Two months ago, I asked you how I could improve DW and make visiting the site a more enjoyable experience. Well, I have been a busy little bee behind the scenes, and so far, on the tech front, I have: fixed the size issues some of you were having in Chrome and various browsers; given the forum tabs in the navigation bar drop-down menus; installed some serious spam-fighting plugins (you should be seeing much less on it now in the forums, but if it does pop up, please let me know!); installed better comment-rating thumbs; installed a site search bar at the top of the sidebar (unless you are reading on a tablet, in which case you’ll find it at the bottom of the screen); installed a category tag cloud in the sidebar; and the big one — I created a new mobile-friendly site and app (!), making it much easier and more pleasant to read DW on the go (I realize there’s no comment reply function in the mobile version and I hope eventually that will be an option I can add).
On the content front, I have brought back His Take columns, Google Search questions, the DW book club, and have been sharing more personal stories of my own. I’ve also been including more submissions from guest contributors. And I even got some of the lurkers talkin‘! There will be more good stuff to come, I promise.
In addition to all of this, I have a new social share menu at the bottom of each post, making it easier for you to share content on whatever social media platform you prefer. I have been active on Facebook for a long time (and am present, but not so active on Twitter). To stay up with you young people, I have just started instagramming and you are more than welcome to follow me for a little peek into my day-to-day life as a blogger, mother, wife, Brooklynite, wine-drinker, margarita-maker, chocolate-eater, cat-lover. That might not be your thing, but if it is, come find me; I hope to post once a day. Also! I am finally trying to embrace Pinterest. On a personal level, it’s a little … much for me. But I can no longer deny its power to drive traffic and I know that, without a presence on Pinterest, I have been missing out on many potential new readers. So, here I am, slowly going through my vast archives of content and pinning whatever I think may be relevant and of interest to Pinterest users. Are you on Pinterest? Follow me! And share my stuff. Honestly, one of the best — and I think, easiest — ways you can support this site and help ensure it sticks around is to share content and help attract new readers. New readers = higher pageviews = bigger ad revenue = DW long time. It also means more people will potentially click affiliate links and make purchases and increase my commissions.
Last year, my third year running DW, was the first year I didn’t lose money on the site. After paying overhead costs, babysitter fees, and taxes, I just about broke even. I am hoping this year I actually make a real profit – at least enough to convince me to keep investing the same level of time (about 20-25 hours a week, give or take) and thoughtfulness that I have been investing for the last three years. But I need your help for that. Please share my content. Share it on your own sites or with your friends or family or co-workers. Like it on Facebook or Tweet it on Twitter or Pin it on Pinterest. I cannot emphasize enough how important sharing is to the longevity and success of a website. It’s one of the most crucial things.
Finally, I’ll probably be doing another donation drive again soon. It still feels a little weird for me to run donation drives — I’m uncomfortable asking for money as I think most people probably are — but last year you generous people donated over $3,000, without which DW would have been in the hole — it would have cost more to maintain the site (including paying for 12 hours a week of childcare so I had time to work) than what the site earned. So your donations are greatly appreciated and, at this point, still needed. But I’m looking into different ways to do future donation drives, hopefully making them more fun and rewarding. I am wondering: what could I offer you in exchange for a donation? What are some simple things you would enjoy from me that would make donating feel a little more rewarding? Would you like a phone call from me to get personal one-on-one advice? Or private advice over email? Or the chance to choose a post topic? Or a postcard from me through snail mail? Ad sponsorship? A link to your website/business/project? Exclusive newsletter type emails? Ideas welcome! (And, yes, I realize many of you don’t want anything in return and feel like this site itself is the reward, which is totally sweet and I really appreciate that; I just like the idea of giving special thanks when/if I can to those whose support goes above and beyond).
Anyhoo… this turned into a much longer post than I intended, but I wanted to update you on what I’ve been working on, changes I’ve made, plans I have, etc. The year is off to a kick-ass start. As always, thank you for your continued support!!
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GatorGirl February 11, 2014, 3:09 pm
You could offer me more cute pictures of your cats! Or who is your favorite and least favorite commenter. I’m going to start saving my pennies for your donation drive!
Dear Wendy February 11, 2014, 3:14 pm
I actually thought about making a Cats of Dear Wendy calendar some time. And Drew and I have been working on a Dear Miles eBook. I mean, Miles has been working on a Dear Miles eBook. And I have been working on my own (for sale at some point) but with limited time and a long to-do list, it is taking a million years.
