I think people like to read a story. So when most blogs started we followed the story of someone growing up- dating, buying a house and fixing it up, planning a wedding, having a baby, getting a new job etc. we used to actually share what we thought on a regular basis instead of affiliate links. And Instagram has made people lazy. The comment thread on blogs had given way to the immediacy of the Instagram comment thread. Just my two cents.

Ahh, man. I come here for inspiration! Don't ever stop blogging!

These are really loaded questions and its hard to delve into in a comment section. Let's break this into 2 parts: blogs in general, and then your blog.
Blogs in general --
I'm a long-time blog reader, and I've really cut down the number of blogs I read. As time went on, some bloggers just seemed to lose steam. They seemed to lose interest and, in turn, it showed in their content and/or lack of regular posts. Some bloggers seemed to have a hard time realizing that their content went downhill. They defended it when it was clear there was a shift. At the same time, bloggers don't have creative teams, like magazines and big online content drivers, and I imagine it's really hard to continue to churn out great daily content without help. Adding blog help is tricky, though. It's a balance between fresh content and not losing the essence of the blog/blogger that attracted readers in the first place. That's another reason I've dropped some blogs. Of course, maybe the loss of quality was/is connected to readership changes. It must be hard to put in the hours needed for quality content if you feel you're hemorrhaging readers.
For some bloggers, I do think Pinterest and Instagram have had some impact. I personally don't use Pinterest. It's overwhelming. I prefer managed content in smaller doses. However, I do love Instagram. I like the quick snaps of the beautiful or funny or sweet. For me, it's easier to manage than Pinterest.
Sponsored posts and rstyle links have had an impact on blogs. I have absolutely no problem with bloggers making money; in fact, it's to my benefit as a reader to support it. But with some bloggers that I followed for a long time, their posts became nothing but product dumps. While that's not a problem once or twice a week, when most posts are product dumps, it's not attractive. I actually don't mind product posts, when they're within reason and done well. I use some bloggers as personal shoppers; they bring products to my attention that I don't have the time or patience to browse and find myself.
Sponsored posts are also tricky. Some bloggers do them fairly well. For example, Sacramento Street has sponsored posts, but she does a better job of integrating the sponsor into her posts than lots of other bloggers. That is, it seems a little more seamless than with lots of other bloggers. And her choices in sponsored posts are oftentimes a little more believable than I find with lots of other bloggers.
With some blogs, even though content is not great or as nice as it once was, I continue to follow them because I've been a long-time follower. And as weird as it is, I'm interested in their lives and careers and seeing how things play out for them.
I dropped some bloggers when they became "blog celebrities," and frankly, they became a bit insufferable in their own blogs.
I search for new blogs from time to time, but it's the rare new blog that captures my attention.

Lisa M.

Part 2 - Your blog
I'm a long-time reader of your blog. But I'm no longer a daily reader.
I liked the glimpses into your home. I liked your design posts. Both of those things are largely gone from your blog. Your blog seems more business-driven than it once was, and it's lost its personal touch. Oftentimes, most posts feel like they're just an attempt to post something, rather than crafted posts. For me, personally, I'm not as interested in the bohemian (not really the right word) aesthetic as I once was.
I hope you get lots of feedback that you can consider incorporating into your blog. Good luck!
Lisa M.

I still come by several times a week- and let's be real sometimes everyday- but I work at a desk and take little mini breaks to look at pretty things. I love seeing your projects and what you are working on.

I miss seeing pictures of the projects you're currently working on, not just "finished" photos but things that are in the works. Much more interesting than clothing, interviews, etc. I'd also love to hear more about the stuff that catches your eye that might not be in the Furbish store - any cool lighting right now? Sofa shapes? Etc?

I know you have a beautiful store, but I don't live anywhere nearby so all the brick-and-mortar shopping updates don't really apply to me. Original content that's focused more on interiors would be awesome. Also - this one's a universal blog compliant - why don't we ever see photos of the outside of the house/building? It's like skipping the first chapter of a book!

All advice from a New Yorker with love! xo

First time writer, long time reader...in Denver. Keep your colorful, insightful, inspired designs, thoughts, and posts coming. You spread the love and warmth and humor. You got this.

I agree with you 100%. I don't write blogs...just a reader. I feel like the sponsored post or the OOTD with 118 ReStyle links have become disingenuous and ultimately drive readers away. Instagram is an easy outlet because there's less effort involved - no real writing, just snap a pic a throw a filter on it with some hashtags.
While the above are my complaints about blogs in general, I will say what I like about your blog is that it seems real and you mix it up with what you're presenting. My favorite recent post was on how to mix patterns. I like that you have beautiful pictures and interesting content (to me). On how to improve....I really don't know. Continue to keep it real, give me options of high-end and lower-end and make it interesting. Thanks for keeping up the blog - you're a go-to every morning for me.

