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!
Juliane says
I love the idea of smaller posts, especially reader redesigns.
linda says
Oh yes! Please do the smaller posts. And more FAMILY posts. It’s so disappointing to come here only to see no post (especially with the already decreased number of posts from that past!)
Bill in NH says
I hit your site almost daily because I like your DIY stuff and your decorating stuff. I also hit a bunch of other sites for the DIY and decorating stuff and I watch HGTV and DIY too.
I think your kids are cute and I’d like to sit on your back porch with you guys and have a beer. But I generally just skim that “life” stuff. I’ve got my hands full of my own kids and life.
If I am going to tackle some hardcore DIY project I probably wouldn’t use your site as my only reference. A source of inspiration, definitely, but I wouldn’t expect YHL to be my sole-source for the technical details.
As was said earlier, it’s your blog. If you want to change it tomorrow into a blog about Eskimo poetry, then go for it. If I can’t get into Eskimo poetry, then I’ll just not visit your site as often. I would probably still come sit on your back porch and drink Eskimo beer.
Anna says
I started reading the comments, then they became too long… now I know how you probably feel :). Not sure if anyone has said this already, but shorter posts are totally fine. Let us know what you’re working on, or not working on, and dreaming about. Pinterest inspiration, other places you gather inspiration, questions for readers, etc. Don’t feel like you have to force yourselves to write more. Sometimes you’re too busy to reflect. That’s ok. I haven’t seen the data, but I bet one liners can spark just as much conversation.
Lauren says
Hi, I personally love/appreciate the less “technical” diy/styling/shopping posts. I’m a renter so while I can admire and learn from the big jobs you do in your home, they don’t always apply to me (though I totally get that’s where you are, and so many of your readers are, in your lives and stages of home renovations).
I think my favorite post recently was the one about hanging photos in your bedroom. And the post you did about creating a cacti terrarium with Clara a while back inspired me to create my own!
I also just like learning about the things you buy and bring into your home. And I always love hearing about what your family is up to.
Thanks for all you do!
Julie says
Don’t change a thing! I enjoy everything you post. I will keep on reading as long as you are writing.
Heather Carter says
You’ll never make everyone happy: You should do what you want to do with your life and time and blog. Some people will be upset no matter which path you choose. You may lose some readers but you are bound to gain others! :)
Laura says
I can’t figure out how to reply in the right place. Whoops. But you asked for feedback, so …
I personally love the highly technical thinking-it-through and then doing all the work types of series including the laundry room. It sparks a lot of thoughts for those of us who are homeowners and wanting to eke out some space! But I also really liked the quicker posts, reader redesigns, talking about family budgeting, etc. They had a lot of personality and that’s great. I think the mix of both is really good for you guys and your “brand.” I do think the slowdown in posts is detracting from the site. I think that the really heavy schedule you had for a while — 2x a day some days, right? — drove a lot of folks to check the site a lot. I know it’s hard for you guys to manage, but maybe it’s time for an intern? It’s already amazing how much you do, so I understand you may not have time. I’m less disheartened, as a long-time reader, by the lack of a post today vs. the slow-down generally and a bit less of the personality and fun.
Joanna says
I like checking your blog while at work – it’s a nice break in the morning. I understand not posting everyday (you have a life), but if a small post could keep you guys on a schedule (say mon, wed, fri), I think that would be great. A little something to keep me checking in regularly ;)
Marci says
Since you asked…
Posts I like:
* DIY posts with lots of photos. I think you can break your projects up into smaller posts vs. putting several topics in one huge post.
* Reader written posts.
* House crashing
* Family stuff. I suspect that you might be trying to protect Clara’s privacy, but I enjoyed hearing about your childhoods, your parents, Burger, your past jobs, etc.
* how to blog, do a video, do a family scrapbook, use Photoshop, etc.
* Local events and fun outings
* Lifestyle posts (how you handle housework, how you make a buying decision, when do you hire out and when do you DIY)
* LOVE the blogiversary posts and John’s infographics.
* Love the video interviews.
Posts that I don’t like:
* some of the craft posts that seem rushed or just done for the sake of having something on the blog. (ie spraypainting something.)