GatorGirl February 11, 2014, 3:25 pm
ohhhh I like the Miles book!
Addie Pray February 11, 2014, 3:33 pm
Oh oh oh and a Pups of Dear Wendy too? We could do a “match the pup with the DW commenter” game.
CatsMeow February 11, 2014, 3:49 pm
Nope. Cats only. My cats will win. It’s contest, right?
Addie Pray February 11, 2014, 4:11 pm
No my puppy would win! He is just the cuddliest thing ever. This morning we spooned and he had his paws wrapped around my arm. He can poop anywhere he wants as far as I’m concerned, he’s earned the right by being so god damn cute.
*
p.s. *everything* is a competition, duh!
iseeshiny February 11, 2014, 4:21 pm
Ummm as adorable as Moose is, my dog is pretty precious. Also, he rubs his face and licks his paws just like a cat – there is some crossover appeal there.
eta: http://i1336.photobucket.com/albums/o650/iseeshiny1/nox_zpsad61ae7f.jpg
So. Cute.
Addie Pray February 11, 2014, 4:33 pm
Oh so cute!!
Fabelle February 11, 2014, 4:11 pm
I am so happy that my cats have a chance to be in a calendar. It is what I wanted for them all along!
Northern Mermaid February 11, 2014, 4:16 pm
I have a polydactyl all black cat. I win!
Apparently the cats are a good idea.
lets_be_honest February 11, 2014, 4:21 pm
What’s polydactyl? Does it fly or have an extra leg?
Northern Mermaid February 11, 2014, 4:26 pm
Extra toes! He has big boxing glove feet.
kare February 11, 2014, 10:21 pm
My cat has a mustache!
Jessica T. February 12, 2014, 10:25 am
I didn’t realize you had an Amazon link–I will totally use it from now on, I buy stuff there all the time! And you definitely need to make time to get the book together. There is an initial (gulp) investment to get it ready, but think of all your readers who would love to buy a copy! I would! I mean, cats are really cute, but book sales are better–and it might attract more blog readers…..
Amy February 11, 2014, 3:15 pm
Hooray for Pinterest! And congrats on break even in year three! Here’s to a profitable 2014! I’m really really trying to remember to click to amazon from your site! I live in the middle of nowhere (like 50 minutes to the nearest Walmart and 2 1/2 hours to a mall) – so I do lots of internet shopping!
Dear Wendy February 11, 2014, 3:21 pm
Thanks! It really does add up. In December I made over $1000 on Amazon commissions alone — my best month yet!
ktfran February 11, 2014, 4:10 pm
Ugh, I try to remember too. I wish there were a way to save it to my Amazon profile so I wouldn’t have to think about it. Or, I just need it ingrained.
Amy February 11, 2014, 4:32 pm
That is awesome!!!! I bet you were thrilled! I’ll keep it up!
genevathene February 11, 2014, 5:00 pm
Hey Wendy, would it be possible to put some sort of Amazon button on your page so that we can just hit that before we shop? I almost always forget, and something like a DW button would be so helpful!
Dear Wendy February 11, 2014, 9:50 pm
It’s there at the top of the right sidebar where it says “Wendy’s Amazon Affiliate link.” Just click that button/widget and you’re all set.
genevathene February 13, 2014, 9:11 pm
Oh, duh! Sorry, with all the other ads I didn’t notice it at all. It’ll be my go to from now on, thanks! 🙂
Mells February 11, 2014, 8:36 pm
Hey Wendy, does the Amazon link give you any data on who (which users) does the most shopping launching from your site? or does it just give you a total figure on a monthly basis?
Also, I’m wondering if there are any plans for a Fans of DW meetup in NYC? Like a tea-time or happy hour or something.
Dear Wendy February 11, 2014, 10:00 pm
No, I can’t see who buys what. I can see WHAT is purchased, but not WHO purchased it. I know people worry about that, but no need — your shopping secrets are safe.
And, yes, there is a NYC DW meetup planned for next Saturday the 22nd:
Oh, now that I look at the thread, I see you’ve found it. We will count you in for the meetup!
lets_be_honest February 11, 2014, 3:21 pm
Hugs? Could we get hugs for donations? If not, maybe the name of your hairstylist?
Congrats on a good 3rd year!
Dear Wendy February 11, 2014, 3:22 pm
Come to the NYC meetup and I will happily hug you (no donation required). And I see Paula at Badlands in Park Slope for my haircuts.
lets_be_honest February 11, 2014, 3:24 pm
Awesome!! Thanks Wendy!
