About the 365 of Untrieds
Thank you everyone for your constructive feedback regarding the 365 of Untrieds. I really appreciate hearing what you want to see on ALU. At the end of the day I have to do what makes me happy but, I want, as much as possible, for all of you to be happy with the content I provide as well.
As I mentioned in the past, I started the 365 to end my blogpression and to better serve all of you. I felt I was failing you with my lack of consistent posting and the pressure I put myself under just wasn’t healthy. I wanted to find a way to get my blogging back on track in a way that I would enjoy. And believe me, I am really enjoying the 365 concept.
Here’s the thing though. Life gets in the way sometimes and as much as I wish I could be that person who blogs every single day for a year, clearly it just wasn’t meant to be. So based on the initial feedback and my own blogging desires I have decided to continue the 365 of Untrieds but with some adjustments.
- The 365 will continue but I won’t beat myself up if something, like my upcoming trip to NY Fashion Week, or an unexpected issue causes me to miss a day or two. I won’t stop until I review 365 polishes from my “untrieds” stash. I’m going to include the number from now on so we can keep track together. Revlon Blue Lagoon was #114.
- I will only review “untrieds” that are not part of current collections and, for the most part, still accessible. (ie core collection colors, non-LE)
- I will resume collection reviews with the intent of posting at least one new collection per week. Something that both you and I want to talk about.
- I will post collection previews and news as they come to me
Does this sound like a good compromise? I just want to be up front with you so you don’t think some tragedy occurred if I miss a day of posting. I also don’t want to feel like I’m failing myself or all of you if I miss a day. I want this to be a fun experience for all of us.
Lisa N.
Ms Meatballhead
Birdie
Spa pediccure chairs
This sounds like a perfect compromise to me! I’ve missed your collection posts (because I use them to help decide which shades from a given collection that I really want to buy), but I’ve also really enjoyed the 365 series. I think you’ve hit upon a great way of doing both, while still keeping your own sanity! Thanks so much Michelle.
The most important thing is that this is still fun for *YOU*
For me personally, I don’t want to post everyday on my blog. So I totally understand that life happens and I certainly do not get upset if you miss a day or a few. It’s just not a big deal to me at all. I love your blog, I love your reviews and I just appreciate the way you tell us about the polishes. I would not want you to feel pressured to post when you’re not feeling it. We can tell when your heart is in it and when it’s not. I don’t even need the 365 concept. I just like that you are trying your untrieds and it means nothing to me whether you do 200 or 365! Please don’t worry about the mean people. Have fun!
Deal! If you don’t enjoy it, we won’t enjoy it. This is the best nail polish focused blog out there! Keep it fun so you can keep it going!
Bravo. You sound like you are breathing an audiable sigh of relief when you write that. The main thing is for you to be happy – I love reading all your reviews but I’ll love them whether their daily, weekly or whatever. Life comes first.
This sounds fantastic! I really love the 365 concept. Don’t stress yourself out though!! And if it takes you three years to finish the 365, then that’s fine with me and I’ll still continue reading them all with great interest.
After all, it’s your blog, you gotta decide what’s best for it and most importantly what’s best for you!
I think it’s a great idea and honestly I just love reading your posts. You can blog however you like. I do like that you will do some collection posts, as well as untrieds. Good compromise and thanks for the heads up.
As much as I love your blog and look forward to new posts, it is YOUR blog, I think you should be able to post as you like
Happy Polishing from a fellow Ohio girl
I like your new concept! Honestly, it’s the perfect mix between “older” aka untried polishes and newer collections. I just like seeing your swatches because they are always so consistent and well done. You’re my first stop when I’m contemplating a purchase!
I love this series. And you should do whatever you want but I think you’ve been doing a great job with it. I havent even seriously noticed if you missed days because you are still around at least 3-5 days a week!!!!!
I think that sounds perfect! I look forward to checking in on you daily, even it it is not a new post, I enjoy reading it again! You were my first nail blog so you will ALWAYS have a special place in my polish loving heart! Thanks for all you do!!! You make my days happier and give me lots of inspiration!
Yay! I’m happy you’re going to keep going, but on YOUR terms, and I’m SUPER happy you’re going to resume with collection reviews. Your’s are practically the only swatches I trust for color accuracy
this is your blog, girlfriend! do whatever you’re most comfortable with
I’m excited to see all of the polishes, some I’ve never heard of.
