Four Legs + I Love the Internet + Life + Health

Just a small (big) thank you.

I’m still making my way through all of the comments on my post from last Friday about my history (and future) as a blogger, but apart from the responses I’ve been leaving there, I wanted to take a minute to say THANK YOU.

The older I get, the more I realize that fear of being labeled a hypocrite (or a “flip-flopper,” if you want to get political about it) is probably the biggest thing that gets in my way when it comes to making decisions that are open to being judged by others. The fact of the matter is, though, things change. Situations change. People change. Times change. We learn from the people we meet along the way in life, and that’s a positive thing.

Like I said in my post, I’m not exactly sure where I’m headed in terms of advertisements and this blog, but I feel confident that if I do go ahead with it, I will treat that decision seriously and let my personal ethics guide me. There’s not only one existing model to follow when it comes to advertising, and there’s also nothing that says new models and standards can’t be developed. I’m not worried about what other people have or haven’t done—I’m concerned with doing what I believe is honest and worthwhile. I’m also not opposed to learning as I go. (I am a progressive and a modernist, after all!)

Anyway, I’ve said this before but it bears repeating: I have the BEST group of readers and commenters in all of blog-land. I am so incredibly appreciative of those of you who take the time not to just offer support, but to share your own perspective and ideas and concerns with me. As much as I like writing for writing’s sake, I love blogging for community’s sake.

Thank you again. ♡

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22 Comments

  • Reply Dori September 17, 2012 at 9:36 pm

    I think it’s a good thing to not be afraid to change your mind on an issue after some careful consideration. Far too many people refuse to even consider new evidence or insight about the things they believe firmly, seemingly for fear that they will have to go through the “hassle” and maybe even embarrassment of changing their minds about something they have been vocal about in the past.

    I’m okay with adding ads, mostly because I know you’re too cool to give a glowing product review just for the cash.

  • Reply Callie Grayson September 17, 2012 at 9:57 pm

    I will read your blog if you advertise or not. I read your blog because I love to read and LEARN about what you post. And if you post something you like, I take another look a what it is and make a choice to like it or not…. No judgements on my side. (to exhausting! )

    Love your blog!
    Xx
    Callie

  • Reply maria September 17, 2012 at 10:41 pm

    I’ve been reading your blog for a few years now and I enjoy it immensely. I like your style, your opinions and the way you look at life (at least what you’ve written about here). Sometimes I completely agree with you and sometimes you give a view on something that I might not have thought of. I like that. I don’t comment that often (I’m not not that great of a writer) but I always look forward to seeing what you post about next. Oh and I love the pictures of the pups :).
    Regardless of how you do it, I’m just glad to read that you like blogging and that you plan to continue.

  • Reply Brianne September 18, 2012 at 12:35 am

    You’re a smart, poignant woman, I’m sure whatever conclusion to come to will be right for you and your blog. Plus, your dogs are adorable.

  • Reply Simone September 18, 2012 at 5:00 am

    Hi Anna;
    I believe life is change and progression (and hopefully improvement). If you never change your thoughts and opinions, you know you might as well be dead because in that, life just lost it’s point entirely.
    Anyhow, to brighten up your day I wanted to share this with you:

    http://lisacongdon.com/blog/
    and: http://www.archdaily.com/270978/atelier-anton-corbjin-bos-alkemade-architecten/
    and look at this: http://www.artdaily.org/index.asp?int_sec=2&int_new=57763#.UFds6aQoTwc
    Ok I should start living my life now.

    Have a wonderful day!!!

  • Reply Carolina September 18, 2012 at 7:21 am

    Hi Anna!
    I’ve been reading your blog for some years now and of course it’s been delightful.
    This is the first time I’ve ever written something, I’m one of those shy readers that faces your (and other bloggers) posts as something to be shared and respected. What I mean is, that it has been a privilege to read your blog and your very honest and heartfelt posts.
    Keep it up! Ads, no ads, you’ll do what feels best for. =)

  • Reply paule September 18, 2012 at 8:12 am

    I don’t know if that saying goes in english as well, but we say: “Only fools can’t change their minds”.
    It is okay to change your mind on a topic, and admit it, it just means you are thinking and evolving and like you said, learning from others.
    Bravo. 🙂

  • Reply Ruth September 18, 2012 at 9:05 am

    I’ve been reading Door Sixteen since late 2007(ish), when I moved into my first apartment (completely bereft of pocket doors or subway tiles, unfortunately). I love your style, both in terms of design and of writing. I’ve really enjoyed reading over the years and that won’t change if you choose to advertise.

