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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Katie says
While I LOVE reading the content that does get posted, I miss having more frequent (even if shorter) posts. I’ve was a daily follower for 3+ years until recently, simply because there wasn’t enough content to check back frequently. Although I realize the importance of family, you guys were on such a roll!! I was excited for what was next for you (HGTV show anybody?) But now, it seems as though the blog is an afterthought or hobby, rather than a career path.
Bonnie C says
An idea for a smaller post: make a “hashtagYHLinspried” or something for people to share pix of projects they’ve done from either the blog or the book… all you have to do is pick the ones you like best and run a selection every week – easy peasy. ;p
Amber says
Love it! What a fun idea! :)
Jennifer says
Hi! I’ve been a regular reader since the original site name. :-) I think that part of why I have been reading for so long is that you guys are so authentic. When you are doing big, technical renovations in your home, that is what you post about. When you are just tweaking and decorating, you post about that. Postings about your family are the icing on the cake. I would say, just keep on doing what you’re doing and let the content evolve organically.
Dawn says
You do realize you’ve left your readers without much content at all?
No post last Friday (or Saturday or Sunday)
No post on Monday for the “holiday”
Giveaway post on Tuesday
1 good post Wednesday
No post Thursday
Not expecting a post tomorrow either since you scaled back (perfectly okay but if blogging is your bread and butter and you have weekends off too you are sending readers to your competition).
1 quality post in a total of 10 days if you don’t post until Monday. Just sayin… That’s not good if you are relying on a daily habit behavior from your readers.
Smaller posts, copy writers hired via reader redesigns to take the pressure off a few days, better planning and scheduling of posts so you have something each day, pre-written content for busy weeks, hiring out some of your tedious tasks could all help.
Summer says
I’m a huge fan, and I appreciate the courage it takes to ask for feedback on an open forum. I think smaller posts (instead of nothing) would be great if that’s feasible! That being said, if you sometimes have a day of “nothing,” that’s okay, too. (Better to take a break sometimes rather than risk burning out — that goes for any profession!)
My advice (since you asked us :) would be to not put too much pressure on yourselves for each and every post. (I’m a professor and I try to tell myself the same thing about my classes because I’m a perfectionist. I try to remind myself that not every class is going to be wildly entertaining — I do my best and I try to give my audience something of value–and I try to realize that some days will be very meaty in terms of content, others will be lighter, some will be extremely fun, others will be less than entertaining but still important (and so on).
You’ll never please everyone, but I’d vote for posting about a variety of topics (and including both meaty and lighter posts). I second the suggestions to bring more YH Life posts in! What keeps me (and, I’d guess, a ton of your other readers) coming back is how wonderful you are as people. You’re so relatable and that is very appealing!
Hope this feedback is helpful! Love your blog!
chase says
I’m a long time lurker, sporadic commenter and huge fan! Since you asked, my 2 cents is that fewer posts is fine and I’d rather you guys don’t scrimp on the quality that makes your blogging voice so enjoyable. I love the puns, I love the pop culture references, and I’m the same age as you so I love when you tell jokes that reference things from “our” childhood. :)
The laundry room project is a HUGE undertaking, so it didn’t bother me that it’s taken up so much of the content lately. I also didn’t understand a lot of the technical parts of it, but that just shows that it’s a more advanced DIY type project.
Keep on keepin’ on.
Lynne Wesenberg says
I love the idea of small posts. Not every post needs to be chock full of pics and instructions. Sometimes just the little ones with a “Here’s what we’re doing today, more on it later” are fun. Just a nice little check in! Or even just a pic of the kiddos with a “gee, guess why we are so busy today?!” would be fun to see. But whatever you do is fine by me :)
Adrianna says
I like the longer posts and shorter posts, but for different reasons. The longer more technical posts can be a long read, but I like to go back to them when we run into the same problems in our house. (I think I’ve gone back to your posts about the grout cleaner/renew for your front hall like 12 times, some from home depot aisles trying to pick out products). So I think for reference they can be great.
