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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Dani @ Painting Sunny says
Either way is just fine to me! Some of my fav blogs post a few times a day it seems (betterafter.net) and others only post once every couple of weeks (manhattan-nest.com) and I am a loyal reader of both! After awhile, I just come to predict when there will be a post and when it will be awhile. I think that you can’t make everyone happy, and obviously sometimes you have to let something go when things get busy. I think giving people a heads up when it will be a light week is a nice thing to do so they can choose whether to check back daily or wait a couple days. XOXO!
Elizabeth says
I have to agree with Luke somewhat – your posts have gotten SUPER boring and technical. I am sure the laundry room will look great – but it’s tedious to watch the progress. Maybe some quick before & after shots once it’s done would be better.
Meike says
I am on the side of I would love to see a post than nothing at all. I love seeing reader re-designs and any organizational ideas. I think the give aways are boring but I do appreciate them. I was sad today to see nothing. Other than that, no complaints about content. I am enjoying the laundry room update and and every thing else you have going on!
Maura says
Only you and John know what you have the time and inclination to do here on your blog, but I’m a regular reader and also get a little tired of the give-aways and would enjoy short posts if there isn’t time for longer ones. I learn from the more technical posts, but really enjoy even the simple little projects, ideas, shopping, etc.
Bia says
I agree with almost everybody! I really enjoy the short, light and fun posts…some redesigns, some shopping, some everyday running around…I love following the site and I am very happy with pretty much anything. I just get frustrated when nothing is posted…I know you guys are very busy…but so much is going on your lives that if you post some pictures of your messy kitchen, dirty laundry…would make us relate to you and understand your lifestyle even more!!!
Chris says
You’re my #1 I-Wanna-Be-Handy-Like-Them-Blog, with that said, I would love to see you guys use some of the ‘content and contributors’ from the forums section of your blog. It is a wealth of good ideas and handy information!
I love the Reader Redesigns…
Sara C. says
I would LOVE shorter, more frequent postings. The smaller stuff is of more interest to me than the major remodeling anyway.
Annie says
Any day that you guys post is a good day. I follow lots of blogs that don’t post nearly as frequently as you guys. I love the fact that you share what’s really going on in your home, big and small. And I love that your projects are borne out of real life needs and wants, not out of pressure to fill daily posts.
Connie S. says
As a long time reader (1st house, before Clara), I agree that short posts are ok. After seeing daily weekday posts for years, I was a little bummed for readers, myself included, when you said you were scaling back, although I was thrilled for you guys and your reasons for doing so! I tend not to follow blogs that don’t post on a regular basis. It doesn’t have to be daily, just something predictable. I thought, when you guys announced your plans to post, maybe 3-4 times a week, that it would be here and there, no really set days, so I could really envision readers dropping off. I was pleased it has instead settled into a Monday-Thursday routine. That being said, all those post shouldn’t have to be major projects–little “check-ins” would be great.
Lauren says
I think the beauty of a blog is it’s yours and you should post whatever your hearts desire. I love the big posts because I’m always wowed! But I also have looked back to your very first year of blogging and it’s refreshing to see the little random snippets. I think those give readers a better glimpse of real life and a realization that people don’t have to be DIY rock stars every day. :)
Mandi says
I would love to see simple posts too! I don’t own my own house and love the quick/easy updates you all seem to do so well. While I do think the laundry room is interesting, it’s just not something I could really implement into my own home. I still check back a lot and will always be a die hard YHL fan.
Sarah says
I have been following since Clara was born and love the work you guys do. I enjoy the smaller, less technical, window shopping LIFE posts as well as the technical. I would enjoy a short and sweet question post, obsessed with post instead of a giveaway or nothing. I don’t care for all the giveaway posts, as I don’t participate in them, but love all the other posts. I always look forward to the house crashing posts and reader redesign posts. Those are my favorites!
Sarah J. says
i would love a few more “filler” posts. :) i like the little things that get my gears turning and spur me to try tweaking things and take on little 30 minute projects.
Cindy says
I’ve been reading for a long time too – Clara was just a few months old. I have your book as well, and really love it. It’s funny that you’ve asked for more feedback on the content topic. I didn’t really think too much about skimming content and not checking back as often, but that’s exactly what I’ve been doing. The technical posts – how to hang drywall or a door – are not my favorites, so I think your idea to pepper in more reader re-designs, design dilemmas and even smaller styling posts are a great idea!
