We’ve once again solicited questions from you guys on Facebook for our blogiversary extravaganza (of the personal, not decorating, variety). And just like we did in 2009 and 2010, we had fun answering a bunch of ’em. We crammed as many responses as we could into 20 minutes, so unfortunately not every one of the 80+ questions got answered, but we figured 20 minutes was already pushing the bounds of an acceptable YouTube video length. Haha. Here are a few things that we cover:
- Our favorite and least favorite qualities in each other
- What our neighbors think about the blog
- If the former owners of our house read the blog
- Our weirdest fan interaction
- Who Clara looks more like
- How we deal with negative criticism
- What we wanted to be when we grew up
- What will happen to our blog name when we’re not young anymore
- If we ever fight or spend time apart
- And most importantly: John’s thoughts on the new Twilight movie
And of course there are a bunch of other questions, a Burger cameo, and John cycles through soda shirts just to keep things spicy. Oh but if you’re at work you can still watch it on mute and try to guess what I’m gesturing wildly about (or wait until tonight and watch it with some popcorn and take a swig of soda every time John changes shirts). Our only video-recording rule is that we’re not allowed to re-answer anything so it’s completely unscripted and sort of an all-one-take kind of thing (that we later edit down just to shorten things/take out the “ummmms” so we can squeeze more answers in). We don’t even read the questions until we’re rolling, so we don’t overthink or overplan – but sometimes we over-share. Haha. Who’s surprised.
And just because we’re chatterboxes, this year we tossed in three bonus business-related answers:
Q: How did you get sponsors? Do you solicit advertising? What’s the secret? First we wrote about 200 posts and had been blogging for a while without even thinking about sponsors, just because it was something we loved to do. We actually had no idea there were even people or companies who sponsored blogs, we just thought of it as a fun creative outlet/diary. Then it slowly dawned on us that because we were gaining more traffic and posting every day, maybe some local folks or small online businesses would like to get a button on our sidebar in exchange for a tiny fee. So we tossed up a “wanna advertise with us?” button just to see what would happen. We thought it would be awesome to make a few extra dollars to put towards projects, but definitely didn’t have high hopes. Much to our surprise and amazement, a few small companies and Etsy vendors emailed us to say that they were happy to give it a try. So we just shared our stats and offered people a flat fee for the month and a slightly discounted fee for the quarter.
To this day we actually still use the same system. There are definitely more intricate ways of charging sponsors (like per click, per view, etc) and even more complex ways of calculating rates. But we decided to keep it simple and start with a flat rate that we felt was fair (based on what we saw other sites charging with comparable traffic) and just let the sponsors tell us if it was too high (and if they did, we’d adjust). If it was too low, well, we love a deal – so we figured why not offer one ourselves (after all, we were satisfied with that rate since we were the ones who came up with it). That system seems to be working for everyone, so much so that we haven’t raised our rates in almost two years (despite a great increase in traffic since then).
When it comes to managing sponsorships, we use Google Ad Manager to organize everything. It not only serves the ads to our site, but also helps us keep track of expirations so John can send renewal emails / invoices. So it’s a bit of paperwork on our end, but completely worth the effort since our sponsors are a big part of what makes this blog possible. There’s definitely not a get rich quick aspect to blogging (at least not in our experience), but we’ve seen that by focusing on content first and readers second, the sponsors will gradually fall into place.
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Q: Do you have to post a certain amount of times each month for sponsors? Nope, as we mentioned above, they pay a flat fee per month so no traffic or amount of posts are expected or promised. We’ve just posted 1-2 times a day about the same range of stuff for the past few years, so it’s a pace that works for us. Some juicy stuff + some light stuff + some personal stuff = a comfortable mix. Posting in some sort of regular rhythm provides structure and helps keep our creative juices flowing. If we stopped blogging every time we were in a rut or ran into a snafu we worry we might never start again. Gotta keep that momentum up! <– picture me in a bodysuit and legwarmers saying this in a sing-song-y voice a la workout videos from the eighties
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Q: Aren’t you scared to have so little job security when your whole family’s income relies on this blog? We’re not gonna lie, it can freak us out if we think about it too much. But we’ve squirreled away the recommended amount of “safety net savings” to fall back on if this ol’ blog suddenly grinds to a halt (which we built up before John came on full time as some sort of “insurance” to quell the nerves). We also have side gigs (like our column for BabyCenter and Do It Yourself magazine along with the book that we’re writing), so that helps us feel semi-diversified.