Fabelle February 11, 2014, 4:10 pm
I notice how you glossed over her suggestion you come to the meetup 😉
bethany February 11, 2014, 4:11 pm
That’s ’cause LBH is really a 50 year old man!
lets_be_honest February 11, 2014, 4:13 pm
I promise to try my best to come!
Mells February 11, 2014, 8:38 pm
Wow – so ignore my earlier question. Great minds….
bethany February 11, 2014, 3:23 pm
I bet AP would give you $500 for permanent 5 star status!
🙂
Followed you on instagram and Pinterest!
Addie Pray February 11, 2014, 3:31 pm
Yes! But I’m not feeling hopeful. I’ve seen so many down-thumbs lately. But it could be just when I’m whiny and attention-needy. So imma fix that. Starting…. Now.
*
This is me not being whiny or attention-needy! I love you guys! And this site looks great. I’d donate, Wendy, if you’d… let me kiss Jackson’s face off. (Oops, did that.) Only other thing I can think of is let me kiss Drew’s face off. Wait, um. … awkward!
Ella_ February 11, 2014, 3:45 pm
I know this sounds creepy, but last night I had a dream that you (Addie) taught me how to make baklava! Given that I have no idea what you look like or how to make baklava, I’m not sure what any of this was based on, but I remember it being delicious! So, you make excellent dream baklava, fyi.
Addie Pray February 11, 2014, 4:05 pm
Love this dream! Did I look cute? How was my hair?
Ella_ February 11, 2014, 4:21 pm
Your hair was beautiful and shiny and bouncy! You looked a lot like a young Rachel Weisz.
Addie Pray February 11, 2014, 4:32 pm
Sweet! And did I have big boobies?
Ella_ February 11, 2014, 6:04 pm
I don’t remember!
Brian Fairbanks February 11, 2014, 4:44 pm
So jealous right now.
Addie Pray February 11, 2014, 6:15 pm
Oh hi hi hi hi hi hi (<— breezy)
Brian Fairbanks February 12, 2014, 10:14 am
[fanning self]
Addie Pray February 12, 2014, 10:54 am
(winks and then drops pants)
what? whoa, no no AP, not cool, slow down, freak! (sorry, Brian, AP is rusty at this and is working on respecting boundaries and chillaxing and whatnot… she’ll get it right).
Brian Fairbanks February 12, 2014, 11:28 am
No, VERY cool, AP, VERY cool.
Dear Wendy February 12, 2014, 12:50 pm
You guys should totally get a hotel room on Valentine’s Day for five hours.
Addie Pray February 12, 2014, 12:53 pm
brilliant.
Addie Pray February 12, 2014, 1:02 pm
damn you jerk down thumber stop it!
Addie Pray February 12, 2014, 12:52 pm
gosh, someone thumb’d me down for dropping my pants on our second public flirt-fest-thing-whatever-this-is-we’ve-got-going-on-brian-poo. ‘WHAT a prude. (<— you have to say that like Chandler Bing does)
Brian Fairbanks February 12, 2014, 1:23 pm
Seems like someone is even more jealous than I am… Punky?
The five-hour hotel thing sounds perfect except there’s no need to just make it a Valentine’s-only-one-shot-deal-and-then-go-back-to-normalcy-thing.
kerrycontrary February 11, 2014, 3:23 pm
Wendy, not that you need to suggestions, but I think you can schedule tweets to go out ahead of time. So if your issue with twitter is that you forget or you don’t have time, you could schedule all the articles for the week. Also, I was really afraid of the pinterest rabbit hole but I kind of love it. Mostly for finding recipes and keeping them all in one place, and organizing wedding ideas (don’t hate—but seriously my wedding is mostly planned in like 2 months of engagement, so thanks pinterest).
Dear Wendy February 11, 2014, 3:33 pm
That’s what Drew always says too (about Twitter). But it takes like 10 seconds to send a Tweet out, so it’s not even about time, really. I have just found that I get zero traffic from twitter (even on my old account where I had a decent number of followers). I don’t really like Twitter very much, but having spent a few hours on Pinterest over the last few days, I can appreciate it better now. It’s so overwhelming though!
kerrycontrary February 11, 2014, 3:53 pm
Ah that’s a good point though. Yeh Pinterest is overwhelming but after a bit I really appreciated having a visual representation. I can see why people used to (or still do) make vision boards.
lets_be_honest February 11, 2014, 3:57 pm
I get so many decorating and outfit ideas from there. I love it.
bethany February 11, 2014, 3:26 pm
Is there any way you can make the site look like an Excel spreadsheet so I don’t get busted at work? 🙂
Fabelle February 11, 2014, 4:08 pm
hahaha I’m on board with this now that I don’t have a privacy screen over my monitor at work anymore 🙁 (I wound up buying one for my phone, though… that’s off the deep end DW addict territory, right??)
lets_be_honest February 11, 2014, 3:28 pm
More shopping posts are always good. Even if you do Thing of the Day every day, which would probably take you only a few minutes to post.
