Can I say y'all if I'm not from the South? Well, either way, I'm going to. Y'all made me cry, but I'll get to that in a moment.
Because, drum roll please . . . the results of the 1st official House Of Hawthornes survey are in.
I won't put you through a bunch of charts and graphs and statistical analysis here (although I did think about it), but in general I have to say YOU GUYS ROCK!
I got a huge response to the survey. Lots of great advice. Lots of great tips. Hardly any death threats.
So let's dive into a few of the more interesting findings.
What are your FAVORITE TOPICS at House Of Hawthornes?
Your favorite posts were Thrift Store Shopping/Finds, Vintage Decor and Crafts & DIY Projects. Not necessarily in that order, but those were the top three.
No surprise here, because that's what my main focus has always been.
Well, I may have let the Thrift Store Shopping/Finds slip a bit this summer, but my thrifting will increase once the kiddo gets back in school.
If you had to pick one, what it your LEAST FAVORITE topic at House Of Hawthornes?
Huge surprise here! HUGE!
The least favorite were my recipe posts! By far! As in, you totally hate recipes!!!
You're killing me here.
I actually love, love, love doing recipes. Not that it will be the focus of my blog or anything, but yeah, I love baking.
I love getting together the props for the photo shoot. I love trying to figure out how to arrange the food so it looks yummy in the photos. I like the challenge and growth it gives me to work on something different and something a little bit out of my comfort zone.
So sorry to tell you, I don't think they're going anywhere.
I may not do them often (I think I've done three in the last year), but this girl's gotta cook. And grow. And develop.
And eat, I suppose.
If you had one TIP for me to improve my site, what would that be?
Yowsers! That was a loaded question. So I'll answer some of the tips that came up more than a few times:
I would love it if you posted more often:
You and me both, sister!
I wish I could post more often too and honestly once my son goes back to school in a few weeks, I will be more consistent. But right now, he is my 1st concern and what 16 year old wants to watch his mom spend the summer typing on her computer and taking photos of jars of feathers?
I love you guys, but posting once or twice a week in the summer is about all I can muster and not be nominated for Bad Mother Of The Year.
I don't like having to click to "Read More" on your home page:
That is done to increase page load speed. Which basically means that the blog loads much faster without full blog posts and tons of photos on the home page.
Have you ever tried to pull up a site and you just sit there and the little round thing just keep spinning? And spinning. And spinning. Yeah, people just go ahead and click elsewhere at that point. And then there's the problem that Google penalizes sites that they consider to be too slow.
So it's pretty much a necessity if I want people to find my site, read it and fall in love with plaid thermoses and vintage cameras.
Your blog looks like the Las Vegas strip with all those #@*% ads:
I am dialing down the ads that appear on the images, so you will start to see less of those. Less, but they won't be going away completely. Honestly, they are my highest paying ads and as much as I HATE them myself, those ones on the bottom of some of the images just are a necessity.
And while we're talking ads. You do know this blog is a business, right?
We might as well be totally honest with each other. I make money off this little old blog.
There, I've said it.
If I had a job outside my home, I probably would not have any ads and never in a million years do a sponsored post. But, with my son having disabilities it really limits the types of jobs I can take out in the real world. I feel it is a Godsend to be able to work from home and still be there if my son is sick and needs to come home from school (31 sick days this year).
There are not a lot of jobs, including the one I left when I decided to stay home with him, that will put up with taking days off left and right. Yes, there is FMLA which is supposed to cover this type of thing, but federal regulations are only as good as your lawyer.
So anyhow, I make money off those ads which allows me the freedom to write about what I love, play around with my camera all day long and get to talk to you people. And be there for my son. A win win win win on almost all sides.
Oh, and my favorite tip???
"How can you improve perfection? Do I get a prize for sucking up??xx"
Why yes. Yes you do!
In a vast sea of blogs, why do you come HERE?
It took me three days to get through the list. Every single time I would start reading it I would tear up.
Every. Single. Time.
Oh, and "tear up" in a good way. Not that you are meanies that are making me cry, but that you are so sweet and loving that you are making me cry!
Thank you from the bottom of my Twizzler encrusted heart for being so nice and loving. I love writing this blog. I have poured so much of my blood, sweat and tears into this place and I adore that you appreciate all the hard work!
So really, thank you!!!
Are you wondering what these photos have to do with this post?
Yeah, me too. I couldn't figure out a photo that really conveyed anything about a survey, so I just said "what the heck" and just took some photos of a vignette I'm working on.
Or I guess I could say the camera signifies me developing and the feathers signify me spreading my wings and soaring. Yeah, there's always that.
lisbeth jeffries
Please! Keep those recipes coming! Every one I've tried has been a sensational HIT! Especially popular (and easy) is the Blueberry Crostata. You keep writing them, girl!
Stacey
Girl, I think you need to be giving photography tutorials. The kind we can understand...some are just too complicated.