You’re awesome no matter what you decide
While I love to read your posts every day, we all know that life does get in the way. I really enjoy your blog and am happy with whatever you give us! Your plan sounds great and as I am a relatively new follower, there are plenty of older posts to keep me busy for quite a while!
Thanks for keeping us “in the loop”… there is good reason you probably the most popular nail blog EVER. We heart you, Michelle.
It sounds like this was stressing you out! As much as I love your blog, at the end of the day it is ONLY nail polish. Keep posting what makes you happy!
Sounds perfect to me! I’m really enjoying the untried series because I love discovering colors I might have otherwise overlooked, but I also totally get what a drain it is to really post 365 days a year. Seems like the perfect compromise
I just love your blog, but I think what makes it so interesting is your pleasure to write it.Those new rules are perfectly fine!
Love to read ALL of your posts. But it would be no fun for me to read them, if I knew they where anything else than fun for you to write!!!!
Sounds perfect! It’s most important that this remains fun for you too!
I think this is a great decision! Variety is always a good way to keep things fun for yourself. =)
Sounds great. I think you have hit upon a good balance and compromise for yourself. We get so excited starting a new project but sometimes that initial excitement turns to dread as we strive to keep up. You set yourself an extremely ambitious goal in the beginning but losing your joy for it or being stressed by it is unnecessary. Make yourself happy! I think we all love your postings–whatever they are–and will accept whatever comes our way. Your numbering system is good (unless the number itself bogs you down). So, you may just give yourself permission to have an Untried series, of whatever number and frequency you desire! Have fun! This is all about the nails and nails equal fun, right? Thanks for your continued postings. I love it!
Though some will disagree, there is more to life than nail polish. I think it’s a fab compromise and thanks for not only asking our opinion but for letting us know what is on your mind. I think your loyal readers will understand that you need time to make sure that you-yourself are happy. You have been doing a wonderful job and I look forward to seeing what you have in store. Thanks for all you do Michelle!
Whether you post once a day, once a week, or once a month, I’ll be back to read and look! You’ve got the best swatches and comparisons and I consistently find more valuable commentary on colors that are relevant to me here than anywhere else. Even if you never posted again, ALU is such a great archive of resources! But like Anna said, it wouldn’t be any fun to read your blog if I knew you were unhappy writing it.
I *think* I can relate to what sounds like blogging ennui. It’s not that blogging shouldn’t require work or discipline; even where hobbies are concerned, work and discipline are good things, in moderation. So are setting boundaries and goals. So set the boundaries and goals that work for YOU and know that this grateful reader will continue to be all lacquered up!
Perfect! It will be so fun to get collection reviews again.
I think setting challenges for yourself is excellent, and I definitely think posting every day for a year is a big challenge! And if you miss a day now and then, so what? Life does get in the way and I think most of your readers understand that. I like your compromise, I truly enjoy the untrieds series but I have missed seeing collection posts from you now and then
That’s perfectly understandable! I honestly really like both aspects of your blog, and we all understand that there’s more to life than nail polish. Your blog has been a really great resource for me, so I’m just glad it exists at all!
Hey, I’ll go with the flow.I especially like the ‘untried’ concept.
As a UK reader/blogger I can see the new collections on a million blogs (maybe not swatched as professionally but still swatched) and most of the time they are not easily available in England anyway. The plethora of new collection posts quite bores me actually.
Just keep doing what you do. Your blog is tops!
Please please please! What everyone else said up there, plus…. thank you for your enthusiasm and knowledge of nail polish, your warmth and your example. After decades of neglecting my nails you have re-connected me with a long lost love from my high school years – nail polish. I am having so much fun this summer, collecting and experimenting with my nail colors.
Thank you thank you thank you!
This compromise is absolutely perfect. Its amazing to see a blogger who cares so much about her readers and for that, we thank you. Keep up the amazing work.
yay! that’s all perfect! exactly the parts i enjoy about your site finally combined! i’ve missed the collection reviews because i love hearing your opinion and color descriptions before buying a more expensive bottle (i.e. $OPI). but i love seeing the untrieds because they turn me on to colors i would’ve otherwise never heard of or seen…. perfect compromise! >>happy reader
I’m totally okay with that, I love your posts. I like that you comment on bottle shape and brush, not just color. You pics are beautiful and it doesn’t matter to me if it’s everyday or two times a week. I personally, don’t post everyday on my blog, so as long as it’s fun for you, it’s fun for me
I love your blog and I look at it every day and am happy when I see a new post, but the thought that you would need to come to some sort of compromise with me as a reader is a bit unnerving.
