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What makes a Design Blog Interesting?

By 01/14/2011January 26th, 201758 Comments

I have mixed feelings on whether yesterday’s post should ever have been written. There was lots of lively debate in the comments and even a few cranky ones mixed in to the long list I received (I also lost a reader according to her comment).  Also, two emails arrived saying “Wow your sisters must be upset about that post”.  And here’s the thing, I read it to one because it was mostly about her and she said “sure no problem’” because actually I’m committed that we come to a solution that works for us all (and so is she).  My other sister was mentioned (so I didn’t read it to her in advance) and she was cranky, and we worked it out. She is the real writer in our family and she offered to write a post from their point of view, so I agreed. Stay tuned for that one.

I wrote about ‘decorating for family’ because I know a lot of designers (and anyone who sells time) struggles with maintaining a balance with their family and friends and I honestly didn’t know the best way to handle it.  What makes me a good colourist and a designer is that I analyze everything and I do the same thing with relationships.  If I wasn’t writing about design, I would write a relationship blog because what makes people tick inside them fascinates me just as much as colour does.

And I also love a lively debate once in a while, I always learn something and I think what makes relationships great is when you work through the issues that push your buttons and get to the other side.  And forgive.  And forget. And forgetting is hard.  We hardly remember the argument that we had but we sure remember how we felt when the event or argument happened.

So what makes a design/or any blog interesting?

As Copyblogger says in this post, The first rule of Copyblogger

1. “Great content comes from craft, care, and attention, not talent.”

Image via This is Glamorous 

2. “It comes from obsessively focusing on what your reader wants. What’s bugging her? What problem is she having a hard time solving? What does she want more than anything? What’s she dreaming about? What wakes her up at 3 in the morning? What makes her feel like a beautiful and unique snowflake?”

Since a huge number of my readers are designers, I think that my post attempted to help them (and me) in the family = free conversation.  But what about all the rest of my readers who don’t care about that (because it’s not what you do) and had opposite opinions?

Or then there’s the other side of it (this part is for the bloggers reading this), written by Mike Duran; who asked this question:

3. “What kinds of comments are you looking for on your blog? Are you looking for “amens” and “attaboys”? Or are you really looking for dialog?” and then he quoted Copyblogger (like we all do):

“In the blogging world, buzz mainly finds you in your blog comments. When you hit a hot button, that’s where you first find out. When you look at great blogs, it’s not uncommon to find that the comments become even better than the post itself — so let them.

If you’ve written something that’s whipping up controversy, don’t hide from your comments. Embrace the buzz, both positive and negative. Learn from it. Dive in and chat. Your readers will thank you (and become even more loyal on account of it)” 

4. To have a good blog, pretend that your perfect client is on the other side of the desk while you’re writing.  Write to her.  So when I’m writing posts about money, I’m talking to the designers that attend my workshops.  When I talk about “How to have a great blog” I’m talking to other design bloggers.  When I talk about design, colour and atmosphere, I’m talking to my future clients, readers that love design in addition to designers and bloggers.

I created this blog because I’m passionate about colour and design and because it took me so long to figure it out on my own, if I can, I like to make it easier for everyone else. And sometimes I write ‘about me’ because whenever I read a personal post on a blog that I follow it makes me feel closer to the blogger and it makes her blog more interesting to me.

There was lots of talk in the comments in yesterdays post (almost 100 by the time I’m posting this) analyzing my relationship with my sisters and whether it’s ‘healthy’ or not so let me be clear, for the record.  I love my sisters deeply, we are very close and at the same time, we most certainly argue and occasionally hang up on each other, but it generally never lasts long. Is our relationship perfectly healthy? Well that is up for us to decide and for you to analyze, should you care to.

Over to you, what makes a blog interesting?

If you would like your home to fill you with happiness every time you walk in, contact me for on-line or in-person consultations.

