I try not to flood this blog with my self-indulgent thoughts and feelings. Who wants to hear that? Not even me, and I think you just want to look at crafts. But, I’ve been reading Diane Gilliland’s thoughtful posts about the sustainability of free over at CraftyPod and I wanted to share some thoughts and ask about why you read this blog.
As the new year begins, I’m thinking about the direction of this blog. I started The Long Thread over four years ago, partly to promote my embroidery business (now closed) and partly to give me a creative outlet. I won’t get into the psychological motivations for blogging — catharsis, self-affirmation, a desire for community, greed, narcissism, career promotion or something else entirely. It’s different for everyone and I’ll let you draw your own conclusions. I’ve been lucky enough to turn this into a part-time career by writing a book, contributing to publications and soliciting advertisements for the blog. But I’ve reached the point where I need a more full-time job and like everyone else, I need to make money and find fulfillment in my work.
I put a good deal of time into this blog and I’m now realizing that it’s at the expense of other work I could be doing. I’ve been thinking of several possibilities to make things work better for me, and hopefully make you happy too. One is to go full force with the blog, offering loads of free projects while accepting more advertisements. I’d need to hire some help. But my reluctance here is that I might find myself in a business model where you as a reader aren’t sure what’s motivating my posts. Right now I accept ads from independent handmade and craft supply businesses, many run by one person at home, likely with a toddler running around her feet as she fills orders. When I get inquiries from the bigger companies, I recoil. I never write posts for compensation and I never will. So I’m just not sure how to make that option work for me without sacrificing some of the ideals that made me love craft blogs in the first place.
Another option is to start work on another book. But I’m still waiting to see this one on the shelves and see your reaction to it. And this book-writing thing was a major time commitment. I’m not sure if I’m ready to abandon my family again for 6 months. I ate, slept and breathed that book. (Well that sounds kind of gross; I hope you get a clean copy.) But I do have lots more projects that I’m excited to share in a book at some point.
A third option is to pick up work where I can. Promote the blog advertisements more, work on projects for publications, or maybe do some more graphic design work, which I’ve really been enjoying lately. I’d also love to work on fabric design at some point, but it would have to be just the right opportunity.
I would really love to hear from you about why you read this blog, what you’d like to see more of, and maybe what kinds of things you do with the ideas here — make things, watch me make things, buy things, etc.
So there, you got lots of my self-indulgent thoughts today. In fact, I’m feeling a bit nauseated just re-reading this post, but thanks for listening. How much do I owe you?
I appreciate your honest post. I’m sure it is a thought that hundreds of bloggers are having. I wish you clarity and peace about it soon.
I began following your blog a few years ago because I love your projects. I’ve made many of them for my boys and for gifts and they are always treasured. Can’t wait to see what’s in your book!
I read your blog and follow you on twitter for a few reasons: foremost because you’re funny and you’re smart – I admire both of those qualities.
I also like what you create, and I think perhaps I just enjoy looking at your work. I get a lot of pleasure simply admiring other people’s talent. (Is that weird? Probably.) I’ve never made any of your tutorials – mostly because I stink at sewing and feel only occasionally inspired to make other people’s crafts – but I’ve always enjoyed seeing them. You have good ideas.
Also, you have excellent taste, and when you offer links to new shops, I’m interested. I’m always looking for handmade artists to support (with my dollars, or with my blog).
I feel this lack of certainty all around about the time and effort bloggers and crafters put out there and whether or not it’s worth it – I’m seeing it on so many other blogs, feeling the same way myself, and Diane has been capturing it beautifully in her series. I don’t have any words of wisdom. I wish I did. I like what you do. I will keep reading as long as you’re writing/sharing. But I suspect that you will move on to something else eventually, as will the other bloggers I read. Seems like the natural progression.
I follow your blog because
1. You write great tutorials
2. You link to great tutorials
3. You don’t post too frequently
I have noticed that your frequency has decreased lately and I’d love to see more of this blog on my feed. But not TOO much more as per #3. I am looking forward to your book for the same reasons–I think you have good taste! I hope this helps.