Dear Wendy February 11, 2014, 3:30 pm
The problem is I don’t actually shop enough! I used or at least window shop (or, like, the internet version), but I don’t even do that much anymore. Maybe Pinterest will inspire me in that regard.
theattack February 11, 2014, 3:37 pm
You could always give LBH that column and let it be “LBH’s Item of the Day” because we all know she shops enough to keep it running. 😉
Plus we would all have something to drink to every morning.
lets_be_honest February 11, 2014, 3:43 pm
Hahaha. Double bonus! I just wish I could’ve bought my furniture or house through Wendy’s link. Haha.
lets_be_honest February 11, 2014, 3:41 pm
What if commenters each were assigned a week to share their favorite things with links through Amazon? I’d totally do that.
theattack February 11, 2014, 3:42 pm
That would be a great idea. We would all have time to think back on some of our purchases, and there would be a huge variety of items.
lets_be_honest February 11, 2014, 3:58 pm
I’m not saying I started a list already…but its got 5 things on it so far.
lets_be_honest February 11, 2014, 4:03 pm
12
theattack February 11, 2014, 4:04 pm
I think you’re going to need a few weeks all to yourself at least.
GatorGirl February 11, 2014, 4:05 pm
I’m already debating what I would put on mine. I have so many ideas.
theattack February 11, 2014, 4:11 pm
Do you really have lots of ideas? Writing out my list is making me realize how uncool I am. haha You guys will just have to enjoy mundane household items on my list.
rachel February 11, 2014, 4:12 pm
Ha, me too. I haven’t really had the budget to shop for fun stuff in a while. I could browse amazon and make a wishlist I guess.
GatorGirl February 11, 2014, 4:21 pm
I’m mostly thinking about stuff I already have that I think everyone should own. Like a rice maker. I love the shit out of my rice maker. And I have some dream items that have been floating in my head for a while.
lets_be_honest February 11, 2014, 4:22 pm
Damn GG. You’re wild! A rice maker? Someone’s living on the edge! 😉
jk – I think I’m putting post it notes on my list.
GatorGirl February 11, 2014, 4:25 pm
hahaha. Sometimes it’s the simple things that make life grand.
rachel February 11, 2014, 4:27 pm
So far I have my favorite book and my favorite cat collar. It’s gonna be awesome.
lets_be_honest February 11, 2014, 4:32 pm
So true!
theattack February 11, 2014, 4:35 pm
Rachel, put some cool stuff on your list about clouds or something!
lets_be_honest February 11, 2014, 4:39 pm
There’s a cloud artist that I love, so I just sent it to Rachel for her list!
Lianne February 11, 2014, 3:44 pm
Me too…I am an avid “window” shopper.
Dear Wendy February 11, 2014, 3:47 pm
Yes! I love this idea.
call-me-hobo February 11, 2014, 3:54 pm
LOVE THIS.
kerrycontrary February 11, 2014, 3:54 pm
Yup! Great idea!!
GatorGirl February 11, 2014, 4:00 pm
I was going to suggest this! I love it!
ktfran February 11, 2014, 4:12 pm
I LOVE this idea too.
Addie Pray February 11, 2014, 4:16 pm
That’s the shittiest idea ever! (I just said that to break the monotony.) I think it’s a great idea! I’d love to read everyone’s favorite items of the week.
lets_be_honest February 11, 2014, 4:20 pm
hahaha. You’re just jealous everyone loves me, fine, loves my idea.
Addie Pray February 11, 2014, 4:30 pm
Not at all. Did you see my new MO above? I am no longer whiny or attention-needy. Duh, catch up!
*
Oh that reminds me. Did you hear about the papa tomato and the baby tomato who are walking down the street? Well the baby tomato started lagging behind and it made the papa tomato really mad, so he goes over to the baby tomato, and knocks him to the ground and beats him real bad and smooshes him… and yells, “Catch up!”
Ok that’s one of those that are better told orally than in writing.