    (Also: Fritz and Bruno are the most effective arguments for anything. Possibly ever. Maybe they could model for potential advertisers?)

  • Reply Maureen Adams September 18, 2012 at 9:32 am

    Hi Anna,
    I just wanted to add my voice to the rest. I’m also one of your silent readers. I’m not much into commenting but I know I look forward to your posts. I really like your aesthetic and think you’re very talented. Why shouldn’t you get paid for your time, effort, and talent? You have unique and thoughtful taste and even some of your posts already help drive interest to other artists or businesses (e.g., I ended up buying a bookhou scarf after I read your post featuring one of her bags). I’ll keep reading regardless of which way you fall on this decision! Thanks and take care. –Maureen (Washington DC)

  • Reply Cassie September 18, 2012 at 9:45 am

    Just read your Friday post now and thought I was the ONLY one who still uses the phrase “man alive.”

    Ads are a great way for you to make a little extra money without spreading yourself so thin freelancing, so I say go for it. Though I know they’ll irritate you by cluttering up your clean aesthetic.

    Ads don’t bother me, but sponsored posts do. It’s like when you’re flipping through a magazine and think you’re reading a normal article only to discover “paid advertisement” written in 8 pt type at the top. I know it shouldn’t matter, but it feels a little icky.

    • Anna @ D16 September 18, 2012 at 9:54 am

      I’m pretty sure I picked up on the “man alive” thing from David Letterman years ago, and it’s just stuck with me. I use a lot of expressions (“holy mackerel” among them) that get me a bit of the side-eye here and there, hahaha!!

  • Reply Stephanie September 18, 2012 at 9:58 am

    Some of my ‘favorite things’ about your blog have been your responsiveness to commentors, your aesthetic and the lack of ads. This is a PEACEFUL place on the internet.

    But my favoritest [=)] thing is your thoughtfulness. You think about what you do, how you eat, what you wear, how you live in a space. And so as nervous as I may be about what ads could do to this space, I know your consideration will prevail and it will be exactly as you mean it to be!

  • Reply Naia September 18, 2012 at 10:09 am

    I like to so much to read your blog and when I tried to think why I like your blog… I like it cause you are so clear about everything, you write what you really think (or that´s what it seems) and you are honest. The honesty is always present on your posts, words, ideas… so, go on being as you are, with or without advertising, I´m sure you won´t change the way you are, I´ll go on visiting you (on your blog), it´s one of the ways I have to visit NY! haha! but really, do what you want to do, it´ll be right, I´m sure.

    Regards from Bilbao (basque country) and kisses for Bruno and Fritz

  • Reply Kim September 18, 2012 at 10:22 am

    I didn’t comment on the initial post, but I wholeheartedly support the decision to run ads on your blog should you want to. As a longtime reader, I love door 16 because your content is beautiful, inspiring and thoughtful and I can only imagine how much time it takes to create. So if you can be compensated in some way for this lovely place you have created on the interwebs, I say go for it!

    Keep being awesome.

  • Reply jacqueline | the hourglass files September 18, 2012 at 10:34 am

    I’m falling behind on reading your blog, which kills me because I love it. I guess that’s what moving will do to a person. Also, I’ve fallen behind on my own blog writing.

    But I had a moment to read this post, so then I had to scroll back and read the last. And I have to say that I would never mind a change in direction when it comes to advertising from you. Like you’ve said, you are going to be transparent about it, and I think you are one of the few bloggers who I will never feel like you are doing anything shady behind the scenes of your blog. I hope I have an ounce of your writing talent and honesty on my own blog. Looking forward to the future here!

  • Reply Sherry September 18, 2012 at 11:03 am

    I don’t think any of your readers expect you to be a static person, especially over the coarse of time you have been blogging. Like you said times change, so do people and so do opinions about whats best for us. All those things are understandable, none of them strike me as hypocritical.

    Best of luck sorting through the options!