I do also like shorter posts for quick updates and tweaking ideas, either from you guys or from readers. I like having the ideas for small things to do around the house to make it nicer and more homey. Without having to devote a whole weekend to something.
None of this was saying that you should go back to no work/life balance. Life gets busy! But small projects, ideas, reader suggestions, thrift store shopping thoughts and ideas would be great to see again. Just my 2 cents.
Carrie says
I was just thinking about how much I missed reader redesigns and house crashing. Although your site is my favorite, your heart seems to have moved on.
kelsey says
I love small posts. Something is better than nothing. :)
Amber says
I really like a mix of posts. So a quick post or no post or a reader redesign would be fun!
Nastasia says
J+S+C+T – loving the new formats/posts. I had a baby a month and a half after Teddy and I think it’s wonderful that you’re balancing out! I personally love little posts like reader redesigns and crafting whatnots for when you don’t have a big post. They are the perfect little read for those short catnaps that my son is favoring at the moment :) cheers!!
Nat @ This Little Yellow House says
Smaller post would be great. Even if it just an update on what you are doing that day, or a small to do list for the day. Just so we know what is going on. I miss all the life details. It feels like I know you, so when it is all quiet I miss you.
susan says
hi j&s,
i appreciate you giving us readers a forum for feedback. i think your blog is great and have enjoyed it for a long time.
that being said, it’s titled Young House Love, so i mostly tune in for the projects, big or small. Simple (painting) or complex (door jambs); it’s all good.
i enjoy your quirky humor and honesty about how things turn out. i enjoy news about the kids when it’s tied to a project, like clara’s comments when you hung her pink chandelier.
i enjoy clicking over to see your instagrams photos or photo project updates and usually do that on fridays when you don’t post. the occasional post about birthday parties or vacations is fine, but i personally don’t want to read about potty training, teething woes, or chicken pox. i know these events impact your life and blog posts, and that’s fine. but i’m here reading for the house related items told in your funny, laid back style.
i think that’s what people are missing. there’s less of your humor and personalities in the entries.
Emily says
I do love your blog, short entries, Reader ReDesign, DIY, family updates. I am a renter, but still a dreamer for home ownership. I am in my 6th decade, but your writing style is appealing to me. What if you were to prepare entries proactively, short entries, that you could plug in the blog for situations just like this? You would cover yourself and no one would be the wiser. A stash of pre-pared entries about any topic as a go-to. Or revisit past entries, like the Homearama, or the Children’s Ward Waiting Room. Just thots. All the best,
Sandra says
Whatever happened to the 2,421 commenters who gushed and were totally okay with taking it slow for the sake of family?
Could it be that they are the silent majority who are still okay with the slower pace?
Or are people just really. that. FICKLE.
Good grief people. Cut S and J some slack. And perhaps start your OWN blog? Post solid, creative posts every single day without fail, of course. No pressure. ;)
Amber says
Seriously! It would be super interesting to put those posts side by side their posts today. :)
Telling someone to slow down is easy to say… until it affects your morning routine. ;)
Katie @ the Woodward Place says
I love the huge DIY posts (even though I don’t have a current use for that knowledge), but I enjoy when the little, fun posts are mixed in; the brain storming posts and the quick updates are a great complement to the DIY because the little projects complete a space as much as the bigger ones. I’d rather see filler than no post, but keep your priorities straight. And I love a giveaway as much as the next person, but they don’t satisfy my post-cravings. Maybe do one a week in conjunction with a filler post. Since you guys are taking a beating with all the feedback, I want to say that I feel you still have very high-quality content and your musings are a highlight of my day. Thanks for asking!
Katherine R. says
I had a baby just a week or so after Teddy was born. Honestly I’m so impressed with what you guys get done. I think there is some constructive criticism here but I am grateful you still blog. Would be happy to see smaller posts if you have time but with a 4 month old I am lucky to get my house vacuumed (while I stare at the walls that need to be painted, clutter that I’m
slowly chipping away at, etc- we moved right before baby was born). I’d love to see a post about how Teddy sleeps because that’s where my head is now. ;)
Carol H. says
Have to agree with Susan who posted on 9/4 at 3:25 pm, who said it best:
“Oh no! Don’t go changin’! If you start posting “tablescapes” or “five ways to style your foyer for fall” I will throw up in my mouth (and that ain’t pleasant)!”