We also both left advertising on very good terms with former employers/clients, so that’s another road we could explore if we ever needed to (and John still takes on the occasional advertising consulting job on the side, just to keep his toe in the water). In the end I always say that five years ago we had no idea we’d be here doing this, so trying to figure out what we’ll be doing in five more years is probably an exercise in futility. We just do our best to keep chugging along and try not to let the neurotic thoughts creep in!
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So there it is, twenty minutes of video evidence confirming that we’re dorks and three bonus bidness questions. What surprised you guys most? Was it the fact that I make up sayings that aren’t really sayings and then collapse into a ball of giggles? Or that John is so into Twilight movies? Will anyone else help me make “I took that baby to the market and carried it home” a real saying? Come on, it’s kind of catchy…
Update – Some of the most frequent requests that we get are for info about professionally blogging (how we made our site, how we grew our following, how we make money, etc) so we shared all of the details about how we started a blog, grew our traffic, and turned it into a full time job.
nikki says
Love your blog! You guys are so funny and don’t take yourselves too seriously. It’s always so positive. I find myself checking to read what puns you’ve come up with! When I see your projects I usually have one of those slap the forehead “why didn’t I think of that” moments! I love your house solutions! Keep it up and happy blogiversery!
ashley @ sunnysideshlee.com says
I adore you guys! It made me sad to see that people do leave comments that zing ya every now and then. I will admit that I don’t like everything that you do (but that’s mostly bc my style is a bit different) but I LOVE that you try things out, share your ideas, and have such great personalities (via video and writing styles) that make people like myself addicted to your blog! Thanks for sharing the Q&A! You guys rock!
Andreina says
Most shocking to me was that John is not a drinker… Somehow I always pictured him being a beer-guy (even though there’s no sign of a beer-belly!). Oh I loved that new logo-type-thing that you guys made of your YHL heart (the one at the end of the video). I lol’ed when Sherry asked Burger if he wanted to be on tv hahaha…. Greetings from the Netherlands! xx
Alyssa says
Such a fun way to wake up this morning! Laughing at phrases like take that baby to the market…..;) Sherry, you funny! And btw, your chandelier comment reminded me that I saw a closet in a recent People magazine. The designer had the same concept as your office light makeover, but she used a gold birdcage instead of the large drum shade, it was so cool and made me think of YHL, as many things do when I’m shopping or reading! (like when I spotted ceramic animals at my local Hobby Lobby store, do you have those threre?)
YoungHouseLove says
Wow- that sounds gorgeous!
xo,
s
Kat@Withywindle says
HAH! Loved the video. And too funny you said that readers have dreams about you because you guys were totally in my dream last night. We spilled tacks all over the floor and needed to pick them up before Clara woke up from her nap. I’m such a weirdo!
YoungHouseLove says
LOL! Never can be too careful… even in dreamland.
-John
NatalieM. says
My cheeks are cramped cause I had this cheesy grin on my face through this whole thing. I had tears of laughter when you cracked yourself up over the ‘take a baby to the market’ comment. We joke (poke fun) at an aunt and call her Auntie Gaga, so when you mention Lady Gaga in your music taste my toddler turned around with a big lip saying “Auntie Gaga?, where Auntie Gaga go?”
I do want to be your BFF too :)
YoungHouseLove says
Hahaha, adorable! We need an Auntie Gaga in our family too!
xo,
s
April says
Ejoyed the video and answers! You guys are great!
Meredith says
Yaaaaaaaaay! I totally watched even though I’m at work (shh…I came in early, so I’m calling it even). Loved it! Especially, “Did we lose the baby again?”
