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Truth be told, I’ve been putting this post off for a bit. Not because I don’t know where to begin (I have a feeling this will be a wordy one), but because I don’t really know how you’ll react. That really is one of the hardest things, I think, as a blogger—not knowing how you guys are really feeling, how you respond to what I type and post each week. Sure, there’s the occasional comment (which I ADORE by the way), but largely, my audience is silent and some of you I will never even interact with! So it’s tough to put myself out there, to step out from behind my curtain of glitter, glue and flowers—to get real.
All of that to say…I’ve been feeling the need to get back to a place that’s just a little more down-to-earth, a little simpler. It has been an incredibly lucrative season for me and I’ve had the chance to partner with some really FABULOUS brands who have given so generously to you guys, too. But lately I’ve been feeling a little guilty seeing all of the little stars on my editorial calendar (which denote a sponsored post) and have figuratively been shielding my face as I tap my index finger down on the “publish” button, bomb detonation style.
I still certainly stand behind my post-post disclaimer that NOTHING hits this blog that isn’t 100% (1,000%!) honest and authentic, but if I’m feeling a little icky about all of the sponsored posts then maybe you guys are, too. And that is not okay.
I’ve got a lot of fun brand-oriented content to share in the months to come that had already been coordinated this past spring, and I’m certainly not saying that it will stop entirely because brands and companies have always inspired me and I’d chat about them whether I was getting compensated to do so or not. But do know this: I’m working on getting back to a place that’s a little more balanced.
I just thought you ought to know.
(Photo: Mallory Benedict)
Love your honesty 🙂
Thanks, Kim!
Balance is always good and feeling good about what your doing is important!
Hear, hear!!!! Thanks for the comment =)
I think what makes a blog are the ideals of the person behind it. If something doesn’t feel right to you then it’s probably not right. It’s really refreshing to read about reevaluating sponsors! I think there are so many other blogs out there that need to go through the same process.
Thanks for the support, Nicole! It means more than you know!!
I have been following your blog for quite a while now, in blogging terms, anyway. I have been very excited for your success of late. But, now that you brought it up, it has crossed my mind the past few weeks that I miss the good old days, when you showed me your latest thrift store finds and every blog post wasn’t sponsored. So I am glad you realize that, too, and I am looking forward with enthusiasm to what the future will bring!
Thanks, Kim! I really appreciate your comment and agree with you – I miss the thrifting posts, too. Like I’ve told other commenters, the reason for those being few and far between comes down to a space issue. We frankly don’t have room for more things until we get a new house. But those will be coming back with GUSTO once we finish the selling/buying/moving process =) Thanks for continuing to be a reader!
Hey Carrie! Just wanted to let you know that I’ve been reading and subscribed (silently over a cup of coffee usually) for a while now. And while I’m not usually one to make a lot of comments I love your blog and content. Your cool Midcentury style is much like my own and your blog actually inspired my sister and I to take the leap into home design blogging. And while I LOVE your tutorials, thrifting finds and room revamps, I get why the sponsored posts exist. Would be super glad to see more of you again though. And promise I’ll speak up more too. Hope you’re enjoying summer!
I really appreciate your comment, Alexia! I am SO glad to hear that my blog has helped to inspire you and your sister, too =) Thanks for your support and I hope to be able to do more DIY and thrifting-based posts as soon as we get settled in a new home!
My favorite posts of yours are the DIY projects, tips, and tricks. That is how I came upon your blog in the first place. I imagine your blog started out because of your passion and love. It should definitely get back to a place where you love every moment of it.
Thanks, Kerry! I miss the DIY projects, too (although I always make sure to share at LEAST one per week via my collaboration with eHow, which is happily still going strong!). A large part of the reason those have slowed down is because we are working to sell the house and we just don’t have room for more projects. I hope to get back to more of those soon though! Thanks again for your response =)
Well, I am mostly so happy for your honesty. I can’t help but read all of the blogs I do and think that either they are lying for monetary reasons (100 embedded words that lead to an advertisement) or due to the allure of “free” everything seems better. I love your blog and always see your posts as true to you, but I am glad you recognize the sponsorship conundrum. I did, however, feel like your post yesterday was slightly contrived and maybe you also saw that as the final straw that led you to this admission.
I am glad that you are seeking balance and happiness as that is what lead your followers to your posts.
Thank you, Brandi! I appreciate the response!! I’m sad that you thought yesterday’s post sounded contrived though, because I still truly mean that nothing goes on my blog that isn’t 100% honest (I adore my ClosetMaid organizer). I’ll work a little harder to make sure my language is entirely authentic so that miscommunications don’t happen in the future!! Thanks for bringing this up!
I am a new reader so I can’t comment on the direction your posts have taken of late, but I will say this: it seems like most of the lifestyle/DIY blogs I read have been part of the same Lowe’s, NatureBox, Blue Apron, etc. sponsorships. I don’t mind sponsored posts once in a while – especially if they provide good information and creative how-to’s – but the timing of the posts are annoying. Everyone posts about the same thing on or around the same day. As a marketing person I have to applaud these sponsors for reaching their target markets in a new way, but they need to space them out so that readers aren’t hearing about 3M’s Home Collection of Post-Its from every. blogger. in the. world. So, I applaud you for going back to what makes you happy! We’ll all be happy with you.