Related posts:

3 Things I Learned about Design while Decorating for my Mother
6 Uninteresting Things about Me
10 Things I Hate/Love/Share about me

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58 Comments

  • Erin @ The Impatient Gardener says:

    It's difficult for me to say what makes a blog interesting to me because I follows more than 100 blogs and I have a hard time finding a common denominator through them. What I DON'T like in a blog is when posts are written with the sole purpose of creating that controversy that Copyblogger claims is so good for a blog. If there is a purpose beyond controversy that's one thing, but when the true intent is controversy meant to gain a lot of buzz or comments, that is a total turn-off for me and I've left more than one blog because of it.

    The folks at Copyblogger apparently subscribe to the blog version of the theory that "any publicity is good publicity" and maybe it works, but it doesn't work for me. My life is stressful and visiting my favorite blogs is a way for me to escape that. Occasionally they tackle controversial topics (as I sometimes do on my blog) and I appreciate it because I like a good purposeful discussion. But if they are full of posts meant to get people arguing in the comments without any other purpose behind the post, then that's my cue to leave.

  • Jodi (The Simply Inspired Home) says:

    Great Post. What makes YOU special is that you show you are not only a designer, but human. A Human with anger, thoughts, joy, and questions just like the rest of us.

    Good for you. Throughly enjoyed reading yesterday's post!

    Thanks for all your great advice.

  • Karena says:

    My blog has multi purposes: to promote the arts, other artists of all genres, art events. I have readers that include high end designers, architects and artists.

    As I often do giveaways, I also do interviews which I think many find extremely interesting!

    I think it is impportant to keep it exciting and have people want to visit to see the latest!

    Come and join my Giveaway from Blydesign!

    xoxo
    Karena
    Art by Karena

  • Betsy Head, Affordable Interior Design says:

    This is great. Helpful tips for a fellow design blogger. Wonderful food for thought as well.

    Betsy

  • Flying Carrot Designs says:

    I suppose all blogs each aspire to various goals…to tease, promote, educate, tantalize, provide beautiful photos, whatever. Constant flogging to sell services is a huge turnoff for me personally, as are giveaways. It feels…um…desperate? One's talent and/or unique perspective WILL shine through the internet…the gimmicks and hard selling is not necessary.

    For myself, I like the mix of personal with professional that your blog offers. I'm grateful to see your recent projects and compare your business with mine. Keep up the good work.

  • Marivic says:

    I think it's so cool that you are able to post a touchy subject–that one of your sisters agreed to it, and then one was cranky but will get over it. That's how sisters are–cranky one moment, downright irritating sometimes, but we love them anyway. And that's the way it is in real life.

    That you are able to talk about it, communicate, call each other in tears, and tell each other–"you're driving me nuts.. okay already.." is just like being back all together in mom and dad's house. Loving, fighting, comforting.

    Better than sisters who live apart from each other and eventually drift far enough from each other and eventually treat each other like "friends"–nice, polite, always friendly.

    You are a "sister" when you can slam the phone on each other, and still make up and love each other. That's what you call respect and acceptance of each others' idiosyncracies.

    You will come to a decision which will be win-win for everyone because you are talking about it, instead of keeping quiet and pretending that everything is okay.

    I loved the post, and all the comments that followed were such wonderful insights on human nature (whether they were positive or negative).

    You are a wonderful, insightful blogger. Thanks for always sharing.

  • EleCat says:

    What makes a blog good? Pretty pictures. I'm very easy to please. 🙂 I scan over most posts. Your blog is a fav because I have a new home and it's inspiration. I read a few comments from your last post because of your link and I think that I must have a very low tolerance level. It's amusing that people judge your relationship with your family based on one issue. I love and hate my family….. but I mostly love them. 🙂

  • Chic 'n Cheap Living says:

    So true Maria. I enjoyed your post. There aren't as many blogs that put themselves out their in an open, vulnerable way so many of us just don't (I posted once about a topic that bothered me and was verbally butchered).

    Admittedly most design blogs I frequent are just picture heavy, pretty ones. But I definitely appreciate great content and glimpses into real relationships and issues.

  • arlenetoth says:

    I love your blog because you write about one of the things I am interested in. You have good content with interesting photos to back it up. I have learned a lot from reading your posts and I just found you!

