you’ve afforded Clara (and now Teddy). Those post always leave me feeling uncomfortable. Your children should be able to create and curate their own online presence….but ya’ll have taken that opportunity and option away from them.
There’s been a lot over the last year to year and a half that has been a bit of a turn-off to me and i think it boils down to the fact that it feels a lot like you’ve turned your blog into an advertising format for your other projects and ventures. You have plenty of posts about all the other stuff ya’ll are selling and doing. At the same time ya’ll have been pulling away from the blog. This is where your audience is and it feels almost we exist solely to buy your swag….and that’s a turn-off for me.
It feels like your persona has become entirely curated and that there’s no longer real people behind the content….just snake oil salesmen.
I used to be a daily reader but lately i circle by about once a week.
Jaclyn says
I’d love to see more reader redesign posts, “popular on the forum” posts, and when you get a problem space from a reader asking for your advice!
katherine says
Hey John and Sherry! You guys are awesome and your blog is awesome. Thanks for asking for input from your readers and then taking the time to think about it. I’ve been reading your blog since your first house, before the name change and before Clara. The first post I ever read was about a watermelon you cut up all fancy for 4th of July. I have no idea why I remember that. I guess it was very memorable. Haha! I understand the shift you have made toward other projects, the book, Target etc. and the change that you’ve made to blog less and have more family time. But I do miss it. I miss your shorter, more frequent posts. I loved reader redesigns, the quick craft projects, mood boards etc. I don’t care if your posts are in real time. I like that you don’t go straight for the reveal and you post along the way–that is the beauty of real time posting, but who cares if ithe post actually goes live 2 weeks after the fact? I love all the ideas One Bedroom House came up with. I think the amount of family posts you put out there now is perfect. I love feeling like I know your family a little, but I think of this as a design/DIY blog first and foremost, not a family life blog. So I guess my thought is yes, please more short, quick posts when you don’t have time for a big update. I love the big updates, too, but I do miss your more frequent posting.
Susan says
It’s not just me! The blog has felt very different to me too, and I have followed it for a long time. There’s less variety, there are fewer posts, and the very long technical posts get boring. I often wonder why those aren’t included in your next book. I would buy a book for really good instructions on how to do major projects but not for simple projects that could easily be blog posts. I also wonder as other readers have, how you don’t have as much time to devote to your blog (your jobs). I have four kids and a job so you don’t have to tell me how busy you are with two. If John worked outside the home full time, Sherry would manage by herself. I don’t understand why one of you isn’t devoted to the blog full time and putting in the effort that seems to be lacking these days. Sometimes it seems like you’re just phoning it in. I also don’t relate to the amount of money you appear to spend weekly/monthly ($700 for a dresser that you plan to eventually put in the closet?). I don’t begrudge you any financial success. I do miss the creative posts about how you made something work and it turned out fabulous. I miss all the posts about how we turned something from a thrift into something that looks like it fell out of a PB catalog. I know it’s possible to keep old blogs fresh because this is not the only blog I read. I will probably continue to read YHL but it is not a blog that I consistently check anymore.
ES says
Ah, a time to comment with what I have been thinking for a while…
I hate to break it to you, but I agree with some of the more negative comments on this post. I used to look forward to the time of each day when I could check your blog. I would use it as an incentive at work–draft three more pages of this document and then you can read YHL!! My husband teases me about how I can’t decide what is cool until “my blog people” weigh in on it.
The truth is, my style isn’t really the same as yours, but I still get a lot of ideas from what you do. And I loved reading about your family. My favorite posts you’ve done were on how to pick paint colors, your Christmas trees, decorating Teddy’s room, Clara’s convos, Decorating Clara’s nursery and first big-girl room, and your baby gear posts. I liked the ones about thrift store shopping. I don’t like the really technical posts like the laundry room addition (although I love the tile and I loved today’s post where you added the “stuff”)because it doesn’t apply as much to what I do. But I can handle it some of the time and I don’t expect you to only write things I love all the time. The vacation posts weren’t my favorite either.
Over the last few months, though, I have been coming to your site less and less. When there isn’t a daily post, I get out of the habit of coming here. I feel like the posts you do have aren’t really showing as much of what is going on with your family…I can tell we are missing stuff. Which is totally up to you, you don’t owe me constant descriptions of your life. But it is making the blog less fun.
What I see happening is the same thing that happened to me with apartmenttherapy.com and thekitchn.com. When they merged all the little niche sites into one, I stopped reading because I really liked the cooking stuff the best. Right when I had a baby there was no more ohdeedoh to read. They started having so many sponsored posts it got annoying. And now I go to that site maybe once every couple of months when I’m really bored. I could see that happening with YHL, and I think it may eventually get to the point where I don’t read it at all.
I get it that you are making more money now with books and the lighting line and stuff you sell at Target. I just feel like my interest in you, and interest in your site, was more about your personalities than just your style. I don’t see myself buying an octopus shaped doo dad for my house, but I love hearing about how and why you designed it and seeing how it fits into your home.
All the previous commenters who said if I don’t like the blog I don’t have to read it are correct — but part of me feels like I have this blog void now because YHL isn’t doing it for me anymore. And since you’re asking, I might as well tell you how I feel.
Elizabeth F says
Hey Sherry and John,
I just wanted to say that you two are amazing at what you do. Your blog is so fun and enjoyable, and has stayed that way through its changes over the years (I’ve been reading it since Clara was a baby). It must be hard to sift through all these comments and then decide what works best for you. Blessings to you in this process. My own 2 cents are that I have two little ones of my own (girls, 6 1/2 and 3 1/2), and I remember vividly how difficult the past few years have been (really, until my youngest turned 3). The season of having young kids is a really challenging one, for all of us! So hopefully you can have a good dose of grace and patience for yourselves as you find a balance that works for you and for the blog.
take care,
Elizabeth
Jaclyn says
I also want to add that I love that you guys DON’T do those “this post is sponsored but all opinions are totally my own” posts. There are some big bloggers that post maybe three times a week and that’s all their posts! its so annoying and a big turn off.
Meredith says
My first thought, I miss Clara Conversations from your family site! As a mom of two toddlers, these posts were so fun to read. Could you bring back some of your family content to the main site? I like the small household projects – organization, decoration, painting – but also love seeing the transformation of your spaces as well. I agree, it has been pretty DIY/construction heavy lately but I understand that’s just the phase you’re in right now. Keep on keepin’ on!