I have a background in design and work in advertising now (I own an agency and teach college), and with interactive media like this, for brands we have a rule – 20% sales, 80% conversational. I think you could apply the same rule to your content, but 20% technical/ hardcore DIY instruction, 80% design details, styling, problem-solution, giveaway, etc. posts. Just a thought!
samantha says
long time reader here! i definitely go through spurts where i read daily vs weekly.
Personally I would rather not have a post for a day than have a filler post. Id rather you guys take the day you need away from the blog to focus on what you need than squeeze something in. I almost always scroll through the filler posts anyway :) If something comes up that needs your attention do what you need to do and take care of it! In the real world we have sick days for that stuff, even if we have to take a sick day just to run errands or a mental break napping in front of the tv…take your “sick” days when you need them! we all need those days off randomly for whatever reason.
you know how i started reading your blog? i did a google search for painting my own cabinets, landed on your blog, fell in love with you guys and have been following you for years. even though I will probably never be installing a door jamb, there could be some other lucky person who does a google search wanting to DIY it, lands on your blog, is encouraged by your example of DIY amazingness, and falls in love with you guys and becomes a regular just like I did!
I love that your blog is about taking on projects of all kinds and watching a house come together. I realize some posts will be more DIY and prob won’t relate to me and that others will be more relatable to me. or won’t relate to me at all but still enjoyable bc you guys are just that fun :)
I do miss seeing the more personal posts incorporated. I almost always forget to check the family portion of the blog. which when i type out that sounds so weird because I don’t know you guys in real life but i totally feel like a friend and have totally grown to care about your cute little famfam!
anyway all this to say love you guys, love the DIY stuff, love the design stuff, love the personal posts, etc. you guys are rock stars. if you don’t post for a day I will still love you and still be a regular reader. As someone who cares about you guys, take the days when you need them. dont even worry about finding or creating a filler post, just do what you gotta do and worry about the blog the next day!
Deborah says
Yes! Yes! What she said!
People at different stages in life (and home ownership) prefer different content. Some of us love and appreciate it all. And bookmark your technical posts for reference (just today I was doing that) and come back to it while reworking houses on a budget!
I remember back at some point years ago you all worried about being people pleasers and agonizing through comments. Bless your hearts for caring. Maybe a survey, so you don’t have to read through all our junk to get to the heart of what you need to know about marketing? It would spare you heart some bruising (kind as everyone is trying to be).
But I agree with Samantha–I am happy with your blog as is!
Elisabeth says
So well said! I love your blog because you guys are just fun! I am happy with your blog as is!
Lindsey says
I appreciate knowing you guys don’t have time to post. I like a little note, or a post like a reader redesign would be nice! But I understand- sometimes you just can’t keep up! I couldn’t keep up with the schedule you guys have!
Sunnie says
I’d love any kind of post from you. Short, reader redo, family oriented. It doesn’t matter. Take Care.
ryanres1 says
I like the smaller posts in bewteen your bigger posts but I also really appreciate your larger more technical postings now. It makes me feel like I could get there with my own projects someday and in the mean time I can use the search feature or links in your posts to get me to the smaller projects that lead you to where you are now. I’m actually about to buy my first Kreg drill and referenced your shelf building post from Clara’s nursery. I think people are probably reacting to the new time frame bewteen posts, but I say it’s your blog, do what you want! : D
Downstairs and in Debt says
First off, I love the blog and love the family. But I do miss frequent posts about smaller, affordable projects. I am living in my first home and would like to make it my own but I need some easy-peasy how-to tips like the old days! How about a few more house crashes too?!
Gillian says
I am a new visitor – and have only been following you for about 3 months. I would love more of the smaller things ( redecorating a bookshelf, a quick fix for curtains etc.) I am not remodeling my house any time soon, and honestly can’t figure out the giveaway thing, so I’ve never entered! But the day to day “quick and easy” type changes would be awesome. It can be reader contributed or something small that made a big difference for you 3 houses ago!