    Noticed you were a Gemini! Me too! I analyse everything. Having had 2 blogs the last couple of years has taught me that you can't please everyone. You lose one reader and gain 2. It really doesn't matter in the big scheme of things if you write from the heart. People can be bitchy no matter what you do. Who cares! Really! Don't apologise. Move on. It's a new day.

    Look forward to the next post.

  • Kathy @ Creative Home Expressions says:

    I have two younger sisters myself, Maria, and I totally understand what you are saying and the relationship between sisters. I think it's good to have a discussion, heated or otherwise. It's a shame that when someone doesn't agree with you they either walk away in real life, or drop you from their blogroll in blog life. I enjoyed the post and I think it is something that decorators/designers {and people in other professions, as well} have to deal with.

  • Naturally Carol says:

    Y' know, I think you can't beat being genuinely the person you really are in a blog…whoever that person may be. Being honestly you is no. 1…'cos then you are always interesting because you are complex and diverse. When blogs are written that are the way someone would just like to be…a showcase person…the blog has an emptiness, a shallowness, a hollowness and may intrigue for a short period 'til you get bored eventually.

    Re yesterdays post which I only just read…I think you give freely and without restraint to immediate family and work something else out with family once removed…like aunts, uncles etc and your sister's in laws etc where there is not that day to day closeness of relationship, 'cos you never know when you will need them in a capacity you can't even dream of and your immediate family will be the ones you really rely on in any emergency or crisis.

  • pve design says:

    A great blog is "real" and deals with issues that tug at a nerve or touch the heart. A blogger can inspire another individual and can provide a good forum for open dialogue, as evident in your post yesterday. A great blogger also treats people the way they want to be treated.
    ( My brother-in-law designed my logo and he is a graphic designer. I paid him for his services. ) We respect each other's talents and families! Well he is married to my sister!!! 🙂
    pve

  • Anonymous says:

    I've been a follower for a long time and I subscribe because I'm interested in your design expertise….however, NOT interested in your family interactions. I feel you crossed the line with your comments and therefore I, too, am unsubscribing. Family dedication is very important and if you have a talent,then those are the ones that certainly should receive some special considerations. Life is too short for petty arguments!

  • Laura Trevey says:

    Love this post, and definitely something every blogger needs to think about!

    Happy Weekend wishes to you!
    xoxo Laura

  • Margaret Ryall says:

    For the writers of blogs the most important thing to think about is audience as you've so aptly described.That makes the writing "true".

    Next to that is your purpose in starting a blog. Not everybody wants a wide readership, some bloggers are thinking through writing or improving their understanding through the research needed to compose a post. Both are important to me and I like to see that quality in other bloggers.

    Variety in posts is good because most blogs have a range of people looking/following. I follow fellow designer blogs for a wider exposure to the world of design. While I get to travel frequently, most of my time is spent in a small city on an island which can be very limiting in scope and stimulation.

    Like you, I am interested in what makes someone tick professionally. I may not always agree with what I read on a blog but it always makes me think. I am not much interested in heavy debates!

  • Marivic says:

    Oops, that comment belongs in the other post. Sorry!

  • Anonymous says:

    I love your blog, have never posted before but wanted to share that. Back to yesterday's post, you are very brave to share those feelings. I am a nutritionist and you wouldn't believe the number of times I'm asked "how can I lose weight?". To do that question justice and address it properly would take a LOT of time so I just laugh and move to the next topic. But really, was my degree free? Is your training free? For me, I wouldn't ever charge family, but I would charge friends,acquaintances for my time. People who are not in the "service" industry do not understand this concept. You are selling your TIME. I think it's great you had an open discussion with your sisters about this instead of letting resentment simmer.

