Where have all the blogs gone?

I love your blog and have found so much inspiration in it. I agree that so many blogs I love have now stopped writing. I started a blog a year ago and am thrilled with its success so far. It isn't easy, but with some big features from other blogs and being selected to contribute to two other bigger blogs, I am finding that my traffic is really growing and I am so thankful. I'd love if you followed me! Its a mixture of DIY/Crafts/Food all from our newly purchased 106 year old home! We are just starting a big bathroom remodel that I am excited to share!

http://www.oldhousetonewhome.blogspot.com

I'm SO glad you aren't going anywhere anytime soon! I've been reading your blog for years and it's one of my favorites! I too have seen blogs that I follow drop off (so sad about Young House Love) and wondered the same thing. Is it taking too much time? Are they running out of material? Are their hearts just not in it anymore? I started blogging about a year and a half ago and although I LOVE it, it also takes a lot of my time. With that being said, I wouldn't trade it for the world. I love interacting with reader's and "meeting" new bloggy friends.

www.littlehouseoffour.blogspot.com

I read a lot of blogs too, and I think it's just part of the natural evolution of things that some have stopped and others are still going. My blog is almost two years old and even though it's a challenge to keep up sometimes, I love it too. It's a great way to create community amongst other creative homeowners and share ideas and inspiration. Here it is:

Rather Square
http://www.rathersquare.com

P.S. I'm definitely old enough to remember Deep Thoughts. ;)

Thank you for sharing your thoughts on this subject. I don't blog but I wish I did have the time to do so. I know it takes A.LOT.OF.WORK. Your blog is inspirational, insightful, and just darn GREAT. Thank you for being there, I think until you said you are 80 ;-)

There are so many people stopping and it really is sad! I also feel like those big bloggers featuring smaller bloggers was what helped them become bigger (wow, that was eloquently said!). For me, the hardest part of blogging is the time constraints- being a full time teacher and coach, it is hard to complete projects and blog about them, but I love it so I do. Most of the bloggers who are quitting have different time constraints. Blogging was their full time gig, so time to create was not an issue but Im sure there are many different ones. Maybe what was once fun, now isn't? I'm not sure, but it will definitely be interesting to see where the blogging world goes.
Thanks for sticking around- I look forward to your posts each day.
Madeline- www.createbakecelebrate.com

Yes, I'm as old (or older??) than you and love some deep thoughts :)

I love your approach to blogging and feel like mine is much the same. Saying NO is key and having the freedom to still make it YOUR blog. I think that's the only way to keep it really enjoyable--for you and the reader.

I also wonder if many just get burned out because of the overload--so many blogs, Instagram, Pinterest, etc. It's all coming at you from so many different directions and after a while, it all begins to look the same. Know what I mean? I think keeping blinders on (to a point) and focusing on what you really love is the secret to longevity. :)

I am working on starting a blog and I haven't even hit "publish" yet and it's a little overwhelming. My house is not big as some of the other bloggers, my funds aren't the same, and I'm literally starting all over with my house. I feel pressure to have awesome photos and great ideas, but really I just want to document the process of my redoing my house.

I love your blog from the style of writing to the decisions you make with your house. I'm glad you're sticking around (I almost shed serious tears over Young House Love). You keep my motivation high to continue editing my site and documenting my projects.

I totally agree with the statement that blogging is a lot harder that it looks. I started a couple of years ago, thinking it would be so easy to just write something and post pictures, but it's just not that simple. That being said, I love it! I get to be creative and get things accomplished around my house too (it just might take a little longer since I have to take pictures of the process too!)

I am always sad to see I blog I enjoyed end, but I know they have to do what is best for them and their situations. I love reading your blog and I am happy to hear that you plan on sticking around, keep up the awesome work!!

Stephanie
http://onemilehomestyle.blogspot.com/

Yes, I have noticed that as well. I'm an avid blog reader, and in the past year so many of the blogs I read decided to either take a break- never to return, or said that they had had enough of blogging and closed up shop. I have had a blog before but it was for my vintage decor business and when I got out of that line of work, I no longer had anything to blog about, so I closed it. I have a new blog, about my artwork, our home improvement projects, and just ramblings, but no followers, no comments - my vintage blog did better than this and was easy, but this new one is very hard work.

I plan to continue blogging, my only problems with it is I can't seem to get the amount of followers I would like to see. Maybe I don't blog enough. I hope you will check out my blog and join me to learn more about farm life, decorating, cooking, projects and more.

Sarah Deep Thoughts was my favorite and NPR - good times. Alas all good things must come to an end. I'm trucking along like you but have become choosey. Cutting the crap is hard because you feel an obligation but once you let it go and slow it down everything becomes clearer. Cheers to 2015 and all us DIY home bloggers still out there!
www.thatsmyletter.blogspot.com

I blog. It's just one that mainly my family reads. But I like it because it gives me a way to document my life, what my interests are, and what progress has happened. I could probably take it to the next level, but I'm not at the point where I can devote a lot of time to developing it. And it's like you said, we're a dime a dozen. I wish more people commented, who doesn't like their ego stroked or knowing people like what they see? I would be flattered if you checked it out. http://tellingbells.blogspot.com I love your blog, thanks for maintaining quality work.

Yes! I have noticed and am hating the trend. So many of my favorite bloggers have been talking about it lately, though, and I'm relieved they're sticking around. I think interacting through comments is the best part of the blogging community! So glad you're not going anywhere or taking comments away :)

I think blogs are a bit like the HGTV/DIY Network shows. They run their course. You can only do so much with your existing house unless you move, completely change your style or have a wide variety of material/topics to share to retain and/or gain a new audience. And YHL didn't surprise me. I saw that one coming.
I enjoy your blog and hope you're around for years but if you're not, that's okay too. It's nice going to a blog and not knowing what you're going to see or read. Some blogs, you just know what the decor is going to be which clearly gets boring.
That reminds me, I need to unfollow some fitness blogs.

Great post! I have been blogging for about almost 3 years now and I'm so thankful that I took it slow in the beginning. I just to the point where I am getting serious about monetizing and growing to the next level. It takes time to find your own voice and it is a lot of work, but I just try to create things that I love and that seems to work best for me - the readers, pins, tweets, etc. follow. So thankful for blog mentors like you and many others that I read and have learned from. Working hard at something you love, doesn't seem so bad!!!

I blog with my sisters and mom. We used to post every weekday and I took tons of time to promote the blog when we started in 2010. We got some attention and 500 readers but our growth has stagnated. I don't have the time or energy to do all the promoting I used to and I honestly don't know how else to promote us. So we still post occasionally but we just can't keep up with bigger bloggers. We all kinda lost the passion too, unfortunately. Our comments dropped off to almost nothing in the last 2 years which stinks. It's hard to not get any feedback. Sorry this has turned into a whine-fest. But I feel ya

I think you are one of the rare bloggers who has made your blog your work but it is still interesting. So many decor bloggers who used to post projects are now big time bloggers and are always traveling, promoting products etc. I do not like that...I loved it when they just shared their lives and their projects. I really enjoy blogs that are just that...a little look at someone's everyday life.

Of course I can see you blogging at age 80 -- that's not as old as you may think!! I'm 76 and have been blogging for almost 8 years -- but I'm more of a lifestyle blogger than a decorating blogger and don't accept advertisements, etc. So, blogging is easy and fun for me. I enjoy the interaction through comments and have noticed the decline. Keep blogging until your 80 -- I'll be really old then, but will make the effort to check you out!!!! Sally

Yes, I remember Jack Handy as well. LOL!

I love hearing your thoughts on the blogging process and its evolution. I think your passion is what keeps your blog fresh. You admit you have clutter and that projects take a while. It's real.

Love your blog and that you are still blogging. I blog too as a family scrapbook type thing and love that I can look back and see what the heck we were doing for fun or what in the past. It makes me sad that some of my favorite bloggers have stopped and gone to IG or FB only as I really am not a fan of FB. Also bummed about less comments too even on my itty bitty blog! ;) Have a good weekend and I'll be back again to read more!

I started my blog in part to support and market my furniture... it seemed like no one read my blog, no one ever commented, and I felt like I was wasting my time writing down thoughts and ideas and posting pictures of things no one wanted to see. I would ask for advice and got nothing... I would ask what everyone else was working on... nothing
Even my family didn't read it. My husbands family who claimed to LOVE my furniture and wanted to sell it where they live... never read my blog, never liked my Facebook page or otherwise followed up.
You can only take so much lack of interest and shrug it off before you realize, they don't like your furniture or other creations, it's painted junk, and everyone's just been being nice...

I try to post a comment on the blogs I read in order to show that I am there, reading, and that what the blogger wrote was of interest to me. In part that comes from having written a blog, needing that feedback and not getting it.

So are you sorry you asked? :D

I've definitely noticed the trend of blogs dropping off the face of the earth. I agree with one of the other commenters, I think blogs have a shelf life. I'm also surprised that bloggers are so angry with FB trying to get them to pay to post. Bloggers put their ideas out there for free, but if I were to take one and try to make money off of it, they would deserve some compensation. FB is free for personal use, but if it's being used as a tool to make money, I certainly think they deserve a cut of that - after all, they developed it.

I don't have a blog but my thoughts on blogs calling it quits are that perhaps it just gets to be too much. Those who start blogs probably go into it because they've read other blogs and think "hey, I can do that"....so they start out enthusiastically, redoing a room, posting pictures of before and after and getting all sorts of comments about how great it looks which really boosts their self esteem and justifies them starting the blog. Until they have to keep going.....and going....and going....and coming up with new projects just to keep up with the rest of the blogging world competition. When truth be told, their heart's just not in it anymore or they just need a break from all that work! I think many bite off more than they can chew when they dive into starting a blog, not realizing that it's a lot of work and a fair amount of pressure to constantly be doing something new and fabulous to their home, and maybe they start to feel like they're doing it more to please readers and get glowing comments about their homes than anything else.

I've blogged for 8 years. Most people were like "what's a blog?" At first, I was single and it was just a blog about my every day life, friends, etc. When I got married 4 years ago and we bought a 1928 house, I created a new blog and started documenting the remodel. I LOVE blogging and it's a joke with my friends when someone says they didn't know about my blog or don't follow it. "YOU WHAT?!" haha Anyway, I've found that my big hold up (besides having my hands full with work, church, choir directing and raising 2 year old twins) is being afraid to share something all the time for fear people (my close friends) will think I'm just boasting on what I have. How do you get around that? A lot of people don't understand the blog realm and I think they feel as though I'm bragging on my house, etc. But I guess if they read it, they must enjoy it somewhat. :) Any tips on that? And I hate it too, when I love a blog and they just suddenly stop blogging. I'm obsessed with blogs….and love yours.