Oh my, this post has certainly hit home for me. As I’ve been pondering these same things for my own blog. It’s certainly a delicate subject. Blogging really turns into a full-time job with not many monetary rewards doesn’t it? While I find it quite fulfilling (and fun!), when you get right down to it….a girl’s gotta eat! So please know, you’re not alone! I wish there was some easy solution to this situation, but I’ve been trying to figure this out myself with my blog seeing fewer and fewer posts, sadly.
I really LOVE your blog exactly how it is to be honest. It’s a great resource for all things crafty and I always find myself coming here for inspiration, new projects for the wee ones, to see what you’re up to, and just to keep up with what’s happening in the crafty community. (It’s like my go to site when I want to catch up with what’s happening.)
Perhaps more advertising and free projects is the answer? I’ve been reluctant to do this on my blog because quite frankly I don’t like the ads! I hate the thought of my blog turning into…”Hi…here are my ideas, and my thoughts……me, me, me….now pay me.” 🙁
Another book would be great as well, but as you mentioned and I know from experience…..your whole life revolves around the book and your family feels the brunt of it. I hope that you find a solution that works for you, Ellen!
I admire your courage for speaking up, which you def have every right to do on your own blog. And I admire your tenacity for all that you’ve accomplished over the past 4 years – much, much appreciated!!! I’ve been reading the CraftyPod posts as well. I also read two great posts by Patricia at A Little Hut and Cameron at Cottage Industrialist about these same struggles, which you may have already read.
I read your blog b/c you have a great variety of content all under one crafty umbrella. It’s very inspiring. You share so many of your own ideas from you or those from others (which I love b/c they’re often new to me). I feel like I might miss something if I don’t tune in! Your blog is easy on the eyes, too. That’s big to me!! The year-end round-ups are always wonderful!
I think it’s great to have multiple streams of revenue that are somehow related to one another. It seems like you’re doing that now, but just not maximizing the earning potential with each one. I think that’s what I might focus on – how to get more out of what you’re already doing? Can you offer different types of sponsorship at different price levels? What about offering some of your projects/patterns for a nominal fee? Or selling them on etsy?
It’s a tough crossroads to be at. When I was at this point with the Scoutie Girl blog, I chose to find someone else with an immense amount of passion who was looking for an opportunity… flight over fight. I know that’s not what you’re planning on doing; just letting you know I understand the difficulty in figuring out what now? what next?
To me, blogging is a fun way to share what I’m making and see what other’s are making. The trend in having sponsers and then dedicating post after post to them annoys me. For a start, I make things myself! I don’t buy handmade from others as I’d rather make it myself – and I’m not in the US where most of the sponsers are so I’d buy locally if I did buy. I click “next post” when they start talking about sponsers. Same for the paid reviews “next post”… I get enough advertising from the TV, radio and magazines, I don’t need to see it on blogs. Having said that, I read posts in Google Reader so rarely do see ads, other than on new to me blogs. I’ve noticed some bloggers are only about the sponser / review posts, they get deleted from my blog roll. I know I didn’t really answer your question, but just my thoughts!
You should do what makes YOU happy.
I have used your tutorials for making gifts this Christmas and for things needed around my home. I appreciate that they are free as we are a one income family of five. (I know you must spend a lot of time on them)
On the advertising note, I enjoy the small crafty business vibe. When I do spend money I have found great gifts through the unique links on my favorite blogs.
I’m with Molly and Corrie – I LOVE looking at things/crafts that are done well!! I like tutorials I know I will use – although finding time to make things is hard. I like reading what smart women have to say and I am looking forward to your book as well!
I agree with Rashida, I love your blog exactly as it is. The ads have NEVER bothered me. If you needed to take on a different type of advertiser to generate more revenue, that would not bother me either. Your tutorials and links are amazing, I use them quite a bit. Because I’ve followed your blog for the last several years I would never question your intentions if you added more advertisements because in my mind the free projects you share are so valuable and wonderful.
Oh, Ellen, I know this is such a tough decision. Of course you need to do what feels right to you. I, for one, do not believe that accepting ads is selling out. You (and all bloggers that deliver thoughtful, valuable content to a large audience) deserve to be paid.
I took an e-course from a very well-known female blogger. She talks about how to take ads in an ethical manner (like you do, without giving them special posts or reviewing their products). She claims the anti-ad movement is unique to female bloggers, that male-dominated blogging fields have no ethical problem with ads. She feels that men have no problem about taking money in exchange for knowledge, but it appears women do have some guilt about it. Coupled with commenters sometimes criticizing them.