RG

Okay, YASS to this. As an avid blog reader (and blogger myself), I find myself struggling to find interesting content lately. For me, what's lacking is the personal connection. I think many bloggers find themselves speaking to a larger audience these days and are hesitant to include personal content with their posts. But to me, getting to know the person behind the blog is just as captivating as the awesome design content that they create. I actually just named your blog as one of my top four I still love to read every day (http://www.awfullybigadventureblog.com/category/life/currently/), but I'd love to see more behind the scenes posts!

I've been going to Houzz a lot lately for inspiration because I can typically find multiple photos of a completed project. I'm guessing that unless you're a big firm, it's tough to constantly post finished or even in-progress projects. I still check in on a lot of blogs, but the posts that I really read are the ones that provide an in-depth review of a project.

The sponsored posts don't appeal to me, and sadly, they're all over every blog now.

I'm up for a good before and after any day!

I used to be an avid blog reader and still subscribe by email to a few, including yours. I also had one of my own. These days I prefer YouTube though.

I love your blog, always have! Love your store too, BUT I think I miss the posts that were more "everyday/personal/things you love" rather than just showing beautiful pictures of items from Furbish a lot. My favorite posts you write are the closet cravings and ones you talk about shows you are loving/books, etc. Just my little old opinion!

your blog is boring and no one is interested in your dumb mixed up crappy junk that you try to sell - actually, you have really poor taste

Yours is one I look forward to! Too many now are just ripping pics off pinterest or insta with very little to no content. Also too many just promoting their wares - we wanna be entertained not sold to! Personal sh*t is more interesting than stuff someone's selling. That can be done on a different platform.

i love your blog and check it every day. i suwanee and the jungalow are my daily go-to's. also @happytiff on IG is a go-to for inspiration. one thing i love about yours (and JB's) is that i can count on a post almost every (week)day. i also love your fresh style, individuality, and honest perspective. all very unique and appeal very much to my own personality and taste. especially love closet cravings (i always wind up buying something), the real raleigh, and travel (i am going to guatemala in a couple weeks because of you!). i would love to see more design posts (before and afters of your own clients, your own spaces, really liked the recent 'how to mix prints' post, etc). the design blog market is totally saturated with mid-century, minimalism, traditional with a twist, girlie/glitter style but your maximalist/boho/girl power combo really is unique and stands out among the rest. would love to see more spaces you or your team live in or have designed.

I couldn't agree more!

Here's my problem with blogs- people either post pictures from another site of beautiful things that we've all already seen a million times, or they post collages of items from shopping sites, again, that I have already seen and can find for myself.

I want to see your personal life. I want to see original work. Show me what you're doing in the design world. Show me an amazing outfit that every other fashion blogger isn't wearing. Post something relatable. I agree with Allison above, too. :) Love your blog, nonetheless!!!

I used to read A TON of blogs but now I am down to five or six, including yours. I think instagram and pinterest have a lot to do with it, but for me the sponsorships got out of hand. I think you do a great job of mixing it up between pretty rooms, closet cravings, flings, etc.

Firstly, I'd say it must be hard to come up with original content daily. So no faulty here, just my opinion because you asked. I enjoy getting to know the person and their personal lives and I think people don't share as much on their blogs because others can be so cruel in the comments. I enjoy the pictures of collected homes. The bohemian vibe has come on a little too strong here, for me. I love to see how you mix colors and patterns. Also, I feel the store is pushed a little too strong. But still enjoy your blog!

agreed. i like the personal, the story. less of of the fashion shopping lists (that's just me). but I have to say i LOVE your local interviews. I love seeing personal spaces and as southerner living in Los Angeles it's fun to see all the style still happening south of the Mason Dixon. It's cool and refreshing.

Yours is one of the few blogs I still read. I love all the photos, your style, your personal musings. "Flings" is my favorite. I also love "Behind the Scenes". You keep doing you!

Sponsored posts are one of the big reasons I stop reading a blog. There was one before Christmas that featured a magazine for sale from a website - it was called "Style" and the blogger highly recommended it - like a sucker, I bought it for $20. So disappointed when I received it! It was really just selling her readers on something she couldn't have possibly really recommended - just to make a buck. While I understand that bloggers need to make money, they really should select what they're hocking a little better. I also resent the blogs that are tied in with Target - lazy and who wants to buy more crap made in China??!

Jamie, you are awesome! Don't stop. I want to be you. I remember hearing (reading) that blogs were out! Then it seemed that a lot of popular bloggers stopped. Young House Love stopped. SF Girl by Bay moved to LA? Elements of Style got uber critical. Decor8 got too lengthy and oh I wrote three books I'm amazing. Design Manifest got super busy with actual work. Apartment Therapy is so commercial. Design Sponge became all about Grace Bonney and she's not that exciting. Little Green Notebook had a baby. And you just stayed you. I just found Justina Blakley. She's very inspiring. So now I stick with ones that are a little different. I'm interior designer, so I go to I Heart Organizing for some great ideas, A Beautiful Mess because their content is spot on with trends and they are always doing new stuff. I read Poppy Talk too, their photos are great.
Keep being you. I personally still like blogs; even if someone out there in Internet land said they were on the outs.