Addie Pray February 12, 2014, 12:27 am
Also sorry that joke whilst totally funny is not funny bc it promotes child abuse.
Amy February 11, 2014, 4:45 pm
What about a new recommendation for tinted moisturizer? I ordered the one you recommended last spring in medium tint and loved it! I finally ran out – and now it’s not available on amazon – or anywhere else on the internet either. I am crying a little inside right now over it.
stickelet February 11, 2014, 3:35 pm
Oh I like this idea too. I’m not an online shopper, but maybe Thing of the Week? And then I could buy it from your Amazon link. I’ve bought stuff from your gift guides before that turned out to be the perfect gift for someone that I never would have thought of buying if I hadn’t seen it here.
stickelet February 11, 2014, 3:32 pm
I’m a lurker but I still like the idea of the donation drives and I think I’ve donated each time. It’s a reminder that I spend half my day on your site so giving something back isn’t a big deal. As far as getting something in return, I think personal advice or a personalized newsletter would just take up so much of your time and energy. Personally, I’d be happy with some cat pictures as GG suggested! Thanks for all you do, and I’ll be following you on Pinterest, which is my other favorite time waster.
Lianne February 11, 2014, 3:33 pm
I love Pinterest and will be sure to follow and repin your pins! I also am pretty good about linking from here to Amazon…and I did a LOT of holiday shopping on Amazon.
What do the stars mean anyway? I must have missed that!
Dear Wendy February 11, 2014, 3:37 pm
Thank you!
Re. the stars: in the forums, there are stars under people’s user names, which are a reflection of a user’s “popularity” (i.e. how many thumbs up or thumbs down they get) in the comments section.
Lianne February 11, 2014, 3:39 pm
Looks like I need to start commenting more! 😉
lets_be_honest February 11, 2014, 3:42 pm
There, I gave you a thumb. You can just thumb up all my comments forever in return. 🙂
Lianne February 11, 2014, 3:45 pm
Done! 😀
Addie Pray February 11, 2014, 4:54 pm
All this love you are showing each other is warming my heart and there is no jealousy here, not a bit, nope, nada.
katie February 11, 2014, 3:43 pm
i love the idea of getting a postcard in the mail from you. i’d scrapbook the shit out of that.
lets_be_honest February 11, 2014, 3:47 pm
that’s sounds borderline shrine/stalkery.
katie February 11, 2014, 4:49 pm
your just mad the DW shrine was my idea.
lets_be_honest February 11, 2014, 4:53 pm
haha
rachel February 11, 2014, 4:50 pm
It’s only stalkery if it includes a lock of hair.
katie February 11, 2014, 4:52 pm
shit.
lets_be_honest February 11, 2014, 4:53 pm
Hey! Just because I asked for her hairstylist doesn’t mean I’m bringing pictures of Wendy so my cut and color is exactly like her’s!
katie February 11, 2014, 4:53 pm
(kidding, kidding- i dont have a lock of wendy’s hair)
rachel February 11, 2014, 3:47 pm
Yes! That would be cool, I love saving things like that.
othy February 11, 2014, 3:43 pm
I’ve been loving the personal essays you’ve been posting lately. It’s nice to see cool content beyond your standard advice answers. Keep it up!
On a side note, I still can’t find an option to reply to specific posts on the main site. I see the thumbs to rate, but not to reply. If I want to reply to a specific comment, I have to switch to the desktop mode before I can see the reply button.
Dear Wendy February 11, 2014, 3:50 pm
Right, I mentioned that in my first paragraph. Right now, unfortunately, that seems to be beyond my control. I know it isn’t ideal, but it’s the best I can offer at the moment.
othy February 11, 2014, 3:54 pm
Teach me to skim through things. I’ll read more carefully next time 🙂
csp February 11, 2014, 3:50 pm
Another idea is maybe doing sponsored posts. Some of the other blogs I read do that. Like, see if Match.com wants to sponsor a post about online dating dos and don’ts. Or a bridal magazine or a parents magazine. see if there are profitable partnerships that don’t compromise your integrity, ya know.
call-me-hobo February 11, 2014, 3:53 pm
Following you on Pinterest now (So glad you pinned your video on how to make a Bailey’s martini- I was craving one and I couldn’t remember which post you shared that on!)
lets_be_honest February 11, 2014, 3:59 pm
That post turned me into a borderline alcoholic for a few weeks.
call-me-hobo February 11, 2014, 4:05 pm
I was scouring through the house looking for cooking supplies and I found a random unopened bottle of Bailey’s… and I can’t remember buying it. Or getting it as a gift. ALCOHOL FAIRY. So then I tried to find that post on DW and I couldn’t find it!