  • Sally@DivineDistractions says:

    As a designer and a blogger, I am always looking to see how someone else in the biz is doing something. That's one of the reasons I like your blog….you often make me think…and I like that. I am also a former teacher, so my natural inclination in my blog is to try to convey a lesson every once in a while. Designers are unique because they see things differently, so I like to take people out of the box every once in a while. I think a post is successful when it changes something or someone. Comments occur when we hit a nerve which causes us to have something to say. I also think it's good manners to leave a comment on a blog you read. It's the dialogue that makes blogs living things, and when we stop commenting or just give "atta-girls" that important aspect of the blog is gone. Keep up the reality. It works for me!

  • Marlis says:

    I wanted to comment on yesterday's post because it was real and that right there is what makes a blog interesting, exciting and real. I sew and used to work for a sewing machine company and it was all too many times when family and friends would ask the "could you" question. I'm sorry you've lost readers over this, but seeing the real person is a very nice thing to let show! Love your blog, love your design, love that you are real.

  • Rebecca says:

    Gosh, now I have to go read the comments from yesterday.

    When my retired from accounting, CPA husband was the co executor of his parents estate he did almost all the work. He charged the estate a very modest hourly amount. It was a gift to his siblings. (Am I still mad that the co executor, who did almost no work, charged the estate the same amount? Yep!)
    Working with family is never easy.

  • cmykdorothy says:

    I loved your post yesterday.

    One of the litmus tests for me, as a blogger, is, "Does hitting publish on this post make me a little scared/uneasy/afraid of what people will think?" If the answer is no, then it's probably not interesting content.

    For every reader you lost yesterday, you gained at least a handful more of engaged readers. Thank you for being the open, curious person that you are.

  • Razmataz says:

    I am glad that you tackle subjects that spark conversation, and controversy as in this case. I don't have to agree with you on this one Maria, but I was challenged by your opinion and forced to think of both sides like any good debate.

    To squash our opinions just to appease the masses just feeds the fluff and frou frou side of blogging that does nothing for ones intellect, or to keep it real.

    I think it took guts to write your post. I also think that conflict makes a family stronger. Families (mine included) that simmer and broil over issues without discussion, are far worse off than those that resolve them, even if they have to battle a bit to reach resolution.

  • I believe your personal success Maria comes from educating us I a thoughtful and human way. How many times have you been told by a reader, including me, that we feel like we know you as a girlfriend? It's because you are honest. And brave enough to tap into a very touchy subject to help us all in the creative business. You stuck to your purpose and be proud of that. Who cares if you loose readers? Be true to yourself and you will always come out on top. Xo

  • Anonymous says:

    Blogs which moderate comments are generally the ones written by authors who deeply need to be praised for every post and every download as though it was the reinvention of the wheel. I am not a blogger, but read numerous ones, both design, news, political, etc. If you enter the arena, you must be ready to take the praise with the criticism. There are not many design blogs ready to do this. Perhaps it's because most of these blogs are authored by women and unfortunately women are more thin skinned and need their self esteem propped up by other women more than they need the real exchange of ideas.

  • Sjn says:

    Yesterday's comments were interesting, a lot to say on both sides of the issue. We need to know other people's opinions so we don't live in our own bubble. I'm looking forward to reading your sisters point of view too.

    Interesting blogs have good, witty writing with a story to tell, and beautiful photography to look at.
    Pretty basic. The trick is to keep it interesting by mixing it up a bit.
    You did that yesterday.

  • The Copper Pot says:

    Honestly, what makes a blog interesting to me are the inspiring photographs. I am a very visual person, and I actually believe that's how I stumbled across your blog in the first place. I must have typed something into google images and something from your blog came up and that was it! Keep those photos comin'!

  • Anonymous says:

    Wait, now you invite comments that don't agree with you and tell you you are great? If so, I think that growth is terrific. Less than a year ago, you did a whole post on deleting negative comments, telling posters that if they did not agree with your ideas or designs, to "keep surfing." It really turned me off, and I have visited here far less frequently ever since.

    I hope this is your new approach.