Melanie says
You are one of my favorite blogs! I love when you do a hodge podge of posts from BIG updates to the thrift store finds. I love when you talk about your kids and when you share quick updates. I look forward to checking out the blog at naptime so even a quick update post or something small would be awesome! I also love the idea of Teddy’s weekly photo being shared on Fridays! With all of that being said, you do what you need to do. I’m a loyal reader and enjoy it all!
Liz B. says
Smaller posts when you can’t write something big would be nice. But to be COMPLETELY HONEST if something comes up and you can’t post anything, DON’T WORRY ABOUT!!!!! Things happen that we can’t control, just do what you can and if we don’t see you for a day or two or a week…. we will survive.
Amanda says
Little posts are fine by me. So long as it’s written in your “voice,” it doesn’t seem inauthentic or like filler to me. I mean, I guess if it was all that (or all any one thing), it could get old, but you’ve always had a nice balance.
I don’t really understand the “own it if you can’t post” preference some have. If you really want to, you could try to do both. “Hey, we wanted to post about _____ project today, but the week went crazy. Sorry about that. Here’s a Reader Redesign we hope some of you will enjoy.”
But mainly, I don’t know how you do any of it. A DIY laundry room would take us two and a half years! So kudos to you guys! (Maybe I should be painting those baseboards instead of typing this :)
Amanda says
To clarify: I totally understand why YOU would have to say, “Sorry, guys, can’t post today.” What I don’t get is why some readers would prefer that to a small post. But hey, to each his own.
Diana says
Just commenting to say that I like little posts! Just a paragraph is good. They don’t all have to be novels. I really like reader redesigns (which you actually could probably delegate to others) and I enjoy your thoughts on parenting/DIY. Those Clara Conversations are great too.
Laura says
I miss Clara Conversations
Kim says
I would love even little tiny update posts when you can’t do a really big one, but I TOTALLY understand if doing something like that would add more to your plate! I check your blog every day to see what you guys have going on and it’s always just a little bummer when there’s nothing new at all on any given day. All that to say, let your family be the top priority! Us readers can give you our opinions until the cows come home, but do what is going to be best for you!! Love you guys!!
Megan says
I love the little posts because honestly with my busy life (and budget for that matter) sometimes the little projects are all I can bite off. So yes they are more ‘fun’ but also, for me, more likely to be replicated! I got giddy just from reading the suggestions of fun little posts you could do. Balance is key in sooooo many ways! Thanks either way…
Claire O'Connor says
Hi John & Sherry,
Weighing in on your question re: no posts versus smaller posts…
My vote is to fill your work days with the activities that give you the most juice and joy.
And if you’re inspired (and further juiced) to share anything with us (big, medium or small posts), then wonderful. Then, your juice (creative energy) comes through — and that’s what I personally come here for, no matter the frequency or word count.
Do what’cha love and most want to do — otherwise (at least for me) it’s a recipe for burnout.
You guys rock!
Cheers,
Claire
Rachael says
I learn so much from the DIY posts, even if I’m not as technical now or have all the cool tools John uses. Someday in the future, I always envision finding myself on a project (like door/light/cabinet installation!) and will remember where I saw how to do something – usually its YHL. Anything home related, even house crashing, or mood boards with sources, are always more useful to me than giveaways. I’d prefer to not see any at all, but that’s just me. I’ve been a follower since your first home and pre-preggers with Clara, so you’re kind of like my third cousins in Richmond who always teach me how to do cool stuff at my house (At least that’s how I talk about you :) (And I even gave your book out to several family members for Christmas!) But its your blog/family/lifestyle, AND I will continue to support and read, regardless of what you decide to do, so you have my support. But it was nice to be able to provide some feedback.
Elizabeth says
In regards to the post size… to me it doesn’t matter I love them all! For the laundry room posts I’ve been really enjoying them because my husband and I are getting ready to really dive into finishing our basement. Unfortunately we can’t do as much as a DIY project because of back issues and such, but it is still so helpful to see how you have done some of the things we are preparing to do.
Jenn says
I posted above but would like to add that when you first wrote that you wouldn’t have a post today that I was concerned that something was wrong. So I hope that everything is okay!!