I agree that it’s a problem…Unfortunately, we have no control over that! I know, from my perspective, I’ve been led to BELIEVE by certain brands that it’s an exclusive partnership, only to see the same products pop up on other blogs. Needless to say, I won’t be working with this brands anymore. It’s a thin line, for sure! Thanks for your insight =)
Your heart is pure and true, and even though I’m a new friend and reader, I can tell your honesty shines through in your words. I 100% think you should trust your gut on this and do what makes you happiest and feel your best…so if that’s less sponsored stuff, do it! Either way, your writing is amazing and I’m sure any change you make to feel more like “you” will only create more happiness and success! 🙂
Thanks, Gabbi!!! Your encouragement and perspective are truly invaluable to me, so I really mean that “Thanks!” =)
Carrie, I really enjoy reading your blog even though I only comment occasionally. I agree with many of the other commenters that I love the DIY posts and are looking forward to your new house posts and all the exciting projects that come from that! I have never felt like you didn’t mean the words you wrote on sponsored posts but I agree that its more refreshing to read other stuff from time to time. I am happy for your success and one of the best things to me about your blog is that its “local.” Thanks for your honesty and I look forward to the future of this blog!
Thanks for the words of support, Maegan!! I appreciate it and definitely can’t wait to be more active once we get the new house. =)
Stay true to yourself! Having followed your blog since the beginning, I love that you pour your heart and soul into all that you do. Listen to that little voice inside your head and you will be just fine. My guess is that your readers will appreciate your honesty. I look forward to seeing what is ahead for DreamGreenDIY!!
Thank you!! You know your support is the one I need more than any other =) Love you, mom!
Hey Carrie!
I don’t read your blog every day but I love checking in now and then and have truly been inspired to try new things. I think you’ll recall my success with the pinwheels!
I have never felt that you have overdone the sponsored posts…practically I see it as a way for you to be compensated for your great ideas. You are trying stuff out so that we don’t have to do the guesswork. Seems fair to me!
Keep up the great work you are doing!
Thanks for the comment, Melanie!! I am just pleased as punch that we can still connect beyond our PHFS days through the blog =) Your approval has ALWAYS been important to me as a mentor, so this means a lot. Thanks!
Very sweet…thank you. I’m very proud of you….you’ve come a LONG way since PHFS!
Thanks, Melanie!! =)
As a local reader, I really enjoy the thrifting posts, and they’ve inspired me to check out some of your favorites (I finally figured out where The Peddler is!). I’ve never gotten the feeling that anything you say or do or create and post about is anything less than honest or authentic. We readers have to remember that blogging is no longer just a pastime for you — it’s how you make your living. If that means partnering up for sponsored posts, so be it. You’re always upfront with us when you do.
(BTW, I saw you and your husband walking into Target at the same time I was last night. I opted to not be weird about it, mainly because I’m shy but also because you were there as Carrie the Real Person, and not Carrie the Blogger. It was like spotting a fellow member of the creative community in the wild!)
Katharine!! You should have said hello! That’s too funny =) =) But anyway, thank you for the comment and I’m very relieved that you never got the sense that I was being less than authentic. I appreciate the feedback!
Carrie, I’ve never looked negatively upon any sponsored content, and I have to agree with an earlier comment above about how the person behind the blog is what makes anything. I’ve never once doubted your genuineness and love every single thing you put up, sponsored or not. Keep doing what you do!
Thank you, Amy!! You’re so sweet and that means a lot! Your point of view is definitely one that I would take into account, too, since I feel like we have a similar work ethic and esthetic…I appreciate the insight! =)
Good for you for recognizing that sponsored content is crummy and devoid of creativity. As a journalist, my biggest gripe with “lifestyle” bloggers is contrived content. In journalism school the first thing we learned was about ethics and not accepting freebies and favors. A blogger obviously is going to say something nice about these people in a sponsored post. They received a free product and/or are getting paid for a positive “review.” It’s all a bunch of back massaging that makes the reader feel icky. Readers visit a blog to read an expert or a critic’s opinion, which is truly honest and will teach them something new. Congrats on your realization!
Thanks for the support/insight, Marissa!
You’re welcome. You may be interested to read the following piece if you are feeling this way. It’s about the difference between journalists and bloggers and speaks to ethics. http://www.journalismethics.info/citizen_journalism/blogging.htm
Perfect!
Truth be told, I am really happy to read this. Although I totally understand why sponsored posts exists, I am looking forward to seeing you get back to your roots! Those are the posts that I prefer.
Thanks for understanding, Brittany! I appreciate the comment =)
Love it Carrie! Looking forward to reading more of YOU and your own fabulous ideas!
Thanks, Kristen!!
Carrie I have been a fan of your blog for about a year now and I love it. In fact, yours is the ONLY blog/email newsletter I purposefully “save” to read later. Many of the others I receive I just delete if I’m short on time. I love to take time to read what you’ve written – and quite honestly also look at your product photography. I hadn’t actually noticed the sponsored posts so I guess that’s a good thing! 🙂 Keep up the great, lovely work!
Oh, Tami! Thank you for the sweet note!! I appreciate you 🙂
I love this post and feel the same way.
We missed you this weekend!
I missed you guys, too!!