I have got some horrified comments lately regarding “that thing” at the top of my blog. It’s an ad mediated by the Swedish company Tailsweep. A big flashing one for sure.
When I first considered adding ads on the blog a couple of years ago I didn’t like the feeling the thought gave me. I thought it would affect my way of blogging in a negative way. That I would feel haunted and forced to blog just to satisfy the sponsors. I was also afraid that my readers would not like it. After a couple of years and much thought I realized that I was still blogging in a frequent way and that I had the urge to go on with it. The ads had become more and more common over the web and at blogs so it felt like a good time to try if it could work for me as well. I began hosting sponsorships that I felt to be right for me and my readers. At first it felt a bit awkward I must admit. But after a while the good feeling of being able to contribute financially to my family by doing something that I love was stronger.
From an economical point of view things are more stable today compared to a couple of years ago. As many of you know I work broadly, that has actually been the key to make things going. Today I am in a position where I can choose in a much greater extent than before. I am finally able to turn down for me, depleted projects, that I felt forced to take on before. But even if things are changed to the better I’m still dreaming of being able to feed on what I do completely, and what I want to do.
I am aware of that blogging things that I’m fond off here and there, show off my country house, sitting in a dark cubby and play with dollhouses may seem depraved, frivolous and even ridiculous to many. The thing is it’s just that kind of thing that I really love to do, most. Maybe I should be ashamed, hide and explain myself. Or I could go on and hope that you still want to visit me tomorrow. For you to come here is important to me. I have many sweet friends but basically I am the epitome of a loner. I’m not the one who hang out at parties, or even socialize monthly. Ask any of my friends. I believe I’m boring. Although I have fun. I do enjoy communicating though, especially from my chamber.
I sincerely wish that more people could make a living on what they love to do. It is a privilege. And I hope of course that you do not need to “sell yourself” to be able to do it. I’m not sure if that is what I’m doing now or not.
Because the new, big flashing one is an ad not chosen by me. It is chosen by the company behind it, to suit my (Swedish) audience. If it fits I do not know, and I’m not at all sure if it was such a good idea. But now it’s there and maybe it will give new possibilities. Let’s see.
Vet du, såna där “saker” ser jag inte längre. Jag går lixom direkt på kärnan. Bläddrar ner bara. Kanske inte så bra för dina affärer. Men det jag vill säga att annonserna stör mig faktiskt inte. Det är väl som i tidningar. Man kikar på dem man blir intresserad av, de andra bläddrar man förbi. Tidningen, bloggen är ju fortfarande intressant!
Hej Helena,
tack för “tröstande” kommentar. Som sagt inte enkelt på något vis att ta ställning till reklam, särskilt inte som det kan gynna en själv. Är det det som kallas girighet kanske? Nåväl, nu sitter den där. Det har jag ju tagit ställning till.
Hi there,
I use Firefox, and I have the add-on “Adblock plus”, that’s really the best way to not deal with ads, without affecting the blogger! I wondered a second what you meant with “that thing”… I dont see it!!! I love that add-on, it makes surfing a lot nicer, and people can still make money with ads (I guess ads companies will figure a way to go around that add-on eventually, but in the meanwhile…)
Keep on the good work! You’re an inspiration, I also aspire to make a living doing what i love!
Cheers from Germany,
Gaelle
Oh I had not heard about add-on. Let’s talk quietly about it ;)
Cheers Gaelle!
Nä, mig stör det inte ett dugg…har inte ens sett den förrän idag…och uppiggad blir jag av att det är fler än jag som trivs bäst pysslandes på kammaren. så bara fortsätt Elisabeth…du är fantastisk
och piggar upp mitt blogtittande väldigt mycket…roligt är vad det är!
Tack Bmo. Det är ömsesidigt, även du piggar upp mig, hos dig :)
We all do what we have to do. You provide a lot of inspiration for people, and I know also that blogging is a lot of work. There is nothing wrong with wanting some compensation for all your efforts and time put into the blog.
I love the country house posts. I hope you keep them coming.
Annonser är sällan kul. Dock håller jag med Helena, det är bara att bläddra förbi om man inte är intresserad. Hoppas att de ger dig behållning och resultat i förlängningen. Skit i olyckskorpar!
Well did it, affect your way of blogging?
Hi F. it didn’t!