Suggestions:
* I like reading comments and your responses, but I think one or two posts per week could be done without you babysitting the blog all day to write responses. Maybe do a Q and A roundup at the end of the week.
Sarah Ramirez says
I really like the idea of a weekly roundup with Q & A’s. I can only assume that replying so often takes up good chunks of time throughout the day. :)
Laurel says
I think a weekly Q and A would be GREAT.
Jenna says
I agree with the original poster. I like the DIY posts but I miss your mix of family stuff, short decorating tips, Reader Redesigns. It was a great balance and the posts don’t have to be long. Sometimes the longer posts lose me, since I’m not undertaking such large projects in my own home.
But seeing how you style a side table or book shelf, or a cute idea for adding color to a room, those are great digestible nuggets that first drew me to Young House Love. I totally appreciate you taking time for your family – believe me I understand – and maybe more short posts will help accomplish the same goal. As always, just my humble opinion. :)
Michelle G says
blog comments alway boggle my mind. “what color nail polish is that?”, “I noticed the cushions were swapped”. I mean people expect you to be at their beck and call. So you don’t have a post up for the day, MOVE ON PEOPLE! Who are WE to tell YOU how to run your blog/life?
I’m a loyal follower, however you want to do you blog.
Erin C. says
I like hearing from you guys no matter what because I think you are neat and have a neat family. I totally understand that life happens though being the mother of two little ones myself. Keep on keeping on. I will still read.
As a matter of fact I had a dream that I met you all the other night and it was so weird because I felt like I knew all of this stuff about you but you didn’t know me. I totally think we could be friends though.
Teka says
I am a relatively new reader. I discovered your blog after picking your book up randomly at the library. I really enjoyed the projects in your book and have done several of them. Since I own my own home, your DIY posts have been interesting, although when they get lengthy, I start to skim some. I appreciate that you are both scaling back on the blog some, but perhaps some more varied content like you used to do? I found good styling tips are extremely difficult to find on pinterest, and your tips were the best! You have provided so much information and inspiration, that you really need to just keep doing what you’re already doing. And the giveaways rock, I just hope I win!
Susan H says
I, too, have been a dedicated reader of yours since your move from house 1 to house 2. As others have mentioned, your 10am postings are my go-to work break! I totally understand why you both have cut back but since you’ve asked- I would really like to see more posts even if they’re lighter in content. As others have mentioned, it seems like you used to do more posts just about random things–which were often my favorite. I also haven’t seen many of Teddy’s weekly photo shoots. Anyway, obviously family comes first but I vote for smaller easier posts peppered in between the bigger posts–like you guys did when you were building the deck. It would be one big deck post followed by a couple of lighter posts keeping it varied. Just my two cents! Love your blog either way!
Rachel says
I feel like most people are going to either be in the camp of any post is better than no post at all or if it’s just filler then don’t bother. I personally would rather see any post than no post at all.
As a new homeowner who is young without a ton of extra cash I really loved when y’all had a great balance of deep, technical posts (because trust me, my husband and I have already consulted them a ton of times doing various projects around our house. We love how thorough y’all are!) and quick, simple decorating/organizing updates. We can’t necessarily afford to do a ton of major updates to our house all at once so the easy decorating/organizing suggestions were really great because they always felt like something I could do right now while we are saving up for our next project. Or even reading about your family because I feel like I know y’all and I’m always interested in whatever you have to share!
I totally agree with everyone who is saying they miss you! Anyway, that’s just my opinion and I will continue to be a faithful reader no matter what! Love you guys!
Susan says
I think what’s happening with your blog is that your mission statement has completely changed because you’ve achieved great financial success–perhaps you’re on the road to being millionaires…CONGRATULATIONS!! YOU’RE A CORPORATE BRAND!!! WOW!
But the Sherdog who decorated with free paint strips now buys 800 dollar paintings, and with the crashing of the middle class, (the poor is always blown to pieces), I’m having trouble relating to your blog content I need clever budget ideas, so this blog doesn’t work for me anymore.
Does it mean that I’ll stop looking in? Being a fan, of course not. But only every couple of weeks, because I can’t afford what you do – there’s not much common ground anymore. And quite, frankly, 99 per cent of Americans work full days and nights with two or more children, so it’s okay to say that your priorities have changed…we’ll still love you!