Virginia says
Love your video! thanks for sharing you guys :) … the Q&A with you two is always fun to watch
Ashley says
Cute! My favorite part was about Sherry running up to the girls who whispering about her and saying “it’s me!” hahaha – sometimes the best way to deal with an awkward situation is to just own it.
Courtney Biggs says
Hey John and Sherry, I have been reading your blog since May and I love it! I love watching your Q&A videos because they make me laugh. Your blog is awesome! Have a great day!
Jessica says
Loved the video! I think my favorite part was asking Burger if he wanted to be on TV lol. And I just read the babycenter post.. Goosebumps!! That is so sweet and honest. John, I know this sounds cheesy, but a man taking good care of his daughter makes more of a man than anything I can think of. Plus.. your wife is gorgeous, so that has to earn you some extra manly-man points somewhere right?
Liz says
Ya’ll are so cute! Come live in Atlanta so you can be my neighbor! And you’ll be closer to Katie B :)
My 4 1/2 year old was the spitting image of my husband up until probably the past year. She was also bald for while but once she got hair and the ‘little girl’ look instead of the baby look she definitely started looking a lot more like me. So Sherry – there’s still hope! Either way though, I think she’s adorable.
Nadine says
Thank you for this sweet video which *talks* to me more than all the numbers ;) Wishing you success and happiness for many many years.
My family doesn’t understand my job either, so… The only time I appeared on TV, my mother must have played the news video clip non-stop for the next 24 hrs, but wasn’t even bothered with the people I had worked for (your President and ours), just asked me about the nice flowers on the coffee table… Oh well… :D
Heather says
Great video! You two are adorable and will be “young” for a very long time!
Rachel H. says
Loved the video. You guys are adorable.
Adrianne says
Y’all are wonderful. I love the blog and I love hearing about the behind-the-scenes-y stuff. Also, it makes me feel better having another person out there (Sherry) that also makes up really strange sayings and then dissolves into fits of laughter. I’ll have to work on “took the baby to the market and carried it home.” That’s a good one. I’ll start making notes of mine and we can try to spread the word. Happy Blogiversary!
BethanyB says
Sherry you flaunt that sexy black shirt! At least one of you is clothing consistent in the video :D
as I had to pause the video for about 3 minutes while I got the giggles out from your ‘baby to the market’ .Thanks, need the laugh.
Kat@Withywindle says
Also to John, (re: BabyCenter) my Dad started his own business and worked from home when I was in high school and it was THE BEST. I’m sure this time is precious to you, but it will be precious to Clara in ways you will never know!
Christine says
I seriously loved the video. Yes, I want Sherry to be my best friend. I think we have the same amount of quirkiness. Totally do-able. (Is that a word? Did I make it up a’la John?)
I’m having that same no background loading thing. I see it on Safari, but not on Firefox (I’m on a Mac). Not sure if that helps at all.
Linda says
I. love. y’all. You guys are adorable!
Abbey_S. says
John and Sherry,
Can you talk about a little bit about when the income from the blog became taxable? For example you talk about in the beginning that your sponsors were just to add a little cushion to be able to do projects. Did that money count as taxable income even though you guys weren’t full-time bloggers yet? Or is there a limit you have to pass before you have to start reporting?
YoungHouseLove says
Oh yes, it’s probably something you should talk to an accountant about, but every dollar that you make that doesn’t get taxes taken out first is something that you owe taxes on afterwards. For example, we got a business license and paid taxes on the very first art print and ad spot we sold (even though they were under $30). I think you can get in big trouble if you run an ebay or etsy shop and don’t pay taxes on that income! But definitely talk to an accountant about it for more info.
xo,
s
Devon @ Green House, Good Life says
About the job security question…my dad has his own business (cleaning boat bottoms in Hawaii — a niche market for sure), and I think of what he does as having hundreds of bosses (like you have many, many individual sources of income), so if one of them ends, it’s just a tiny drop in income, unlike losing one’s entire job if the company folds or whatever. So you guys can be “fired” by one of your “bosses” and still have 99% of your income. Not a bad spot to be in in a tough economy.
sarah (sarah learns) says
i can’t believe i just watched your whole 20 minute video. at my desk. at work. i liked it! you are definitely an entertaining couple. :)
Trisha says
I’m not sure if it’s possible, but I feel like I love you guys even more now! Great video! :)
Julia says
Fantastic! I loved getting to know you guys a bit more.