As I’m sure you know, there are other ways to make a living off of blogging, like you do. Writing books, e-courses, patterns for sale. The ad-revenue way requires more intensive blogging, to keep traffic high. The selling-your-own products way requires only high quality, interesting posts. To make a full-time living, you probably need to do both. And, I suppose, you’d need to love what you’re doing.
Whatever you decide to do, you will still have a devoted audience because the quality of your work is outstanding (and I can’t wait to see your book!)
Corrie said it for me: You write great tutorials and you link to great tutorials. I come to your blog because I absolutely love your projects, particularly your sewing projects. I am still loving the crooked coasters (mine are placemats). And that quilt design you just showed us, for your children’s school? Gorgeous!!! Good luck to you as you sort out this question; selfishly, I am hoping for more projects.
This is definitely an interesting problem… I think a lot of people assume that if you write a craft book or have a fabric line you’re probably loaded. Oh I wish that was true! I don’t think there is anything wrong with accepting ads from larger companies (just charge them a bundle)! I don’t like sponsored posts – I never ever read them. But I don’t mind a small ad at the bottom of the post in the google reader scroll. I think selling some of your more complicated patterns/tutorials on Etsy could work – and is totally fair. Tutorials take a ton a time to put together when done well.
I agree with what some of the others have posted… I love the tutorials, and I think you are really great at teaching people how to do certain techniques. I really love the blog for the inspiration I get. I love quirky sewing/embroidery projects, and your blog was one of the first places I found what I really wanted.
I wasn’t going to write because I agree with all of the above but then I thought you might like to know that I’m here too and would support what ever decision you need to make! You’re a great writer (smart), your tutorials are lovely, the variety of your catalogue is great (I love scanning it when a birthday is coming up!), a love your features (etsy finds, make it monday…). The blog as it stands is a great resource. Perhaps you could fit in a monthly post amongst a better paying job? Although I can see the attraction of leaving it as is and moving on. GOod Luck!
I read your blog because you have great tutorials and you have good taste. Your crafts are not too crafty, if that makes sense.
I use a feed reader, so the ads in the sidebars don’t really bother me. I have, however, stopped reading blogs when they offer too many giveaways. Those I find incredibly annoying, especially since I am rarely interested in the products they are giving away.
I’m a subscriber because I enjoy your writing style, love your tutorials, and am constantly looking for inspiration which you’ve provided by the truckload.
That being said – this is YOUR blog. You need to do what feels the best to you. If that means cutting back and getting a “real” job, so be it. If that means throwing in gung ho and taking bigger sponsors, then go for it. We blog because of the joy it brings us. If it stops being a joy, then you need to re-evaluate, change course, adjust, whatever it takes. No matter what you decide, I know you have a large community who will support you, including me. Whatever you do, don’t compromise because you think it’s what “we” would want.
Best wishes you can sort through your thoughts and options thoroughly, quickly, and with personal satisfaction in the outcome.
It’s awesome that you wrote this post, Ellen, because I think the more we can make these invisible challenges of blogging visible, the more we can find solutions. You and I appear to be at exactly the same place on this journey. The interesting thing is that from the outside, any monetization option looks simple: take more ads! Write more books! Sell tutorials!
Behind each of those short sentences is a lot of learning curve, a lot of active marketing, and even more hours. And I’m really intrigued by Melanie’s comment about women feeling guilt around charging for their skills. There probably is a strong thread of that in our mostly-female business and reader communities. It begins to feel a little catch-22 sometimes.
But, since you ended your post on my blog with an encouraging note, I’ll do the same here. Thank you so much for sharing your experiences, and for being willing to move forward into a more sustainable future. I believe that the actions we take will lead us to outcomes we can’t even see right now. This whole internet machine is in constant evolution. Sonething exciting is just around the corner.