Glad you're not going anywhere anytime soon!! :)

A very interesting post! I am still pretty new to blogging and I've read a few post similar to this recently, so there must be an obvious downer in blogging that I'm oblivious to. As I am a new blogger everything is new to me, so I am learning how much time it can all be - though loving it of course - but it also means I spend a lot of time finding what blogs I enjoy the most, without knowing what I am missing from 'the past'.
I think it is a shame that is it all to do with social media, and people update that more, but if that's the way it's going, that's the way it's going. :) Emily x

I love keeping my blog as a hobby instead of a job, and I think that's why I've kept it going for 3 years now. I post about what I want, when I feel like it, and if it's stressful I don't do it. :) It does make me a little sad that so many bloggers are going away, but when I think of the turnover at my day job- it's actually kind of the same, you know, so I guess it's just part of it all. (I'm at sandpaperandglue.com)

I have a blog, and I think I went into it naive. I wanted to be successful and watching the numbers everyday, kind of in an obsessed way... It was such a let down! I think time is also an issue for me: why would I spend so much time on something that isn't going anywhere?? I think some successful blogs are kind of clique-ish too, no breaking through that popular crowd!! i will still read all my favorites because I love them and am so interested in their lives, but definitely a one-sided friendship! ~Kim

I have been blogging for almost two years. What I have noticed is how competitive it really is. Since I am relatively new to blogging and my blog is small in comparison, I find getting it to grow is difficult because it really isn't just sharing your projects and posting pictures. The expectations are to have great content, beautiful photos, staged and style rooms. That requires a lot more time than just taking pictures and writing. I also feel that because of the endorsements, sponsored posts, magazines, and the opportunity to turn a blog into a brand with income that more focus is put on that rather than why the blog was started in the beginning. When I started blogging, I knew nothing about it. However, I have learned a lot over the past 2 years. I understand that there is opportunities that can come from it to build and grow your blog into a thriving business. It is easy to get focused on the those things because I did. That also lead to discouragement as well because I work full time as well. I did not have the amount of time needed to grow my blog the way I would have wanted. However, I had to really look at why I am doing it. I enjoy it. I have met some fabulous people and made some wonderful friendship. My goal is to inspire and encourage others even if it is only one person who may read it. I want to remain true to myself, my voice and my content. I feel that blogging is very competitive because it is not just about blogging anymore. It tends to lean more toward pursuing the opportunities that comes along because of the blog. That often leads to meeting more demands, which requires more time. I can see burn out stemming from that. I love sharing my stories and my projects. I have also learned to keep my expectations within reason. I don't want to be blogging and posting because someone tells me I have to do it 7 days a week in order to grow my blog. I want it to mean something to me and those who read it. Thank you for sharing your thoughts. I enjoy reading your blog and seeing your projects. I am glad you aren't going anywhere.

I've definitely noticed the drop off, as well. As a reader, its so hard, because you really do invest and come to care about the bloggers. You don't want to be pushy, but it really does feel like a friendship! Thanks for writing this to put it out there.

And thanks for asking for links to readers' blogs, as well! I actually recently started one with my friend - called Plaster & Disaster (www.plasteranddisaster.com). We're sharing DIY and home improvement stories, from the big stuff like renovations to our fixer-upper homes to the little stuff like craft projects.

We've only been at it for a very very short while, but the biggest surprise for me so far has been how much time is spent doing things OTHER than projects or writing. I guess if you get into it for the love of those two things, the other parts may get overwhelming.

I have noticed some if my favorite bloggers disappearing this last year. I do a personal blog and the thing that keeps me going is that I want my kids to be able to look back at it and also because my family loves to keep up with the kids. I'm so glad that you are not going anywhere. Your projects are so awesome as well as your attitude! I just finished an alcove to be a book nook just like the one you made and my kids love it! I just appreciate all the inspiration from your blog and your philosophy about making home a place you can love.

I'm so happy you are not going anywhere. I read your blog everyday and I love your viewpoint and ideas. When YHL and house of smiths stopped (or slowed way down) I was so bummed. It's tough when you feel like you made a friend (albeit one sided) and then they just disappear. Almost like they no longer want to be friends with you. Crazy I know.
I do think the blogs that are stopping just get burned out and want a new direction in life. As for IG and FB. I loathe FB but love IG. I don't follow anyone on FB but follow all of my favorites on IG. I love seeing one picture of what they are working on but then link to their blog for the full story. I cannot imagine blogs completely disappearing. There is too much info in blogs to go away.
Vee

OH gosh, I didn't realize I should be commenting!!! I LOVE what you write. I look forward to reading each and every thing you post. I remember 2 winters ago I was new to "you" and took the time to read past everything you had posted. I spent that winter doing things in my own home that you had done to your own. To date my favorite that I copied from you is your board and batten in your office. We did that in 1 of our bathrooms. EVERY time I'm in there I still love how it looks. I'll try to be better about commenting as I didn't realize it mattered.

I am with you. I love what I do and will continue to express my passion/ hobby through my blog. I never went into blogging with huge expectations on what i would receive out of it and have always kept it according to my plan without the pressures of the outside. The money, products have always been a bonus. The relationships that I have made and being able to be inspired by others creativity is the real payout.

I noticed many are no longer blogging too! I hate when they stop abruptly because I worry something has happened. I am a relatively new blogger (less than a year). I started because I have read so many for so long and just love doing projects in my home. It always made me sad that only a few people ever got to see them so I started to just share what I love. We have a brand new builder grade home and it is the smallest house we have ever owned. But, we do live on an island a short stroll to the beach. My blog is about how to give character to a builder grade home and infuse it with a slight bit of coastal style. Come on over and visit me! This has for sure been a learning process but I keep telling myself I am creating new brain synapses every day :-)
http://slightlycoastal.com

I blog, but it's mostly just for my family and a few friends. I don't really know how much they even look at it, but I certainly hear about it when I don't post! haha I work full time, so it really is only done in my spare time, which isn't a lot. But, I have a creative side and I want to document life, so I sometimes will post something that I've created or made. I LOVE LOVE LOVE your blog and feel like sometimes we are on the same page with life and style, but I don't act on it like you do. I'm glad to hear that you don't plan on stopping. As someone else commented, I do think that other blogs can get too "sponsor-y" and your blog never feels that way. I like seeing big projects and little ones too. Or just hearing about you cleaning out a closet or junk drawer. The little stuff like that is easy and makes me feel so accomplished. So, if you are keeping score...my vote is for you to keep doing what you are doing. Good job!!

I blog in a different space (book reviews) and I've seen a bit of the same thing. Comments are not like they used to be -- most of the interesting conversations are on Twitter and definitely more real-time. I read blogs in a feed-reader so jumping out to comment is the exception rather than the rule. Instead of "sponsored posts," book reviewers can morph into book promo blogs where the substance of the posts changes a lot. Nothing wrong with that, but it's not the kind of content I'm interested in, you know?

With some of the big diy bloggers, I think sometimes life just changes and you get past your diy phase. Or you feel like you've done all the projects you want to do for awhile. In my case, my schedule changed as my kids got older and I find my mental capacity for writing posts in the evening just isn't what it used to be (I haven't quit my blog but it is much much slower than it used to be.)

Great post! And, I agree with everything you said. I started blogging almost 4 years ago and I love it. But, I have noticed that a lot of the blogs I follow do not post nearly as much as they used to. And, they haven't really given a reason. Many people do not understand how long a single blog post takes. It is hard work (most of the time), but it is time-consuming. But, I love blogging and that time doesn't bother me. I make blog posts and also use facebook and Instagram as well to communicate with my readers. I love to communicate with them too. But, just like you, Instagram is by far my favorite. :) Keep on doing what you are doing and I am definitely going to read it.

I love home/lifestyle blogs too. Yours is my favorite! I read every post. No I am not a stalker, lol. I too hate that so many are quitting blogging because I don't do Facebook, Instragram or Twitter and I really do want to know what everyone is up to but I just don't like those formats. Like you, I like reading full blog posts. They are more in depth and actually feel more personal and friendly to me, but I do understand some of the pressures that come with blogging. It can be time consuming and stressful if you let it. I have a home lifestyle blog http://beyondtheportico.blogspot.com/ but I am not doing it as a job or to make money and I don't have any sponsors. It's strictly for fun and I only post when I have something to post about. Definitely not daily so I don't feel the pressures that most of you do. On the other hand I do not have a large fan base either and truthfully only know of a few faithful followers that read me when I post (mostly family members and friends), but I'm okay with that. My blog is definitely not perfect or professional but I love blogging and don't see myself quitting anytime soon. Of course like you said, I probably won't be doing this when I'm 80. Just sayin'. Anyway, I wish that instead of quitting more would go back to blogging for fun. After all isn't that why they started blogging in the first place. Yes that would mean fewer posts but readers would understand. It's less stressful that way I think the content would be better. A blog is only as good as it's content anyway, right? Right now there are so many out there who post just for the sake of posting (because they feel the pressure of a daily post) that there really is no good content or inspiration there. Sadly, I tend to get bored with those and don't read them as often. That's too bad. All that said, I think blogging is here to stay for many more years. Facebook, Instagram and Twitter just doesn't compare.

I love blogging! Yes it's hard to find time to write or find content sometimes, but it's a fun release for me and I can't imagine not writing on a day to day basis. I have also seem several bloggers up and quit. A few that I used to follow every day aren't around anymore and it does make me sad. I love your blog and the wonderful DIY projects you do. Your house is gorgeous! Thanks for taking the time to write and post every day. It means a lot to me.

I have enjoyed reading your blog and seeing your home and family change all these years.

I blogged, decided I didn't want to any more for a few reasons:
1. It became very cliquish and competitive; I left high school many years ago :)
2. In order to keep up, I was trying every little thing others did, and when Pinterest came about, it got even worse - I WAS NO LONGER SPENDING ENOUGH TIME WITH MY FAMILY AND FRIENDS!
3. People would never comment but they sure as heck felt that they could take my original content and post it on their own blogs, pinterest boards, etc. without attributing any credit back to me

It just became exhausting and then I remembered why I started blogging in the first place; to document the projects I do in MY home, not to please anyone else. So, I created a new blog and carried the content of my old blog over. People can take what they want now, I don't care, I have comments turned on but don't care if anyone comments.

www.broadviewheights.blogspot.com

The comments are my favorite part of blogging. That kind of interaction isn't possible anywhere else so to hear some are turning them off is just sad.

My blog is still fairly new and its hard getting views or subscribers there is pinterest to help but that doesn't always work cause for pins to start being seen more you kinda have to already be popular on there. Link parties have the best so far as in getting views for me. Anyway my blog is about taking old things or ugly things and turning them into something new, paint furniture and decor with alot of before and afters

http://rusticowltreasures.blogspot.com/

I started a blog about 2 years ago and stopped after a year. I loved writing and interacting with people. I stopped because I felt after awhile the "comparison" was affecting me. I felt as if I had to keep up with other bigger blogs and it robbed me of the joy of writing. There are also so much monetizing of blogs now that I feel like when we read them they are simply getting paid to advertise and I feel kind of "used" in a way. Not all blogs, but certainly some blogs simply advertise each and every day. Thank you for being you when you write and showing your true self.