I’m gonna destroy that bottle now, lol.
rachel February 11, 2014, 4:56 pm
I wish I had an alcohol fairy!
mylaray February 11, 2014, 3:58 pm
Yay for all the good news! I don’t do social media besides Instagram, but I’m so glad you have one now and will definitely follow you there. Instagram has really helped with my business so hopefully with all of the social media, you get lots more traffic!
.
I would totally buy postcards/small typographic prints of quotes and phrases you’ve said, but I realize that may be too much trouble/time to do with everything else.
lets_be_honest February 11, 2014, 4:01 pm
That’s a genius idea! I would buy them too!
Northern Mermaid February 11, 2014, 4:21 pm
I don’t know if Wendy would be open to the idea—but I’m juuuuust getting started working with design stuff for my job and I need projects to practice with—I’d be happy to donate some prints for her to sell. I know you’re not supposed to art for free (and I’m SO SORRY REAL ARTISTS) but I like doing art with a purpose and I don’t really have the money to donate to the site, but I do have the time, and a semi-useful skill.
lets_be_honest February 11, 2014, 4:25 pm
Whose the nicest DWer? It might be beneficial to have her link your etsy or something in case someone likes your stuff, but wants it personalized.
Northern Mermaid February 11, 2014, 4:35 pm
That’s a good point. It’s also fun for me, and I’m probably going to dry up of ideas for my 365 day drawing/art challenge, so heck yes for fun prompts.
kare February 11, 2014, 10:33 pm
I think it would be cool to have a post with commenter’s etsy shops listed! I wish I was crafty enough to have an etsy.
call-me-hobo February 11, 2014, 4:26 pm
Ummm- I may have drawn a cartoon logo of Wendy. A couple of months ago. For no reason. I thought about sending in to DW and then I was like, “Damn, I’m gonna look like a super stalkery person if I do that”.
NM- if I send it to you could we print it? I’m all up for doing free art for Wendy!
Northern Mermaid February 11, 2014, 4:29 pm
hobo-Yes. We should totally come up with something. I draw cartoons of my friends, and a lot of time of myself…to appear less stalkery. Unfortunately, now my art tumblr mostly looks like I draw self portraits.
Northern Mermaid February 11, 2014, 4:30 pm
For example, I drew my picture on here.
call-me-hobo February 11, 2014, 4:32 pm
LINK ME TO YOUR TUMBLR.
Northern Mermaid February 11, 2014, 4:37 pm
personal: northernselkie.tumblr.com
art only: annalisadrawsdaily.tumblr.com
If you want to message me, go to the northernselkie one, I rarely look at annalisadrawsdaily, I just reblog to it!
Northern Mermaid February 11, 2014, 4:37 pm
personal: northernselkie.tumblr.com
art only: annalisadrawsdaily.tumblr.com
If you want to message me, go to the northernselkie one, I rarely look at annalisadrawsdaily, I just reblog to it!
Northern Mermaid February 11, 2014, 4:42 pm
PS. If you go to look at my art tumblr, the drawing on Feb. 6 is Alice.
call-me-hobo February 11, 2014, 4:51 pm
I just started following both your tumblrs!
Dear Wendy February 11, 2014, 9:56 pm
I want to see it please! Email me a copy!!
mylaray February 11, 2014, 4:35 pm
There’s nothing wrong with doing art for free for a good purpose 🙂
Oh and like NM, I’m a graphic designer and also willing to design some things for free if you’re open to it.
Northern Mermaid February 11, 2014, 4:43 pm
Maybe we could all the DW artists who are down can do a Wendy series and we can do DW inspired art for her to use as merch/sell as prints if she wants!
call-me-hobo February 11, 2014, 4:53 pm
I call dibs on the artistic interpretation of the toothless groomsman!
Northern Mermaid February 11, 2014, 5:00 pm
I want Ramona the pantsless wino, and Jodie the make up free.
lets_be_honest February 11, 2014, 5:04 pm
Oh God, who wants a picture of some ugly hag with no makeup?
Northern Mermaid February 11, 2014, 5:04 pm
You’re hilarious.
Dear Wendy February 11, 2014, 4:40 pm
What a nice offer! Let’s talk. I’ll email you this week.