Linda @ Itsy Bits And Pieces
It was fun to read the results, Pam! I just love what you do!
Patty Soriano
Pam, although I did not participate in the survey, I did want to read your results. I read blogs that I like and accept them for what they are, so I wasn't going to tell you how to do it. I like it the way it is. I love the thrifting part of the blogs I subscribe to. I enjoy seeing what treasures are rescued out there by others. But if I find a recipe now and then I'm not complaining.... I like to find something new to make for dinner! And sure, it's nice when we see our favorite blogs more often, but I do not begrudge you time with your family. I put out a week of blog entries when we traveled a few years ago so friends at home could see what we were doing. That stuff is hard work ! I was at the computer for hours deep into the night writing and putting up photos. Of course, the internet speed at RV parks are usually pretty slow. And yep, the ads can get a little annoying sometimes, but I've gotten used to them and just ignore them. I didn't realize your blog was your income, so now I understand and agree that you do what you need to do to stay home with your family. I applaud you. And clicking READ MORE.... no biggie.... you aren't the only one. It's part of the technology, we have to evolve. If people don't like something, they always have the option of unsubscribing. But I won't be doing that. Your blog is like a friend.... you accept the good things, and overlook anything else if you want to keep them in your life. 🙂
Pamela @ FlowerPatchFarmhouse.com
I Pinned your Blueberry Crostata as soon as I saw it and it has been re-Pinned by others a bazillion times so there are those out there that LOVE your recipes. Being a fellow blogger and one that has to make an income from it or give it up I totally understand the ads. I hate the ads on my photos as well but we have to do what we must to keep on chugging or else beg for donations from those that don't like seeing ads. (that is said tongue in cheek). I think it is great that you have your priorities straight,your son should come first. We shall await your next awesome post with bated breath!
Tammy
Great Post.... I love all that you do ....I say don't change a thing!
Kirby
Glad you got such awesome feedback! I am going through some rebranding, and you never know how folks are going to respond. I actually had a few who told me there was a spec for an ad in my new header! You pro bloggers crack me up!
Fonda Rush
I'm not sure I commented about what I like best about your blog, but I have to say that I enjoy the way your convey your message — kind of like we're eating Twizzlers together on the front porch watching the traffic go by. Lucky me! Best wishes!
Patricia
Just to clarify...I ranked your cooking posts last ONLY because something had to be at the end of the spectrum.
Keep 'em coming. I am not a foodie, but your cooking/baking posts are a feast for the eyes!
Also, I think the only reason we asked for more posts is just because we love what you do.
Thanks for the fun, informative blog, girl!!
Barbara
Don't give up sending out recipes. I also love to cook and I take pictures of my food - using white plates, colorful placemats, flowers in the background, or just something plain and simple - I love plating the food and making it look pretty, then I send the photos via email to my sister, cousin, daughter, etc. Keep up the good work! I do lots of theme meals (Valentine's, St. Patrick's Day, Super Bowl) and love phtographing the props and decorations throughout the house.
dee
Sister . . . don't change a thing!!! You wouldn't have all your little minions if we didn't like what you do 🙂
Beth
Pam--Do not apologize that this is your business and way to make money. I think it's totally awesome that you can do that from your home and take care of the most important thing which is your son and family. You're right where you need to be and doing what you love!
chris aka monkey
okay what's my prize lol and i really meant what i said your blog is perfect just the way it is xx
Virginia Ryser
I was attracted to your blog because of the little vignettes you photograph. I have done some in my home too! Wishing you continued success with your blog.
Virginia
Joanne Noragon
You know I come here just to see the things I grew up with. You know, my mother's junk. I love what you youngsters do with your finds. And, I pass recipes along to my granddaugher, who makes the best any fruit of the season crostata north of your house.
Cindy
I enjoy your blog all the time no matter what you post. Take advantage of the time with family, you often don't get a do over
Cindy
Sandy R.
Love your blog ! I took the survey but it didn't publish. Love your sense of humor, your blog always makes me smile
And giggle. Thank you for doing your blog !
Vickie
Sorry I wasn't around to participate in the survey, Pam, but I think you got the answers you were after, and you're not going to change a thing about your blog content. I know you give it your all and it shows when you're blogging about things you're passionate about. I enjoy your humor, vintage finds, and wonderful photography! I do have trouble visiting blogs with truncated posts on my slow laptop, so often I'm not able to leave comments before my computer freezes up. A new laptop is in order, but it's way down on the list in this old house. Thanks for the smile I almost always have on my face when I visit. :o)
Vickie
lorraine witteveen
I finally was able to read your survey results. I'm not surprised you got such favorable results. You are real,sincere,funny and talented. If you're ever in Kalamazoo stop by! I would love to serve you homemade blueberry pie!
Carole Rathjen
I love your blog and vignettes. Especially the vintage cameras and typewriters. But mostly you because I think you're hilariously funny!!