So much of what is featured on blogs is either unaffordable or unaccessable to the masses. I love your closet cravings posts, and snippets into your own home. Posts about the cabin, the projects underway, your husband -- make it seem more relate able. I understand you have a business, and this is a business blog, but the person behind the blog is what brings me back. Sponsored posts have become a necessary evil in the blog world. How else can people make a living, although due to their frequency, they're inundating the blogesphere in a way that has changed them forever. Certain products pop up at the same time on multiple blogs, and it's gross.

I have to agree with anonymous above. Your blog used to include more decor and project posts, now it seems like a tool mostly for promoting Furbish and the products you sell. I totally get that, but the balance seems off. Are you doing less interior design? That's what I'm assuming since there seems to be a lot less of it. I also feel like you just re-post a lot of pics from Instagram. The day in the life posts of the Furbish team might be more interesting if they had more content or story, but too often it's another pic of a Furbish pillow or textile that we've seen before in another setting.

I'm disappointed too in the disappearance of blogs and appreciate those still hanging on. I still really enjoy the blogs that are breaking down interior design projects and decisions and their thought processes and alerting me to new products or fabrics or photos. If one does that, I can get past the sponsored posts.

I recently reduced the numbers of blogs on my Bloglovin' feed because so many were lackluster (too many affiliate links, product pushing, unoriginal/uninspired content). I basically only kept blogs that I can learn something from. I totally agree is KB's comment on comments. I like your blog because it offers a different design perspective than mine, which I find interesting at the moment. Plus, the random daily donkey is great.

Man, it's a bummer right? Blogging became a business and we lost the little bits of people's brains that they were willing to put out into the world in a less formal way than what we see today. And then business blogging created blogger burnout, which caused this vicious circle. It's such a bummer because 1) I think bloggers care/cared WAY too much about what their audience thought of them - too much pandering and 2) I think bloggers think they needed to put out magazine quality content, when what got them love in the first place was not that kind of stuff; and the magazine quality stuff ended up being sort of soul-less and sponsor-friendly and now we're back to that vicious cycle. Oh, and the idea you need to blog all the time is ridiculous. Most blogs became popular without a 5 day a week post schedule. Le sigh...it really is such a bummer.

Jamie! I have been a long time reader for literally years and would HATE to see you stop blogging. Your blog is one of the ones that I come back to continually for design inspiration or just to see what is going on in your corner of the world! I love the reoccurring content you have curated lately (the interviews, the weekly flings, the fashion round ups) but have missed some of your design or personal home updates lately.

And at the end of the year you had a mixed message post about what happened in 2015 - I felt like I wanted to know more but also realize it could have been personal life related and obviously no one wants to pry but it made me wonder - what head space is Jamie in lately?

I love seeing your NY trips, what you guys have purchased for the store and what you plan to do next. More posts of your personal homes, even small vinnettes or updates are interesting to us thirsty readers. Also for me, when posts aren't perfectly written or are sometimes just a jumble of thoughts, that is sometimes the most interesting to read because it is a REAL glimpse into life, design, updates, etc. So often lately I feel like the blogs I have been reading forever have become too calculated in their posts, not enough randomness or even thoughtfulness, it feels very business.

So in summary - bring back the personal touch! Whether in your home, the store, your team's homes or lives - even the smallest of updates, finds or stories are interesting!

I miss Jamie's voice! I loved it back when she was just beginning and she would post and it just felt like I was coming to visit a friend everyday. She was always honest, hilariously funny, and sometimes off the wall. Jamie's voice and unique perspective was the heart of the blog and was the thing that held all of the other components together. It was personal. I realize that she now has about a million other things to do since the business has grown so rapidly and blogging is not necessarily the best use of her time. But now the blog has become less about her and more about the business/brand. Some things I'd like to see: more posts from Jamie regardless of the topic, whatever is on her mind or whatever she's into at the moment is usually interesting, and more posts about the business, share the journey with us as you find new products or overcome business challenges. And of course continue to be authentic. Share both the ups and downs of the design/retail business as well as tidbits of your personal life. Hope this helps!

I look forward to the real Raleigh designer home features! I know that eventually you will run out of cool people to feature but maybe you can expand outside of Raleigh?

I love reading your blog. You're one of the few who still posts almost daily! Everyone else is all about the sponsored posts and I can't get into that. It's all so fake. And... boring. I'm so tired of outfit posts and flat lays and stupid macarons with red manicures and rockstuds. The bloggers that once seemed so original and created such great content are just cranking things out to get a dime on an affiliate link. Maybe I'm just a little jaded. :)

your blog is one of the few that I read daily because you keep it real. You are one of the very few blogers out there that aren't corny as hell. I also appreciate that you give us a good mix...design, shopping, funny shit, trips, real life...its a little bit of everything as well as a peak inside your life. I'm with Allison from a few posts above...I LOVE your style and love furbish, but I love the everyday/personal/things you love posts SOOO much. It's so fresh. Closet Craving and Flings are probably my two features from any blog I read. I say keep up the good work.