Heh! I didn’t even answer your question! I love this blog for its gorgeous visual style and exceptional curation. You have incredible skills in both,
i really like your blog & like elizabeth mentioned, selfishly, i really appreciate the free tutorials 🙂 your craftiness inspires me to be more creative too & i look to this little bloggy space as great inspiration with great information too (your etsy finds for example). the ads on the sidebar don’t really bother me & like erin mentioned, i have found great little crafty shops by clicking through here & there on my favorite crafty blogs. it does seem like a tough balance to maintain tho…the having adverts & staying true to your authenticity. i know i’ve stopped reading many a blog that turned into “buy this” or “win this from this shop that gave me money”…kwim?
but in any event, best of luck with whatever you do! & thanks 🙂
gigi
You’re such an inspiration! I came across your blog 2 years ago or so, and while I rarely comment, I always read. I have 2 daughters, 5 and 10 years, and they’ve been the recipients of (or co-crafters on) several fun creations inspired by your posts (naturally, mine never come out as nice as yours!!) I like your writing style, your sense of humor, your talent, and especially your how-tos (not to mention the fact that you somehow manage to find all the best stuff on Etsy). For this working mom, your blog allows a chance to stay in touch with my creative side, and keeps reminding me how great a homemade life can be. Whatever you choose to do, you’ll still have a boatload of loyalty among your readers. Good luck! I can’t wait for the book!
HI Ellen,
I read your blog because you are talented. You make very interesting things, you have a good eye for projects that I might want to make also, and you send me on wonderful trips through the world of the Internet (often making me late for whatever I am supposed to do, but that’s not your fault; it’s mine). I know blogging takes a lot of time. What takes minutes to read can take hours to produce. I hope that you will continue to keep your blog as long as it provides you the satisfaction and compensation you deserve. Cheers!
I like your taste. The gifts which you choose to give and those which you make are an inspiration to me. I look forward to your Friday Etsy Finds post. I *heart* many of your suggestions. I haven’t made a thing from your tutorials, not because I don’t want to, I plan to at some, some point… its just that I have twin 14 month old girls + a 4 yr old son. Your blog is a nice idea haven for me. Am looking forward to your book being released. I love to collect books! Keep on with the beauty you highlight and create is my vote. Good luck in finding your path, I know you’ll do well. Happy New Year!
You don’t owe us anything. We owe you. You create compelling content and you link to even more great content, both of which make your blog worth reading. I’m not particularly susceptible to ads, and I wouldn’t be offended to see ads for larger companies, although I wouldn’t click on them very often. I also think you should consider offering some paid content, like the occasional “premium” tutorial that might have multiple sizes or more detailed steps or extra features. You’re built up a strong enough brand that I’m sure some of your readers would be willing to pay a bit every so often for your creativity and expertise (and to repay you for all the excellent free material you’ve offered over the years).
I read The Long Thread because you write well, you’re creative, and you do a fabulous job of aggregating cool stuff from the crafty blogsphere. Thanks!
(p.s. Pre-kid, I was a web strategist. Feel free to email me if you want to talk. I’d be happy to help.)
I read recently that advertising is only a smidgen of a FT blogger’s income. I think it was on ProBlogger… do you read that? My craft blog is totally just a hobby (for many reasons), but I’ve been reading/seeing posts on struggles like yours. At some point time does become money. What about considering other ways to monetize your blog, like eBooks, webinars, paid premium content, etc?
I’ve been enjoying your blog for a looong time and would love to see some way for it to continue (sustainably)!
This exact same thing happened to me last year. I was a very successful scrapbooker, being published multiple times each month and enjoying guest spots, my work on major magazine covers and free swag. But the problem was…I wasn’t enjoying my children. The constant swirl of deadlines (six months in advance) and two major business trips each year were sucking up my entire life.
And when I thought about quitting I felt guilty. Isn’t this what everybody dreams of? To get paid to do something they love? But I found out that sometimes getting paid to do what you love makes you love it less.
I quit…cold turkey. People were amazed. And I never looked back. It was the best decision for ME and I have never regretted it. Just a few thoughts. I know the correct decision for YOU will come to you.
i blog myself and read quality.lovely.smart.funny blogs like yours because i enjoy sharing my work and seeing what others are up to, how they are innovating craft at higher levels and, at the same time, making it a meaningful part of their daily lives and their families.
as a small-time blogger, i don’t have any ads but i don’t judge anyone who does. certain people prides themselves on being ad free but as someone who has been living at the poverty line because of this economy, i would never feel guilty for trying to make more money at doing something that holds such value. supporting you and your family is nothing one should be ashamed of, especially in times like these and i, for one, would certainly keep reading even if you had to take on some more sponsors to make it worth YOUR while! i think that the handmade movement has created such a supportive online community and i’d much prefer to support it here and there with the occasional ad or paid premium content than have it disappear altogether.
whatever you do, i wish you all the best and thank you for keeping this wonderful blog going as long as you have!