Becca says
I would love to see more frequent, smaller posts. I have a short attention span. (I have to admit that sometimes I just look through the pics of your posts when they are longer ones.)
I love to see simple ideas and nice pictures of pretty things–that potentially I could make. I am not a DIY person, but I love to paint things or make things look pretty or organized.
I love your blog! Even though I’m not a “follower”, I check it several times a week. Thanks for being such an inspiration!
renee says
Hey Youngsters-
Been with you from almost the beginning and met you here in Minneapolis for the book tour. I am a huge fan of the Petersiks and never miss reading. However, I do believe your collective personality has been missing from the posts. That’s what I love the most – your humor, your optimism, your willingness to show the real deal, not just a stylized life.
I was just remembering the other day when you used to post TWICE a day – doesn’t that seem crazy now?
I vote for smaller, zippier posts. And absolutely more about your family. I miss all the Clara stuff and feel like we haven’t really had a chance to “meet” Teddy.
In summary : we love you, we get it, but we miss you.
Molly says
I love all the posts that you guys actually write – long or short, technical or crafty. Those are the reasons I come back: John’s technical skill is inspiring and his posts are fun; Sherry has a sharp eye and is a good artist. I love photo-heavy posts. But I don’t check the site on a day when you’re not posting, and I actively dislike the contests. I respect you for minimizing things like Clara conversations, even though they were adorable, especially as she gets older. But there are so many things that you could post about that relate to parenting/hectic family life that are less personal: ideas for packing a lunch? organizing school supplies (like your great kid-art idea and teacher gifts, etc)? Are there areas where you’re still learning, like gardening? cooking?
Heidi says
Long time reader who never comments, but I miss Sherry. I understand why she is not posting as much, but I feel like she is the heart of this blog. I could listen to her talk about anything and be happy.
As far as content, I miss all the lists showing the percentage of a project complete, family stuff, and videos. I come here more for decorating than renovating and DIY. Don’t mind that stuff, but I like a mix.
And I don’t mind the reduced schedule at all, or even the occasional missed day.
Lace says
I just want to say that I’ve been reading your blog since your very first house and you guys do an amazing job — then and now. I’ve been a daily reader and I’ll remain a daily reader — even if you end up posting just once a week, I’ll still always check.
I’m not going to name names, but A LOT of the blogs I use to love are doing SO MANY “sponsored” posts that I don’t trust what they say/recommend anymore.
I like that you don’t do these kinds of posts. And I’d hate to ever see you guys do watered down content just to have something to post.
It might seem crazy but I’ve been reading about your adventures for so long, I’m kinda proud that you’ve been able to be so successful with the blog that you’ve parlayed that into the books and the show house and who knows what else is to come.
Your lives are changing and your careers evolving into areas beyond this blog. I think that’s great — even if it means fewer posts on the blog. Whatever posting schedule you decide on, just know you have this reader’s support.
Susan says
Thanks to my favorite bloggers! I check most days. I would be happy to find any blogs, large or small.
Sherri says
Hi guys- Just chiming in to say I like the small, filler posts. Reader redesigns being my least favorite. Ones where Sherry would repurpose something or do a little project or Clara in a video singing and rocking it. I miss seeing that little sweet pea or hearing about her pre- school. No matter what, I’ll still tune in because I flat out like you all, and you still are in a league of your own!