Your blog has been one of my daily inspirations for the past three years, ad or no ad. Thanks for being so honest about the ‘thing’. I understand, and think you just have to see what works best for you.
Can’t wait to meet ‘boring’ you!
Ha ha, I’m looking forward to meet you Deborah :) Thanks for your words.
Jeg holder af din blog, også med blinkende reklamer.
Det er DIN blog og DU vælger, hvad den skal indeholde.
Jeg vælger jo “bare” at kigge med :-)
I read your posts through Google Reader, so no ads. But I would not mind seeing them on your blog. You are an endless source of inspiration. When I read your posts there no envy or bad kharma, there’s only aspiration and motivation. I also want to live my own dreams, so I keep dreaming and working :) Thank you for sharing your work, your house and your thoughts it with us. Greetings from sunny Romania
Hello,
Your blog is one of my favourite places. I enjoy the adventures of the dolls house and the country house very much along with your recommendations of other great blogs and products. I certainly noticed that big flashy thing at the top – you can’t miss it! But I see straight past it, I’m looking for your world on the page not ads and if people are happy to pay you to place it there I don’t see a problem.
I am relieved to hear that Polly, Benny, Vera and Losarinas mor. I was hoping to hear what you say actually. Even if I of course would prefer to be completely independent. Thank you.
I’ve been reading your blog for years and have never felt the need to comment until now that I just want to say: “you go girl!” :P
Will always love your blog – ads or not. Doesn’t matter. Loving what you are doing is what matters. Rock on!
Don´t mind about the rube or lousy comments, I just don´t understand these people who give´s these lousy comments to bloggers. Have a nice summer!
Just make your dreams come true. Make no excuses for your ads – your blog is lovely, with or without them. We share the same passion for dollhouses. If that is what makes us happy, who cares about parties?
Hi Elisabeth,
I hope you didn’t think I was “horrified”. No, just surprised. The style of advertising seems so contrary to the look and feel of your blog world – that’s all. Certainly don’t begrudge the reality of commerce and there’s nothing wrong with capitalizing on what you do so well and love.
xox
Hi Gina, oh horrified might not be the right word. I can understand how that blinking thing can surprise and for sure irritate the eye. I believe I’m a bit ashamed of the capitalizing. Even though I hope it would help me to slow down the work pace a bit. And I do feel that I want to “explain” too. Since I don’t want to become, or being seen as an “greedy capitalist”.
I’m glad to have you here, all of you xxx
Hi Elisabeth, how much I understand you ! I love your universe !
Har aldrig tänkt på reklamen (som flera har påpekat) och som andra Helena skrev så är det faktiskt bara att scrolla förbi. Jag läste någonstans att man kan se på en blogg som en tidning, en väldigt personligt utformad tidning. Och tidningar försörjer ju sig på reklam och det är ingen som ifrågasätter det. Kör hårt på annonserna. Vi vill ju att du ska ha tid att blogga och skapa och inte hålla på med massa annat strunt för att tjäna pengar. :D
Hello Elisabeth,
It is great to follow your heart. And that you can do what you love most! And if you can make some money with it that is even better!! I wish I could do that also. Thank you for your blog. I love the houses you show us and that you can buy in sverige. I am dreaming every day to have a house there…. Much love marjo
Hej Elisabeth,
I think it has been very inspirational to see how you have created this beautiful place and can keep it going. The fact that you can choose your work is something to be really proud of.
Althoug I understand the confusion corcerning the ads I think the most important thing is that you can keep on doing those things that you love it makes us happy too!!!
Have a lovely summer!!!
Dear Elizabeth,
I have you on google reader and therefore I did not know at first what you were talking about. I had to go to your page to find out. The ad is kind of different but I understand, even without you saying so, that you had a good reason to put it up there. I like you blog, your doll houses, your choice of things and therefore I dont care that there is some smashing ad at the top. It diseappears when one scrolls down anyway. Good luck and keep posting.
Magda
An add at the top of your blog does not stop me from connecting with your unique story, which I come back daily to read about. For whatever reason, your life is somewhat compelling! Besides, who can’t scroll???