Sarah, yes, I had a blog some years ago, and it was fairly new, but I stopped because I became pregnant and the motivation / energy wasn't there. I started up again last January. In just three years or so, the difference in the blog world is crazy. And your comment about Facebook is true. My first blog's FB page had 200 likes in a month. I can barely reach that now in a year. Blogging can be tough, stressful, but I love it! I don't have instagram though. I'm considering it. Comments are one of my favourites too. To give and receive! I would never get why anyone with a blog wouldn't appreciate those. xo

i love to write so i don't think i will ever stop blogging, until blogging is no longer in existence i suppose. or i die. which ever comes first. :) and for comments, after thinking more about it i decided to keep them on and just reply to the really thought provoking deep comments and questions. it is hard to keep up with all of it. for me personally, i run a business outside of my blog (sweet clover vintage barn sale), and that takes priority over the blog, so that can be tough. and this past december vendors were gossiping about me saying i spend too much time blogging (when in fact i only took on a barn sale because it's a once a month sale, and i don't have to work full time.... but i suppose they don't see it like that and because i blog and it's public knowledge, i am judged for how i do everything). anyhow, it all left me feeling in a very bad place and i took a break for the holidays and didn't want to come back to blogging- it would have been so easy for me to walk away.... so i totally get it. i had other priorities, and i didn't want to be judged anymore. but i put on my big girl panties and plugged away again. i am so glad i did! i am totally rambling, but just saying, i can get it, how you would just STOP with no warning. because i almost did.

I actually agree with you. Several blogs I read are done. Or I come across one that looks great, but it hasn't been updated in months. What's more frustrating, is bloggers who repost old posts. I have one specific blog in mind and I finally quit following her the other day because I got tired of seeing old posts. Recently she started to repost old posts at least 5 days a week (with no new content mixed in or new posts for that day either). If you don't have time to blog, then don't. I get it may be nice for new readers, but for us that have been following for a couple years, it's very annoying. I love updates and new content. Keep up the hard work so I can keep following you please!

guess it depends on how you define "successful blog". I cant think of anyone besides YHL that stopped blogging...maybe its because I stopped reading their blogs before they quit? I follow a ton of blogs...maybe most I read don't make money at it but the majority are putting out regular content that I appreciate. Check out my blog roll for some good ones :)

The blogging world has changed drastically since I stumbled on it during our first major house reno, around the same time you started blogging. In the last three years, like many have noted above in their comments, the blog world became very cliquish and in cases like why YHL quit (I think anyway) people became very mean towards them...I never read their blog, that's just what my sister who did read them said. I hate that the world we now live in is one where people can say the meanest thing and hide behind the name "Anonymous." Yuck. On the comments section of my blog I even say something like "I appreciate your comments but please be nice!" I wish it could go back to the way it was, back before blogging became a big business thing with retailers and their sponsored posts and affiliate links being used (and not always noted) in seemingly every post {which is why I stopped reading "big" blogs over the years}, where people just share for the sake of sharing and inspiring others. A girl can dream any way...

I'm one of those new bloggers. I'm still trying to figure out who I am in the sea of the internet. I don't know my style yet. Have no followers. Still building my blog. I feel like no one is even reading what I write. That said. I'm starting to enjoy it. I can see that this is going to take time. So maybe it is just too much work and thats why people are just done.

Totally remember Jack Handey and totally love your blog!
I have noticed the same thing in ALL of the types of blogs I read. I wish they would at least say "I'm done" so you don't wonder if something bad has happened!
I am not a DIY/ home/style blogger but I enjoy watching your projects come to life and appreciate how you tell us your process. I am especially impressed w your fearlessness in using tools!
When I feel discouraged by lack of traffic or lack of comments I remind myself that I blog for myself to help me to remember our life, and to keep in contact with friends and family. Everything else is just a bonus!
I have been reading a couple years now and will try and be a better commenter! Thank you for your blog,

I suspect the outflow of bloggers is from burnout- daily posts, no vacations, and family life take their toll. You still need personal time to relax and recharge and that means relaxing from the blog too. This happens in every interest. The early arrivals get respect and well-known, but move on one way or another. Those who learned from the early ones "take the torch and run on."
I'd rather follow the slow and steady types- a post a week with meaty bits than fluffy daily stuff.
I can't gut my home. We do have a to-do list here, but not always pretty stuff- HVAC, new electrical panel and specific fixtures, new water heater, new converted sprinkler system instead of the old hydraulic version with few experts and fewer parts. Some day long in the future: windows, bathrooms redone, and the original kitchen redone.
I like the day or two fixes- makover a furniture piece or lamp, create wall art..... Those still slow the work pace for photos and written explanations, and documenting materials.
I do have expectations for blogs with advertiser support- relevant ads, relevant topics, reliable instructions and well-lit photos. All that steals time from the blogger.

I'm with you....I'm only 2 1/2 years in (to my current blog; I've had some kind of blog or other for more than ten years now, but this is the first one that's been more than a casual hobby or just online journal type thing), but I'm still having a great time. The only thing bumming me out about blogging right now is how many other bloggers are bummed out about it.

Loved your post. I follow you on IG and have been using it as my blog for about a year now. But I'm working on an actual blog now. I'm feeling nervous and excited about this new beginning. I'm glad you're not quitting anytime soon!

I only read a few blogs. I've noticed that one of "my" bloggers seems to be losing her enthusiasm, but as someone who engages in creative outlets myself, I can well imagine how I'd get to burn out stage were I to commit to daily blogging about my projects or even just the journaling piece. I read your blog daily and have done so for a couple or more years and I chime in on your FB. Your décor style is the polar opposite of mine. I live in a forest in the Rocky Mountains, my house is rustic/prim and I think that's why I find your blog so refreshing. I love to see styles that are different than mine and try to incorporate a little more contemporary into my rustic house. I *love* reading about your projects and really, you've made a spray painter out of me! :-) I think that there are some bloggers who really aren't cut out for it. They lack the "voice" that you have and their writing is rather "monotone". That gives me the impression that they're not really into it. Your obvious enthusiasm for tweaking your house is evident in every post and tutorial that you write. Is FB really charging you to post there? I can't even believe it. ~ Vicki from FB ;-)

I took a 4 month break from blogging, which really killed my views! My break was due to two things, my paranoid husband who feels like I over share on my blog and social media, and the fact that I never get any feedback. It is frustrating to post and post and I know some people are reading it but I have posts that have had 100's of views with NO comments! That is disappointing and makes you feel like your wasting your time blogging. http://thenewdaybringshope.blogspot.com/2015/01/bathroom-remodel-in-progress.html

Hi Sarah, Your's is one of the very first blogs I ever started reading, years ago and I still enjoy your posts very much. I read all my blogs in Digg Reader, so leaving that in order to comment is unusual for me, though I'm going to do more commenting now that I know commenting is falling off.

I started blogging about a month ago (about food) and it's been fun so far, though it takes WAY more time that I imagined. I feel like I'm learning lots about photography though and I like the techy aspects of putting a site together.

I haven't necessarily noticed bloggers stopping, but I know there are a slew that I follow and read and have become so attached to that I would not be a happy girl if they stopped blogging. VERY glad to hear you are thinking of stopping. I love your blog. I haven't a clue what Instagram is all about and Pinterest overwhelms me a lot. I have to have limits, but I still love following the blogs.

Interestingly enough though along the lines of your post, I just read a comment on a blog I follow recently that was apologizing up front that their post did not have a WOW factor. Seriously??? I mean has it come to that that there are so many talented DIYers out there that you have to measure up somehow? I say stop that stinkin' thinkin' immediately!!.

Oh lordy, I meant to say VERY glad to read you are NOT NOT NOT thinking of stopping... geez louise.

A few fellow bloggers and I were just talking about the no comments phenomenon. Engaging with my readers is hands down my FAV part of this gig. Nixing comments on my blog is something that just wouldn't work for me. I think the key here is all about pacing yourself. Especially in the DIY/home decor niche. Its easy to suffer from burnout when youre cranking out 20 projects a month for the sake of content. Quality over quantity is definitely the formula for maintaining both your sanity as a blogger and interest from readers I think.

I'm not sure about 'The Deep Thoughts' hehe, but I sure do love blogging! I'm only 1.5 years in & just now starting to make a small profit off of my 'home grown' blog, but I LOVE IT! I had noticed even being new to the blog world that some of the first bloggers I looked up to, were just gone!? I'm with you I don't get how they just stop if they're being successful & such an amazing job!!! Blogging is a lot of time & time that we bloggers don't get overtime pay { usually} for, but how many can say they love their job AND can be creative all at once- Not many! I love IG ,but honestly it's nowhere near the same as a 'real' blog. I hope blogging doesn't become a thing of the past...that would be just plain sad!!!!!

Paige.Rose
www.TheQuaintSanctuary.blogspot.com

Your blog was the first one I ever read! My sister (At Home with the Barkers) and I were helping at school and a friend that knew we were both obsessed with design told us about your blog! (7yrs ago) I started my blog last year and it is tough but I'm just rolling with it and only posting when I feel I have something good to share. I love blogs and feel like you do about design and magazines. I can NEVER get enough! Glad to hear you are sticking around. Loving all the changes you have made in your home! www.Joy-jenkins.com

I love your blog! As some previous commenters mentioned, yours feels genuine. It seems like it's a real glimpse into life in your home, not a business. I love the projects you do from the small ones to the major room renovations. I'm not a blogger but as a reader I've realized I'm trying to comment more. Although you make some money off this, I feel it's a kind thing you're doing in giving me so much great home inspiration! I should and am trying to recipricate the kindness:)

I feel the same way you do... I've been blogging for so long that I can't imagine making something and NOT posting it. Why would someone ever want to quit the perfect job? I'm glad to hear you won't be dropping off any time soon. I've been reading since the beginning and my daily "me" time would just not be the same without you!

Love your blog and your style! It's a daily read for me!

I started my blog in 2008 and kept it up until 2012. I miss it. A LOT. I was in a different niche – coupons, which is also extremely competitive. Every coupon blogger wants to be the first to post a “deal.” There was one store in particular I was very good at (still am ). I provided many blogs with my match-ups. I received no credit or link on their blog, but I was compensated for my work. When that national store began to seek partnerships with those blogs I was working for, I became extremely jealous. Why wasn’t my blog getting the same love from this store? Why wouldn’t those bloggers tell the store they should also contact their hired “expert”? It became so disheartening that I stopped. No explanation to my readers. Nothing. Part of that was because I initially thought a month off would help me out. Then I thought I needed 2 months, then more. The comments were stacking up – where was I? Was I ok? I couldn’t respond. I felt so embarrassed that it was my own jealously that made me quit. I had begun blogging because I was so excited about the deals I found that I wanted everyone to know and I had felt like a failure because my jealousy had overtaken me. I wish I could find a way to blog again, but I feel like my time has come & gone.

I have noticed a few blogs I read go away; so sad! Glad you're still blogging!

Great post, Sarah! I think I've been blogging almost as long as you have, though with nowhere near the success. I'm okay with that. But I wasn't okay with pouring time and energy into something that wasn't really growing the way it should have been considering the time and effort I put into it. I got seriously burned out after I had the baby last year and pretty much stopped after my guest posts ran out during my "maternity leave." I kept the weekend link party going, but didn't post often. Taking the time to let go gave me more time to focus on my kids and gave me more time to do creative projects and DIY around the house. I've decided to blog when I feel like it and not feel so stressed anymore about having a post up 5 to 7 days a week. No more comparing myself to other bloggers who have massive sponsorships and sponsored products. I have to purchase most of my supplies, which means less projects. I have to be okay with what I can do. :)

And, PS. I'm lucky to get 1 or 2 comments anymore...I used to average anywhere from 30 to 50 a day. It's really sad, and also contributed to my lack of motivation to post!