I read your blog and encourage my friends to read it because you have the best craft blog out there. It’s concise and easy to find past tutorials. Being able to find things that I saw once is a huge benefit in my mind. I can understand the temptation to make it something more than it currently is. I think the book idea would be wonderful, even if the idea was printing out the blog once a year and allowing us to buy it, kind of like they do with cooking magazines.
I read for your awesome tutorials, and for the tutorials of others you post that I may have missed. It’s also important to me that a blog be easy to navigate and well designed – I love yours!
I feel your pain. I have no answers. I feel guilty complaining about anything! Whoever said “follow your passion and the money will come” was probably passionate about a full time job with a paycheck, LOL!
Seriously, I’m so glad you and Diane and a few others out there have started the conversation about sustainable blogging. There is no such thing as free. Everything costs something. Someone is paying for it.
Much to think about!…more soon…
Betz
Hello there. I don’t usually write posts, but felt like I should respond to your questions about why your blog is read, since it has been helpful to me.
Firstly, let me say thanks for your work. I’m a knitter who is trying to become better at (or at least less TENSE about) sewing. And I’m getting there!
I started reading your blog a few months ago after looking around on the internet for a few places to find sewing tutorials and a bit of inspiration for my sometimes-flagging desire to improve my skills. I don’t like spending lots of aimless computer time, wading through tons of ads or disproportionate loads of “cutesy” to find something appropriate to make for my boys or as gifts, or the self-aggrandizing tone in some (many) blogs. That’s why I look at yours… it’s well done with plenty of helpful and fun ideas, encouragement, inspiration, practical instructions, good design, and appealing sensibilities.
I’m sure you know you’ve blessed many people with your good work, but I also do appreciate your soul-searching essay… what to do? How to make a living? How to use your time? I hope you find answers that satisfy.
Personally, I get really turned off by bloggers whose sponsorships determine what they post. At the same time, I can understand how someone would really want (or need) to capitalize on opportunities like that to help support their family.
I love your blog as is– it is the perfect balance of simple tutorials and inspiration. I’d like to see more of what you make. Best of luck figuring everything out!
Hi,
Good luck with your decision. I read your blog because I love to see the beautiful things you and others make. I dream of someday finding the time to make some of these things too. I love to craft and sew but time does not allow me to do it much. I love seeing the great finds on etsy and often follow through to see the other offerings from the stores. I’ve bookmarked my favourite ideas. I will miss you if you decide not to blog as much or at all but appreciate all the ideas and inspiration.
I read your blog for all the crafty content and the superb links, especially etsy finds friday. In short, your blog is a fantastic resource and being a crafty girl myself I gravitate towards crafty in general. Funny enough, I’m also trying to decide “what to do with my life”. I found writing down my value, aspirations, goals and anything else I thought was important helped me focus immensely. Good luck.
I read and like your blog because it’s real. You tie art into childrens’ lives. I’ve made so many things from your blog that have thrilled the recipient. You write tutorials well, the applications are terrific, your work is quality, and I like the sites you link to. I wouldn’t mind seeing advertisements.
If you haven’t done so, check out Cathe Holden’s blog, justsomethingimade.com and read how she has combined her writing with blogging and children/home and art. I think it all can be done with a fresh perspective, and an adjustment in expectations. Good for you to ponder this time in your life.
Oh so many great comments!
First thing-it isn’t self-indulgent to struggle/ask for help/need reinforcement! These are issues we have as people-when something is working everyone wants to hear about it and when it’s not we are expected to keep quiet. BAH! I love posts like this (and obviously so do your readers!) because they are so honest and vulnerable.
I love your site for all the reasons everyone listed above and because when I visit you over a cup of tea the world falls away and I fall into my happy, crafty place. I leave needing to put my hands on some fabric and transform it. I leave refreshed and with two kids & too much on my plate that is a really essential thing!
I think there is no one answer for how to make money/make blogging supportable, we each need to find our way to the answers that work for us and our readers.