I think is makes no difference, the world you’ve created here is so beautiful and calming, and we’re all so used now to mentally filtering out commercial ads! I liked very much that you explained your mixed feelings about it in such an honest and human way. x
Hey, Elisabeth! Well, to be honest, I think this blog is yours and these kinda decisions (take sponsors and so on) only matter to you. I mean, you are the one behind the website, so if it’s good to take money from these kinda business… Why not? I think this can be a problem when you write about things and not exactly tell the audience it’s all about sponsorship (HUGE topic in Brazil, specially when it comes to fashion bloggers). When affects directly your credibility, yeah, I don’t like. But when it’s something purely visual, doesn’t bother much. :)
And I really believe that, if the blog is good enough, people won’t leave it just because of some ad (big, flashing one or not). I will always be around, as I’m brazilian and I’m absolutely fascinated by Scandinavia.
All the best to you! x
No worries – what you do still works and that’s most important.
Please, wait until the Summer is over to stop talking about that lovely country home! I do love the doll house too! It has been a very wet and boring winter down here in the Antipodes, we DO need some fresh flowers and evening walks to cheer us up! As for the add, I have to say it is not that nice, but, hey, just scroll down and carry on! :)
Hi E – For myself, there was an elephant in the room and I only wanted to coax it out. No judgement or criticism and certainly no “rude” intentions! I feel that we are friends of a kind and hope you know that I come from a good place. Not adversarial. It’s just a shame that in the blog world, it seems that some people (not you) are reflexively defensive about any comment that isn’t all hearts and flowers. Anyway, I wouldn’t worry about coming off as a greedy capitalist. Not someone who likes to play with rain drops and doll houses. ;^) xx G
Oh I know Gina. Didin’t feel any judgement at all from you (even if I would have understand and also accepted it). Friends for sure. So great :)
I admit I was a bit surprised when I first saw the ad, but it’s not a big deal at all. I think it’s great if you’re self- and family-supporting doing what you love, and if an ad enables that, it’s all good. Besides, maybe someone will benefit from seeing the ad, they’re not always bad things. I love your blog, thanks for doing it daily and cheering us all up who maybe hope to live in a similar way one day!
You work hard, your work is such an inspiration, please do not apologise for wanting to make a living doing what you love:) Enjoy it! Everyone else who comes here seems to!XX
Whether we like it or not bills have to be paid and we do the best we can. You do a wonderful job inspiring so many people, Elisabeth. I love visiting here and I do admit I was surprised when I first saw the ad at the top a couple of weeks ago now, but I thought nothing of it… It doesn’t change anything. I still love reading your posts and enjoying your fabulous photos :) It is my DREAM to live off doing what I love too. Good luck to you, I say! Kx
Hello, I read you in a reader and only see the ads when I come over to comment. I don’t speak Swedish so the ad means nought to me but if I did, if I liked it I’d click, I can’t get hung up on the ads/no ads debate. If it funds your bliss, then do it. I’m sure you’ll be as ethical and authentic as you can be.
I dont think you are boring or frivilous or depraved or ridiculous.
I like you very much although I know I haven’t met you in person and your blog continues to be one of my favourites and one that inspires me and makes me smile, with or without ads. It doesn’t affect it at all for me because you are still the same person.
And I think if you can make a bit of dough out of something you love, than by god do it, better than slaving away for something with no love or joy for you in it at all
xo
PS I am boring too, i’m not a big party head, what I love most in the world is making my bears and toys, and believe me many people think that is weird x
hej elisabeth! at first when i saw “the thing”, i was confused, especially because i’m not in sweden and i saw a swedish ad anyway. at any rate, once i scroll down, i’m back to your lovely, inspiring blog. there’s nothing wrong with wanting some compensation for what you do. *and* you do what you love. that’s incredible. i’ll always come back here, ad or no ads! :-)
Hello, if I were to choose only one blog, it would be yours so much I find itself inside. It is a generous blog and which inspires to us without voyeurism. Especially change nothing there and so much worse for the pubs, important it is the spirit of the blog… thanks for making us divide your universe and to enable me to visit a so pretty country house (we do not have anything also pretty in France!) to soon
i loved resding your entry today. actually, i have a big girl crush (my new favorite word) on all that you do since discovering you about a year ago.
it’s always so refreshing & humbling to read the thoughts of people you admire & feel more connected to what they do as artists. i can completely relate when you talk about being a loner. it’s funny. i love being with people when i do have the opportunity, but at the end of the day, i feel the most comfort when i am in my own chamber, as you say. & yet there is this deep sense of wanting to connect with others. i suppose that’s where blogging, creating comes in. connecting through a different platforms of sorts.
i just found yiur writing to be genuine & appreciated knowing that just because one might prefer alone time does not equate to not creating impactful moments in the lives of others. you do so beautifully.