I'm a faithful blog follower but I've never blogged. I love seeing what changes you continue to make to your beautiful home and I hope you don't stop anytime soon. I will admit if I didn't have the kind of office job where there's some down time, I couldn't keep up with reading the few blogs I do. But please keep up the good work!!!
Bertie DeWane

I've wondered too if it's because blogging is time consuming. It seems like bloggers either stop altogether, or they start having mostly guest posts and only posting things themselves every once in awhile. They still want to publish something new every day, but it's too much to do it all themselves. Personally, I would rather see fewer posts from the blogger I've come to know. All the guest bloggers have their own blogs, and if I want to see what they're doing, I'll go to their site. So when a blog turns into a different guest blogger every day and you start to forget whose blog it really is, I lose interest. I leave fewer comments and sometimes don't even click on a post if I can see it's from a guest blogger. I think occasional spotlights are a great way for new blogs to get some attention and for people like me who are always looking for new ones to follow, but when they take over it feels like the blogger has lost interest.

I'm so glad to hear you're not going anywhere! I've told you before that your blog is my very favorite and I want to move into your house (that's not weird, right?), and part of the reason I love it so much is that you have stayed true to yourself. You haven't taken on guest bloggers or let sponsored posts overcrowd your regular ones. If you don't post something one day, I'm just that much more excited when you do the next day!

P.S. I think I used the words blog and blogger about 597 times in this comment.

I too love blogging. This month is my 2 year anniversary and for me the hardest part is the technical stuff that I just don't love doing!! I know I told you at Haven you were the first blog I ever read but it's true! I still love it!! As for me, comments are one of the most important things about my blog and I love responding there.

Keep up the great work! ~Sonya
http://athomewiththebarkers.com/

So glad you wrote about this! The number of blogs gone kills me! And it's so hard to want to follow someone that posts once every 2 weeks. It used to be what I looked forward to every night, or on my lunch or even when it's a slow day at work (shhh don't tell lol). Now I'm down to 3 that I check daily - yours, Bower Power & Jenna Sue. I'm into the home stuff, the practical home stuff, like doing updates or redecorating. My favourite thing about your blog is that I can tell you live in your house, you show the real parts of a renovation, and that not everyone's house looks like a magazine everyday! I think people also get to a point where they're no longer decorating for how they want their home but how they think people will enjoy reading about it. I would love to know of some more content/blogs if anyone has any suggestions?

Glad to hear you're not going anywhere!

Sarah

Hi Sarah, I love your blog! Your posts are fun and I love how you just dig right in with tools. I'm pretty handy with tools, but you are really a pro! I have seen a few favorite blogs disappear, and it's really hard as a longtime reader. I'm glad you'll be around because your house is darling and our taste is quite similar. I giggled when you painted your house with Analytical Gray because we had that exact color, too. I have a blog, but it's not a DIY/home blog. It's a preschool blog, and its purpose is to document learning in my classroom. It generates zero income and I don't want it to. Sometimes it gets a lot of my attention and other times, not as much. I take photos of the children on the fly with a little point and shoot camera or my phone. There is no staging of photos because three year olds move fast. So, when you remove the pressure to generate an income and display perfect photos, blogging becomes quite pleasant! :) I started it for the benefit of parents of my students, but quickly realized that grandparents and other teachers were interested, too. Each summer I publish a book of the blog for that school year and offer the parents the opportunity to purchase it at no profit to me - just a scrapbook of the year. I know the parents who take the time to read it really appreciate the peek into their child's day and they often tell me that they had no idea how much their children were learning while they "just played".

Saran! I've gone through some changes on my blog after 5 yrs. I'm no longer putting the pressure on me to worry about stats, sponsored posts or how many posts I can push out in a week. I remember way back when, when blogging was fun. I just posted about this a couple weeks ago. I'm not going anywhere I'm just blogging on my time and I'm blogging about what I want. I'm glad you are not going anywhere, neither am I. Have a super weekend!!

You are so right! I am one of those bloggers. I started two years ago after reading avidly for three years and I thought it'd be so easy, and while it's not hard, it's a time suck. IG is so easy, you can do it any time any where. Also, I don't think any of my ideas are new or offering anything to anyone that they can't find somewhere else. I've been feeling very uninspired. I was sick, hospitalized, changed jobs...I just lost interest and time. I still love reading blogs though.
-Ash
www.stylizedwannabe.blogspot.com

I've been reading a handful of blogs for years now, yours being one, so I'm glad you're not headed out. (I miss House of Smiths though...)
I started a blog a couple of years ago, and I just don't feel like I have the time to devote to it. I don't make a single penny (I suppose I don't know what I'm doing...), and after working for hours on projects, I feel guilty that I'm not being the mother that I should be to my 2 little boys. At times I feel like I should contribute monetarily to my family, but then I realize that what I do is a lot, and when I add in a "job" where I work from home, I get overwhelmed, especially since again, no income has yet to be seen.
I've been meaning to post for the first time in months about my thoughts on blogging, so here they are. For the time being I might post every now and then for my own memory and satisfaction. If I get comments, great! If not, maybe this is something I can pick up in a few years when our family is done growing and my children are all in school.
Thank you for your honesty. I enjoy your blog because you DO write about what you want to write about, and you don't do a million sponsored posts. :)
If you feel like checking out my blog here is it: www.imalwaysnesting.blogspot.com
I have linked up a few times to your site.

-Lindsey

Your blog was my first! Well, first fun blog. I had been introduced to blogging by my then pastor, but was directed to a lady blogging about her baby loss. He thought it might help us through our own loss. It didn't, but somehow, my curiousity about blogs being piqued, I found you! I don't have a clue how. You were also the first blogger to actually email me a sweet note, and have done so a few times over the years! You introduced my household to the wonderful words, "craptastic" and "decrapify"! I saw firsthand through your blog that communicating with those who read and leave comments is important, is what builds friendships and community. Not that every comment needs a reply, but I have had a couple blogs that I enjoyed, followed for years, commented on regularly, and never got any sort of acknowledgement. I realized they were not interested in building relationships at all and that there are plenty other bloggers who are, so they are the ones who will get my time! I have been very bummed by some blogs stopping abruptly, largely because I am the type to hope they are well, and worry something bad has happened, lol. Anyway, so glad you are not going anywhere!!! No reason you can't be an eighty year old chick - pretty sure once you're eighty, you can be whatever you want!!!!

I started blogging 3 1/2 yrs ago and yes it is not easy to get a lot of readers. I agree that for those that quit probably had too much to handle since they couldn't say no to the opportunity. I notice most bloggers use a lot of marketing tools - ads, giveaways, reviews, collaborations.... I understand most of them started for fun and eventually made it a living, and it is hard to say no to an opportunity to grow, especially if blogging is business for you, but honestly it takes the fun out of reading for me to see marketing posts 3 out of 5 posts. When I read about how people make money being bloggers, I get a feeling that I should try those things too to make my blog popular, but when I go through my daily blog reads, I feel I am happy that I post what I like. I think the happiness I get when I see my pageviews (currently at 22554) go up a 100 in a couple of days is a lot more than the happiness a blogger with million hits a month gets when their stats go up a 10000. It is a fun creative outlet for me and I plan to keep it that way. Just in case you are curious about my blog: http://love2decorate.blogspot.com/

I enjoy your blog and very few others that have good content and great photos and a lot less giveaways.

Thank you for sharing this. I follow a lot of blogs, have a couple of "big" blogger friends who keep telling me to jump in. I really enjoyed seeing your perspective on all this. I'll keep following till you're 80 LOL, One thing is I don't take the time to comment a lot. For that reason I plan to find my top favorites and ones I tend to skip often on my blog lovin I plan to stop. I hope that will make me comment more.

I'm not done blogging! And I love following your blog. :)
Check me out…http://scratchandstitch.com

I'm so glad you wrote about this, Sarah. And thank goodness you're not going anywhere. As a blogger who's only been at it for a year, I can attest to the pressure that seems to bombard you at every angle. I wanted my blog to be successful so I devoured so much blogging info., advice, etc. There's so much to do if you want to really succeed, or so they say. Keeping up with constant creating and posting, updating your social media, monetizing, building relationships with other bloggers and then sharing their content soyou don't look like a selfish jerk only promoting your content. It all gets to be too much. Not to mention keeping up with your family life and, in my case, homeschooling.

I've definitely been through my share of blogging burnout lately. I think I lost sight of the reason I started to blog in the first place. Blogs like yours are so fun to follow and they inspire readers to make their house a home; a place that brings them joy. I've always been into home decor and reading about other home decor bloggers made me want to start my own. I wanted to share my projects and inspire others, as well as encourage them and assure them that some of these DIY tasks aren't as impossible as they seem. I've promised myself that I'm going to start fresh this year and slow down. I'm not going to post just to post or create a project just because I need something to blog about. I want my blog to be more organic and natural and I think readers really appreciate that. That's my two cents, anyway. ;)

You can find me at www.littleredbrickhouse.com where I'll be blogging about giving some much needed character to my builder grade starter home. Thank you so much for sticking around! I think the blogging community needs more people like you who keep it real.

I think bloggers stop when they stop getting joy out of it. Hard work or not, you have to have passion behind it and get enjoyment out of it in order to continue. That applies for all bloggers, whether it's been 1 month or 6 years. It's sad when you see a blogger quit, I agree!

I'm still going strong, and I LOVE comments from readers. (although I have also noticed how they have dropped off...) I'm so glad you're sticking around. I love your blog! And it makes me a little homesick (or homehappy) for Indy. I loved living there for five years. Keep it up!
Anna

Good post Sarah. I have been following you for awhile now and love that you always keep things in perspective, and keep things REAL! I have been a mom, homemaker...and I know every nook and cranny cannot possibly be picture perfect at all times. I think so many readers have a hard time relating to blogs that post nothing but "perfection"...no one wants to try and compete with that. The perfect home, the perfect kids, everything neat and tidy, the perfect income, the perfect body. Be real, be yourself, be an individual. This is my biggest beef...quit copying each other. Does everyone REALLY love sunburst mirrors and striped walls????? Be original.
Also, remember where you came from...nothing. Those reading and commenting are the ones who got you where you are, have some respect. No comments, no replies...if you don't have time or courtesy to respect those who got you there, then truthfully I would rather not read your blog!
I started almost 4 years ago. For me. I write what I want, post what I want. I am not in it for money, fame, or sponsorships. I have however made so many wonderful friends, many of whom I have had the pleasure of meeting in person and who prayed for me this fall during a health crisis. All of the above will never match up to that.
I struggle with the fact that I have been doing many of things the bigger blogs are "famous" for for years...we just didn't have an outlet for it 15-20 years ago. To me, what they are sharing is far from "new".
I tend to shy away from the ones who are not so full of affliate links I can't even decipher the content anymore. And, those who were "home" bloggers now all the sudden have a fashion degree. They ran out of home content. Let's be honest, how many times are you going to redo the same room???? That is NOT cost effective, nor realistic.
I love following blogs that are written by someone who is being true to themselves, realistic in their expectations, engages their readers, comments (not necessarily to every little thing, but acknowledges their readers), has something of value to share.
I am happy you have no plans to stop blogging anytime soon. Thank you for being authentic in your blogging. I have never once felt that your blog was about sponsorships, being in a magazine/newspaper/featured, affiliate links, yet you have one of the most successful blogs out there. People could learn a lot from you!!