This post is SO timely Jamie! I subscribe to a bunch of blogs on Feedly and lately I’ve found myself just scrolling past blog after blog, totally uninterested in any of the posts. I think Lisa M’s two-parter above is pretty spot on for me. In terms of blogs in general, I think they have gotten so formulaic that it’s less hobby and more work, and it’s sometimes easier to post a Blue Apron review or throw in a weekly roundup of everything you saw online, rather than create content (especially when it’s not your job) or share all the personal stuff — sometimes, life just isn’t for the interwebs. So you get the same type of content everywhere you go, why click? I’ve been reading blogs for ages and had my own for a while. Thinking back, once I noticed anything like an editorial calendar was put in place, the blog lost it’s luster and no longer held my attention in the way it did when it was off the cuff and personal.

That said, I’ve been a reader of yours since the beginning and I still do — just maybe not as immediately as I did in the past. Some of that is due to a shift in interest and the fact that I have nothing left to decorate (until there is, right?), but I’m also trying to spend more time offline. In terms of your blog specifically, I can say that once it became more business focused and the posts were so designed, it lost a lot of it’s appeal. No hate — I totally get it! You have made an amazing business out of Furbish and it wouldn’t have been possible without this blog. It’s a part of your brand and as such posts started to feel more like a marketing tool and less a reflection of you. More posting to stay top of mind and less posting because, hey, here is this cool thing I did, or bought, or watched, or whatever.

I have really enjoyed The Real Raleigh — it’s definitely a good addition — but would love to see more personal posts (like this one) combined with all of the more stylized, brand oriented posts. Best of luck!

I've given this topic a lot of thought and agree with much of what anonymous at 8:55 said. I began reading most blogs because they were personal; you got a glimpse of their real life, design choices and even mishaps. For example, I used to love your posts on how you had rearranged your bookshelves, almost daily. And little tidbits about your dogs. Now all we get is a vignette on Instagram, reposted on the blog. They are gorgeous -- don't get me wrong! But the personal connection is lacking.

Additionally, in the processes of monetizing, many blogs lost their voice. I read mostly design blogs and suddenly they are hawking clothes from Nordstrom, or whoever it is that pays the most via reward style. I don't mind a blogger getting commission for a purchase I've made, but I do mind when the commissions are driving the content.

The other issue is a lot of the design bloggers started holding back images of projects in the hopes of publication (I'm guessing here -- maybe it's the clients who don't want their homes on the blogs?). But the progress shots and DIYs and explanation of the design process are what drew me to those blogs in the first place. Not many blogs offer that kind of content any more.

I will say this: your Real Raleigh series is awesome! It is a breath of fresh air to see fresh, original content that is actually relevant to design. So thank you!!

I feel you. The list keeps narrowing and narrowing. I like to read blogs that are personal about someone's life, not necessarily lifestyle or fashion or interior design. But not everyone has the right voice or the appetite for that amount of sharing on the internet. After awhile, it must be really hard to come up with new content. I'm sure its a struggle to keep things fresh. It is also a very time consuming "hobby" and bloggers are perfectly justified in seeking compensation for their work. But I find the more commercial the blog becomes, the more sponsored posts there are, the less interest I have. But I don't feel justified in complaining; its free entertainment. One of the few that has managed to balance it all with grace is Cup of Jo.

Instagram has crushed blogging; however, the best thing about a good blog is the writing. Blog posts should be a story and not a page in a catalog or magazine. Cupcakes & Cashmere is a huge blog but Emily and her team still manage to produce solid content. Yours is one of the few blogs I still subscribe to and take the time to read, particularly the Flings and Closet Cravings posts. I do like the Real Raleigh segments but would like to see more of the homes you feature. Close-ups of vignettes over and over get a little repetitive. If you are still doing design work, those posts are always good too. One thing you have that many blogs don't is an interesting voice, a way with words, so don't be afraid to tell us a story about nothing. Jerry Seinfeld did it and it works.

--Summer

ok, i'll weigh in. firstly, your blog. your blog is fun and funk and hipster and collected in a way that i need to take notes from, so i highly enjoy your blog. as far as other blogs, i used to be really into home blogs, as i am revamping our home. but i feel like now none of those blogs are my style. so now i'm back where i was pre home, which was fashion blogs. but lord, are these people kardashians? how can they afford these insanely high priced bags, jewels, shoes. they're only blogging to show off the new purse they have. give me some real style anyday, i am currently weeding through that jealousy causing crap. i don't need to see inspiration of things i can't attain. no, it's not that i can't attain them, but i can't sustain that lifestyle, as i am not a celebrity or multi million dollar surgeon, or come from old money, which has got to be these people.and personally, i have stopped blogging because it's time consuming, no matter how much i comment to other people i feel like i am talking to no one, and it's disheartening.
b

super agree! I stopped reading a lot of blogs and stopped blogging myself for awhile. I find myself missing it though. but the heart in blogging is gone. its all search engine optimized lists of things you SHOULD do and HAVE TO HAVE and I frankly got tired of the internet telling me how to live my life. not you though! still so inspiring real!