Quick question- how do you find the items you need for your projects for reasonably cheap? We just moved into a new house, but the amount of money you could spend to do all these fun things can be daunting (especially for a very pregnant-stay-at-home mom budget!)
YoungHouseLove says
I think we just take our time and do a little hunting/research. We’ll try home improvement stores or local outlets of craigslist and yard sales and thrift stores. Just doing a little searching can help you save a buck or two usually- like when we found $1 cabinets at the ReStore instead of spending $100 for them at Home Depot. Of course that’s an extreme example (still can’t believe that happened) but sometimes a little extra effort pays off when it comes to savings!
xo,
s
katie says
I love you guys, perfect way to start the day.
Rachel says
Loved this video! Even more, I loved John’s perspective on fatherhood on Babycenter today. Very sweet.
And Sherry, I want to be your BFF and would totally geek out if I ran into you coming out of the craft store.
It makes me super happy to hear you do check out readers’ blogs that are posted in the comments. I don’t have a blog, but it is really awesome that you guys are interested in your readers’ projects too.
Kit says
You two are adorable!
Meg says
Things I’ve learned from your Blogiversary posts so far:
* I had no idea that you try to read every comment personally. Makes me want to comment more (Look at this! I’ve started!)
* I didn’t realize that Google Reader views don’t count towards blog hits. Makes me want to click on over for real each time to give you another hit every day!
* You are both so humble. Yes, people really do want to be your BFFs. :-)
Amber says
I think this is my favorite video so far. You both seem so comfortable. I love how you guys feed off each others personalities.
Christine says
You guys are so gosh-darn cute and cool! And I think Sherry’s almost-always-wear-black habit is a great strategy for a working mom– have a “uniform” that looks great and you don’t have to think about it!
Yvette Kelley says
OH MY GOODNESS…
so this morning, between sleep and awake time..you know, when you have the most off the wall, insane, where in the h-e-double-hockey-sticks DID THAT come from dreams… lo and behold.. THE PETERSIKS! In my dream! HA! Ya’ll had just moved in down the street..and feeling confident that you (Sherry) and I would be fast friends (and CERTAINLY BFF’s 4 life ;) .. I trekked over to introduce myself! Sherry, you were MORE than pleasant..showing me around your TINY, TINY cottage home that you and John had just bought.. telling me all the things you had planned to fix. The kitchen was the size of a SMALL closet and John, I’m sorry but you weren’t really YOU.. I mean it WAS supposed to be you.. but umm..lets just say in my dream you had some front teeth ISSUES!! hahahahaha.. that’s all I remember. Needless to say.. I woke up laughing and thought I just HAD to share.. RANDOM!!
Yvette Kelley @ http://www.kelleyfoodies.blogspot.com
YoungHouseLove says
Yay! Just found this in spam and was able to save it before it got eaten. Too funny! So sorry Dream John wasn’t his sweet good-teethed self.
xo,
s
Holly@Loveoflifeblog says
um, correction- I would love to be your friends! I like you are both hilarious and not weird, Sherry! Loved the video! Y’all are great and so cute together!
Trisha says
And yes… it’s true, I want to be your best friend!
Sarah says
hi.larious…almost spit my coffee across my desk during the “took that baby to the market” moment. Thanks for the morning giggle!
Laura says
I am (embarrassingly) honored you answered my question, haha!
Treasa says
For the record, yes we all do want to be your BFFs! So much so that I just watched this video at work (the whole time fearing a SWAT type knock on the office door from my IT department- visiting a site with young and love in the title always makes me a little nervous!)
And I someday want to beg you to house crash us- in a year or so when the house will be completely crashable. (We just finished a kitchen and two bath remodel.) We live close to Mt. Vernon, near the Alexandria Restore. And we have a 1 year old- see, totally BFF material!