I can’t even imagine the work behind writing content every day or have a site be all MY voice. I personally wouldn’t enjoy that and it would become stale and repetitive to me after awhile. Which is funny because that is what I love about so many of the blogs I read-how they are one person’s unique voice and even guest posts/editors fit into a general theme/style.
I love OMHG because it is really a community effort-I do all the scheduling, editing, compiling of images and seeking out connecting with people to feature but it is really a group voice. That works for me because I am all about sharing other people’s thoughts/work.
I hope that you can strike a balance for yourself-it is so vital.
Also if I can help in any way-please let me know!
I read your blog because I like it. The tutorials are great, the links are things i am interested in. I realize this must all take time, way more time than I realize (I don’t have a blog). What I find interesting is that you are spending your time, precious time, on this as you would a regular job so why shouldn’t you get compensated for it? Why wouldn’t you take on bigger/more
advertisers? Why not write a post for compensation if you honestly feel that it’s a good product and you would/do use it?
What do you want your life to look like? Are you looking for a regular 9 to 5 job? I think you put A LOT out there for free and if your little blog can generate income so you can stay home with you kiddos and pay your bills, than go for it! Ultimately, this is your blog and it needs to serve you and your family. Like anything in life, if it’s not working, change it.
I appreciate your honesty too. I’ve always wondered how a blogger “makes it”. I love your blog and read it regularly. You offer great crafts and projects with clear instructions and I’ve probably made more of your projects than from any other craft site out there. I guess what I appreciate the most is that it seems doable to me in a realistic timeframe. Plus, it’s well organized and pretty to look at. Well done! And by the way, I quite like the personal side of the story!
I first discovered blogs in 2004ish–Wee Wonderfuls was the first. Right now I read about 30 a day or so. Mostly craft but some minimalist living and some foodie too. The minimalist living and food blogs are kind of obviously commercial I see now–like not real, like a magazine-too polished. I don’t like that so much. The ones I like that do the work/$$ thing well are angry chicken, soulemama, Wisecraft, mayamade, etc. I like that model best. But that may not work for you and that’s okay–I’ll keep reading your blog. I like your style and tutorials. I’d probably your ebooks self published if you did them or patterns etc. I’ll certainly buy any books you do….hope that helps! The life/work combination is so hard to get right. I’m there too…trying to balance it all and get it right for me & mine. You’ll do the same–with all your creative talent!
If you had the combination that feels good to you, I think you’d know it, so maybe you haven’t thought of it yet. As others have said, I like that you post frequently enough but not too much, visually appealing, interesting projects.
Now you need to go for a walk and decide what makes your heart sing.
Via a tutorial, I was linked to your blog just over a year ago, and I have stuck around because your share great projects. However, I would love to see more posts about anything. Several times I have thought about removing thelongthread from my blog roll because long periods of time would pass without a new post. Thanks!
Taking money from bigger businesses is okay as long as you really enjoy the product. So, for example, you use a specific tool and the company wants to pay you to write about the tool – I say go for it! As long as you stay honest, people will keep reading. And it is okay to promote the tools that you use – we need to know so we can use them too! 😀
Other option too is to charge a small fee for your tutorials? Maybe a couple dollars to download from Etsy? If it is a good tutorial, I bet people would pay. I would pay if the tutorial was good (i.e. I am always looking for good small projects for kids).
I do read your blog mostly for the tutorials – but if you offered different ideas (like a tip a day sort of thing), I would continue to read.
Good luck! No matter what you decide it always works out for the best!
I read your blog for inspiration and hope. Mainly for when I give up being the microbiologist I am now, for being a totally cool mom for a few years I can too make a small living for myself. I know how you feel about how your blog takes away time from other projects. I’ve allowed my blog to almost run dry to fulfill the projects I feel are more important to my sanity. ie knitting. I take pictures but getting them posted just seems to take too long.
I want to strike a balance in this new year. Maybe one blog post a week, and some knitting for others.
hi – i check your blog occasionally for the great tutorials!
good luck with finding your path 🙂
normally i’m not a commenter, but i do check your blog daily and always enjoy your posts. if it has become a burdon to you, you will grow to resent it. take it easy on yourself. take a break. if you miss it, you know you enjoy it, if you feel relief then maybe you should rethink it. that is my two cents. thank you for all your awesome ideas, and do what makes you happy!