  • JOnell says:

    Hi Maria,
    I thought your blog post yesterday was very thought-provoking and honest. (Two qualities I think are important for a successful blog.) You wrote about one of the very real challenges of being in this business/running your own business, and I actually found it refreshing and comforting to hear from you on the topic…it almost felt as though we were commiserating and also that I was learning from a mentor…in a very genuine, human way. I really appreciate that your writing is a transparent look into your business and design world. What you do isn't just about picking the right colors and creating a harmonious balance in someone's space…there are so many other facets about your work – and part of the reason I come back to your blog is because you are open to sharing all those facets. (and btw – I think it was a good move to review the post with your sister before you published it, probably would have reviewed it with both of them first. AND I think it's big of you to be open to the feedback of your followers. Successful blogs are conversation-starters, and having you participate in the active conversation is key.)

  • eclecticrevisited says:

    Hi Maria,
    Interesting how anonymous writers can be so critical..I personally like bloggers who talk about themselves so that I can get to know them..that includes triumphs in their lives as well as adversity…the reader who just "unsubscribe" because she felt you "crossed a line" doesn't understand that blogs are not a news reporting service where we leave out our personal opinions…blogging is all about our personal opinions and insights and our daily lives, our families, our goals, pets, husbands, food, struggles,desires, etc,etc…. you own your blog so it's what you decide it's going to be…. if someone doesn't like it, yea, go away, but don't make it an issue….(and,btw,anonymous, stop stomping your feet and slamming doors…and post your real name..)
    good topics Maria…
    and great blogging…
    maureen

  • Joseph says:

    I like a blog that tells me something I don't know. I am interested in design and read a fair number of blogs on the subject. I do have a couple that I check on a very regular basis. And I have encountered a woman who does a DIY blog on home remodeling that I read just because she's a very fun writer. I'm not sure that I would have wanted to share as much of myself as you did in yesterday's blog, but once that sort of thing is out there, you can expect to see the kind of responses you did, I suppose. Which does NOT make some of the more snarky ones OK. Those were rude and unnecessary!

  • Red says:

    Maria I don't know if I've commented before, but whether I can pinpoint *why* a blog is interesting, I can definitely say yours is one of the most interesting to me personally. In fact, I think yours is my favorite blog in my "house" category (the others are "sewing" and "just for fun" FYI.)

    I'm an extremely visual person and your blog is always chock full of pictures, so even if I don't feel like reading, I get my pretty fix and then I end up reading anyway.

    Also, I found your blog when trying to pick colors for my house, which is turning out to be blue, blue and blue. Oops! But your tips have really helped me along.

    So whether I agree with you or not, I think it's great that you *communicate* with your sisters on the subject of work. So many bloggers complain about relatives and hold grudges, and I'm glad to see you didn't do that. So here's one reader you didn't lose, and I live in the south!

  • Maria Killam says:

    Hi Anonymous, re negative comments.
    It's taken me 2 years of blogging and reading so many other negative comments on other blogs that I have developed a thicker skin. If someone just writes something really nasty I'll still delete it but I have come to the conclusion that everyone is entitled to their opinion and they don't sting me for 2 days like they used to so I'm okay with it.

    Thank you everyone for your comments, I really appreciate your thoughtful insights!
    xo
    Maria

  • Rachel Kennett Person Extraordinaire says:

    attaboy! I'm subscribing 🙂

  • Anonymous says:

    I disagree with Anonymous at 7:59 AM because I DO NOT want to read negative comments that are snarky or do not have anything helpful in them. I want to read comments of people, especially those who have something useful to add, and feel a sense of community with them. Why should someone in a bad mood take it out on the community of readers? I appreciate it when the blog owner deletes them.

  • Sheila Zeller says:

    Maria, your blog is inspiring. Don't change a thing. You share, you teach, you let us know what you've learned… but most of all you are human and real. These are all things that keep me following a blog. But if I had to narrow it down, the 2 key factors are great visuals and quick, easy to read content. I really appreciate blogs that are short and easy to read – it makes me look forward to the next post because I know I'll have time to read that one too!