YoungHouseLove says
We’d looove to house crash you/ be your BFF! Definitely send us pics and we’ll try to coordinate something whenever your renos are done. Wahoo!
xo,
s
kathryn says
Love love love the video. I’m definitely the reader who wants to be your BFF. Ha. Thanks for blogging!
Jodi says
LOVE the shirt changes John!
April says
That was great, you guys made me smile & laugh, I love your goofiness since that’s how I am some times!
Sarah says
Omg! I completely lol’d at that baby market “phrase”. And by any chance, does that donkey song go like this, “way hey and away we go, donkey riding, donkey riding, way hey and away we go, riding on a donkey…”
Those who can’t watch the video at work need ear phones ;) Too good not to have that 20 minute break in the day.
You guys are hilar!
YoungHouseLove says
Pretty much! Our version is more of a Hi Ho Away We Go, but sounds like it’s the same tune!
-John
Sarah says
Amazing…that used to be our drinking song back in my college days!
sarah says
whoa- is this new functionality? i never saw an embedded video in the comments before. nice!
YoungHouseLove says
Yeah, I guess you can embed a video in a comment just like we embed it in the post (our comments accept HMTL).
But that Great Big Sea song is actually not the same as our version, now that we hear it. Ours is more like this one: http://www.amazon.com/Donkey-Riding/dp/B000VK9GMW
-John
Sarah says
Yeah, my B…didn’t realize it would embed that video. Crazy!
YoungHouseLove says
Haha- we liked it.
xo,
s
Melissa says
I love this so much! You all are so cute! Thank you for having such a classy blog! =)
Trish says
Loved the video! Totally wish we were friends. Wanted to comment on negative comments. I may not always want my room, house to look like yours,(most of the time I do!) but in every project there is something that I can take away and do in my own home. People need to realize that you are doing what is right for you and your home, not decorating theirs! I found your blog less than a year ago, and have gone back and read every post. Love It! Thanks for inspiring all of us.
Mandy says
I 100% agree with Trish. Almost everything that you guys do, I want to steal to put in my own house. But, even the stuff I don’t necessarily like, I still end up loving the fact that you show the process, and inspire me more than pretty much any other blog that I read. Seriously, if it weren’t for you, I wouldn’t attempt nearly as many things as I do around my house. I’m not crafty, or a DIYer at heart, but you make things seem so manageable!!
Ok, I am going to stop commenting now, since this is like my 3rd reply to other people and I need to get some work done ;)
YoungHouseLove says
Man, you guys make our day every day. Thanks so much for the kind words.
xo,
s
Barb says
Brilliant! You two are so adorably “cute” together. We all feel like we are your BFF’s…even though you don’t know us.
Bravo for your black shirts.
Happy Day to you both!
B.
Brittnee says
Love it. I had a lot of the same questions. You guys are so cute and funny. I had the hardest time not laughing at work! John…you need to get a coke shirt and Fanta shirt.
YoungHouseLove says
On it.
-John
Heather says
I’m tempted to send John a Moxie shirt for laughs. Moxie is a Maine only soda that tastes so odd and you either love or hate (I’m in the latter) but you can’t help but appreciate. It’s a weird cola but the gear is bbrrriigghht orange.
YoungHouseLove says
Haha- I think he would love that a little too much. He’d probably drive all the way to Maine to try it. He’s into the thrill of the rare soda hunt. Haha.
xo,
s
Mandy S says
Love you guys, thanks for being so open and honest with us!! And, I am one to admit that I talk about y’all as if you were my friends, and would probably have a really awkward moment if I met you in person. You inspire me all the time, and I love how you guys keep it real, and have true envy of your house. I honestly don’t believe that anyone could be mean to you, because what’s not to like???
Seriously, your whole family rocks, and I am so happy that you guys are full timers and put yourselves out there the way you do. Keep on keepin’ on!! :)
Kaisa says
Hanson is awesome! You should totally listen to them. :D
Ashlee says
Really enjoyed the video! :) You guys are awesome!
Sheela says
Great video John and Sherry! And you all consistently amaze with me with how responsive you are to your readers. I am so appreciative of the responses I’ve received the couple of times I’ve e-mailed you. Thanks for doing what you do!