You have some great feedback here, Jamie! I'm disenchanted with a lot of blogs because as another commenter pointed out, Rewardstyle has taken.them.over. I'll see the same 5 posts on 5 different blogs because a particular company is sponsoring them that day. It's hard to see blogs as genuine these days. While you haven't fallen prey to this, I do feel that a lot of your content is now driven by business and Furbish, rather than design projects and/or more personal stories. I will keep reading, but it would be great to see more of your design work, as well as to continue seeing your "What I'm loving right now" posts!!

I will always be a subscriber! SO many of my favorite blogs have devolved into Rstyle links and OOTDs, too many product dumps, zero story, but not yours. I agree with some folks above--less product updates from Furbish (though I did check out your Charleston pop-up...though too late because everything was gone) and more everyday life! My favorite posts are travel ones, but I get those can't happen every week. I'd love to know where you get your inspiration. I always loved makeovers and your personal design portfolio too though it's been a long time since we've gotten a peek at that aspect. Your energy and courage in design are a breath of fresh air. Keep it up!

its the same shit show everywhere. If anything be thrilled you have the free time to write something so beautiful that only a selected few can see it. Thats how i feel about my blog .

I still read your blog but not for designer or design inspiration. I actually love your clothing/shopping post you do. Can't remember what it is called but I always love it. I guess we have a similar sense of style and you always feature things that I myself then want to go buy. I also like your flings feature.
Oh, and as a Raleigh resident I LOOOOOVE the Real Raleigh feature.

Still follow your blog, but I wish it was more personal. Sometimes you allude to things going on in your life, but then that's it. It's difficult to build a relationship with a blog if you don't have a good sense of who the blogger is. I love flings and behind the scenes. But I think the posts are mostly just shots or things about what's going on in your store, and they all kind of blend together...I could go to your store's website if I wanted to see all the stuff on there (and I do), so I wish there was more 'blog content' on here. PS I can't stand sponsored content...so contrived and patronizing most of the time. Like just post an ad, don't build a whole faux 'post' for product placement.

I get all of my blogs by email. Otherwise I would forget about some and it's just easier for me. Your blog is one of my favorites, mainly because of your writing style. You are funny and conversational. I also like to see your travels and your doggies (huge schnauzer fan). And the shop is fun too. I do agree that most style and design blogs have turned into ads for RStyle and such. Sometimes that's a great resource for cool stuff, but mostly it's a gift guide every ten minutes. I think blogs should have a point of view and really say something, and most of them no longer do that. I also see the same links over and over a lot. I agree with a lot of previous comments! You have smart readers! :)

I love your blog and recommend it constantly. Your style and fun product is refreshing. I like Instagram, but it there seems to be a deal of just okay things verses inspiring or unusual. You have to really scroll through so much just to find a few great things.
Please keep blogging.

I never comment on posts but I was just having a conversation about this sort of thing last night with a friend! I'm an interior designer as well and have drastically cut down on the blogs I read and the frequency I check them. I used to have an unhealthy obsession with blog reading but then I found most blogs started to blend together. So 10+ blogs literally went to like 2 or 3. Originality was totally missing for me. Everyone was doing the exact same thing. For instance, that brief moment in time when all bloggers remodeled their bathrooms with the same white Kohler vanity, brushed gold Kohler fixtures and overall black and white theme. Obviously sponsored by Kohler, which I'm fine with, but just lacking any uniqueness. Along with all of this I found my own creativity started to lack. I find that the more I read design blogs, go on Pinterest/Houzz and watch any HGTV related programs the more trouble I have coming up with creative and original ideas on my own. It was hard to march to my own drummer when I kept reading posts about the same over-dyed rug or Parson's desk. I will say that your blog and instagram are one of the chosen few I stuck with. I read all your posts no matter the content but since I adore your whole design vibe I would love to see lots more posts/updates on design projects you're working on. Also, a home tour! You wouldn't believe how many times I've googled "Jamie Meares home tour". :)

It's all. the. Blue. Apron. posts. And all the affiliate links that don't feel organic in the mix of the blog. Bloggers should make money, and I don't know what the best answer is. But readers can smell the whiff of this-is-for-affiliate-money versus I-saw-this-and-it's-cool. You always feel like the latter, and when I'm too busy to shop on my own, I rely on people like you with great style to just tell me what to buy (or read or watch). I think glimpses into bloggers' personal lives are, unfortunately, a big thing for readers. People like to be voyeurs. But we can be voyeurs of other people, not just you! Like the Real Raleigh posts- love those. Seeing real people's spaces, shot beautifully, is awesome. Also, I feel the need to say: You are my NYC tour guide, and I HAVE LIVED IN NEW YORK FOR 16 YEARS. You tell me about the best hotels and restaurants, and I am (sort of embarrassed but mostly) grateful!