*oops, please excuse my typos. not so accurate on the ipad. ;)
Hi Elisabeth, I’ve been following your blog for a while (I’m an illustrator and to me your blog is highly inspirational! I saw your china the other day in a shop here in Utrecht, the Netherlands and almost felt like I looked at a friends work). I did notice ‘the thing’ but guess what, one can scroll down and it’s gone! So I just wanted to let you know it doesn’t bother met, I still visite your blog with joy! ;-) Kim
I am totally with you. blogging is a lot of fun, but a lot of work too. getting somehow paid for it, it is a good thing!
Heja dig. Det märks att du älskar det du håller på med. Och strot grattis för att du lyckas hitta sätt att tjäna pengar på det du gör. Kör på!
Hi Elisabeth,
I must say I was a bit surprised the first time I saw it, but now, I barely notice it when I get on your page. My brain can easily cut off the adds :)
I love your blog and if that add can help you stay longer in your fantastic cottage and make you share more images from there, I’m all for it!
Dear Elisabeth,
You are an inspiration, and your blog is hugely inspiring!
Your designs are inspiring, your styling is inspiring, your business model is inspiring, and your honesty is inspiring.
If placing an advert at the top of your page enables you to make more money, and thus enables you to spend more time designing, making and blogging, rather than having to take on other jobs (and ones that you dislike) to make ends meet then, I think, that fact in itself, is a wonderful thing and nothing less!
We all have to compromise on our ideas and dreams at sometime in someway. I think, that is just the reality of life. In an ideal world creative pursuits might be separated from the more commercial, but in this world we all have to make a living.
My only concern would be if the sponsorship were to impose on your freedom of expression. But it seems as though it does not ;)
I can understand that some readers may feel that your blog is their daily retreat from the more commercial places of the internet and that this advertisement is somehow imposing on their peaceful visit. I for one, however would much rather see the ad and understand that it is going to allow you greater creative freedom. Freedom to continue to blog in the way that you do, in regards to the frequency of your blogging and the amount of time you can allow yourself to spend designing your products, styling your beautiful photographs and sourcing your incredible links, because blogging is now a more financially viable pursuit for you than it was before.
In my opinion, Fine Little Day is a most beautiful place to visit, regardless of whether there are ads and sponsors, or not.
Anna x
I don’t mind your top banner ad. I don’t mind any of your ads. I like your permanent sponsors more, I think. Especially Cocoon Couture, which I go to all the time. In fact, I may go there right now…
Your blog definitely informs my dreams. I’m sure of it. Images from your blog filter into my dreams.
Hey, I thought of you last night when I watched the Pedro Almodovar film “Que He Hecho Yo Para Merecer Esto.” Near the end of the film there is some wallpaper that I think you would think is neat.
Nice photos today. I love the final dollhouse photo. And I love the photo where the teddy bear is looking at the painting. And I like the nature photo at the beginning.
I really love your blog. It inspires me a lot and makes me happy! Thank you. Please continue what you are doing!
Hi Elisabeth,
I know what you mean. It does not matter what other people think of you or what you do. As long as you have a good feeling about it, that’s all that count. I have the same problem. I get a lot of comment on how I run my business. You have no idea what people write to me, especially other illustrators. Are they jealous? I really don’t know and I don’t care. I just want to make nice designs for a reasonable price and make people happy with it. And that’s what makes me happy…..
I don’t care about the ads. Just keep blogging. You are such an inspiration to me. I really look forward to your posts. I love how you focus on the small and beautiful. So much of what I have pinned on Pinterest is due to you. I love how you shine a light on wonderful things that I would have never found myself. Thank you for that. Also, I really love your work!
I am touched and relieved by your comments. Advertising is a touchy subject, not always simply to relate to. I’m generally not a fan of advertising, although I often work with it. At the same time I promote my own business where I can. Advertising is annoying when it disturbs, banging on the door. But in the other hand when something interests me I can be grateful for it. This place has been, and still is for me, a recess from the rest of the noise in life. Perhaps that is why the subject feels extra tense. Anyway, thank you for your support!