  • Anonymous says:

    Maria:
    Thanks for responding to my post about negative comments. I think when you welcome negative feedback rather than fear it, it allows you to grow. I used to be a professor, and at the end of every semester, I would bring in a group of randomly selected students from that semester and ask them for their feedback. I was a good and popular professor, so they would start with all the things they liked about me and my class, but after a couple minutes, I would cut them off and say, "Enough of that. Now tell me what you don't like about me and my class." They would usually laugh nervously, not used to criticizing an adult to his or her face, but with me egging them on ("I'll give extra credit to the person who criticizes me the most!"), I usually got some helpful feedback.

    One time, this girl really ripped me — "your monotone voice is annoying, your class is boring," etc. — but it didn't really bother me because I knew I was good professor, but I wanted to be great, and to be great, I had to figure out a way to reach students like that girl.

    I went on a little too long there, but again, thanks for the response.

  • Squeak says:

    Instead of telling you what I think makes a blog interesting, I'd like to tell you what I think makes a blog uninteresting!

    An uninteresting blog is one where comments that differ from the bloggers point of view are not welcome. I'm not talking about cruel, vitriolic comments, which shouldn't be welcome anywhere, but comments like, "I don't really like that suzani, but the chair is great." In the same category is any blogger who needs constant reassurance that his/her work is spectacular. If a blogger can't take (constructive) negative comments, he/she shouldn't be blogging.

    An uninteresting blog is one where the blogger engages in shameless self-promotion EVERY SINGLE POST. I realize that many of you have blogs for the purpose of promoting your business/store/gallery/service, but you don't need to promote it every post.

    An uninteresting blog is one where the blogger engages in snark for the sake of snark. I love a witty and/or biting comment now and then, but to dedicate an entire blog to it gets old very quickly.

    And, finally, an interesting blog is one where the blogger inspires and/or educates his/her readers.

  • Luciane at HomeBunch.com says:

    Maria,

    I need to sit down and read this post and the one from yesterday, but right now I want to thank you so much for your comment on my blog. It's super knowing that you went to visit me! 🙂 I truly appreciate it!

    I hope you have a great weekend and now, I'm going to read your posts.. I was really busy the last 2 days.

    Thank you again and come back anytime! 🙂

    xo

    Luciane at HomeBunch.com

  • Jil Sonia McDonald Professional Interior Designer says:

    I couldn't stop thinking about your blog all day yesterday. Isn't that what makes a good blog?
    -One that is thought provoking-?

    As an interior designer I have to deal with people and family constantly asking for free advice. Then they often don't do what I suggest, (I never have this problem with clients). It seems if you pay for something it tends to hold more value in other's eyes. Sad.
    Keep up the good work and honesty – we love you for it!

  • nancy v-b says:

    Maria,
    As a former blogger & one who's getting her nerve up to re-start my uber-honest one again (hence my anonymous post – it's not online at the moment), I loved yesterday's post & admire the heck outta you for posting it.

    I'm with several other commenters re I love design & design blogs. And yes, I subscribe to Veranda, Traditional Home, Southern Accents (Well I used to, before it folded; ditto the US version of House & Garden), etc etc ad nauseum — so I can see pretty pics whenever I want, via blogs & my bookshelves of back issues.

    But give me a sense of WHO YOU ARE – as you do, here & there – and I'm SMITTEN!

    So some folks don't like the mix. Great! Posts like these are how you find "your tribe", as Seth Godin would say.

    I'm honoured to be part of your tribe & honoured that you give us the space to get to know YOU as well as your talent.

    nancy v-b

  • Chelsea says:

    A blog is interesting to me for many reasons, but I always love when bloggers open up and are transparent about something. Then the blog and post becomes very personal.

    I didn't comment on yesterday's post, but knew that it would stir up alot of feelings and opinions on it. Personally, as a graphic designer, I feel and have the same issues with family and friends. When to do Pro-Bono work or not? Should I charge family and friends, or at least give them a discount?

    After learning a few lessons, I realized that, for me, while I love designing it's still work that takes time and skill, and I need compensation for it. I've found that this works well for me and family, who now come to me when they're serious about a design and really want it done – not like before when they were wishy-washy about it and not sure what they wanted.