You do this for you, you post what you enjoy at the pace that fits in with your life. As a reader I either accept that, or get my head from up my ****.
I see what you’re saying but I started this site for the nail polish community as much as myself so I want to make the people who have helped make this site so popular happy as well. I just want to make sure that everyone reading ALU is enjoying it as much as I am. Some blogs are very much a one way street where it’s all about the writer but I think of this as a conversation and I want to make sure the topic is something we all want to discuss.
I think it’s a great idea! I don’t think its a big deal if you miss a day or two at all. I do really miss your collection reviews tho! I use yours to make my choices on what i actually NEED and what will look good. I say do what makes you happy!
Just keep doing what you love! Don’t worry about disappointing us by not posting daily. I’m sure people would agree that it is better if you miss a day or two to give yourself a break and not burn out. What would be really sad is if you burn out and stop blogging at all! So take your break and get your rest!
Love your well-written blog, Michelle, what everyone else said. You nudged me away from safe Chanel colors into another world of brands, colors, textures, care, and concepts. I don’t have time to follow many blogs, so yours is the go-to place. I enjoy and missed your timely new collections reviews and news items; glad you’ll continue those regularly, in addition to available Untrieds. Thanks for staying with this, regular columns and blogs are work, and a labor of love. It shows!
I think it sounds great! I think we all value your opinion and appreciate all the time and effort you put into this. If it causes you stress or anxiety it’s not worth it, that’s not why you started it in the first place! Thanks for your dedication and for caring about your audience.
Sounds like a great compromise! You do have to think about yourself first and then your blog!
I LOVE your blog and I look forward to the Untrieds. Keep up the awesome work!
I loooove reading your posts,but not if they are written out of requirement instead of for fun.You shouldn’t be miserable doing this,as I’m sure you started it to have fun.You have to do what makes you happy.I’m sure all of us would rather see you happy with less blog posts.
Love you!
For me… Feel free to post when you can, how you want, what you prefer. The respect for your life comes first
No pressure, this must to be a pleasure
I don’t know what kind of jerks would complain if there wasn’t a new post every day. I love love love this website and if you miss a day and those negative nancies get their panties in a knot, its their problem and they need to go find themselves something better to do. Don’t feel bad even for a second if you need a few nail polish- free days. We all have busy lives with lots of other things going on and you can see how much your TRUE fans support you. You are doing a fantastic job, and you should do whatever makes you happy. On YOUR schedule and on YOUR terms!
Hi!
I loved your post & support whatever you’d like to do! I know I would miss your posts if you stopped posting entirely. I also do a blog & I try to post everyday but sometimes I can’t. I don’t have the high readership you do, though.
For better (or for worse, monetary-wise)
you’ve turned me on to a lot of nail polish I didn’t even know was out there so you are definitely doing the nail polish world (and us) a favor by having this blog. I hope it never ends.
Cheers!
This is the perfect plan! I mostly loved the 365s because I love seeing your pics each day Michelle. It got you back into blogging and it made me super happy.
Michelle, I think you’ve found the perfect compromise! I love the 365 Untrieds, but I love your collections posts too. Everyone needs a little time off and when you take a break I just figure you’re doing just that and look forward to your return. You rock!
Sounds good!
And honestly, 365 straight days is just not reasonable…you could have knocked me over with a feather when Melissa from The Daily Nail pulled it off.
First of all, you don’t owe anyone either an explanation or your reasons why; you don’t even need to offer a compromise. You began your blog because you cared and had a passion for these products and the fact that it has become as successful as it has is based solely on all your patience, effort and hard work. BUT, you also have a life outside of blogging and you are entitled to live it the way you choose. The minute your passion for this venture started to sway, was when it ceased being fun….and you started to feel stifled. Readers out there can be unwantonly cruel and place pressure where none should be evident. You should blog for you, and only you…not for the few who have an overinflated sense of entitlement. If you don’t enjoy it, then what’s the point? So, take your time, do what you have/need to do and never, ever feel like you have to apologize. After all, this is YOUR baby!!