Hey there! I stumbled upon your blog from theinspiredroom.net's post on 10 home blogs to follow. This is the very first post that I read and before I read any further I must say I have noticed how true this is! My only opposing thought is (from personal experience), I just started my blog 6 months or so ago. I posted today, but my last previous post was in September. Now I really don't have many (if any) followers. I just do it for fun, but the reason it took me so long to post was MAJORLY due to the holiday's. Terrible excuse, I know, but it's the truth! Working full time, college full time, and the craziness of the holiday's just don't allow for much excess time. Maybe the holiday's have put a halt on some blogger's posts? Maybe not, who knows! I already love your blog though! Time to go search some more.

Also - Here is mine if you would like to take a look. I just posted my livingroom update today!

http://measureandtreasure.blogspot.com/

I just started a new home improvement and decorating blog within the past year, and there has been SO much to learn. It is really time consuming, but I love sharing our projects because I've learned so much from other people who have shared their experiences online. Your blog has been a huge inspiration to me, so I'm glad to hear you won't be stopping anytime soon! I would love for you to visit my blog sometime at www.charismahomes.com.

I agree with your deep thoughts. Many of the great bloggers that have been around forever post rarely or have taken their blog into a different direction. I just want some old school decorating ideas! And it makes me sad. I miss my "friends". Sorry to be a tad pathetic! I totally understand these ladies lives change, interests change, etc but it's hard......for me. You have really stayed the "same" and I appreciate that. And I love how you have original ideas when sometimes popular themes just are everywhere and nothing different to tempt me. And I LOVE the fireplace! Bravo!

First of all, I love the Deep Thoughts reference! :) I started my home decor blog almost two years ago and still love it. But I think the reason I still love it is because I say "no" a lot too. I even committed what's probably considered a sin in the blogging community...I said no to participating in a Christmas Home Tour! Gasp! Lol! I just wanted to spend the holidays with my family and not have the pressure of having to get my house decorated on a time line, etc. I did do one post for a free product, but have said no to every single offer since. I basically wanted to see how the whole process worked, but have no interest in doing it again. I guess I blog just to blog. I love being able to post whenever the mood strikes or when I find a great sale I want to share or when we do a big diy project like painting our kitchen cabinets. I've noticed a lot of blogs giving up lately too and it's kind of sad they didn't stick it out. I love your blog and have been following for years. You've inspired me in so many ways with your ideas. Glad to know you're going to be around for awhile! :) www.texasdecor.blogspot.com

I haven't monetized my blog and it's not a business. So I write things that interest me regarding my family and things I like to do. That'll never get old! I agree with Stephanie above - when I don't have anything to say, I don't sweat it. I only post three times a week, and that is plenty.

I have been reading your blog for years and I agree with your thoughts. I think it's hard to keep up the pace sometimes. I have never been an everyday blogger but even a few times a week can get overwhelming at times. I can see why people get burned out. It is also hard to keep up with all the "required" social media. I do still enjoy the interaction with specific people and I love sharing ideas. I find so much inspiration from blogs and I have always enjoyed the virtual friendships. I guess like anything else, blogging evolves over time.

And of course I remember Jack Handy! I am a huge Saturday Night Live fan..."If you are a cowboy and you are dragging a guy behind your horse, I bet it would really make you mad if you looked back and the guy was reading a magazine..."
Thanks for sharing your thoughts. Have a great weekend!
Shelley

I don't have any answers (since the main purpose of my blog is to document my little one/I don't have followers), but I LOVE reading yours! Glad you're continuing :)

Hahaha I too remember Jack Handy! I didn't read all the comments so sorry if I repeat others. I have a blog but it's just for documenting my projects and I just never thought anyone would be that interested in what I've done to my home because it's rarely "on trend". I don't have sponsers, because again, I don't have a following. I've had several of the blogs I "follow" quit and it makes me sad, like a friend dropping out of your life. Some have gone in other directions and those directions just don't interest me. I LOVE home decor and re-do blogs...and if they throw in some humor I love them even more! ~ Livingourlittleoldlifeoutloud@blogspot.com

I have been following your blog almost since you got started. I started reading blogs when my husband deployed and I had a baby and a toddler at home, it was my outlet to the real world. You were the first blog I found and I quickly realized how much I liked you (NKOTB.... hello? they are on my iPhone play list and my kids ask me to stop singing their songs ALL THE TIME). I found other blogs through your blog and developed a long lasting love affair with blogs (and their authors.) I have had a blog for years but never had enough time to invest in building a following (4 kids who all came within 5.5 years kept me busy) but now I am putting myself out there more and its so nice to have a new challenge (I work better under pressure). I feel like blogging centers me more and helps me do something for me and not just Mom. Thank you for sticking around, its been sad to see some of the blogs I have loved go away recently. You have always been a diy/crafter/blogger inspiration to me You can find my blog at findingyourjoyinthejourney.com

Love your blog and just started following you on Instagram . I have a blog where I share alot of our home and DIY crafty projects.. http://priscillas2000.blogspot.com/ I would love to grow my blog ...someday :) I do think Pinterest has made it easy for people to see alot of great ideas in one place and they don't have to read all the individual blogs ..

Yes, I've noticed the same thing! Mostly with bloggers I loved who went from one kid to two. Which I totally understand, but I was still sad to see them go :-( Glad you plan to stick around for a while! I too love blogs, and how inspiring they can be. I have more a stay-at-home-mom lifestyle blog than a DIY or home decor site, but I LOVE to decorate and here are a few semi-recent peeks into our home if you're interested in checking it out.

Reading Nook- http://sarahmkeller.blogspot.com/2014/11/the-reading-nook-chalk-wall.html

Sitting Room- http://sarahmkeller.blogspot.com/2014/04/the-sitting-room.html

Dining Room- http://sarahmkeller.blogspot.com/2013/10/one-finished-room.html

Sarah, glad you plan to be here for awhile, maybe when we're 80 you can change the chick to Granny? ;) Yes I knew exactly what you meant by "Deep Thoughts". I was born in 73 so I think we are around the same age.

There are a handful of blogs (yours included )that I follow(ed) because I liked their style in decorating but the more I read the more I liked THEM and looked forward to seeing what they were up to . I was saddened by YHL quitting their blog and get so excited to see an Instagram post or a FB update. I understood their reasons but it still felt like a good neighbor moved away and miss seeing them around.

I'm glad to hear you're staying around. Yours was the first blog I ever came across, and I was hooked! I've been blogging for a number of years now, and love it. My following has grown slowly, but that's fine with me. I'm not in it for the numbers, I just enjoy doing it. I don't have to depend on it for a living! If I did I'd starve. I don't like so many ads on a post. I have 2 on mine. On some of the bigger blogs, if you move your mouse across a photo to make it enlarge, a darned ad pops up and that just irks me!! Ads are fine, but are not needed at the bottom of every photo. IMHO. Anyway, I enjoy your blog alot, and hope you continue it indefinitely. I'm at http://sharingshadymont.blogspot.com

I've been blogging for about a year now and I have very few followers and traffic. It's frustrating that the "popular" bloggers stick together and us newbies don't stand a chance. I follow other bloggers, leave comments, follow them on pinterest and do all of the things they tell you to do to grow your blog but they don't reciprocate. I love comments and I ALWAYS reply to each and every one and it's disappointing when you leave comments and you never get a response. Maybe that's why comments are becoming a thing of the past. No one makes time to interact with their readers on their blog. I love blogging and will continue to do so with the hopes that one day I will start receiving lots of comments and get the chance to interact with my readers.

www.justmyrosylife.blogspot.com

Long time blog reader of yours and blogger as well. I'm feeling all these deep thoughts too! I'm sad to see my long time peers drop off but I totally get it. It just feels different now. Five, six years ago I remember having an insatiable passion for blogs. I read them every spare moment and when I had a project of my own, I couldn't wait to share it. There wasn't instagram/facebook/pinterest/twitter to distract you. Blogs were it. Blogs were the water cooler, the one and only place you could meet other home fanatics and talk decor. And it was a much more positive and encouraging environment too. Nowadays, the trolls and lack of comments have changed the tone. Blogging has lost that small community feeling... there are so many new bloggers and readers who don't comment that it feels a bit impersonal and makes me (as a blogger) sometimes question why I continue blogging. But even with all the other social media outlets, blogging still has "it" for me. Like you say, I like hearing the stories and seeing in depth a person's home. Glad you're sticking around!

Oh so glad you will not be going anywhere soon. I look forward to reading what you have to say. I am impressed with your skills at home improvement and would love to take on projects in my home. I live in the southern part of the state and love when you post pics from Indy.

I am simply a reader of blogs and not a blogger but just had to let you know how much I enjoy your blog. I follow you both here and on Instagram. You are such an inspiration to me!

I completely agree with you, especially about the comment thing!

I'm a new follower as of today, can't wait to see all your future projects!
http://polkadotsinthecountry.com

I love, love, love your blog, still keep up with reading it (one of the few that are left - you are right) and love seeing decorating, home ideas. Keep up the great work and don't stress about being perfect. It's letting us see your imperfections that make it great! For some of us technology-challenged people who don't use Instagram it's nice to still have blog to read :)

Hi- I love your blog and read it FAITHFULLY!!! Have been for about 6 yrs. But I rarely comment. I just don't have much to add, I feel. I think others feel the same. But I will comment more now that I know others count on it. I don't blog or have any interest too. Your style isn't even my exact style but I LOVE your writing and enjoy your projects. So please don't quit, I would just die!! Thanks for all your hard work, Robin Hiscott Tomball, Texas (outside Houston)

Sarah - I am not a blogger so really don't know much about the challenges and benefits of blogging. Thanks for explaining some of what you're up against. I enjoy your posts very much and that you keep it real each and every day. That's what I love about you. Plus, your awesomely talented and down-to- earth. Keep up the great work! Jill P.S. This is my first comment on your blog after following you for at least four years. Thanks for the prompt.

So glad you aren't going anywhere!! Your blog is the first one I look at each day!

Keep up the good work.

GS

d

I am a baby blogger myself but I know exactly what you're talking about. It seems like when blogging first began it was gals who really loved what they were talking about. They blogged because it was their passion... it didn't matter if another soul ever read what they wrote it HAD to be written down and shared.

Today I feel like there are two groups of bloggers. Those who fit in that first category, gals who have a passion for their subject and love to connect with others. The second group is those who see blogging as a get rich quick scheme, oh I can earn money from home by just talking on the internet? Those types, they don't understand how much WORK blogging is, the socializing the writing, the editing... when you love what you're doing it doesn't feel like work... it feels fun! When you don't love it... it feels like work. Since I'm a baby blogger I read lots of "so you want to start a blog" or "25 tips for new bloggers" posts and one comment that I see over and over is "what's the most profitable topic to write about? I'm thinking of starting a blog to make some money" It doesn't work like that. It's not a "if you build it they will come" situation.