I’m so glad you said something about “that thing” on the top of your blog. It’s definitely too loud to say nothing about it ;) Now everyone knows why this ad is there – and everything makes sense. Just keep blogging!
it’s funny: I just mentally ignore the ads, unless they are well designed, especially when it comes to looking at a design site like this one. We live in a paradoxical age, and no man is an island, so I ‘get’ that sometimes we have to make choices. I agree with your choices. love your work!
Thank you Elisabeth for your honesty. I think its great that you can earn money from your blog, that way we get to keep you on the net. Keep doing what you do beautifully, support your family, power to you! Mel:)
My favorite posts are those in which you are doing what you love. But then, I kind of love the same old things.
I totally understand the desire (need?) to make money doing what you love and totally endorse your ads, if it makes you happy.
Good luck with all of it and keep those posts I love so much coming…bring it on!
i only noticed that ad once, now i don’t even see it – that’s what scrolling is for ; ) plus its not what i come here for. your world and inspirations, your creations and play, glimpses of the beauty you find in life and your honesty are the things i come back for. your blog is such a wonderful reminder to me to follow my own dreams especially when i am in doubt or feeling that they seem frivolous and ridiculous to others. i get a little cheer from your place and leave feeling all is going to be ok. plus the bills need to be paid somehow right?! whatever works or needs to happen is your choice to make. x
The only blog ads that bother me are the ones that flash continuously while you’re trying to read- they hurt my eyes! Your big ad is at the top so it’s invisible once you scroll down, and the ones (currently) on the side don’t flash, so they’re very unobtrusive. Congratulations on the fact that your lovely work here helps support you & your family, & keep it up! xo
Just do what makes you happy :)
I thought I might just add, that I like your sponsors and the aesthetic of their adverts and I have clicked on them all, at one time or other. If the aesthetic of the larger advert were as beautiful as your blog, I wonder if anyone would’ve posted a negative comment about it?
Just keep doing what you are doing. I like it here, with or without the ad! :-)
Your post today is so sincere and honest, and it made me feel like I needed to add my voice to the many comments above cheering for you and telling you that we love your blog and your world and that it’s a quiet, dreamy, original and colourful corner of the internet. And if you’re able to make some money out of your special blog, we’re so happy for you. Thank you for sharing your world. Love from South Africa xx
Hi Elisabeth, when I saw the ad it didn’t bothered me much about the fact you have ads, honestly I got surprised only because unexpected and a bit flashy, but that’s all! Also I’m ads proof, they simply don’t work on me, so it makes no difference really. Good for you, hope your dreams will become fully true!
hugs from England…
PS: I don’t believe not even one second that you are boring, for instance I would love to come and play doll house with you! x
Would love that Alessandra ;)
Not being Swedish I don’t know what the advert says, but I say the world would be a better place if more people could make a living doing what they love. So I say go for it, it doesn’t effect what your readers think of you x
all i have i want to say is thank you for being so honest with all of those who love to read your blog :)
I don’t think there’s any need to apologize or to explain even, Elisabeth. Blogging takes time and effort, AND your content is available for FREE to anyone via the internet – why shouldn’t all that work, time and effort earn you some money?
Also, does anyone here really believe that your house in the country and your love of dollhouses mean that you’re frivolous?!
Just keep up the good work. That’s what it is: good.(hard).work. And we appreciate it. Thank you for blogging.
I was a little disconcerted and dismayed when I first saw that big ad. The flash of it really distracted for me from the beautiful quietness of one my favorite blogs. But then I scrolled down and forgot about it. And then I got used to seeing it there. Dismay gone.
I love your blog. I am an artistic person not working in an artistic field and without any close artistic friends. So I create things on my own and spent hours making new displays in my wall cubes or with my children’s toys on the coffee table. And when I try to explain to my friends these things I like to do, I get some very funny looks (as I did just this morning when a newly made friend brought her children over for a playdate). So I am so very grateful there are blogs like yours that I can visit to feel connected with like-minded people. Ad or no ads. It makes very little difference to me, as long as I can still come visit. Thank you for being such a constant sources of inspiration.
don’t listen to all those negative comments the fact that the ad is there or any others don’t stop me enjoying your blog or taken your work seriously. People get jealous when other find success doing what they love and choose to bully them perhaps they would success as well if rather than bothering others with stupid non sense comment they wold apply their time and energy on making something of their lives, so pls continue doing things as you are we appreciate it! Marga
I haven’t noticed the add until you mentioned it, and I love your blog so much that I’m going to keep ignoring it (the add). I’m glad you’re getting payed for doing what you love! It is what I love to read and look at. Thanks for your honesty and I hope you keep doing what you’re doing!