I love your blog and we all understand that life gets in the way. Your 365′s are so interesting and I look forward to reading them, but you shouldn’t run yourself down just to post daily otherwise you won’t enjoy doing it anymore and then we would all be worse off. Just go with the flow and carry on doing what you love and what we love reading.
Perfect! I was missing the collection reviews but definitely was not ready to say goodbye to the 365.
Sounds fabulous! I love your blog and want you to be happy posting it; of course some of the information you provide is helpful in determining purchases but I’m generally behind the curve anyways so it doesn’t matter when you post it
Thanks for all your hard work and dedication!
This is the only polish blog I read, so I am happy with WHAtever you post, WHENever you post it! Just love the info you provide and reading the feedback from others. I do love the Untried, because it is always something new and different, and that is exciting!
Don’t stress if you miss a day! Life happens!
Same here!!!
I just LOVE your blog!
That sounds perfect! I miss the collection reviews. But as you said, don’t beat yourself up! Reading your blog is only fun if YOU think it’s fun.
I think that you are so giving of your time and resources to give your fans info on all things nail polish. Whether or not you post once a day or once I week, I will always check out your blog. I know I am not the only one who appreciates all that you do for us!
Keep up the great work (but at your pace)!
as long as you dont go away for good, I’m good!
second this! i just love your swatches, and love that you wear it cause you love it, not cause you gotta review it. as i said before, everyone else review the new colletion; it’s for the fun that i come here!
I love this, I think it’s wonderful! Shoot, any blogger knows how time consuming each post is even if non-bloggers think it takes just a few minutes to throw a great post together. I love the mix and love your blog. You’re doing amazing!!! =)
I’m the tiniest of tiny nail bloggers with a beauty youtube channel and I find it insanely overwhelming. I couldn’t imagine having the audience you have without feeling the pressure. Rememeber Michelle, ENJOY your life. It’s a lot of freaking work, swatching, writing, editing- etc.
I love everything you post and don’t think you need to post every day. When you can we love it, thanks!!!
I enjoy whatever you post, whenever you post. Since I don’t read my feed everyday or post to my own blog everyday, trust that I am indeed fine with your adjustments. You have to do this and still be able to enjoy it. So, do what you need to do to keep that joy about blogging.
It doesn’t matter whether I have to wait 2 days or 2 weeks for a post, either way I’ll be happy because I find your blog so informative and well written.
I’m sure everybody will know that in reality it would be extremely hard to post something every single day. You have a life and commitments that take priority. I would just like to say I’m glad I came across your blog, and thank you for all of the effort you put into this!
I was always surprised by the amount of posts you were providing and girl, you are wonderwoman! Its about time you allow yourself some time off, may it be a few days a week, the untrieds can wait, and we can too! Dont put yourself too much pressure, we can understand! Your pace will be ours! Im glad you’ll keep the untrieds going but also glad you’ll continue the collections and all, you’re awesome!
AlU I think that’s a perfect solution! As long as you don’t stop posting, I’m a happy camper! You’re the one who transformed my liking into full blown fanatiscm for nail polish.
I love reading your posts and ogling your top-notch photos. I greatly appreciate all of your posts – no matter how consistent they are. Many thanks for all the tips, insights, and inspiration.
I love seeing all the untrieds
As a blogger myself, I understand how overwhelming posting can be and I’m sure many other readers do to. Post when you can and when you want to, blogging is supposed to be fun not somethin extra to stress about!
I love your blog and will continue to read no matter what. I love the 365 of Untries (and your collection posts as well) and whatever makes you happy– do it! I think it’s great that you are willing to let your readers know what you’re thinking and what your plans are– even though you don’t have to.
This sounds perfectly good and reasonable to me. I’m glad you’re going to give yourself a break if you’re unable to post the 365 untrieds every single day. That’s just more pressure for you and takes the fun out of it. You do have a life outside of the blog and that’s as it should be.
That said, ALU is still my absolute favorite nail blog and I’m happy to hear you’ll continue to post collection reviews. I love them!
Enjoy the rest of your summer Michelle.
I’m gonna ditto so many of the other folks’ comments!
ANY and ALL posts you do are much appreciated! Thanks so much for what you do. You could never fail us.