Fabelle February 11, 2014, 4:07 pm
Yay, Instagram! Yay, Pinterest! (I think I’m already following you? maybe? I’ll check when I’m home)
And yay donations, I was thinking of starting a thread around Christmas for everyone to donate, but then I was a brokeass so I didn’t. I’m not a brokeass during this time of year though 😀 haha
PumpkinLatte February 11, 2014, 4:23 pm
I love, love this site. Thank for adding all of those improvements – especially the mobile-friendly site! I would donate out of the goodness of my heart if you did another donation drive, but I wouldn’t turn down a personal kick in the ass via email if you offered that in exchange too…
Bugaboo3 February 12, 2014, 12:11 pm
Your screen name is making me crave one right now from Starbucks, but I have to wait almost a WHOLE year. Dislike. 🙁
sarolabelle February 11, 2014, 4:27 pm
Can you do giveaways? Your blog is like the only blog I read that doesn’t have at least one giveaway post a week. I think you could totally do that. This was on YHL yesterday and truthfully I can see it fitting it more with your readers than with YHL readers:
http://www.younghouselove.com/2014/02/fab-freebie-cupids-bar/
Addie Pray February 11, 2014, 4:34 pm
gasp – you read other blogs? blasphemy!
Addie Pray February 12, 2014, 11:36 am
oh hey, lookie there, a comment by AP that received ZERO down-thumbs. Hey, down-thumber, your job is not done!
Addie Pray February 12, 2014, 11:45 am
asshat.
lets_be_honest February 11, 2014, 4:37 pm
I think sponsors provide the giveaways as a form of advertising, so it might not be beneficial at all to Wendy. Could be wrong though.
sarolabelle February 11, 2014, 4:50 pm
If BaubleBar would pay Wendy to do a giveaway on her website then it could make her money!
lets_be_honest February 11, 2014, 5:08 pm
That would be awesome!
No Pantalones Today February 11, 2014, 4:43 pm
Oh, yes. I second all of the hoorays and yays for Pinterest and Instgram! I’m not regularly active on Pinterest, but I will if it means more Baileys martinis (and things of the sort). Ok, just followed you on Instagram, too.
I definitely like the of a “You Choose the Post” column. I think of ideas all of the time and the promptly forget them, so I had the chance to shoot off an e-mail with ideas, or post them to a forum, that would be lovely. And more guest posts from fellow women in their 30s would be swell.
Has there ever been a Philly meetup?
bethany February 12, 2014, 8:59 am
We have had 2 or 3 Philly meetups. I’m down for another though! If you’d like to organize one, post something in the meetup forum!
No Pantalones Today February 12, 2014, 11:41 am
Awesome! I’ll go post something right now 🙂
lets_be_honest February 11, 2014, 4:44 pm
I know its likely just me who would want it, but I’d love a post for teenagers starting to date or just anything for teenagers/tweens.
theattack February 11, 2014, 4:50 pm
I don’t know. Part of me thinks that’s a good idea, but I also think that a lot of our advice here only applies to adults and could be somewhat damaging to a teen. Teens seem like a completely different ballfield to me. I also think commenters would have to adopt a better attitude toward young people because there’s a pattern of brushing off anything that happens before age 25 as unimportant. It’s a good idea in theory, but I don’t know how it would actually work out.
The other day though I was thinking about how if I had a teen daughter I would write her a letter for when I die that tells her to go join Dear Wendy for good life advice in my absence. Like you guys would be substitute moms.
lets_be_honest February 11, 2014, 5:32 pm
That’s all very true! Good point.
Jess February 11, 2014, 4:56 pm
Honest too goodness Wendy, I’m just so glad and amazed that you do all the hard work to keep this running –especially when you barely break even! We should be thanking YOU. A little donation once a year is a price I’m happy to pay to keep you going.
I will try to do some sharing too. I have to be honest that I have been shy about sharing DW content because I use my real name and have written some pretty personal stuff that I wouldn’t want friends and family to see. Maybe I need to change my username (but then no one would know its me! –dilemma…).
Anyway, no requests. No thank you needed. I’m happy to donate as long as you keep writing.
Dear Wendy February 11, 2014, 5:57 pm
Thanks, Jess. Or should I say, “Thanks, Karen”?
bethany February 12, 2014, 9:00 am
I gave you a thumbs down by accident last night on my phone, and couldn’t figure out how to change it. SORRY!!!
Christy February 11, 2014, 5:20 pm
Wendy, do you send out Christmas/Hanukkah cards? I would TOTALLY give a certain dollar amount to be on your Christmas/Hanukkah card list. (Is that WAY too creepy? Would you do it anyway?)