But the biggest problem that I see is that most people can not spend the thousands of dollars that you’ve spent fixing up your house in less than a year. I’m not jealous, you’ve worked very hard!!!!!, but you don’t help me the way that you used to do.
Good Luck…and I truly mean it!
Laurel says
To that end though, I don’t mind you all spending money on yourself. You’ve earned it. That’s where you are in your life. But maybe you could spend the money you want to decorate and then do something about how it relates to your reader — the option you went with, plus a splurge option and a save option for those of us recreating it at home.
Patti Kuttner says
LOVE your blog, your enthusiasm for your home and all your great projects. Your young and growing family is a delight to witness and how you balance it all, at such tender ages is impressive. That being said, I think you both are entitled to well deserved breaks between posts. Enjoy your little ones while they are little! Thanks for all the inspiration you provide!
Noelle @ Noelle Mullins Design says
I’m in agreement with the other readers. Taking time out for family is super important, but we miss you! You guys are so talented even the simplest projects like the terrarium, toy closet organizing, play deserts for Clara, basket painting, basically crafty Wednesday are the most memorable for me. Mostly because they are things I could actually do. I love the long progressive projects too but they are obviously more time consuming for you to put together. Checking your blog is a morning ritual for me and it makes me a tiny bit sad when there’s nothing new. I would really appreciate more content even if it was smaller and simpler assuming that worked with your priorities right now.
xoxo
Raquel says
I enjoy all your posts, short or long, but also realize that you may not be able to post every single day. I’ll manage… :-)
EM says
As a comparatively new reader, I was so excited when you bought this new house, because it’s really exciting to see the home renovation process from the beginning, and you had basically run out of big room renos on your last house when I started reading. I do miss some of the family-centered posts from Young House Life (Clara Convo’s never failed to delight), but I appreciate that you are scaling back to prioritize family. I think the cycle of the blog follows where you are in your home and life. It was a little tough to see the subtle shift the blog took when you were finishing your last home for sale, but that’s real life, and I appreciate it. Plus, the content has shifted again with the move, and I’m loving it better than ever. I appreciate that your blog covers real life, and I’m OK with you not artificially pacing the blog between technical and human interest pieces, since life doesn’t work that way. I don’t know how I’ll feel when all your big down-the-road projects with this house are done, but that’s a ways out, and I’m sure you’ll come up with something – maybe a vacation cabin or something? I also don’t think Reader Redesigns are “filler” posts. I would miss your house if I was seeing a Reader Redesign once per week, but I like them for their inherent qualities. Keep it up, and good luck with the busy week.
Stephanie says
I have to agree. This blog is really lacking lately, it seems hurried and not as fun to read and these give aways-ugh. But this is a change of season for your family so I have just been checking in less and hoping that eventually you will go back to being my favorite blog :) You do kinda have your hands full don’t you :)
LiZ says
Hey guys, you’re awesome and amazing. I can’t believe you’ve gotten an entire room renovation done with a 3 yo and 3 (or 4?) month old. We have a 5 yo and 5 week old and I can’t even get laundry put away. But anyway…I miss the lighter posts too. Stuff about you guys and reader redesigns. Please bring them back (when you have time!). Sherry’s probably especially busy, but more decorating stuff when you’re up for it. Thanks!! Keep on doing the amazing job keeping it all together and being inspiring!
Dana says
Dude, you guys just had a BABY! You get a hall pass for at least a year! Seriously. I bet after Teddy gets a little older, you’ll get your momentum back.
Year long hall pass yo!
Andrea says
I completely disagree. This is their job. Did you *and* your partner take off a year from work when (if) you had a baby? Literally no one else can do that, and it’s ridiculous to think that J+S can and still relate to readers. I’m mostly frustrated with the lack of content knowing that this is two people’s full time jobs.
EmJay says
True Andrea, but how many people wish that they and their partner could take more time off work to spend with their family? Millions – why not commend Sherry and John for building a business that enables them to do so. They have always been honest about it and expected to lose followers as a result.
Nat says
Andrea,
Most women do get maternity leave (I realize some can’t take that luxury but if Sherry would have stayed in corp. America she would have been allowed a maternity leave) and I’m in amazement that neither her or John took any time away at all from posting. A year would have been too much, but a few weeks is understandable.