SG says
I used to read daily: the content has shifted in a way that doesn’t interest me quite so much anymore. I’m not a huge DIYer but always enjoyed everything in between. Things a bit too technical for me now. Nontheless, proud of you for prioritizing your family. :)
Jennie says
Hey guys! Thanks for asking this question. I hate to offer unsolicited opinions, but I am happy to answer your query. First, I love this blog. I have checked it every day for at least six years. When I say every day, that typically means at least once a day, but often many more times throughout the day. I like long posts and short posts! I never feel like posts are filler. I love Reader Redesigns, house crashings, crafts, kid stuff, DIY, shopping, organizing, yard work posts … you get the picture. I love the variety you have presented over the years. Lately, yes, you are missing your “spark,” but I know what it’s like to be busy, over-tired, etc. so I understand that you can’t keep up the peppy enthusiasm indefinitely. I have a three year old who has yet to sleep all night, so I totally, totally get that! I like your brand of weird, and feel like you are my friends who I have never actually met. Mostly what I miss is “you,” and your quirky fun, but I think your content is still good. Short pre-prepped posts would be great if you can’t post, as long as it doesn’t interfere with your happiness and family time to prepare them. I enjoy posts from both of you, and think you are both entertaining and engaging writers. I just like visiting with you guys each day, and will be happy to see whatever you post :)
Kate says
Hi Guys – I hope you’re doing OK after all these comments today! I still check in everyday to see what you’re up to, but I could easily do without the Fab Freebies. I’m always inspired by your projects, big and small, so please keep up the good work.
Heather says
As a teacher and parent of three little ones, I was wondering how you would balance having two kids and still getting things done. I completely understand the challenges that you are facing now.
Even with the lightened frequency of posts, I am finding it rather disappointing to read continuously (with the exception of give-aways) about the same project. A reader previously shared that they would love to see even one picture with a short caption, and I agree. Even if it is just a link to a pinterest idea that caught your eye, it would help to break up the monotony that seems to have taken over your site.
That said, I still love you guys and check your site frequently! One of the things that I love is how you take constructive criticism and use it to make a better product!
Robin says
Pillows? Yes please!
Alyssa says
Love all your posts. Every single one. I have no interest in ever installing my own door to a laundry room but I read ALL about it with more interest than anything else in my day! I say keep on keepin’. You guys rock. You are by far and above the best bloggers on the block. Kudos to you on scaling back because frankly someone needs to start the movement on FAMILY FIRST! If anyone can do it, you can! I’ll take whatever I can from you guys because YOU ARE AWESOME!!! Fab freebies to laundry room door installs, I am here to stay!
AmyMay says
I will admit that I would love to see a new post everyday but at the same time, you gave fair warning that your posts would be slowing down when Teddy came along. I think most people would have made that same choice with a growing family.
Plus, we need to keep in mind that the laundry room is a big undertaking and from that will come smaller projects. You can’t paint walls, put up new lighting, add art, etc… until the walls are up!
Since I am a homeowner, I think that the more intensive renovations are helpful to see. You always seem to post projects that are relevant to my to-do list, which is pretty cool.
As for smaller “fillers”, I love the House Crashing posts! It’s nice to get another perspective on decorating sometimes. It helps to spark ideas.
You guys are awesome and I look forward to what you will do next!
Sarah says
Thanks for asking, I’ll take any post you write as I just love reading your site and get so excited to take a quick break and find a new post. I know many like the giveaways, I never participate in those but think all of the house and family stuff (and everything else you post) is so fun!
Becky Horst says
I certainly would love mini posts on organizing and design dilemmas. I love when you mention your outside and gardening and landscaping thoughts. I enjoy seeing the posts on what you make for your kiddos and even the Clara convo posts are great.
Janice Lynch says
Yours was the first blog I ever followed..starting back in your first house. I truly enjoy reading it each day, and feel like I know you both and your precious family. I do enjoy the house crashing posts, and any of the quick DIY ideas.
I like to read all of your blog posts..even if I could never do all the technical stuff!
Keep up the great job you are doing… I appreciate it all!
Krista says
Spending time with yor family is important, especially now it’s time consuming with teddy. I trust that in 6 months your will perk up again, so for now I’m skimming and will keep reading until it comes back to the type of projects I like.
I’ll also echo the more short posts, family or what we are up to real posts. What about short posts with links to stuff you are reading these days or other blogs or websites you like and explanations about what you like? Seems like those are quick and easy but still interactive posts. When you were doing the model house, I thought the posts were too long and felt rushed. I often think, wow that was a really long post that could be broken up into two. Even if you don’t have time to write something my suggestion is post a photo or link. I’ve been reading your blog since before Clara and I’ll continue to read it!