    So, while I don't encounter this issue as much as you (because not all my family members need graphic design work, whereas pretty much everyone with a home/apartment could benefit from interior design work) I can understand and see where you come from. It's a hard line to draw.

    Kudos to you for putting yesterdays post out there and stirring things up. I look forward to reading your sister's post on that subject, as well!

    ~Chelsea

  • kasey says:

    maria,

    i for one am glad you wrote yesterday's post! it is helpful for those of us that are designers and have family members that ask for help. i'm not actually practicing anymore, i'm staying at home to raise my girls. my family asks for advice all the time and i love to help, but sometimes its too much. i just don't have time, and when i do put in alot of time sometimes they don't even do what i suggested. it can be frustrating. i am very close to my sisters as well, and i don't think close means that you are always on the same page. like you said you can have arguments and you still love each other! talking about it is what keeps you close to each other. so keep the good juicy posts coming because i like to read them!

  • Donna says:

    Maria, I love your blog because of a. the interesting content that always teaches me something new whether it's about design, color, decorating, blogging, or relationships.

    b. the photos..I LOVE looking at beautiful photos of lovely homes because it inspires me to make mine better.

    c. Most importantly, I love that you are REAL and personal. I feel like we are all your 'girlfriends' and I always feel like I'm visiting and chatting over a nice cup of tea, which I love to do often.

    d. I love your reader's comments..including the ones where they disagree. I learn as much from your readers discussing your topic and answering your great questions, sometimes, as much as I do from you.

    Your friend..and HUGE FAN!!

    xo
    Donna @ Comin' Home

  • Design in the Woods says:

    Maria,

    You've done a great job with these posts and I'm sure it's been a bit shocking. The relationship between you and your sisters is very personal and for people to pass judgement on you and stop following because you've put yourself out there with this issue is really amazing to me. People don't realize how incredibly common this is for interior designers in particular. We have ALL dealt with this in many ways. People just don't understand that although this profession is fun and creative, it is still a job! Anyway, enough about yesterday….I love your blog, I'm learning so much from the dialog, and I'm so sorry that people who really don't understand this business feel so entitled to get prickly. You deserve better!

  • Virginia Blue - Director Blue Fruit says:

    Cripes, what a reaction you got to yesterday's story! I just read it then and it shows what a touchy subject this is. My take on reading all the comments as well as your own is that there is no perfect way to handle this issue – each person just has to muddle their way through with mixed success. But I am impressed with your honesty and bravery in even broaching such a topic! As for what makes a good design blog – I think there are some that are for inspiration, some for escapism and some for the gaining of knowledge – of which yours fits into the latter category. And there is room for all 3.

  • Megan says:

    I have to say when I read the post about your sisters I thought "wow – she's jumped the shark".

    Given you write often about representing yourself as a professional I thought it interesting that you got so specific about your issues with your sisters. I'm suprised that you didn't write a more general "how do you handle this situation?". Giving the right of reply to your sister who is still cranky with you could see it turn a bit Jerry Springer!
    I have two sisters too and can empathise with your feelings – but I also have to say – if I was your sister I'd be super ticked at you for airing the dirty laundry.
    Just my observations – good luck – I will continue to enjoy your blog.

  • lemondropdreams says:

    I had read your post the other day and then today I was out shopping with my friend whose stepmother is an interior decorator. When she comes to town she takes a room and helps my friend decorate it. Basically, she tells her what she needs, needs to change and rearranges items. She doesn't charge her, but she stays at her house when she in town and she doesn't do all the legwork (shopping). Now, on the other hand, my mom has offered to pay me to come and paint rooms in her house. She figures she rather hire me than pay someone else. I'm not a hired painter, but have had lots of practice and can do as good as a professional for what she's wanting. Perhaps your sisters should look at like my mom, if they need to hire a decorator, why not hire you (with compensation). They'd be paying someone anyway. Family stuff is always a slippery slope. I'm not sure why any reader should be so offended as to what happened between you and your sisters to never read your blog again. I just started a blog and go back and forth about what kind of posts would be received well and what kinds would not be. I like reading blogs to get different perceptions of issues. It's food for thought as far as I'm concerned.

