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Title: Ep 27: Christmas Lights, Negative Reviews, and Compromise
Hot Topic: Reviews
Show Notes: The Gang listens to Chris tell tales of woe from the trials and tribulations of DIY christmas light installation. Then we have an interesting difference of opinion about compromise vs. win/win when it comes to people having different goals with design elements. Then we top it all off by reading and laughing about our podcast reviews. Both negative and positive. Merry Christmas!
Theme song Headphones by Preston Pugmire
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5. Listen to an episode by first tapping the cloud icon to the right, allowing it to download, then tapping the episode to begin playing.
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Hey,
I am hopping back to listen to old episodes that I never got to, and I felt compelled to comment on this one. The way your guys show your marriage is so powerful. I am consistently impressed with how Chris honors Julia with his words and actions. It makes me respect him. You seem to have a true partnership (which is what my husband of 12 years and I have), and I'm glad that there are lots of people getting to hear what a good, healthy relationship looks like. I love that you aren't afraid to mention that you were saying a prayer or were coming home from church. That is something I appreciate about Katie at Bower Power, too. If that is part of your identity, then it is important not to filter it out.
This was my first episode, and I loved it! It was like sitting in my living room with friends. You all work so well together...it's been a stressful week, but I was laughing, and it felt good. I will find out where to get some stars and send lots of them to you! ????????????????????
You guys were awesome talking about the negative reviews--not an ounce of defensiveness in your voices. I think you are hilarious and I find the podcast useful, entertaining and totally enjoyable. Missing the every-week, but totally understand.
I love your laugh, Julia.
So here's the thing. I haven't left a review but I felt compelled to come here after listening to leave some hopefully constructive criticism. I listen to every episode of your podcast so I feel like that makes me qualified to offer my two cents, right?
Most people have a problem with Preston it sounds like. I myself find him to be overwhelming and many times grating and I will fast forward so I don't have to hear as much of it. But your content is so good and I learn so much from you, Julia, that I stick it out so I can learn from you. Like the 9x12 rug being smaller that an 8x10 - genius! That really helps me out in my own situation. Just one example but I really do get so much from hearing you talk about design that helps me with decorating my own home. That said, don't you think that your listeners shouldn't have to "stick it out" so much? Like maybe Preston could just tone it back a little? I know you guys are great friends so maybe you don't notice or actually love his cheesy jokes and over the top fake laughter or the intensity with which he speaks, or the sarcasm that lands flat. But there are clearly a lot of us who would appreciate (*so* much) just a little less of that. So if Preston operates on a level 10 in real life, maybe podcast Preston could operate on a 5 or 6. Like I said, I am a committed listener and will continue to listen so that I can learn about design from you, but I would enjoy it more with a less intense version of Preston. I know you need him and don't feel like you guys would be able to do the podcast without him so I appreciate that you can't just get rid of him like so many reviewers said. I don't think it has to be all or nothing.
I think the audio quality is great, I think the topics are good, but I would love to see a little less pointless banter which I think is oftentimes when this over the top (I hesitate to say annoying, but....yeah) Preston comes out. So if you keep it on topic, maybe have more topics to talk about so you don't have to fill space with so much chitchat, then the problem may resolve itself. Hope this is actually helpful and doesn't get written off as a curmudgeon's opinion.
Great feedback, Katy! So
Interesting that Chris and Julia will approve a comment that criticizes Preston while rejecting those with constructive criticism for Chris who writes about "explosive diarrhea" in cooking posts or Julia's childish, over the top laughter. Would be great to see them consider the full voice of their customers.
I just have to say, the dynamic the three of you have together is awesome. You bring a smile to my face every time! I love the real, down to earth fun times. The design stuff is what I came for, but the good times are what keeps me coming back. Julia, I love, love, love your sense of style, but... I'm with Chris on the size of the rug. I can't see it being smaller.
You guys are the best! Don't let anyone tell you different.