Smuk, smuk blog som jeg lige har opdaget! Og annoncerne – dem ser man jo nærmest ikke efterhånden. Øjet glider lige forbi.
you go, girl! it´s so good to see someone can make a living on what she really loves to do! thank you for making us all dream…
Your blog is amazing with a lot of beautiful inspiration, do what make YOU happy and thank you for been so honest, have a wonderful day. xo
I very much respect your frankness in addressing both the question of advertising on your blog and your desires to do things on your own terms. Your practical approach is admirable too. I very much enjoy your writing and your little doll house too and will still be tuning in.
I love what you do and your blog is a daily inspiration for me and makes me happy, so keep on going, with or without the ad!
take care :^)
Åh, jag tycker inte alls du ska behöva ursäkta dig för att du börjat ha reklam här på bloggen, Elisabeth! Man scrollar ju ändå neråt och är man intresserad av reklamen så klickar man sig såklart vidare :) Visst är det en känslig fråga i vissa sammanhang, men det är ju redan så vanligt i bloggvärlden med annonser och det är reklamen som gör det möjligt för människor att överhuvudtaget tjäna lite pengar på sin blogg. Du lägger ner så oerhört mycket tid på din blogg och uppdaterar den så ofta, så bara den i sig känns som ett heltidsarbete! Det är ju bara realistiskt att du ska få betalt för det arbetet någon gång. Tycker du är en så oerhört bra och inspirerande person och gillade verkligen texten du skrev om det här!
To be honest I didn’t see it until you mentioned it. I had to get back to look what you were talking about. I guess I just skip to your post cos I’m usually just so anxious to read what have you written new. I love the blog with adds or with out. And it’s yours and you handle it just perfect. By the way I love your shop too. Just glad to buy directly from you (also because you ship everywhere).
Mojca
Gosh, I’ve been back to re-read this a few times because I feel that I don’t have anything more to add than all the wonderful comments left here from your thoughtful readers.
All I have to say, dear E, is that I’m forever grateful that I found your beautiful work, blog and flickr stream because it has inspired me in so many, many, many ways, and the fact that you can do what you love (whether you choose to have banner ads or not etc) is the most important and courageous thing!
xoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxo
Snap! I like how you say, “I do enjoy communicating though, especially from my chamber”.
With or without the ad, I love stopping by your blog. It is your blog so I agree with whatever you pop on your blog. It seems like people often have to apologise for promoting their own work that they sell, or ads, or making money from blogging, or not posting enough or posting too much of one thing… blog about what you want and when, with ads or without. Oops. I’ve got a little off track.
Happy summer.
Annonsen stör inte alls. Jag går direkt ner till det fina som du visar, delar. Av dig själv och din värld. Det jag älskar med det är att det, trots att jag inte känner dig, känns så genomäkta du. Så fortsätt vara som du är, den du är. Visa kammarleken, ensamleken. Den skrämmer inte bort mig, tvärtom! Allt du vågar visa gör att jag kommer tillbaka hit igen och igen. Och går härifrå med värme i magen.
Just keep doing what you are doing! yours is the only blog I have kept returning to on a regular basis because you are true to your art and design. Originality shines through, and isn’t it great to get a little money for doing what you love.
haha, after reading comments here i feel sorry for reklamavdelningen of poor TELE2 :) to make a flashy ad, that majority of people barely notice and scroll down and that at it’s most irritates a little group of people – what a waste, oh my :)
they all should start blogging instead, preferably about their cosy summer houses and other nice things!
one scroll and the ad is no longer there
I wouldnt sweat too much its a ‘small’ thing.
Helen :)
Your blog is beautiful.
I didn’t even notice the ad. And if I did, I wouldn’t have cared.
NO apologies needed.
You support you family in any way that you can and so much the better if you can do some of that through your beautiful space here!