Juggling a full time blog, 2 kids (w/o daycare-> and I think this is their biggest problem), a target line, a book and who knows what other projects, would be daunting to anyone. Take 2 kids to work and see how much you’ll be able to get done!
Claire says
I’ve been reading for a decent while now, I think you were laying cork tiles in your last house kitchen.
It’s my favourite blog, I read/check it daily, and I didn’t notice much change when you said you were slowing it down a bit until over the last few weeks. So here are my thoughts…
1) Whilst I’m a tad disappointed when there isn’t a new post, it makes me appreciate the next one all the more.
2) I love the content and the super big posts with great detailing. I’m a would be DIYer and the more I read the more I want to delve right in, even if you’re doing things I would never attempt/need to do.
3) I think you can’t help blogging on big job projects when you’re doing them, and as someone said the finer decorating points will come when you’re at that stage.
4) I like to see the little family updates that pop up into my Facebook feed and I think that’s a nice place to put them/read about them (being social media rather than DIY media)
5) I would like to see little tiny posts, I do miss little bits you once did, but don’t desire you to take back your word on spending more time with your family
AND LAST BUT NOT LEAST … if you’re really not sure which way to go (so many comments) how about taking it to a PUBLIC VOTE?? :-)
Good luck :-) x
PS sorry if someone else has suggested that, too many comments to read!
audrey says
I love it all. Short post, long posts, family, home, reader re-designs. It’s been so exciting to see you guys succeed it so many avenues. I would say
a. Do what makes you feel proud of your little slice of the web.
and
b. Do what’s right for your family because at the end of the day they matter way more than this does.
Arielle says
In response to your query in Update #2; I think that having a stockpile of little posts would be beneficial. I used to love the “Dude,Get on That Already” projects and the house crashing posts. Maybe you could even ask readers to write a post of a recent project they did that mirrors one of yours to show how they did it and how it turned out. Then you wouldn’t have to write anything!!
Claire says
Oh, and I’ve just come back from the USA on holiday with my family and made my husband drive me straight to Target on the off chance I found a YHL keepsake. No such luck :-(
Perhaps you’ll have a new line out when go again! :-)
Bonnie C says
Ok, so… I read the first dozen comments and then skipped to the bottom because my half naked toddler is chasing the cat through the house and this can only end in bloodshed, so this might be redundant, but: wouldn’t this be easier to insert a poll? I know you guys dig that stuff, so… lol
I, for one love, the recent intensive posts because I find them relevant to my current situation. Having said that, I also scour your archives for smaller stuff because I *know* y’all are going to pull through for me (I still need to photograph my painted door and tag you on Instagram :D). Also, you gave FAIR WARNING that content was going to slow down and shift and you have to do whats best for YOU. If your content is no longer relevant to some, that’s a bummer and it’s their choice to stay or go, but whatever you post it *is* relevant to someone out there (ME! ME! ME!) so at least know you aren’t spinning your wheels.
And… the cat has ended the chase. Gotta run!
Suzanne says
One of things I like best about your blog is the substance, no posts that are obviously just for the sake of a post. I realize its a lot if time and work but I think you guys are on a different level because of the substance and quality of your posts/writing. I would hate to see your quality suffer just to meet a schedule that you feel tied to. The fastest way for me to loose interest in a blog is a lack of substance. Suffice to say I vote fewer posts to maintain the same quality.
Claire says
I agree with the majority : smaller posts are better than a red update. 1 full post and 1 give away post this week are really frustrating, even though we’ve been warned that it would be a busy week for you… I miss Clara Conversations, Listy Von Listerton, and all the smaller and family post that you used to do… Good luck ;) I’ll check your blog anyway whatever you post and read carefully what interests me :) But as you were asking for your readers’ opinion, here you have mine… Have a great week-end!