I tried leaving a review for the podcast but iTunes wasn't having it today. I LOVE the podcast! Julia - your laugh is amazing. Chris, I love your dry (?) sense of humor. And Preston, the podcast would not be what it is without you. I know you all were able to joke about it in the episode but it's still hard to hear negative (and not helpful feedback.) I listen to it during my hour-long morning commutes and it puts a genuine smile on my face. I love that you three are always laughing and cover so many different topics. My home will never have your sense of style but you inspire me to keep trying new things as I slow work through my own home's renovation. Merry Christmas!
I just listened to the last episode and I just want to say "TEAM PRESTON!". He is one of my favorite parts of the podcast. Can't remember what episode it was where Julia asked Preston why he was on the podcast and I think his answer was perfect. He adds the common listener aspect to the show. He asks the questions I'm thinking while listening. Also, Chris and Preston's laughs crack me up! You guys keep doing what you're doing! It's great! I wish you could post everyday! :) Happy Holidays!
I was so sad to hear you are trying to find a different rug! I'm thinking about a navy rug for our living room and have your living room on my mood board to show how it can look awesome. Now I'm a little scared to pull the trigger, ha!
And as someone with a rug that just has the front of the chair legs on the rug--- I'm with Chris! Don't go smaller!
Love listening to y'all. You make my week!
Hi- I have always thought you should pull both the coffee table and the chairs a bit closer to the couch in your living room, to make it more of a conversation area and allow the coffee table to be more within reach of the couch and chairs. If you did this, might you be able to use the 8x10 rug??? you would have more room between the back of the chairs and the dining room table - perhaps a spot for a credenza like table?
Totally inspired me to finally go leave a review on iTunes!! You guys are the best, and I LOVE what Ali said: "Good luck in your particularity." Cannot stop laughing. And thanks for reading my email you guys! So fun and uber helpful. You bring a lot of smiles and laughter to my life!
xo,
Kira
http://www.theimperfectionistblog.com
Preston reading the reviews about himself was hysterical! Chris is freaking hilarious! I'd leave a review, but I'm an android user and listen through google play. My only suggestion or criticism is Julia should pronounce her t's a little more. Just like when you hated when your teacher would say Jul-ya instead of Ju-li-a ... when you say curtains it sounds like cur-ens. I hope you're not offended by that, I look forward to the bi-weekly podcasts!
After listening to this episode I had to come share how much I love listening to you guys. I honestly love, love, love listening to you. You make me laugh every time. I thought having a host was a bit weird at first (but I only just started listening to podcasts) but I absolutely love him! Preston is hilarious. I like that he doesn't know a lot about what you guys talk about because then he asks questions that can also be helpful to some listeners. You're sense of humor is amazing and I think even my husband would enjoy listening to you guys! Don't change a thing!
This episode had me crying with laughter! - the LED light story, the ridiculous negative reviews, the part where Preston mumbles 'Julia' after his pronunciation is overanalyzed! D.Y.I.N.G. with laughter. It's my FAVORITE podcast and makes my hour and a half long Monday commute so much better. Thanks to all three of you and especially to Preston for coming up with the idea and executing it!
Love the podcasts! I look forward to listening while walking my dogs in the field. They make me laugh and inspire me at the same time. Keep it up!
Negative reviews! Gotta love them! I'm a teacher and recently, our principal has enacted a code of conduct where we "talk straight, but kind" so it allows people to give criticism but they need to say it in a way that's kind and constructive. I teach my first graders that too. Sure, you can tell people how you feel and what you think, but you need to do it in a way that's constructive and kind- not a way that can hurt others. And in the end, the audience doesn't t have to take your advise- It's a suggestion. That said, you guys are awesome and real- the podcast is a nice way to see the human side and not just the edited and thought out side. And Preston does great! You guys all have good chemistry and are fun to listen to, laughs and all!