This blog is one of the few that keeps coming to my inbox, mainly because I identify with your frank writing style and sense of humor. And obviously the design. I absolutely love The Real Raleigh (I'm fairly close in ILM) and your mini-travel guides. I will echo other readers' sentiments about craving a more personal viewpoint into your and your team members take on design: personal house tours, vignettes and stories behind treasured objects, even shopping trips around town. Good luck!

Most of the blogs I read (this one included) have become watered down versions of their original selves - whereas I was drawn in from vignettes of daily life and how did we get here stories, it has now been turned into here's what my store is doing and here's a reward style link to view it. Guess what? Reward style is blocked from my computer (out of my control) so I can't even shop links that I might want to learn more about. There is no longer a story - now you kind of hear the end result and how to shop it. It's way less interesting. I am more than just a consumer! I'm still here because I started reading this blog for a reason and I keep hoping to see it back.

I love your posts on flings and closet cravings. I do like before and after photos of projects. Thanks!

I have been reading you blog for many years, long before you had a store, and I love your colourful, eclectic style. I read blogs for the design inspiration and I love to see before and afters and in-progress posts. Unfortunately, the closet cravings and product posts are just a tease for me so I skip over those things. I live in Canada and even if our dollar was at par it would not matter as many of the stores will not ship internationally and if they do the duty and import fees are outrageous. I hope to see more in depth pictures of your own home and possibly your teams' and clients. Enjoy!

I can understand direction or motivation change in a blog over the years. Some blogs I stuck with, some I didn't. Since you've asked about your blog… I've been reading your blog for many years, and check in maybe once a week at most. Currently only handful of blogs get more than that from me now. It has become mainly a Furbish blog and that's OK. However, posts about merchandise updates & related are simply less appealing to me. I still enjoy your personal posts - and why continue to read your blog.

I also do enjoy you lack of sponsored posts (if you have any, I don't recall). I appreciate their needs for some bloggers and don't mind them once and while. Even when a sponsor post is done well - meaning it isn't a direct copy straight from the supplied PR material, those posts always fall into the advertorial category for me. Some of the well done advertorials posted pretty much every other post (or at least felt like it), the frequency meant we were no longer a match.

I hope you keep blogging because I'll keep checking in you for sure!
xoxo from NYC

I check your blog regularly and love the posts on your home and the real Raleigh series (even though I am not from there). I think we are drawn to blogs for the personal elements, so more of that please. Selling is ok - you gotta keep the lights on, right? And to anonymous at 11:18 - I hope whatever is hurting you gets resolved. Maybe then you can move on and hopefully become a nicer person.

This is one of the few blogs I've stuck with over the years, because you hooked me early on and you have such a well-developed unique aesthetic that isn't repeated on every other design blog out there. I really enjoy your "Flings" and "Real Raleigh" series. I do miss your more personal posts from early your early days about taking them plunge into entrepreneurship, working through life and design challenges with Brian, documenting Rowdy's shenanigans, etc. This is probably normal, but your blog persona transformed from cool normal person to #girlboss idol. I'm not saying it's a bad thing at all--I'm happy for you and inspired by you--but it is different and sometimes I miss the old persona a bit. Maybe sharing your thoughts about expanding your business, collaborating with artists, mistakes you've made, etc. would be a good way to bring back some of the personal posts without going overboard?

The general proliferation of "round-up" posts has brought down the blogging world quite a bit, in my opinion. I get that affiliate links are one of the few ways that most bloggers can make some money, but they're repetitive and boring if not done well. (For what it's worth, I also cannot stand rstyle short links. I like to know what I'm clicking on, but I know they're not going anywhere any time soon.) They're not my favorite posts of yours either, but at least you post more interesting finds and stick to your specific aesthetic. Some other blogs end up posting "round-ups" of a bunch of Kate Spade stuff, or Target stuff, or whatever. So dumb.

Best of luck! I hope you don't stop blogging, but you have to do what's right for you.

I, too, love blogs. I still check my favorites during the week to see if they have posted but so many people go weeks without posting that I sometimes give up. I read your blog faithfully because the pictures are fantastic and not so homogenous like many other blogs. You can skim through a zillion blogs and every room looks the same. I also feel like that years and years ago when I started reading blogs that it was more communal. Now that so many people make or are trying to make money from their blog that they are less about giving other blogs a shout out and more about posting pics that might get them a sponsorship or credit for an idea or DIY. I like your blog because you post pictures and say, " hey this artist is great or I love her kitchen or this blogger has great taste. " I think that is what made blogs take off and it was a lot about women supporting other women in business and start ups, etc. I have my favorites and I check them faithfully when I can but I will say I love IG because people do not go on rants or editorialize and I'm very visual. It's also super quick on my phone. I take a screen shot of any IG post that refers me to a blog post I want to read and then I check out the blog. I have had a little, simple blog for years and my readership is small, I've never been "shared" by a big blog and taken off, but I like sharing and so I still create posts. I think that your blog is fantastic, your delivery is quite entertaining and you like to blog so keep on!! The bloggers who blog because they love the platform will outlast the fluctuations and be strong in the end. My opinion only. However, your blog is great. Don't look at how many readers you have. I think there are just more blogs to spread a readers time across and just like a good book, a good blog will become a classic!