You two are great and will continue to be great. Own that right now you are focusing on other things while posting short stuff.
Megan says
I like a lot of posts. :) The heavy DIY and the smaller “filler” posts. Yet I have adjusted my expectations according to your current season of life. I will keep checking in weekly instead of daily. I have yet to be disappointed!
Kay says
This might be long so I’ll break it up a little.
1) It’s apparent that you just don’t have the same energy or love for DIY anymore. At least to your readers if comments over the past few months are accurate. And while it’s your prerogative to change and grow it’s pretty clear to your long term readers that there’s other things taking up your time or energy.
2) I respectfully disagree with every commenter who thinks that having children gives you some sort of “pass” on this blog, aka your job. You’re incredibly lucky to both be work from home parents and flexible schedules but you’re not stay at home parents with a hobby blog. This is your job. So when you’re not putting in work I become less willing to support you via page clicks.
3) Entrepreneurs always have to create leverage and I get that you’re doing that with the lighting line, hooks and books. Those projects directly take time away from the blog content which is, if I can just be obvious, the audience that would presumably be buying those products.
4) It absolutely astounds me that you don’t have a backlog of posts or pre-schedule these posts. I know your policy on comments but really… a blogger who answers “what color is that” and “where did you get that pillow” in real time is like someone who watches their email 18 hours a day and responds to everything instantly. In my opinion you’d be much better off letting comments sit so you could do more blog related content and answering them in one or two sittings.
5) At the end of the day it’s your life and business and blog. But in a week you had a single substantive post. Do what you want but I’d rather spend my time supporting bloggers who give more respect to their full time jobs.
Meg says
110% agree! You said it perfectly Kay!
It also feels a little insulting to their customers (aka the readers) that they think they gets some free pass to work less and use their kids as an excuse as if having kids and working is some treat and favor to us. I used to read twice a day back when you all posted that much and it was named This Young House but honestly I rarely ever check in anymore. You guys clearly are not in love with blogging anymore and would rather spend your time on the side projects instead.
A lot of readers seem to forget that fixing up your house is your job. You get paid to do what others do on weekends and evenings (while having careers and parenting). It’s not a “oh my gosh how do you do it all” situation because this is your job for 80 hours a week. I mean in all honesty do you think what you produced this week is at the minimum 80 hours worth of work?
Lisa says
This is the best comment. At least, it’s the one I agree with the most.
I’m always kind of shocked at the “I can’t believe how much you get done!!” comments from people. Do they not realize that this is the full time job of two grown, fully-abled people? I have two small children, and go to nursing school full time while my husband works one full time job + one part time one while I am in school, and we still manage our household AND do DIY most weekends with no family nearby. That’s just life, you know?
To answer your question, I really miss Reader Redesigns and House Crashes. I have to echo other posters though: it seems like your hearts just aren’t in it anymore and you’re coasting. If that is the case, I hope you find something that you enjoy and have passion for again. If I’m wrong, well, I’ll see the change for myself in a few months :)
karen says
I completely agree with all of this. This blog is a full-time job for two people. So many of the YHL readers work full-time outside of the home, while raising children, and still find the time to do projects on the side.
Dana Leigh says
I see your point with full-time job and family, but something is being overlooked here. I have to say, the fact that they are putting hours into a book and then working with their product line, would make the blog not-so-full-time anymore. When deadlines, publisher’s expectations and product line responsibilities come into play …. the priorities change.
Keeping the readers happy is one thing, but keeping the big guys who have agreed to invest in you happy, is totally different.
Lucy says
Agree 100%!!!
1. Quality over quantity! Your hook way back when was “posting every day”; now this is irrelevant. You are not the only blog out there – blogreaders enable us to subscribe to multiple blogs (and of course we do). Simply put I don’t care if you post today, I will read someone else. But when you post- it better be good or I will take you out of my reader – THIS IS A FULL TIME JOB FOR 2 PEOPLE.