And rug shopping... ugh!! Talk about stress! What's your feelings on cotton rugs? I mean, I love wool but gosh- I'm working on two teacher salaries with my husband and myself! What are your go-to places?? Maybe I missed that in the podcast with a screaming toddler in the backseat... :)
I really like Rugs USA for affordable options, if that helps ;)
After listening to this podcast, I totally went to leave a review but sadly, I do not have itunes to leave a review there (I listen via Stitcher) - so I'll leave it here!
I love the podcast - I listen at work and in the car - its was the first podcast I ever listened to and you hooked me - now I listen to you and Young House Love Has A Podcast. I literally laugh out loud with you guys in the car and at work (people give me odd looks).
Julia's tips and information are great, Chris brings humor and great info on how he makes things, and Preston brings the outlier perspective - he's funny, adds a bit of the ridiculous, and makes Chris and Julia feel more comfortable. I also love how Chris and Preston raz Julia, don't play her "games" correctly, and make her take herself less seriously (because lets face it, we all need that sometimes). Julia is a great sport about it too. I totally want to be your new best friend (in a not-creepy stalker kind of way - because lets face it, I live in Minnesota, that would be an expensive hobby to fly all the way to Idaho for anyway).
Take heart guys, ignore the negative review - so many of us love your podcast!
P.S. I'm with Preston, I could never spend that much on a rug, wool or not! (Have you thought about an olefin rug? They actually are very nice. I grew up with wool area rugs but I am allergic to wool (busted out in hives whenever I sat on the rug) so we had to switch to a synthetic. I know wool are padded so well, but with a good rug pad (not the rubber ones, the felt ones), they are soft, padded, and wear very well. Just a thought!
I have an answer for those who give you negative reviews! - "Good luck with your particularity." ?
I love your podcast. I save episodes so I can listen any time, anywhere. Keep up the good work, and hang onto Preston. He's an important part of the magic.
Hahahaha!!!!
I LOVED this episode and I think it is hilarious that I actually ADORE the way Preston says your name, Julia, and someone hated that...so weird. I guess everyone has their stuff but I am in love with the podcast and the general vibe you guys have...keep up every single thing you do :)
Love the podcast, I think you guys are hilarious! I thought it was especially funny when Preston read the negative reviews about himself, he handled it like a champ. It reminded me of the of jimmy kimmels celebrity mean tweets segment. Perhaps you should add a similar segment to your show every once in a while?
We referenced the same thing while recording it!
Oh goodness, I haven't listened to this one yet but just out of curiosity went and looked at some of the reviews – and I'm SHOCKED. What is it with mean people?! GO AWAY!
I realize it's just another opinion, but I love it when you guys are cracking up – it's so infectious! I find myself howling with laughter all through my 1-hour commute – what's not to love? And Chris not speaking at all?! He's the funniest of the bunch! His words may be few, but when he does speak it's pure hilarity.
People just need to lighten up.
In the grand scheme of things, we have tens of thousands of listeners and very few negative reviews, but like all other things, we try to have fun with them.
As you say, it's important to remember that the people most likely to review have the strongest feelings - positive and negative (usually negative) - and want to be heard. It's what I remind my boss when we send out a company-wide survey. So, have fun with them when you can but do remember that the majority of listeners are happy with your product and not motivated to review. That said, I went and reviewed to counteract some of the negativity!
Ugh I hated hearing all those negative reviews. They didn't seem helpful at all. Good news it motivated me to go write my own review since I felt strongly about it.
I love the dynamic the 3 of you create. I want to start a podcast myself and have wondered how I can recreate the down to earth feeling when talking basically to myself.
Anywho, love your blog and podcast. All the best.
I loved listening to you guys laugh about your reviews :) I teach at BYU, and I'm moderately obsessed with my Rate My Professor reviews. I do have to be careful to not let the negative ones bum me out too much, but the positive ones are so awesome! I feel like every profession should have posted anonymous reviews!
It definitely always keeps us on our toes and accountable and improving.