I love your blog and thank you for writing it! It is true though that yours is one of the few I still read religiously. I understand the need to monetize a blog, but when a home design blogger all of a sudden starts blogging about natural diapers or dinner delivery services, it seems a little disingenuous. Sometimes it feels like every post of some of my formerly favorite blogs is sponsored in some way or another and while the blogger states that the opinions of the product are their own, I've only read one negative (authentic) review in about 5 years (from door sixteen). It's a turn-off. Keep up your great work!

Big fan of your blog, you put a lot of work into it and it shows. In so many words, Jamie, what is your definition of a "good" blog?

I loved this post because it's something that as a long-time reader of your blog and many others, I do feel like something has shifted across the blogisphere...I want the heyday (2011 - 2012?? do you agree?) back. In fact the past few days I've been deep in the MFAMB archives and it's just giving me this blog nostalgia feeling like crazy. I think what missing these days is just the longer-form prose, personal thoughts and feelings type stuff. I feel like we can (and do) all go to Instagram for pretty pics so I would love to see the bloggers use their space more for storytelling. I feel like as readership of the blogs got huge and we moved into this very PC culture the last few years, it is intimidating for bloggers to put their messy, un-finished thoughts and feelings out there. But that's what I personally miss most. It made you (you as in us readers) feel like you were really able to see daily ups and downs of a life, and that was just very relatable. I do love your feature 'real raleigh' and your flings feature.

Such an interesting and necessary convo. I agree with many of the comments above, but for me it comes down to content. I want inside a blogger's brain! Why did you pick this? Why do you like that? What led you to that pairing? Teach us your ways!!! I can get pretty pics on IG and Pinterest. I'm an interior designer and I love nothing more than hearing a designer break down their thoughts even if the style is different than my normal asthetic. I think of the interviews in House Besutiful each month. When I take the time to read the content the room jumps to life and I take something away. When a blogger lets me inside her brain, I keep coming back.

I love that you share Furbish on here, but I came for you. I love your witty humor and to see your work. I miss that! I think we're all hoping to be inspired by original content and people doing something a bit different. That's what I strive to do on my blog and I think that's why I started coming here. I know that your product post probably make you some good money, but they're not what I think blogging is all about. Your design work is incredible and I'd love to see more and hear more!

Yours is on the absolute top of my blog list... The key for me is content relevant to my life. I'm looking for something meaningful and worthwhile. We all don't really need much more stuff- but we all certainly need inspiration, beauty and passion. I love your quirkyness. Love it when you put in something real. I love the videos. I have laughed so hard so many times at those lazy Lion's knocking about the ball. I will never buy fuschia pom pom anything because it seems like it will get dated looking fast- but your tribal bohemian aesthetic is wonderful. I read your blog because you are unique. I keep coming back to it because you consistently show me new wonderful slices of your world.

Still check almost daily for a break at desk job along with design mom, cupofjo and little green notebook. It has to be incredibly hard to maintain the passion and commitment to update daily. Love the interviews, flings and closet. Does seem more business now and less personal and agree with rehashed shop items and photos we see on Instagram. Miss seeing the trailer, beach house, your house and design work. Also love a good recipe someone else had tried. I think what I like about the blogs above is I am constantly amazed at their ingenious subject matter on simple things - beauty uniforms, recipes, DIY gone good or bad, just things you like or swear by. They also seem so interested and light. I get great info and inspiration from you cool people so share your podcasts, travel tips, guilty pleasure shows, moisturizer ideas and what you're moving around in your own house!
Also I do miss the old shop :( felt like such a treasure trove with large ever changing vignettes so I don't make the drive anymore and also tiring of boho/Guatemalan thing. World Market and everyone else has run that into the ground. But I do understand that business decisions have to be made. Looking for more unique but still your aesthetic. You are very talented!

i came back to read comments - the comment from Catherine reminded me I would love to see more of Rowdy and your other schnauzer on the blog! You talked about getting the new puppy a lot in the beginning but now we just see Rowdy and co. (and I can't remember the other's name) in the store. Having a standard schnauzer puppy, I would love to see more of them and maybe more of their antics - as I know those schnauzers are involved in them!

I have come back to comment again Jamie. i have been reading these and it is a very good education for me. I would like to have my own blog, and this is so instructive. One thing I have learned from this is that there are many readers who are huge blog fans, but not necessarily huge Furbish customers. I tend to think of them as one big group of both - but not so. Keep it up - you have lots of fans!