Melody says
I love you guys tremendously, and will be a faithful YHL reader for as long as you blog. As some people posted, I also am happy that you have chosen to focus your energies more on your family. I truly have no idea how you keep up with everything and manage to keep your kids taken care of! You are rock stars, for sure. Anyway, my feedback for your question about doing small posts when you can’t do something bigger is: YES! I just love having something to read from you guys. I really miss the Clara Conversations, and I loved all the little random posts about what’s going on in your life/house. It’s nice to live vicariously through people I find to be very funny and enjoyable. And another thought I have is that the giveaways really aren’t a big deal to me. It sounds like they take some time to coordinate, but it’s a petty good bet I will never win one AND I feel like they take away a day of “hanging out” with some of my “good friends.” I do like the giveaways for the sake of getting to know a new company or product line, but then it means there’s really only maybe 2-3 days where I get to find out what’s going on with you guys. I really come to your blog more because I love seeing your “story” unfold. It’s less about the actual specifics of building something or designing something. I love getting ideas for my own home, but I also love seeing how a real family functions and manages to have a lovely home while working with a budget and real obstacles. Anyway, I love you guys and will read whatever you put out, even if it’s just a single sentence.
Camille says
Dude. Some people are harsh.
I can tell there are some light weeks. But I would have expected this with the new baby, and because you’ve been warning us about the book projects. Just the other day I thought, ‘they didn’t really need to make that grand declaration about cutting back on the blog, they’ve been keeping up really well!’ and then there’s this thread with all kinds of disgruntled customers. I’m pretty surprised and in general I disagree….I miss the regularity but I think the content is still strong. And shorter is fine….that’s just a sign of good editing right? :)
My thoughts: I don’t really consider a fab freebie a post. I love ‘light’ posts like reader redesigns/thrift shopping etc. but if it wasn’t balanced with big home projects I would quickly lose interest. And I’m patient if you deliver lots of technical DIY posts in a row, because I know you’ll get back to the other stuff.
mary kate says
Here I am…in the minority. I love everything you guys post. From giveaways to really technical posts about installing hinges to reader redesigns. I’ve always enjoyed it and always learned/laughed. However, unlike most of these commentors, I am usually informed by my handy-dandy “Google Now” that you have posted or updated the site! It knows I always visit (I use you guys as a reference for DIY projects and as design inspiration) so it now tells me when I should be checking.
On to the idea of smaller posts. Yes. Yes. Yes! It means we get to see more design! Design is one of my favorite aspects of the blog. If that means the technical posts about YOUR renovations will stop…. I gotta say I’m only about 50% on board.
You guys do not work for us despite how it may feel sometimes. So really, when it comes time to decide whether or not to start doing mini-posts/smaller posts, it is 100% up to you. Do you feel like this is a commitment you have to make now? Could you try out some smaller posts intermixed with weekly or bi-weekly full posts? I have no intentions of stopping my support for you guys either way… My opinion (and you know what they say about those) is that you all should keep doing what works, stop doing what doesn’t work (for YOU not for US since this is YOUR blog!!!), and start doing things you think might work.
Leslie says
Long time reader here, not a heavy DIY’er, but I did tile my kitchen backsplash last year :) LOL…
I echo the responses from everyone above… mix it up, that will help bring back the spark and add some balance to our reading and hopefully your lives at the same time.
Meanwhile, I’ll just go back and drool over your new pretty laundry room! :)
*smooch*
Kayla says
Only since you asked for feedback… I don’t read the thorough step-by-step posts for construction and technical things anymore, but I don’t think you should stop posting them. I fully intend on referencing your blog posts in the future when I tackle those kind of projects and for people who really don’t know what they’re doing, your super detailed descriptions and photos are so helpful. I think giveaways are great in theory, but your blog is SO big that I don’t even take the two seconds to enter anymore because there’s such a small chance I’ll win. Therefore, those days feel like nothing was posted. I definitely miss personal/family posts and smaller projects like art, styling, etc. Reader redesigns are a good solution to you not needing to create content and I think they stand on their own as solid posts.
Sarah M says
LOVE you guys. Never read the “filler” posts. I vote to skip and don’t lose sleep over it.
Raquel says
Wait, how is it some readers would do away with the Fab Freebies?! I’m still hoping to win something soon! No, don’t get rid of those!
Kelly Kristensen says
Hey guys!