When I started my blog I didn't have to research profitable blog topics... I knew what I wanted to share! Home decor has been a passion of mine for years! I absolutely love it. Whether it ever grows past a hobby or not... I don't know... but it's something that I love. When I sit down to work on my blog I don't do it to earn money I do it because it's FUN, i LIKE it.

Of course, I know that it's not all black and white... there are shades of grey out there too: hobby blogs, family blogs, private blogs, blogs that were a hobby and made it big but y'all know what I'm talking about. I think a lot of people didn't realize when they started their blog that it would suck up every spare second in a day... posting on Instagram is just so much quicker.

My blog is http://www.happilyeverafteretc.wordpress.com if you'd like to take a peek!

very informative post for me as I am always looking for new content that can help me and my knowledge grow better.

Oh yes please will you still be Thrifty Decor Chick at 80 years old? I started reading your blog recently and i love it!

I have been following your blog for a while an am thrilled that you plan to be around for a long time. I also enjoy reading magazines and catalogs, but I think blogs have the added benefit of being interactive. Reading this post made me realize that I probably don't comment on my favorite blogs as often as I should, just to let the bloggers know how much I appreciate the effort that they put into taking the time to share what they are creating. I started my own blog a few months ago as a way to share some of my projects with my family and friends. I am still very new at it and have a LOT to learn, but I am enjoying the whole process.
Dorene
seasonalchapters.blogspot.com

So glad you aren't going anywhere any time soon. I started blogging 9 years ago when we started our second adoption. I have changed it to a new location but I keep at it. It will be a childhood book for the kiddies when they are all big~ which isn't far away. sniff

Its like anything else in life, when something because popular you have many people try it and some stay and some sadly quit. Blogging is a platform where you can express yourself and its lots of work. There is no easy way out. You as a decor blogger have been a inspiration for me when I started blogging in 2013. I am a very hard worker in my other job and that follows me in blogging. So hard work is the key to successful blog. Its working for me. hugs Maria http://www.simplenaturedecorblog.com

I think that all of your comments you made are valid, I am keeping my ideas written down in the event that I decide to fill the "sphere" with our Victorian farmhouse redo.

I started noticing some of my favorite blogs disappearing a few years ago. Blogging requires a big time commitment, passion and for many of the business blogs it requires a certain budget to keep it going. It's sad but understandable why some bloggers are calling it quits. As a small business person I still find blogging to be an important platform for engaging with my customers. That might change down the road as technology trends move us all in a new direction. Thanks for the post, Sarah!

The Slipcover Maker
http://slipcovermaker.com/

I "stumbled" across your blog a few years ago when I googled "short curtain rods". I had heard of blogs but really had no idea what they were about and had never visited one. I think I spent two or more hours that first visit searching your site and reading your posts. Since then I have discovered many more home decor blogs but yours will always be my favorite. I look forward to reading your posts and viewing your projects. I love that you share a little about your life with us as well. I live in the Indy area and look for you whenever I visit a local Home Goods store. One of these days I will run into you and give you a big hug, because I feel as though we are friends :)

I will comment here, since it appears relevant. I am not a blogger. Sarah-I love your posts. Every single one. I love the way you express yourself. How you write makes me feel like I can here you speaking the words. I love your honesty. I am in awe of your productivity. If I spent as much time working on projects as I do reading yours and other wonderful bloggers, my house might look like closer to yours. I love your honesty. Hubs and I are currently working on a project that you inspired (blueprinted)- the library cabinet/shelves. I will send you pics soon. The only reason I don't comment- is time. I steal time from family, work, and chores to read your blog, and I don't comment since that takes time. Please know that when I read your blog (and MANY other blogs out there), I feel inspired, connected, empowered, educated, relevant, and a million other positive things. Know that I feel all these kinds of wonderful, even when I don't comment.

This comment has been removed by the author.

I had a fashion blog for 3 years (www.fashionatforty.blogspot.com) that I recent shut down. When I started, it was a way for me to share real outfits with real women. However the debt quickly built trying to show something new every day. I didn't get paid, I didn't get freebies, and my Gap, Old Navy, and J crew tastes couldn't compete with those that we're getting freebies. When we moved back to FL, my commute became longer and I could no longer take pics before work like I used to. We also bought a house that needed a lot of attention, rescued 3 animals, and my attention wasn't as focused on fashion anymore. But I'm a writer (I write for a living - tech writing) and wanted to continue to have an outlet. So I took a break and thought about what I wanted the next chapter of my life to be about. I didn't want to feel pressured to have a post everyday (and yes, it takes 2-3 hours per post). I wanted to post on my own time and to really focus on things that mattered to me - fixing up the house on a budget, trying new foods, going to different places - and I wanted to capture it for readers. So my new blog is www.southerncolonial.blogspot.com. I'm starting from scratch but you can see the progress I've made on our FL home. And like your home, it's a constant work in progress as my tastes change. For instance, I'm once again redoing our kitchen and can't wait to show readers.
Niki

I consider myself a new blogger even though I started in 2009. I just recently have gone all in with my blog. I've enjoyed TDC for many years and glad it'll be around for a long time! I'd love for you to check out mine at http://thealteredpast.blogspot.com
Thanks so much!!

In all honesty, I feel sorry for bloggers. I get the impression that bloggers have an insane amount of pressure to stay relevant and keep up with the competition. I read over and over again, on various blogs, that they feel no sense of competition and try not to compare themselves to others, but I think they're only kidding themselves. As a reader, I am annoyed with the high school cliquish behavior of blog writers. It truly reminds me of being in high school and just sitting back and watching all the insecure girls slowly tear one another down, but always in a fake, we're friends kind of way. When I say that I feel sorry for them, I truly do. And once the sponsorships come their way, I find it somewhat humorous to watch them try to fit a square peg into a round hole because they have a sponsor, and have to make whatever item(s) they receive work for them. There seems to be a lack of authenticity. Those that retain their authenticity stay and those that never ever had it quit. YHL does not follow this description at all, but when you are writing books and working with Target, you no longer have to blog, and probably don't have time for it.

And for the record I hate FB, Instagram, and all the other social media that limits communication to twenty words or less or just a photo. I will always love reading blogs because, like you, I want more details. I think the fact that you say no often is why I enjoy your blog. You have a good sense of who you are and who you are not, and I'm sure that helps immensely with the direction of your blog.

Leigh

I love writing and blogging is an escape to do something that I love. Blogging is hard to keep up with while working full time and I'm a teacher so much of my work carries over to home. I love your blog! It gives me so much inspiration. I am also from Indiana (Northern) so I can relate when you talk about the weather! :) My blog is mostly about DIY things that I do around my home, budgeting, and simple life stuff. My blog is no where near probably half of the blogs out there but it is mine and I am proud of it. I too struggle to get readers as others have stated, but that is not necessarily my goal. I just want people to feel inspired by my blog as well.

bluethrifthome.com

I stumbled upon your blog about a year ago via FB. I really enjoy seeing your transformations and reading your blog posts. This is my first time commenting though (sorry I just really like looking). But I wanted to take a minute to say I'm glad you're not going anywhere anytime soon. I have two blogs (for my crafting), but up until two months ago I worked full-time and never had much time to blog. I have been out of work these past two months and have tried to make an effort to to post more to one of my blogs (simplystampinrobin.blogspot.com). I'm middle age and blogging isn't hard, just takes longer for me to learn. I have all the usual social media accounts but haven't really learned those either. Anywho, just wanted you to know that I really enjoy your blog and have gotten many great ideas from it.

This has been a very interesting post and thread of comments. I now have some new blogs to check out! I will also try to comment more often since I read your blog every day, and I appreciate your efforts.

Marie Claire

I don't know if it's a coincidence or not, but I noticed a change when Google reader stopped. It had such a great recommendations feature that I have not noticed on Feedly.

For myself, I have/had a little blog just for myself mostly. I sort of just quit posting on the original one because life happens and things got busy. I haven't taken the time to learn how to edit or enhance or even watermark my photos so they are definitely not the type of quality that readers would be used to. I guess my blogs are just more "mom and pop" type blogs and not Macy's type blogs! LOL! My goal is to post on my card blog more often this year though. I went back and read some of my posts from the original blog earlier in the year and realized that some of the things on there I had forgotten about so maybe posting on there just for myself wouldn't be such a bad thing.

I do enjoy IG but find that press the little like button instead of actually commenting.

And yes, I can totally see you as an 80 year-old Thrifty Decor Chick! It's all in attitude, not age!

I had a blog that I started and stopped at least twice. Now I supposedly update it for family and friends, but even that seems to be falling by the wayside.

I think the issue for me was twofold: 1) my blog never really got a big enough following to keep comments going and I really didn't like feeling like I was talking to nobody. 2) I didn't really feel like I had anything new to say.

I started before bloggers used FB and Instagram and I can see how those might have made a difference. Also, if I had learned to take prettier pictures. :-)

Glad to hear you intend to keep blogging ... I rarely comment on your posts, but I always look forward to reading what you've been up to :)

I've followed your blog for more than a year and I love it! And I keep my fingers crossed that you will continue posting for many decades :)
Nice to read about how much you love blogging, I'm just starting my own and I'm really excited about it.

I'm one of those people who, after 5 years of blogging, just sort of hit the wall and have resorted to mainly Instagram. Along with all of the reasons you give I felt like I didn't have anything new to add to the crafting/sewing conversation. I don't have the time or money to become a professional photographer or to hire one and it seems like that's what it takes these days to move ahead. I thought I would really miss it but right now I'm totally enjoying the break and reconnecting with real life~

I think the decline in DIY blogs is because it's kind of all been done. It's now just post after post of everyone copying everyone else on the same relatively few things. It all looks the same anymore.

Hi Sarah--I'm a long time follower, first time responder! I am too old to have been in the know on "Deep Thoughts", and I now realize that I have used that same excuse for why I never comment on the blogs I read and love. Basically, I never took the time to figure out how to respond. Even now, as I look down at the "Comment as: (Select Profile)", I wonder if I am going to make it through that step. I've done it once or twice when I've actually responded to a blog, but it's like I have to relearn the process each time. I have felt reprimanded through reading all of these comments--I am guilty of having read, enjoyed, and loved blogs, and never having expressed my appreciation for all the work and effort that goes into each post. I now commit to commenting much more often! I love your post--every one! Thank you for continuing on!

I'm so glad to hear you have no plans of leaving blogland! I remember the first time I read your blog in 2011. It was like you read my mind. I'm always thrilled to get alerts about new posts! I recently started a little blog, but now that my hubs is retiring from the Army, our oldest is graduating, and we're moving back to America, I'm just sort of waiting the transition out. In the meantime, you are such a source of inspiration and entertainment. What you do is appreciated and important! Thanks for sharing what's on your mind!