Aside from relying on bloggers to curate a look and a perspective, I like to learn more about the blogger and that's what makes me come back. It seems so many blogs today have something to sell and making money that way is the primary goal. And, I get it, we all need to make money. What seems to be lost is the personal stories. The why. The real deal emotional aspect of why someone made a specific trip or decide to read X book or wear X outfit. Why are we loving and crushing on a specific rug or artist? Why does the painting speak to you and what specific childhood memory does it evoke? Everyone just seems to want to sell something and publish a quick blog post that isn't too time sensitive and not overly personal. The ones I really go back to and the ones where I can't wait to see what they have to say... they are the bloggers who are sharing a seemingly real piece of their life or their work and actually telling/sharing a story. Or they are making connections among things they love and sharing a perspective that's not 'run of the mill.' I enjoy reading along and will continue to keep coming back. Sincerely, a lover of all things beautiful including my 2 kiddos, my apartment in NYC, and my wall street job

This is such an interesting conversation. I love your aesthetic, which is unique in the blogging world I follow. I, too, would love more narrative. Your life, your design choices, how do you match pillows without it turning into a crazy mess?

I used to love your blog when it was more personal, funny stuff you did, your life, your ups and downs. Now it's nice but very generic. I think everyone who blogs is scared of GOMI trolls.

I think everyone who blogs is too scared now of GOMI trolls. I loved your blog when it was more personal, you talked about the funny (sometimes sad, bad) things happening in your world. I still like it, but it's more generic now, more "here's my products" and less funny, zany. Example, I first heard about "hide ya kids, hide ya wife" on here lol. Funny stuff

love everything about this post and the community of feedback (minus the one clown's comment…) - this is exactly why I've always loved your blog. I was just needing a jolt of inspo and of course pulled up your blog - my first and only stop these days. Nothing more to add than what has already been said. I've always admired your success and, ultimately, your story and point of view - and would love to see that continue to be a strong component of the blog.

I still am a daily check in with your blog, I love the real raleigh feature and the photos of what everyone around the shop did/are doing. Instant gratification is a bitch and even I am guilty of it on instagram and other blogs. Yours, The Pursuit of Style, and Habitually Chic are practically the only blogs I check daily. I love house tours and your witty humor!!! I will never forget when I read your exercising whoas, and nearly spit coffee when you described angry , cursing, planking into the carpet of your living room. So relatable. It does really bum me out things have shifted in general in the blog world. But times change. It would be exhausting trying to do everything you do AND keep fresh, interesting, ahead of the curve content on the blog. Not to say you don't, but us strangers on the internets, you don't owe us anything! If people are captivated by you and your work, they will keep coming. I know I do.

I miss rowdy! :) I also love your flings and happenings and your blog has gotten a little more impersonal, but I am still here! I have shifted my blog reading a lot in the past year or so once I had my daughter and wasn't at my desk 10-12 hours a day, I dont have time to read blogs anymore. I have only a select few that I really love and still follow.

well you have plenty of comments already but I wanted to stop by because I've read your blog for 3ish years? and I'm a fan! especially of the wardrobe wants and the flings and the room breakdowns you sometimes do. I don't like posts that are sort of iphone pic round ups... I know a lot of them are from traveling but they just seem filler-y. The Raleigh cool girls you've been sharing about have been really inspiring, too! THANK YOU FOR THIS BLOG <3

Keep blogging please.. i love your design posts :3 i do not like reading blogs everytime..but yours is my favorite..if you quit,your followers would be so sad :(

-BH from TR

You are crazy awesome, but I do miss the peaks into your day-to-day designs. I don't need nor would every expect to see a finished room every week, but showing us the fabrics you're using or what inspired you to go the direction with a room... that was all super interesting! You are a crazy successful business owner, and I love everything you post but miss some of the closer looks into your designs. I also love the clothes posts, but sine I work at a conservative company in a super traditional industry I don't get as much out of them other than jealousy. :)

Your aesthetic is not my own personal style, but it is still some good eye candy. I enjoy your point of view the way you enjoy friends that are different from you. have been a reader for 4-5 years now and will continue to visit your site. My fave current content is The Real Raleigh and Behind the Scenes. I miss your posts on your home design and wish to see more of your pop culture references.

Two random notes as I close-- I love that you refer to your husband as Brian Meares on the blog and not the "hubby", "hubster", or "mister"! And you are seriously the Carrie Bradshaw of the shelter/lifestyle blog world ��. Keep up the great work Lady!

I definitely think Instagram has dropped the number of good blogs and their content. I just don't care for IG. I get overexposed. I got tired of seeing cups of coffee or wine, with feet propped up at the end of the day. When I did do IG (for one hot minute) the thing I hated the most was some of my favorite bloggers basically reposted the exact pictures from their IG pics. BORING! I get it is fast and easy, but I do appreciate the time and effort it takes to put together a good blog post. And unlike the Unknown commenter on 2/9 at 6:54 pm, I love your travel shots with small commentary--one of my favorite things you do, along with Flings.

I LOVE your blog, it's one of the only ones I still read. I love all of your posts, you're doing a great job!