In answer to your question in your update- I would definitely LOVE to see small project updates. I also have a new baby (+3 more kiddos) so I know that time is hard to find so I totally see why you’ve cut back. I love your updates about what worked and what didn’t, ideas you’re toying around with or even just styling ideas. Some may say that these are “filler” posts but I enjoy them. :) I also like kid update posts and wish that there were more of those as well!
MikeLove says
Skip the day with an update.. Save it for a more juicier post later. =)
Christiana says
What I’m hearing from many of these comments is that you might be well served by putting labels/titles on your posts “DIY ‘Done’Day” on Mondays, “Family Fun Friday” “Tuesday Tablescapes”. Those checking for the Teddy/Clara posts would know to check on Fridays; those seeking the technical projects could check Mondays, etc. We all come for different reasons and perhaps labels would help us all manage our expectations. ;-)
Also, on the question of the super technical posts, I really appreciate them, because while I get the sense that John’s dad knows a lot more than mine does (which impacts the DIY baseline)and while I don’t think I will ever own most of the equipment John already does, knowing what needs to be done and what pitfalls I should avoid helps me to sounds a lot more credible with potential contractors/plumbers/roofers, etc.!!
T- says
Only since you asked…
Re:content – I would like to see something small such as a redesign, an organization tip or project, an update on projects/products you did or bought (very helpful), or something that didn’t work out. Those are my favorite things, besides updates and projects on your own house. Any of these things would be better to me than an oops we couldn’t post today. I totally get life and family getting in the way of blogging, so if an occasional no post day is necessary no biggie.
Things I’m not fond of: the giveaways. I don’t enter them so for me it’s almost the same as a no post day. Didn’t really care for the shopping trips either, because either I can go to Target and see for myself (which I do weekly haha), or I’m not going to go to that obscure thrift shop or boutique anyway.
I enjoy the technical posts for the most part. If it’s not something I’m ever going to do (like hang a door), I’ll just skim the post but for things I would do, it’s nice to have a detailed post.
I do feel like the content has gotten a little skimpy in the last little while. Maybe I have no business saying this, since I’m not a blogger, but it seems to me the blog should be given as much priority as the book or any other project. Without the blog, book deals and other projects or commisions would not have been possible. When the content and frequency of blogs postings go down, I don’t check in as often. I had another favorite blog that I absolutely loved, but she started posting a lot less frequently, and since there is no new content in days or weeks, I rarely check in anymore. I do love your blog and find it very helpful and inspiring, and want it to continue to do so.
Gina says
Hey Petersiks! Weighing in here at to whether you should do what you did today and just tell us there is no post (which oddly turned into its own post!) or have some back up filler. I think what you did today was honest. I prefer that. Also, if you just throw up a back up filler post, people will then accuse you of phoning it in. I am all for keeping it real. I think you made the right call today and did what you thought best. Also, it’s really great you are considering reader feedback like this!
Love to you all,
Gina
Tarin says
Funny you should ask this now, because I was just thinking how I hadn’t SEEN you guys in a while. In the old house, I felt like I could picture you in the kitchen at any point in the day because you often posted what you were actually DOING… like we were part of your lives. I get the cut back for family time, but I miss seeing you. Your IG isn’t updated as often it seems, so there’s no way to see what you’re up to… sad face.
Kate W. says
In regard to your asking for feedback: I agree with Luke from earlier that, as a reader from way back, I enjoyed the smaller posts interspersed with the long technical ones, like window shopping and house crashing. I especially miss Reader Redesigns! I ADORE y’alls style, but it was fun to see other people’s decor ideas all in one place.
I think (hope!) everybody around here agrees that we’re incredibly lucky that two talented people have chosen to share their creativity and their lovely family with us. We’ll always come back for more, even if it is slightly less often.
That said… what happened to Clara Conversations?? That absolutely cracked me up!
Lauren L says
Hi there. I have come to view this site as a way to learn how to do diy and develop my decorating chops. Reading the way you guys approach decorating, buying stuff and planning/executing a diy has helped me SO MUCH in my own life. I would love to send in some before and after pictures of our room to show you just how much I’ve learned from you guys! (I’m naturally a gun-shy, think-inside-the-box perfectionist who can’t make a design decision to save her life!).