2. STOP ASKING US WHAT YOUR VISION SHOULD BE! It’s obvious you are floundering and trying different things (DIY? lifestyle? book authors? hook makers? John posts?); figure it out and then tell us who you are! Know that who you are may not make a successful business though. I for one, am no longer in your target audience – you have decided to keep attracting new DIYer’s in their 1st home instead of growing up. But if you bend to what people tell you to be, you will be constantly chasing that feedback, and will be as miserable & floundering as you appear to be now. OWN IT.
Kelsey says
Yes, THIS! I am curious as to why you don’t get a baby sitter in there for a few hours a week so you can get some stuff done and keep the momentum rolling on your blog and other projects. I work, and it would not be fair to my employer (ie your blog readers) if I didn’t have childcare for my kids while I got work done. Your current childcare/work situation is not realistic if you intend to grow and expand your brand. Naptime and a few hours of preschool for Clara just isn’t enough time to accomplish enough to propel your blog forward.
If one of you doesn’t want to work on the blog or wants to cut back to part-time that’s totally fine, but as long as you’re presenting yourself as a DIY duo with 80 hours of time a week devoted to your brand, something is seriously lacking in the productivity department. Maybe you’ve got other projects you’re not telling us about, maybe you’re just sick of it, but either way, honesty is the best policy.
Lindsay says
I would love to see some smaller, more family related posts sprinkled in along with your longer more technical posts. I was glad to hear you were going to start mixing the two blogs together again. I enjoy hearing about your life as much as your DIY ideas! So having some shorter, more fun, more quirky, more silly, more Teddy and Clara, more of what’s out there inspiring you…. type posts sounds great! I don’t consider that filler! One of my favorite posts was back in house one where you gave life style money saving tips and explained how you guys liked to cut back and have meatless nights and explained how you two would have have specific days where you wouldn’t spend any money etc. It was very inspiring!
“OBR”s post ideas are fantastic!
Anyway, thanks for asking for some feedback!
D Young says
I have never written a blog but wonder if rather than no post on Fridays, you took a break from comments that day. Perhaps that could be a time-saver for you while still providing a post to read.
Allison says
Hi Sherry & John,
All I have to say is I LOVE your blog. I LOVE you guys, so I’m happy with any choices you guys have made about posting or not posting. I understand why you guys have gotten away from the smaller posts, it’s just something that naturally happens when you have moved on to bigger projects than only having a blog. I mean come on, do you think Kim Kardashian still works at Dash? Um, no.
I don’t think most people understand the time & effort it takes to create projects, do them, take pictures, write about, and post. Y’all need to do what is comfortable for your family!
Allison
September says
I’ve been reading since your wedding. This is one of my all time favorite blogs and the only one I check daily.
I echo the commenters who pointed out that you’re like a friend because we’ve spent so many years following you both and enjoying your quick wit, great style and interesting lives. As you post less, we miss you. We understand, but we miss you.
Since I’m here, one of my favorite things about you is that it’s always uplifting to visit your blog. You remind me of Jimmy Fallon, who is great because his brand of fun is joyous, silly fun, not mean, condescending, nasty fun. You just have a great vibe.
I’ll keep returning regardless of what you do. I think smaller, lighter posts is a fine idea and I always enjoy Clara/Teddy posts too.
Thanks for asking us our opinion. :)
Laurel says
I have missed the Reader Redesigns and shorter posts. Our house is a lovely 1874 build that means any DIY we start ends up costing 10x what we anticipated, so the DIY posts are just not my fav like your other posts are. Ha, mostly I just drool over how your DIYs seem to work out so much better . . . next house will not be so OLD! That said, I don’t think your shorter decor/Reader Redesigns/house crossing posts are cop outs at all, I really enjoy them the best!
Mary says
I appreciate/understand the technical posts of late- you’re doing the work contractors would be doing and you’re showing readers the reality of a renovation. On the other hand, I open the blog daily in hopes of a post because as others have said, it’s like hearing from friends and we’re rooting for you and love to hear from you. A “little” post is good as long as it’s not feeling like something to simply fill space, so you be the judge of that. If you’ve got something to sincerely share, bring it on. If not, don’t force it to fill space. When I feel in need of some YHL and you’ve gone MIA, there’s always your massive archive!!