  • alwaysrobinseggblue says:

    Maria:
    One thing we all have to remember is that we are human before we are professionals. We had family before we had clients. Sometimes merging family with design capabilities can be touchy. I respect you for your honesty and putting your thoughts and feelings into a post! Controversies are learning experiences. Debates are the same. I have family that won't even ask me to assist and I have family (daughters) that will.
    I will always help my daughters and I will always help my son. My son is a chef and just opened his second restaurant (my second design for him) I did not charge him and made very little. He is my son (AND without ever asking, my dinners in his restaurant are always "on the house" ) We must listen and learn from each other. I respect your honesty about feelings for family and how situations can impact our professional time and talent. No one in a family situation is either right nor wrong. What is right for one is not always right for another. God Bless you for being so candid. If you LOST a reader or two…………..it is their loss not yours.
    Still love you!!

  • Things That Inspire says:

    I have not read these comments before posting this, but I think this is an interesting question as there are definitely some design blogs I prefer more than others, and there are also so many new design blogs popping up every day that it is hard to weed through them.

    I think people go to design blogs for all sorts of reasons. Some people simply want to supplement (or even replace) the magazines for pure visual inspiration. I find it to be very relaxing to look at a well researched and thought out blog post that is mainly pictures – it can truly be a visual feast, and causes me to notice things I have never seen before.

    Other design blogs provide 'free' advice, which is a huge draw for those out there who love design, but aren't working with a designer, or like to do their own home but need a bit of guidance. I know that a lot of the professional interior designers out there who write blogs are inundated with emails asking for advice, and have to come up with a strategy how to handle this without offending their readers.

    I also think some people read certain design blogs because the blogger has a gift of some sort – a gift for writing, a gift for revealing, a gift for weaving together their posts. They develop a loyal readership base because friendships emerge – virtual communities – and their readers go to their blogs to interact with them as friends.

    There are other reasons why I don't like certain design blogs…but maybe that is a topic for a different day!

  • Tara Dillard says:

    All your advice has been helpful, decorating for family included.

    And blogging advice.

    You are one of the sites I refer when asked about starting a blog.

    Thank you for all you do.

    Garden & Be Well, XO Tara

  • Anonymous says:

    Why are some, interior designers so sweet and wonderful on TV and yet bitchy and nasty in the blog world? They sound like they would eat their young and I can't hear what ever message is intended or talents possessed because they are lost in some sea of bitterness. I visit the sites of the wonderful designers who are representative of the beauty they create and share in the world. I dread topics like this that allow the nasty ones to 'come out to play' with their caustic tongues. You know who you are. I appreciate Maria's PROVEN talent, authenticity and above all her generosity. The problem with all social media as I see it is the inside voice gets shared.

  • Sandra says:

    I have to say that initially I found your blog interesting, but have since just bookmarked it and only occasionally look at it. Your primary focus seems to be on how other designers should run their business and the role of blogging to do that. Interesting to some, but not what I'm interested in. I see less about actual design–shorter pointed posts with good images is what I'm interested in.

  • GLENDA CHILDERS says:

    I enjoy having a generous spirit and being able to gift things to family and friends, when I can. I also charge for services. I don't think there is a hard a fast rule. I follow my heart.

    Fondly,
    Glenda

  • Christina Rodriguez | The Diva's Home says:

    What's wrong with your post? Family members are experts at manipulating and making you feel bad for not giving them free advice! At least they should buy you dinner!

  • traci zeller designs says:

    For the record, I loved your family post. And you are so right — there are different posts for different audiences.

  • Cici Crib says:

    I basically just read design blogs. I find it interesting when ideas are fresh and a bit edgy. I think the best blogs are not afraid to show the reader who they are as a designer, family member, business owner, etc.. It begins to be a story of a journey. In some ways like reading a great book.

  • Anonymous says:

    I like it very much!

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