Rachel H says
I agree (although not so harshly) with the person who previously commented about the content. While I admire you guys holding off a bit to focus on Teddy – I’m pregnant with number 2 right now, it seems that we either get a HUGE long-winded (mostly irrelevant post) or nothing. While I feel the same way about this laundry room saga as the deck building on the last house – it will be an AWESOME reference if I’m ever in the same boat, but completely irrelevant to my life now. I loved the small post in between the long – not relevant to everyone – posts. Giveaways are great and I love entering to be that one in a million chance, but I miss the reader redesigns, the small organization tips, the “what has worked for us and what hasn’t” posts (although you recently did one of those). Just my small input in the wide world of internet. Hope you don’t take it harshly, because I am a huge supporter of your site and your family.
Leigh Ann says
I’d love to hear from you guys every day, even if it’s something small! I don’t use a blog reader or subscriber. I just click over to your site via the URL about once a day, when I need a mental break from work, and am disappointed when their is nothing new to see.
Love y’all!
Jesse says
I love seeing the big updates, like your new laundry room addition, but I will say that I really miss seeing things about your family. I loved all the little posts about Clara and I’d love to hear more about Teddy and how, for instance, cloth diapering is working the second time around. What I like the most about your blog is that it is a mix of big tenovations and DIY, as well as family life.
Patty Atkins says
Long time reader here as well and since you asked….I have to agree with many of the others….tI find myself skimming through your posts on this house. Too technical, too many detail photos, feels kind of like a handy man site. I would love shorter posts and maybe smaller projects. While it gives me great confidence that you guys are self taught, I am realistically only going to attempt a third of them! Maybe even a shorter post about a project with a link to the more technical one….but if you want sanity in your home life…more shorte posts and simple things that are creative and doable.
becky says
i break up my work day by looking at blogs like yours. no post means shorter breaks which i guess my employer would like, but not me! i vote for shorter posts or reader redesigns (i really love those – a fresh perspective and space is never a bad thing)
Melissa says
I love your blog! Maybe on a day that you are feeling like you need to skip and not post…maybe just add in a little real life moment? Such as maybe a current to do list you have…like what you are getting ready for fall and how to organize all that (like when to plant pansies, shop for the holidays, having guests etc) I know it sounds cheesy, but I think people like to hear the real (ordinary) life stuff sometimes too.
Melissa says
Also, I hope that everything is ok.
Derrelyn says
Hi John and Sherry,
I honestly applaud all of your efforts to put family first. I look at everything you do on a weekly basis and just can’t fathom how you get everything done, not to mention the day to day housework that everyone else does. I fell in love with your blog because of the honesty in it all and the indepthness of the tutorials. I feel like I can actually follow along and not have something missing or unexplained. And as long as that stays (which I have no doubt that it will) you will always have a loyal reader in me.
Lori says
Hi John and Sherry,
I am a long time reader…since before Clara was born. Your first house was/is similar to mine, so I was hooked. My girls were so intrigued by Clara’s birth and now Teddy’s. We talk about you like you are our neighbors. :)
Anyway, I thought I’d put my two cents in. I applaud your decision to focus more on family, and, can relate to working from home while juggling children. However, instead of reading the news, I check in with y’all. You are much more fun and I continue to get ideas from you. Having said that, I would love to see a post everyday, even a small one. I love all the ideas that OBH listed. So, if you can find the time, I say, go for it. I will continue to be a loyal reader whether you miss a day or not. But, just wanted to make sure you knew you are missed on those days. You are like my little cup of coffee. :)
Christine says
On days like these, I’d love to see the design dilemnas from readers that you throw out to us, especially when people link to ideas they’ve uploaded – it’s like YHL fanfiction, or ‘Talk amongst yourselves…’
Renata says
I am a long time reader and I love your blog. I have a new baby at home (born in April) so I get that life takes a bit of readjustment when a new baby enters the scene, so I think your readers are going to stick it out with you. Since you are asking for feedback, I’d say I would love to see some fun little posts in addition to the “meaty” ones that are filled with great content too. You guys are doing a great job. Don’t be hard on yourselves.
Emily says
I’d definitely prefer smaller posts than short updates that you can’t do a post at all :)
Melissa says
John and sherry, you guys are the greatest, and I’m sure you’ve learned by now that you can’t please all the people all the time. I think it’s good to mix it up with different type posts and smaller posts are welcome.