I follow your blog because you have wonderful tutorials & taste & I love all of the links to other great projects that you find online. Personally, it’s the best craft blog I’ve ever found. I have made several things from your tutorials (or links) in the past couple of months. My friends are very impressed and I tell them about your blog & your tutorials. Even a beginning sewer can easily follow your directions and successfully finish a project (which is HUGE for some of my friends who are just beginning to sew). Also, I just love your photos.
I don’t have much time to spend online because my family takes up most of mine. Your blog is such a welcome break from the rest of my day. It’s such an inspiration. Being crafty gives me an outlet and helps me feel like I’m contributing something to the world besides changing diapers and wiping noses.
I think you’ve come up with some great ideas to bring in some extra money. Although I can’t tell you what’s best, I really wouldn’t mind advertisements. Your blog is so great and I love it so much that I’d click on every single ad every day just to help you out. 🙂
Still, I would never want your blog to take away from your family. Family is the most precious gift we’re given and we can never take back the time we’ve lost. Don’t feel guilty about any decision you make. It’s your life in the end and I could never be selfish enough to encourage you to keep blogging at the expense of your family (or sanity).
Best of luck. I’ll send up a quick prayer for you. I hope that whatever you decide brings you peace.
Just wanted to chime in and echo what many others have said, that I really enjoy reading your blog and appreciate your great projects and your taste, helping us all find the best of what is out there. I also read the post from Diane and think these issues are really interesting and important. I hope that you can find a way to make it work, the work you do is great and you certainly deserve to be compensated for it! I think as others have suggested, continuing to post some (maybe smaller) projects for free but providing other more complicated patterns or tutorials as paid downloads seems totally fair to me. I know folks value what you do (and I imagine would be willing to pay for it) and I would hope that also wanting to support all of the other great free stuff that you provide would help encourage people to pay for some content. Hope that helps and good luck as you continue to figure this out.
Hi from a long time ready, but usually lazy commenter.
I follow your blog (have it emailed to me) mostly because of all the pretty images and fresh feel. I love when it arrives in my inbox. I do love the tutorials and tutorial links, but know at the moment I don’t have a chance to make any of them.
This is something that I’ve been thinking a lot about since the year turned. I love the look of the professional blogs, I’d love my blog to look like that and have lots of fabulous content, but whenever I get too focussed on it, it’s at the expense of the work that brings in my family’s income. I’ve come to the conclusion that I’m not a professional blogger and therefore, I shouldn’t feel the pressure to be like them.
That being said, I fully appreciate the work that goes into a professional blog and think that it’s only right that the blogger should get paid for their time in whichever manner they feel comfortable, be it ads or other avenues. It’s funny, with the real interest and support of the handmade movement, the move away from buying from sweatshops, a lot of people are still pricing themselves and their work so that they are putting in the long hours for little return, they may as well be in sweatshop conditions, if you get my drift.
I believe that you should go in the direction that values all the great work you do, one that is good for you and your family. We’ll be here to support you whichever way you choose and will continue to love your work. Good luck with this hard decision.
Love your blog and appreciate all of the effort you put into it. It is colorful, inspirational and the tutorials are simply wonderful. I cannot fathom how much work, thought and prayer goes into each post…and I’m amazed and in awe of creative people who are willing to share their ideas!
It’s one of my favorite blogs and I look forward to reading it. Now I feel rather selfish for having enjoyed it for so long and never taking the time to tell you so. I guess it is like so many other things that we tend to take for granted.
Like so many others who commented, I think you should go with you heart and what you feel is best for you and your family. Situations and people change. Change is good because it keeps creativity alive and less stagnant.
Good luck!
Also, can’t wait for the book…I don’t care if my copy is clean or not!
I read your blog because I find it inspirational, like food for thought, because me, being a crafter myself, gets her ideas from some where, right? Not saying that I copy you, I don’t. I wouldn’t dare. I personally think you should continue your blog the way it is.
Your blog is my “go-to” blog when I need inspiration. I loved making the bunnies (though I thought I would never finish stuffing them!) and I’ve made several other things that I’ve found through your tutorial lists.
At the end of the day, though, we all have to do what makes us feel happy and fulfilled because once we achieve that, everyone around us benefits.
Can’t wait to see your book!