  • Reply Aoife September 18, 2012 at 11:56 am

    I’m another silent reader but felt compelled to respond to this. I’ve been reading Door 16 since not long after you started writing it and what has always shone through is your honesty and the authenticity of your voice. Your posts are thoughtful, considered and often beautiful and you have led me to discover so many interesting things in music, craft, design, product and sometimes just ideas. Times change and needs must, and if you feel you need to accept ads in order to carve out enough time to continue blogging then do it in whatever way feels right to you. You won’t lose or upset any reader who really appreciates what you have to say and also, how much time and effort it takes to do what you do so well.
    Good luck with whatever decisions you make

  • Reply Heather September 18, 2012 at 1:46 pm

    Longtime silent reader here. I am pro-ad in this case! Not because I adore advertisements but because I wholeheartedly support the idea that talented bloggers can be compensated for their work. Quality blogs with original content take a lot of work, and there’s no shame in wanting or needing to generate some income from that work. Plus I have faith that you will clearly identify what is sponsored, which is more than I can say about most magazines.

  • Reply Lauren Kaczmarski September 20, 2012 at 1:51 pm

    Hi there. Stumbled upon your blog over at nubbytwiglet. Love what you had to say about your history in blogging. I am pretty new to the blogging world (about 8 months in) and while I am loving it, I also totally understand how you can see both sides to the blog advertising debate. I think blog advertising can be done well and respectfully, but for me right now I don’t want the added pressure of what my advertisers are expecting of me. Like you said, I want to keep it FUN above all else.

    I am also a freelance designer. I checked out your work – you are very talented. So cool that you have designed so many covers of books that I have read! Keep up the good work!

  • Reply Anna @ D16 September 20, 2012 at 11:48 pm

    Thanks again for all of the kind words, everyone. The support is greatly appreciated. xx

  • Reply Emily October 29, 2012 at 4:38 pm

    Hi Anna,

    I have loved your blog for many years. Reading it got me through grad school studying law and diplomacy. I wanted to just take a moment to communicate my thoughts on your potential advertising. In theory, I have no problem with bloggers receiving compensation for their many good efforts, as blogs are often much more work than for which people give them credit. I am disappointed, however, with your consideration of taking on advertising for only one reason. For so long, you railed against it, you labeled your blog “ad-free,” and you stood on some sort of created moral high ground. And you know what? I loved that there was one place on the internet that I could go and read original content and not be advertised to. But now, (and maybe not just now, but for a long creeping while) you’ve been thinking that you’d like to do more of what you love, and in order to do that, you need to bring home a pay check. The way to do that is to advertise. Great! That’s what lots of people do! It just effing sucks that that you wrote posts from the ad-free moral high ground, you labeled (not smugly) your blog “ad free,” and now you’re ready to change all that because YOU SEE that its more complicated than that. Its how much you advertise and for whom you advertise. Go ahead and advertise. Get paid for the creative work you do. But assign yourself some community service hours devoted to promoting and explaining to the public why a blogger’s business plan that includes advertising isn’t inherently bad. Say you were wrong. Say you are sorry. Say you’ve changed. Celebrate those who do it well. Then advertise, and get paid to write the blog I love.

    Emily

    • Anna @ D16 October 29, 2012 at 4:45 pm

      Hmmm, that’s a lot of pretty harsh judgement, Emily, and I’m not sure I understand where it’s coming from. You’ll notice that there are still no ads on my blog, though, despite more than a month having passed since I wrote this post. I don’t think I was “wrong” then, and I don’t think I’m “wrong” now. I also think you’ve made an awful lot of assumptions about my beliefs that aren’t accurate.

      I’m still trying to figure out where I stand and what I’m comfortable with. You’ll excuse me if I don’t make this into some kind of revisionist manifesto against some previous belief—it’s just not like that. It’s about matching one’s actions to one’s personal ethics. That’s all.

      Where are the posts you’re referring to that I wrote “from the ad-free moral high ground”? When did I rail against advertising? I work as a commercial designer, for goodness sake! I think you’re imagining something that never existed. This has never been about anything other than my own blog. I have ALWAYS celebrated those who do it well, so I’m not sure where you’re coming from with that angle of attack, either.

      “now you’re ready to change all that because YOU SEE that its more complicated than that”

      What? Are you saying that after FOURTEEN YEARS of blogging I’m just now starting to see the complexities of monetization? That’s ridiculous. That complexity has always been the reason I’ve defaulted to not accepting ads. Did you read my previous post on this subject? I’m not sure who you’re writing about here, but it’s not me.

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