This is a very timely post for me since my blog is only two weeks old. It's just another little boat afloat in the sea of DIY/Lifestyle blogs. Yesterday was the first public post and I got 204 page views. Small beginings, but I was thrilled.
To your point about the changing blogger environment, I am older and have witnessed many business cycles. The current changes seem no different. When these things happen, it creates new opportunities. It is up to us, the remaining bloggers, to seize the day. The key is for us to work together and stick together. We can make this work.
I'd be honored to journey with you. My work can be found at
http://www.thechelseaprojectblog.wordpress.com

Four of my five children started blogs and they have all left the blogging world. They are still on IG and FB. Actually, I love reading most blogs... I love seeing what others are doing and seeing what works and what doesn't work for them. It has helped me to avid a lot of mistakes. However, when I was first learning about how blogs worked, I found too many of them were just "LOOK AT ME< LOOK AT ME" kind of blogs. Everything was always "Perfect" in their families and they were taking vacations every three months. Being old enough to know better, I thought, 'when is that bubble going to burst?' AND apparently it has. Thanks God too. Everyone was competing with each other as to who has the cutest kids, best husband and nicest home... I felt really sorry for them and even more sorry for the husbands who were tossed into this make believe world. BUT then there are blogs like yours... and I LOVE them. They let us in BUT they have boundaries too. You have fun with them and you also make a bit of money on the side. Bloggers that have boundaries and balance will probably be here for a very long time. AND I am grateful for that... I have learned so much from them and have new views of people that I would never have met any other way.

I have been blogging since 2012 but I blog sporadically. I have blogged about spiritual growth, home decor, fashion, recipes, movie reviews, DIY and everything in between. I have thought to quit blogging and I have stopped for a few months and than I get an urge to say something and I start posting again.
Stormieariel.blogspot.com

I'm sorry if you get this comment from me twice or more-- I was trying to comment with an iPad and that hardly ever works for me. Anywho,

I too have been blogging for years and years, and I used to eat sleep and breathe my blog and loved it. But I too have slowed down and considered stopping over and over. Sad. Here's my reason:
I love doing projects. But I also love 20 other hobbies. And I feel like I cannot blog unless I have a completed project. So after a while, I started dreading "having" to pull on the paint clothes and finish up a project I didn't feel like finishing right then, just so I could talk about it. Instead I just maybe wanted to volunteer at school, or just clean the crap out of my house instead of working on something new. Then this cycle began of feeling "pressured" to finish a project, and resenting what used to be my favorite hobby. I started resenting always having to be working in my garage and filling up the air compressor in order to blog. I've actually started dreading starting a new project because of it. It's really kind of sad, and I recognize that it's all in my head (no one expects anything of me but I'm still stuck in this rut.)

Is this making sense? Do you feel like you MUST keep going and have a fabulous house or your blog will fall apart? I'm only one person-- I love so many things. I love my house too but it can't take top priority alllll the time. I have lotsa projects that I want to complete this year, but they are definitely not top priority. Do you ever feel this way?

Love you as always Sarah!! I am your biggest fan. No, really. :) Your house makes me drool. Can I have some of your energy?

Mandi

I check in here on about a weekly basis. I am sorry I don't comment more. I am glad you wrote this post and that I read through the comments. I didn't think about commenting as my 'part' - it is the easy part for sure! I appreciate your time and talents and am SO glad you share.

Laura

Oh, gosh, I guess I didn't realize it was bigger than just YHL (the only blog I knew that quit), but reading this shortly after a post I wrote about changes I was making in 2015 spawned the most comments I've gotten in a long time makes me realize I was missing something, ha! I was just talking about some posting changes, but almost every comments was like, "I thought you were going to say you were quitting!" I seriously had no clue it would be taken that way. And now I read that it's kinda in the back of everyone's mind...late to that party. ;)

I'm so glad you're continuing and that your projects are still so relatable - thank you for keeping it real. I've been blogging for 6 years and 2014 was my hardest ever. I would miss my little community too much, though, to give it up yet - which I'm happy to know my readers were happy about too, lol!

What are the chances? I am asking myself that right now. I have dabbled in blogging on a personal blog over the last 8+ years and just hadn't found my groove. There were so many things I wanted to blog about but I just didn't feel I could put it all in one place. I dabbled at the DIY blogging, but it just wasn't for me. But here's the thing, I love design, I love decorating, I love beautiful spaces, and l love food and cooking, and I love my faith and religion. It finally dawned on me that I didn't have to be a diyer to have a design blog, I could still use it as an avenue for showing off pretty decor things, yummy recipes I like (while not including 20 gazzillion pictures of the making process), and I can also use it as a place to share hope and spiritual things to lift others. In fact, I'm determined to wrap them all together as I move forward.
I have no doubt you were inspired to write this post to inspire me. We just bought a new house that needs a lot of work and I have spent the last little while designing a blog to document it all. I hope you come check it out and I would LOVE for you to write more about how you have been so successful at this. Do you mentor?
And as a little shout out for you, I was just thinking t.o.d.a.y. that at some point I'm going to write a blog about all the decor bloggers I love and frequent often and yours was top of the list. In fact, I had imagined it in my mind reading something like this after I would introduce you, "And this Chic, she is probably my favorite for sure. Of any decor blog I've ever come across, her taste is the closest to mine that I've ever seen. Go check her out! You won't be disappointed." I'm excited to start this journey and I hope you will come check it out. The journey starts Monday!

Hugs,
Meg

the8cowhouse.blogspot.com

Hi Sarah, for blogs to work for me, there has to be a personality involved. I like to know about the blogger and eventually feel like I know them. You were one of my first blogs years ago, and I think it was because of your personality. If you put ten blog posts in a row without their authors names, I could pick yours out in a heartbeat. A lot of blogs have pretty spaces, but not all have heart.

I have loved getting to know you through your blog and I am glad you will continue. I never think that you are selling out by over promoting.

I am a new blogger. I quit my job to do this and it is either the best or worse decision I have ever made. I am still making my way through the blog world trying to learn how it ll works. Like you, I find it not hard, but I sometimes get overwhelmed at what I am supposed to be doing and how to keep up with all the social media and the technical stuff. From you I have learned that I need to be myself. If not, my blog will never last.

Thanks for all your years of blogging and looking forward to more. Michele

I agree with a lot of the posts I've read here. I think so many of them are stopping because unless you sale and buy houses every few years you are going to run out of blog posts. The whole niche thing is something that I have struggled hard with. I would love to make a little money from blogging just to pay for any expenses incurred but have avoided even trying because I can't do the niche thing.

I've had a blog since 2005 when I was a Stampin Up demonstrator. It has changed over the years and posts have been deleted when they didn't fit my lifestyle any longer. I end up stopping and starting because all the "experts" say you have to have a niche in order to make any money with blogging. There is no way that I could blog on a regular basis about the same stuff day in and day out because I would 1) run out of ideas and projects and 2) I would just plain get bored.

There is so much more to my life than just house projects or just craft projects, etc. I have been trying to restart my blog and thinking about changing the name to "re-brand" it.

Hi Sarah, I have been a loyal reader for so many years. What I love most about your blog is that you tackle home projects with great tutorials and photos that encourage us to give it a try too. And, you really rock the power tools! It's really sad to hear some bloggers are giving up and or taking to social media. In my opinion, there's a space for everyone. For me, I enjoy reading a full blog post as opposed to just pics or 140 characters.
Last year I started blogging. I went into it with the mindset that this was my creative outlet, some people would love it others would not.
I hope you can see from all these amazing comments that you inspire people, and your blog is very worthwhile and appreciated by many!
I would love for you to stop by my blog: www.cherryblossomhomeblog.com
Deb

Sarah, GREAT post! I agree with your post and all the comments. Sadly, I have been a start and stop blogger. You know, having a blog called Being Home and having to literally rebuild sections of said home due to poor building practices, definitely takes away the Being Home feeling. Oh, the irony. lol Anyway, I am trying to start back up and my blog will change a little bit. Still decorating, but life as of late has presented me with a new passion. I am excited to see what unfolds.

I have always enjoyed your blog Sarah. Yours was one of the first ones I discovered and went into decor coma after looking at ALL the before and after link parties. Yeah, I did not sleep that night. lol ;) Keep up the amazing work and thank you for all the inspiration! :D

Dear Sarah, I have been following your blog for about 2 years now. I comment when I have a different idea than the other comments. I read all the comments here. Yesterday there were 91 and today there are 169, so I came to read the new ones. I like to click on the names that sound interesting to see if they are a blog I'd like to read again. My two favorites are Thriftydecorchick and Joscountryjunction. It's such fun to read about other people's work. Like reading a short story. I love to read. Thank you for all your efforts!

Sarah, yours was the first blog I ever visited and that was several years ago. You were the first to inspire me to move beyond crafts into power tools!

A briefly had a personal diy blog to keep my friends and family amused with my new found passion. But life does does rudely enter with computer dying, family crises that take months to heal from and/or resolve. My blog had to go into hibernation until I could afford a new computer, my son was recovered from being a.passenger in a very serious car.accident and now that my grandson's mother has left the relationship with my son, I am at close.to 60 helping raise a 4 year old! I miss blogging, but time and finances just won't allow for projects.

Yours and a.few.other blogs.that I follow have remained active.for which I am very.grateful. I comment as.often.as.I can because I like having blog friends that inspire and share their passion and snapshots of their lives. Know you are.appreciated by this follower! OK. ..done with commenting using phone! I really need.a.computer!

First, love your blog and am glad you're not quitting. Second, I have a craft blog and did not realize until I started it that it would be so time consuming, and I didn't even try to post daily or anything. Each post is a ton of work, especially editing and watermarking the images. And if you don't watermark, people steal the photos, claim the work as their own and try to profit from it... even if its just to have a post they didn't have to take the time to create themselves. I had health problems come up late last year and the blog was the first thing for me to drop; just a no brainer. Was thinking that I would make an effort to post weekly for 2015, but here it is the 17th and I've yet to do it. Dreading the process, actually. I have respect for other bloggers, especially those who are making a business out of it and not just a hobby. Me? Nah... I think I'll just be using it as a way to share my creations with my friends. Unless someone who loves the blogging part of it wants to do all the posting work and I'll just do the crafty part!!! :-)

You're awesome Sarah! Glad you're not going anywhere. I only write about our family, cataloging our life,but I love it. It clears my head. I'm not sure anyone reads it besides my husband, but that is ok with me. I've been blogging for about 5 years now and I'll keep doing it. I'm always learning something new to blogging too. You and me until we're 80, baby!

Thanks so much for posting this. There are 4 particular home decor blogs that I followed & they just ceased with no explanation after years of excellent content. I know they owe us readers nothing. But I worry about them! Just a goodbye post would be nice. Life is unpredictable, so if they must stop for whatever reason, that's the way it is. I will make more of an effort to comment on the 100+ blogs I subscribe to by email now. A couple blogs I stopped subscribing to because of TOO many ads, but especially because I kept getting a pop-up telling me my Adobe Flash is outdated & wanting me to update it. The last time I followed that, I got a virus. So goodbye from me to those blogs. I love your blog & have commented in the past to tell you that. I am happy that you are not planning on leaving us anytime soon! I look forward to your posts & learn from them. My most favorite magazine publications have gone out of business, so I read blogs daily. I appreciate the hard work it takes. I would rather have posts once in awhile than have a blogger just disappear when they are unable to do it all. I just ask for a brief goodbye note - we care about the bloggers we have come to know!