With that being said, I think it’s great that you guys have made the decision to scale back your blogging in favor of more family time and I appreciate your candid-ness about it. In fact, I think you guys have stayed the most true(compared to other blogs that have gotten too big for their britches) to yourselves even as you’ve seen more success. One food blog I used to read all the time got a big break and now has a cooking show. Since then the blog fell totally to the wayside and is basically all filler posts. Needless to say, I haven’t read it in a few years. Sooooooo with all that to say, I’m cool with the filler posts or a single photo with some words under it as long as it stays true to your vision for the blog. If you guys genuinely don’t have something good to post, I don’t need to be appeased. I’m totally ok with waiting a few more days for that laundry room update or what have you.
SO SORRY for the long comment. You guys are very gracious and super hard workers and that is why I’ve been reading your blog for so long! (since Clara was a few months old so however long that is lol)
Kat says
Reader Redesign. But please don’t tell us your favorite part. It makes me cringe!
Mel says
Yes more “smaller posts” or reader redesigns. Sorry, but it is lame to only have 1 post this week. Giveaways are fine 1x a week but you had a day off from the holiday and won’t post anything Friday either. You should have something prepared/scheduled for occasional “filler” when necessary. Big technical posts are great but I think consistency on a on-point topic (not a family blog post every time) is more important.
kelly Lightbeam says
I appreciate you guys asking for advice! I hate the term constructive criticism, because of the negative implication, but instead, let’s call it cooperative marketing research ;)
I think the majority of readers understand that you’re cutting back on posting due to the recent addition to your family. Unfortunately, the content that used to seem very “layered”, with technical advice, creativity, family fun, personality, makeover magic and good old-fashioned common sense now feels very calculated, predictable, and on a schedule.
At the same time, your recent big reno happens to be in an extremely boring color palette. Practically white walls, with white cabints, white appliances and grey-white tiles don’t set you apart, or scream “I’m something special!”. We all know how special you really are, but we haven’t seen you in your glory throughout the last few weeks.
I know what it is that’s missing. We miss Sherry. Your “old blog” used to have a happy balance of both of you, while the latest posts have had a lot of John shining through. A lot of technical information, and nerdy puns (not that there’s anything wrong with that, in fact, it seems a lot of people love John). What we’re missing is the color and flair, refreshing commentary, charming nostalgia, and laugh-out-loud funny and stuff that comes from Sherry’s voice. Women relate so well with other women and with your demographic being 99% ladies, I would hesitate to take the heartbeat out of your blog, if I were you.
I know that life evolves, right now you both have your hands full, and you’re working to find the right balance. I hope everything is alright, but if it’s not, it’s ok to tell us about it too, if you choose.
Emma C says
Kelly, you have written so eloquently what I’ve been thinking. I’ve followed your blog since your wedding and have been a faithful reader every day. My life has changed right along with yours (marriage, home ownership, children) and I truly have felt like we were friends. I can’t tell you how many times I’ve told my husband, ‘john and sherry did this today!’ or ‘dude, sherry is hilarious!’ Infact, we were so impressed when you kindly replied to our email about getting a signed copy of your book when I was unable to come to a signing because I was big and pregnant.
Anyway, what I’m trying to say is, your passion and excitement for your blog appears to be missing. Sherry, we miss you. I hope everything is going okay on the home front because we don’t get to hear from you often. I don’t mind the slower pace of blogging, but your spark is missing. We’ve become so accustomed to feeling like friends and extended family, that now it seems you are putting up a wall to keep us out. We were spoiled!!
susan in ME says
Kelly says it perfectly! I miss the layers in your posts and Sherry’s quirky humor. With 2 kids of my own, I completely understand to need to find a balance. Cheers to you both for taking the time you need. We all are right there with you as your family/home/careers evolve.
In the meantime, I’ve got a fever and it can only be cured with more cowbell, uh I mean, Sherry!
Mikal says
Love you guys! Great blog, great personalities and gives me FREE entertainment. Thank you! If you are busy with the babies, I totally understand. I have three kiddos myself and I know life can get crazy. Keep on truckin’ the way you want to…this is your blog. You attracted your readers because you are “real” with us. If people cannot understand and sympathize over your schedule while your littles are so tiny, then maybe they can go find another workaholic blog. Perspective is important…for both you and your readers.