I think that’s a fantastic idea. I am really enjoying the 365. Don’t worry, nobody will mind if you miss a day. But I’m excited we’ll get to hear about collections from you again! Looking forward to it!
Sounds perfect to me! Heck, I sometimes don’t have time to READ the blogs I want to every day, so I totally understand not having time to write one a day. In fact, I used to do that, and it overwhelmed me so much I had to quit cold turkey.
When I have some time, I can amuse myself endlessly by reading your old blogs, anyway!
I am more than happy with whatever you choose; and the proposed idea sounds great to me!
Thank you for continuing with the 365! They make my day more nail polish-y.
I like the adjustments, since I’ve missed the core collection reviews. Keep blogging!
This is the only blog I really check. If you aren’t able to post for a while, whatever – don’t sweat it! Keeps us in suspense
Your blog is wonderful. Post what you can when you can. I would rather see fewer posts with your heart fully in them than more “thin” ones.
Absolutely perfect solution. I can’t think of any other improvements, lol. As much as I like visiting your blog daily, to see the next gorgeous nail polish, I can live with no updates for a couple of days, no worries!
That sounds like a great plan, Michelle! I am loving the 365 Untrieds. When you miss a day or more, don’t beat yourself up – life happens. And, as blasphemous as it sounds, sometimes life is way more important than polish.
Personally, I wouldn’t mind the Untrieds being put on hold while you’re at something like Fashion Week or Cosmoprof, if you could share your adventures with us, letting us know what awesome stuff you’re seeing.
I’m glad that you’ve decided to keep blogging the 365 of Untrieds, I’ve enjoyed reading them. While I look forward to reading your posts, I’d be less than honest if I didn’t admit that I don’t get to check out your site everyday; as a matter of fact, I will have read three posts today to ‘catch up’.
Please don’t stress if you don’t get to update everyday; there is PLENTY of content here to keep folk occupied. I’ve just recently started following you (less than a year ago) after a mention on another blog and I enjoy rummaging through the archives. It’s like a treasure hunt! LOL
Post everyday, every other day, twice a week, once a week, twice a month, whatever…you’ve got a fan for life!
Take care.
It sounds great! Post as you wish and whatever you wish, as long as you’re having fun writing it down, we can feel it while reading it! I love the 365 challenge, but go at your own pace!
Yay! If you are doing what makes YOU happy, it comes through in your writing, and that makes US happy! (It’s very lovely that you included us in your decision, though!)
Relax and have fun- we think you’re great!
your blog is the best for polish! Take your time. Life (and having fun) should always be the priority
Your proposal sounds wonderful – it also sounds like a lot of work, so don’t worry if you don’t manage to stick to it 100%. The rest of your life is way more important, so don’t worry – if you can find a way to keep yourself happy and not overwhelmed with your blog then that’s great!
Sounds perfectumundo to me! Love reading your blog if it’s put out once a week or every day!
No problem!!! No one can post EVERY SINGLE day! Give yourself a break! The compromise is perfect. I love your blog and have referred countless nail techs to it. And a bunch of teenagers on tumblr.
I think it sounds perfect! I will admit I enjoy the untrieds because I’m addicted to new posts, but I also am not going to send you angry emails if you miss a few days, so you shouldn’t be mad at yourself either
I just want you to be happy!
I get a lot out of your blog, and you do all the work, so whatever it takes to keep you up and posting is worth it to me! All I ask is that you continue to review the newest Chanel collections! 
Thanks heaps for all your hard work!
I love everything you post, so I will definitely continue to read your blog. Thank you for all the time you put into this wonderful blog!
You may have answered this question in your first “365 of untrieds” post but, I didn’t see it. Out of curiosity, what are you going to be doing with your “share” pile? Blog sale? Swaps?
I have to give you a massive pile of respect and a side serve of admiration for being so honest. You have touched on something that I think a lot of well known bloggers deal with – the constant guilt from not updating every day and feeling like you are letting your readers and fans down. Unfortunately, you can’t turn creativity on and off like a tap, and life just gets in the way sometimes. Update once an hour or once a week – we understand and we can relate. Just don’t ever put yourself under pressure or feel guilty!
Hugs from Australia
I was just thinking after I caught up on my google reader what the criteria was for 365. I think daily blogging is just too much, blogging for bloggings sake. I like the format, I look forward to more posts however frequent or infrequent they be! I also love that you’ll number them