I’m totally going to out myself as a YHL nerd, but I read every word whether it pertains to my life or not. I doubt very seriously I will ever be building a laundry room from scratch (you guys rock) but I always find a little nugget that makes reading worth my time. Your humility reminds me to be grateful for what I have, your sense of humor makes me smile and your DYI skills blow me away. I’ve followed YHL for about 2 yrs and I’m amazed with how you balance it all. I guess my point is I would rather get a daily post with light content mixed in, than to have days of not hearing from you because you brighten my day.
Since you’re asking- I could do without a show house for a couple of years. What an amazing experience for you, but that wore me out!
Jacqueline says
Hard to please all the people all the time! Maybe when you are doing bigger projects (like the laundry room, which is understandably time consuming and such a necessity for a family) you could do a virtual house crash or crafty thing to mix it up. These short weeks get the best of everyone!
Kathy says
I have to admit that I have been reading as much. Too much technical big stuff. Quick and easy is my thing. Miss the smaller updates, reader designs and kid updates. Haven’t seen as much of Teddy compared to Clara at the same age. Seems like your focus is more on book or show house. May just be a natural change for your family but makes me sad. I miss Sherry’s writing..little more heart. Enjoy yours John, but it’s a little too technical (brainy) for me. May just be the Mom/Dad brain. Good luck in whatever path you go!!
Megan says
I have been following your site for years as well and love any content you post (i have the same offspring configuration, so family posts are usually relevant also). It used to be that I would check your blog every couple of days and catch up on all the posts. Now I am in law school and surprisingly I read your blog multiple times a day (out of pure procrastination or for sanity’s sake, I don’t know).
Long story for my point but – I enjoy any new content you post.
Danielle G says
I love the site! I am a wannabe DIYer and it is amazing to see that if you think outside the box there are ways to make it happen.
As for shorter posts I am up for anything. I enjoy reading your posts, seeing whats going on at your house, and the projects you are working on. I applaud you for taking time out for your family. If the posts are shorter so be it!
Amanda says
I’ve been reading your blog for a couple years now. It is pretty much the blog that made me interested in blogs…does that make sense? Great writing, great content, but most importantly you had a really dependable posting schedule. To me, regular posting is like a restaurant owner keeping regular business hours – you love the food but if you can’t ever figure out when the place will be open you don’t want to waste time visiting…or some kind of metaphor like that!
The short posts or no post really started to bum me out the last few months. I am missing the spark that drew me to be an EVERY-DAY-NO-MATTER-HOW-BUSY-I-AM reader and now I’m just a once a week reader. It does feel a little like the blog has become a side project rather than the main gig? Which is fine and you guys kind of owned that so it is what it is.
I have to stick up for the technical posts though. You guys are some of the only bloggers that have true DIY street cred :) you are taking on tutorials 99% of other bloggers wouldn’t bother with and making them thorough and fun to read. I have referenced several of your more technical posts for my projects so please don’t stop doing nitty gritty posts us rookies need em!
Stephanie says
I’m just going out on a limb here, but my guess is your readers are a lot like you. We’re super busy too, have jobs, have a family and I for one only have time to check this blog 1-2x per week and catch up on whatever I miss. I rarely read young house life, mostly cause of time or I forgot, and am so glad you’ve returned those posts to your main website. I never comment…but thought this was a topic I wanted to weigh in on.
I agree with the original couple posts, lately the posts are giveaways and long technical posts, that’s okay, your busy with long technical stuff…but I’m not reading it, I skim it and move on. Why? Cause it doesn’t pertain to me. I’m glad you’re posting it…cause if I ever have to do any of this by golly I’ll be looking these posts up and reading them multiple times in length, and I’ve done that before. But my favorite posts are the short ones, the ones I can do now or the ones that make me dream. I love reader redesigns, I love your idea dumps, I love the ones that make me think about my house and how it can help me or give me ideas of things I can do. Yes the long ones are important, but so are the short ones. All the ones that OBH mentioned are great. I too have a kid, and love hearing about everything related to family stuff, whether its how to clean out this or save money here or fun things to do with them!
Please, never feel bad for saying we don’t have time for a post. We’re all busy, we understand. Just don’t forget the little ones either – we want to hear them just as much if not more than the long technical ones :)
Thank you for all that you do and give to us, you make our lives brighter just by writing….
Corien says
yesss, I would luuuuve small post about simple things! And family stuff is always awesome. I will never diy a door in my whole life, but I could paint a glass or a pot plant holder :)