I've lost a few of my reads over the year. Being a blogger myself, I can see how you could just drop off the face of the earth. Life happens. But for me, other than parents at school and checkers at the grocery store, it's really my only adult interaction. I'm not ditching any time soon, either.

I am so glad you are still going to blog! Yours is the main one I read and get inspired from. By the way, that's no joke about being 80 and still blogging. I know someone who is 82 who entertains, sews, quilts, gardens and takes care of her big house. She looks 20 years younger than she is, so it's very possible for you too! Keep the wonderful ideas and energy coming! Thanks so much.

I appreciate your sincerity. TDC was one of the blogs that introduced me to the whole world of home blogging. I had been making stuff and upcycling things for my entire life. I couldn't believe there were people out there that were as interested in making stuff as I was. The thing I enjoy most about blogging (for 3 years now) is actually meeting people who like doing the things I enjoy. To be honest, I hardly blink when bloggers stop blogging because there are so many blogs out there. I remind myself that I don't actually KNOW these people and that the seasons of real (vs blog) life are many and sometimes not conducive to blogging for fun - or business for that matter. My observation of really successful bloggers is that they would be remarkable in whatever career they pursued. I wasn't around for the blogging boom when you guys started blogging "together" so I never developed that feeling of camaraderie that people feel for that group of bloggers. I have developed some friendships with fellow bloggers who I would definitely miss if they stopped blogging. Those friendships began through comments. I am sad about the demise of comments. The reduction in comments on my blog and the sense that my comments aren't of interest to those on which I comment. I feel sad that there are so many "no reply" bloggers out there now because that reduces my ability to communicate with people who stop in and bother to comment. I agree with the commenter above that said the reduction in comments seems coincidental with the demise of GFC. Oh well. I enjoy your blog and I'll be dead when you are 80, but I don't see any reason that you can't be blogging. Who knows maybe you could be the inventor of a thrifty way for seniors to live communally. You can write about ways to decorate the bathroom so the safety bars are less conspicuous, or be an ambassador for hormone replacement pharmaceuticals or something!

Well I didn't read thru all the comments, and I don't know that I ever have commented....but I am so glad you're not going anywhere. What I really appreciate and what comes across very strongly on your blog is that you are very true to what you like. You don't just flow with every trendy thing that zips thru the internet. I have been able to really decipher my own taste thru reading your blog...have picked up numerous tips and drooled over many a page. I bet it's not the easiest corner of the internet to break into because you and some of the other blogs I've been reading for years have paved the way to what blogs can look like. Thanks for your awesome content, your sense of humor and your ability to be transparent without being revealing. Thanks for the years of great reading TDC!!!!

I am both a longtime reader and a longtime blogger. Neither one of those things will change anytime soon. I imagine that for some bloggers who become first time, full time parents it is just too much or they simply run out of material. I am blessed that I am currently working on my third home in eight years and our current home, Storybook Cottage, is a hugely dated doozy.
In regards to comments I am going to be completely honest. I think the majority of bloggers have moved beyond the old fashioned grassroots of returning the favor of visiting the blogs of the people who leave comments. It is now quite popular to just respond via email or to just respond on ones own blog. I have many longtime readers who still happily comment and tell me how much they appreciate that I still respond to each and every comment with a return visit. Sometimes it takes a week before I do so, but it happens. I myself really don't comment on most of the blogs I read as it just felt like a one sided conversation. As I work, attend college and do all of my own DIY I just don't have time to come back to see if a blogger has responded to my comment on their own blog. I read the post once and move on..I will close by taking this opportunity to say that I appreciate all that you do here. Your content remains fresh and interesting.

Hey!! I loved this read! I'm just now starting out with my blog (started yesterday). I have a passion for home renovations and DIY!! I would love to connect with some other DIY bloggers! I am no way expecting for this be big or anything at all. I'm just looking for inspiration and to hopefully inspire others!!

I don't find blogging itself time-consuming, but rather the thing I intend to blog about. It can be difficult to create/DIY/renovate when it isn't your job. Buuut having said that, I don't take my blog too seriously and just post as and when I can. I definitely enjoy it and intend to stick around, and I'm glad you are too :)

www.kezzabeth.co.uk

great post! I love to read blogs, they are totally like free online magazines with wonderful DIY advice and inspiration. I did have to take over a year break from blogging because of a house sale and crazy, crazy life for a year. During that time, (I lost my domain name and someone else got it but wouldn't let me get it back, even though they aren't using it.) That part sucked! But I have a new name, with a fresh new start in our new house with renovations. But maybe you're right, I probably should have taken a moment and explained my life situation a little better with my last post before I took a long break. I just wasn't sure if I'd be back. But I honestly love the creative expression of blogging. Thanks for everything. I enjoy your blog!
Liz from formerly DecorateWithaLittleBit.com to what is now www.HometoCottage.com

Blogging is work. You have to enjoy it to do it. It's obvious in your posts that you love it. I think if I didn't have any comments or feedback I would quit blogging. I love hearing what my readers have to say.

I enjoy your blog! I quit posting on my blog after life got too busy and some crazy freaky comments from people almost stalking me. It also freaked my husband out that if we were out and about people knew what was going on with the family without us discussing. So now I just enjoy reading.

Oh my! You struck a nerve.
My blogs are just "for fun" now, and they have stalled the past year due to technical difficulties. The dust will settle in the next couple of weeks and I'm going to step it up and try to make it worth my while. Maybe I can pick up some of the readers who have lost previous favorites. :-)
My thing is writing. I have to write, and I write every day, but, as you said, life happens so I don 't get to post as often as I want.
I haven't explained my absence to my little circle of readers because it sounded a bit like whining when I tried to write it out. But I will write up an "I'm baaaccck! post when I start up again in a week or two. I will also tie it to my etsy shop since I'm downsizing and I have many many projects I'm going to have to let someone else finish or enjoy as is.
I can't wait to read all these comments! Such a creative bunch of readers you have!

Jan

5 years strong here....thanks to you for getting me started:) I love blogging....people don't realize the work it takes to keep it going. I think that is why we see more and more falling off. Longevity is rare in blogging....but I think the good ones will last because the passion shows...which is what keeps readers. Thanks for sticking around....I always enjoy visiting:)

Love your blog and glad your not leaving. I used to blog but just don't have the trafic or ideas to blog about on mine. I may try it again soon.

I like your blog. You are so down to earth. I am always amazed at yor DIY talent. Not afraid to tackle tough jobs. I've learned so much from reading blogs. Don't always comment like I should. Very good discussion.

Interesting that you shared this because I just wrote about blogging myself on my blog last week! I had a blog that I started in 2009 and I quit writing after a couple years. I wasn't consistent with it and my topics were all over the map. I took a break and just started a new blog over the summer (although I took several months off due to family issues). Starting to blog again now is extremely daunting. Blogging is now a "thing". When I started years ago it was getting started. Now there are conferences and groups and it makes a lot of people a lot of money! I plan on being a recreational blogger (mommy/life stuff) because I really enjoy writing and would also like to share tips with fellow moms, but it's still intimidating. In the meantime, I really enjoy blogs like yours because like others have said, you're down to earth and not-intimidating and I learn a lot. In the best way possible! :D

This was definitely a post I appreciate! I started my blog a few years ago, but never really got totally serious about. However, events in my life have changed and my blog is beginning to take priority. I really want it to be one that people will want to read, and writing has always been something I love to do...so it's time that I step it up. Needless to say, I have a LOT to learn, but I'm studying, observing and trying new things. We'll see where it goes. I absolutely adore your blog and am glad to hear you are staying. ;) You never know...we may be the Betty Whites of the futuristic blogging community!

Glad you are sticking around for a bit! I don't usually comment but I'm a loyal reader. Many of my favorite blogs are now defunct. I don't doubt that its time consuming so thanks for all your entries/tips/sharing. I'm design challenged and enjoy your blog.

I have noticed that many of the blogs I follow are now either gone or only post once or twice a year. I have just started a blog and hope to be able to post initially at least 1x/week. I do have a lot of great ideas but have ALOT to learn! Right now it is just for fun and a place for me to focus on simplifying my own life. I am really glad to hear you are sticking around as you are kind of my inspiration to start my own blog.:-)

I've been blogging since 2006, and it seems like in the last few years many blogs have shifted from actual entertaining content (stories, photos, etc.) to blatant money grabs (long lists of affiliate links with barely any content). Your blog is definitely the former - I'm glad you don't plan to quit anytime soon!

I have noticed several giving up the blogging and it makes me sad too :( :(

However I have my small potatoes blog out in blogland if you want to come check it out. As always keep up the FABULOUS work!!!

http://ourdreamhousediy.blogspot.com/2015/01/to-do-list-progress-and-new-rug.html

Mindy

So glad you aren't going anywhere! I love reading your blog and would miss your voice if you disappeared.

I recently got married and bought a fixer-upper with my husband. So many people were asking about the details, I started a blog. I set a goal of about once per week to post and kept that up for 5 months before I ever publicized it. I've gotten some great feedback from friends and family, but very little comments actually on the blog. I personally enjoy reading through comments and conversations! It makes me so happy to see that someone else had a similar challenge and how they might have solved it or what they would do differently! Thanks for posting & reading! Blog: lifeonlinton.com

I just love your home and your sense of style. I also love your positivity. :) you are blessed

Okay, so I'm waaaaay behind on reading blogs, but it's a holiday and this popped up in Bloglovin and I'm so thrilled that it did. Such a fabulous discussion!

I'm not a real blogger in any sense of the word (seeing my link on your blogroll gives me all kinds of guilt..."one of these things is not like the others, one of these things just doesn't belong"...), but hats off to you and all those that do this thing day in and day out. You, my dear, are an inspiration. My creativity dries up under any kind of pressure or time frame, so to keep chugging along no matter what takes some big cajones.

I'm coming up on my 7th anniversary of blogging, and it was never intended to be something that 1) I kept up for more than six months 2) anyone saw beyond my family or 3) about anything other than the kids. My life all this time later looks NOTHING like it did all that time ago. As a stay-at-home mom, there was pleasure in having an "escape" and posting thoughts into the universe. Now, with 5 teenagers (okay, the youngest is only going to be 11, but he smells like a teen) and working, to post more than sporadically would mean saying no to them or to church responsibilities or to my husband at night *wink wink*. I'm just not willing to sacrifice that.

I will say that for me, pinterest has been a wonderful source of inspiration (and traffic!), but it definitely changed my thought process when I do sit down to write. Before there was never worry about having the PERFECT photo or making sure that something hadn't already been posted about by anyone else ever in the history of the internet. Now it feels silly to post anything that isn't a headline. And when you get to feeling like that, what really is? I moved furniture around...who cares? I'm painting a bathroom...so what? Mix that in with detesting being behind a computer once I get home, and you have a site that doesn't look like it once did. Sounds like I'm not the only one :)

{sorry for the novel}

{also, if you haven't read "What I'd Say To Martians and Other Veiled Threats" by Jack Handy, you. Are. Missing. Out. See? Too many good books to be stuck uploading stupid photos to blogger. HA!}