Dana S. says
I like that you guys have always been honest about what running this blog means to you and about what you want your blogging experience to be like. I agree with the others who are regular readers and feel bummed when we don’t see a new post one day, but at the same time, I recognize you as human beings who have to find a work/life balance. I think you should post good (read: short, long, whatever, just good and interesting stuff), completed content when you have it and not force a post of a shorter, not really finished story just to please the audience. I personally really like it when you do a short post with a sneak peak of what you’re working on, so we know what to look forward to. I agree with some other comments that the posts have lately seemed very techinical, but that’s just what your projects are like right now and I think that’s going along with your honest approach to blogging. I’ve been reading your blog long enough to know you’ll move on to different projects and that each one will have varying levels of intrigue for me. Either way, I might eventually come around to a big DIY project and who knows — these technical posts could be extremely useful! It doesn’t all have to be instant gratification. Keep up the awesome work!
Tessa says
Hey Young House Lovers! I’m constantly checking your blog and although I haven’t been as long of a reader as others, I’ve definitely been following your blog for over a year and love it! I’m so inspired by you guys, not just your (awesome!!) projects but the way you work together as a couple and keep your kids and one another a priority in life. Like some of your other readers have said, do what makes it easier and more fun for you guys! We’re all having fun sitting around reading your blog so why don’t you guys deserve to have fun creating it for us?
Keep up the amazing work!
PS. I can’t wait to see the laundry room COMPLETE!!
Jess says
Long time reader, first time commenter…
I agree with many others today. I understand the need to slow down and certainly respect that, and ultimately y’all must do what works for y’all as a family!
That being said, I too find myself checking in less often and feel that may be due to a combination of many factors and not just one thing in particular. One or even two missed days of posting isn’t enough to break my habit…but over the past few weeks/months I seem to find myself less interested in what’s being posted. I never really got into the show house thing and I am so over this laundry room. (Though I am simultaneously impressed by your DIY skills, detailed tutorial/pictures, and patience for putting it all together!) I think you guys are incredibly talented, but I’m just not into it these days.
I also think I may have a little difficulty relating to some of your posts now that our budgets for reno/decorating are vastly different. I miss the crafty posts or styling suggestions that I could try my hand at myself. I also marvel at how many readers you guys must have if tens of thousands are participating in giveaways (which are posts that I too find to be a “let-down,” though I still often participate myself…)
Perhaps some of the fun, simple, easy to do projects are being saved for book two? If so, that’s kind of a bummer for the reader like myself. I purchased your first book and read through it immediately, but have since tucked it away on a bookshelf and never referred to it again. However, I’ve completed several smaller projects based on tutorials from this blog (grout refinishing, furniture painting, hanging bamboo blinds, gallery wall inspiration all come to mind…) and I would love to continue to do so. I find it much easier to reference an online tutorial when tackling a DYI of any size than one in a book. I can’t tell you the number of times I’ve pulled up your website WHILE in Home Depot or Lowe’s for last minute pointers.
Lastly, I also miss the family-focused content that seemed to have a bit more personality but would understand if privacy issues have been a concern.
No matter what, thanks for all your hard work over the years. You really are appreciated. :)
Laura says
I absolutely love reading your blog, it is by far my favourite and has been for quite some time. Lately, I have to say I have been disappointed by the lack of posts. I have been loving the laundry room renovation posts and everything to do with the office and your whole home. The tile post actually makes me believe we could tile our kitchen – great job John! Smaller posts would definitely be preferred, even the house crashings you used to do were enjoyable!
Maria says
I don’t want to offer feedback so much as to say that I will be a faithful reader no matter what you post. I have a 2 yo and an 11 mo, and i still feel like I am adjusting to having two kids. No one tells you how hard it is! I am a SAHM, so your posts are always a welcome break (escape?) from the craziness, but I understand and respect the change in the amount of posts.