Dear Wendy February 11, 2014, 5:58 pm
I think I will do postcards as a reward for a certain dollar amount since there seems to be enough interest in that.
katie February 11, 2014, 6:16 pm
ok god i love this idea tooo!!!!
Morgan February 11, 2014, 7:27 pm
Yay Pinterest and Instagram! I only spend about a million hours a week on both those sites. In my defense, I instagram for work. Pinterest…I have no excuses. I followed you on both Wendy!
Also, can I just say how much I appreciate that you solicit feedback and implement changes based on the feedback and generally keep commenters in the loop about the status of the site and your life running it and such. This site has such a great community and it all starts with you.
Oh, and I love the readers amazon list of the week idea!
lemongrass February 11, 2014, 10:05 pm
I said this before somewhere else but I think you should run a he said/she said column with Drew. Or a video column in which you discuss the letter. You could get AP to do the voice of the LW’s.
kare February 11, 2014, 10:36 pm
For some reason, my thumbs aren’t working but I love both of these ideas!!!!
Addie Pray February 12, 2014, 12:24 am
Yes!!!
Addie Pray February 12, 2014, 11:15 am
HEY DOWN THUMBER, YOU FORGOT TO DOWN-THUMB THIS COMMENT
Addie Pray February 12, 2014, 11:20 am
AND THIS ONE TOO
Addie Pray February 12, 2014, 11:21 am
ALSO YOUR MOM IS MEAN.
Addie Pray February 12, 2014, 11:21 am
WENDY, MAKE THIS MEANIE STOP!
Addie Pray February 12, 2014, 11:25 am
W E N D Y, this isn’t fair. This person hates my guts. That is not fair.
lets_be_honest February 12, 2014, 11:25 am
haha, this is pretty funny.
Who are you anonymous thumbdowner?
GatorGirl February 12, 2014, 11:27 am
bahahaha I did one of them just to be a dick.
Addie Pray February 12, 2014, 11:33 am
Yea, super funny, in Opposite Land. But in Not Opposite Land? It’s NOT funny, it’s NOT fair, it’s hurting my ego, it’s giving me an ulcer, also it’s obvious that this meanie DOWN THUMBER was teased as a kid. There.
Addie Pray February 12, 2014, 11:35 am
make it stop, you guys. i can’t handle this. my stars are going to go from yellow to poop brown now, i just know it.
Dear Wendy February 12, 2014, 12:53 pm
Everyone loves you, AP, except for jerks.
thatgirl February 12, 2014, 10:47 am
I would definitely donate if my incentive was: At least once a month, Wendy would reply to one of my comments with something awesomely wonderful saying how smart and insightful I am….or AP…AP would work too….
Addie Pray February 12, 2014, 10:53 am
Now that’s the smartest and most insightful comment I’ve seen!!
thatgirl February 12, 2014, 11:11 am
YAY!! I’m in!!
Addie Pray February 12, 2014, 11:14 am
Now, who the hell down-thumb’d me for THAT? Oh, thatgirl, you got a down thumb for mentioned me too. It’s ok, so not everyone loves AP. That’s fine. I get it. I can handle it. I can handle it. I can handle. I’m handling it.
MsMisery February 12, 2014, 12:45 pm
Maybe someone doesn’t like Punky Brewster (though, how can you not??) Or maybe it is because you forgot the “amirite? *wink*”
Dear Wendy February 12, 2014, 12:54 pm
You are very smart and insightful.
thatgirl February 12, 2014, 1:56 pm
Thank you! Hahaha, i love this community!
MsMisery February 12, 2014, 12:43 pm
I am not on Instagram or Pinterest… I am avoiding all the things. I just know that if I joined I would never leave my computer desk. I have a Twitter but I don’t think I’ve used it in years (it’s probably been haxxed). I am following you on Facebook, though!
Wendy, any idea why I am no longer receiving the newsletter? I know I signed up once because I got them for a while, but then they stopped. They don’t even come to my spam folder. Do I just need to sign up again?
Dear Wendy February 12, 2014, 12:57 pm
I haven’t written a newsletter in ages and ages! It just fell to the bottom of the to-do list, sadly. I wish I had more time to get to everything I’d love to do!
MsMisery February 13, 2014, 12:41 pm
Oh well, that makes sense! Haha, it’s a better explanation than some technical mishap. In that case, don’t worry about it. There are plenty of other ways to get the DW fix 🙂