I realized this week that I was almost two months late on my anniversary post. Because I honestly forgot that it was my blog anniversary – I have been blogging on Feather Factor for eight years! I was so late that I thought I’d skip the birthday post this year, but I love the number eight (*cough* Asian *cough*) and so wanted to commemorate it.
Over the years that I’ve been blogging the online landscape has changed so much. I really didn’t know what I wanted to do with Feather Factor when I started…I think I was twenty four years old?? My content and what I’m interested in has also evolved significantly and it’s one of the most freeing things, about not really being beholden to sponsored posts, etcetera… I feel that I can do whatever I want. Thank you for allowing me to share affiliate links, post ads on the site…but honestly this has always been a labor of love (though I have all the admiration for those who have their blogs as their full time job).
What’s funny is that when I first started out in 2011, I read blogs all the time. They were my jam! I had a list of my favorites and I followed certain people for outfit inspiration and life advice. Then, later on, as Instagram started its meteoric rise I started to read less and less…why go to the site when I got it all in a stream of photos? I realized that what I was experiencing wasn’t the greatest news for my own site but again this was always just a little side passion…I thought I could continue and if my audience dwindled down to nothing then I’d probably just keep writing this as a little journal to myself and my kids.
In the last year or so, I’ve found myself reading some more blogs and magazines. I guess what I’ve been craving is (icky marketing word ahead) authenticity…I just needed a little more than a photo and a basic caption. Because I’m approaching the topic from the blog world I really don’t mind sponsored content as much as some readers – it’s HARD to be one of those really famous bloggers/Instagram stars and the ones who are really great run it like a professional business – but even if it’s an ad I need a little more, sometimes you know? A little something more personal.
Anyway! I don’t know how this transitioned to a post on the general blogging/Instagram industry. But, thank you again for reading and allowing me to have had an audience for this site for so many years – if you have any feedback/content you want to see please let me know, I’m always open to ideas. Thank you, thank you, thank you forever for reading and being here, for your supportive comments, your loving comments, and even your grouchy ones. I’m here for all of it.
33 Comments
bisbee
May 6, 2019 at 6:26 amI agree with you about the changes in the Internet environment. I spend a lot of time on my iPad…maybe too much since I retired! I find I read fewer blogs than I used to…I guess it may be because so many have become too commercial, or are appealing too much to a younger readership. Not being ageist…I have varied tastes, but I’m just not interested in a lot of baby/toddler talk! You bring in a small amount about your kids, but it’s NEVER too much!
I also find I like to continue with bloggers who post about varied subjects, especially those who prompt me to investigate further. You always write about intriguing things, which is why I look forward to your twice weekly offerings!
jen
May 6, 2019 at 6:48 amI love your blog! I love Fridays because of your weekend update! Love all the articles you share!
Elizabeth
May 6, 2019 at 7:20 amI love your blog ! Blogging has certainly changed but what I have always loved about it is that for the most part it is more than just a photo, we get to learn a little about the writer of the blog. It is fun to see how people age and change , have children or grandchildren.
Although I enjoy instagram I prefer blog and magazines.
Happy Blogaversary!
Diane W
May 6, 2019 at 7:56 amI love reading your blog. I used to read more blogs but either they faded away, or I faded away from them. Happy Anniversary!
Linda
May 6, 2019 at 9:04 amLove the blog and the variety of topics. Would love more finance, baby info (i.e., sleeping, eating), more shopping comparisons. I think the consistency of your posts in terms of topics and frequency have made it nice.
Nina
May 6, 2019 at 9:24 amI look forward to your blog every Monday and Friday! I’ve been reading your blog since 2013, when I was looking for luxury travel contents, and then we had our sons around the same time, and then second child so it continued to be very applicable to my life. Thank you so much for sharing your fashion finds and family life with us here. I find it very refreshing that you don’t have a lot of sponsored posts and just genuine reviews and feelings. Please keep it up!
Bunny
May 6, 2019 at 10:32 amSame!! Would also like to reuest a return to the “copy this look” for chic movie characters!! I forget the series name but you introduced me to so many beautiful films and aesthetics this way! HBD KW!!
Cora
May 6, 2019 at 9:26 amI love your blog. I used to follow dozens, now only a handful. For some reason your variety resonates with me. The shopping, article links, book rec’s, finance, family topics. I’ve stopped following the blogs that do not hold my interest, or are mainly filled with click bait. Your content has never failed me!!
Anna
May 6, 2019 at 9:29 amCongratulations on eight years! I’ve grown with your blog over the years and please keep doing it so we will continue to age together, haha 🙂 I totally feel the same way about instagram vs. blog. I’ve pretty much waned away from instagram and back to blogs, books and podcasts! (I love a good conversation). Topics I would love to hear more is finance!! especially around how to invest one’s savings. Happy anniversary and looking forward to more!
Michelle
May 6, 2019 at 9:31 amHappy 8th Anniversary! I have been reading your blog since it’s inception and look forward to your Monday and Friday posts. Thank you for continuing to maintain your log over the years, sharing fashion/family/travel posts, interesting articles and good reads.
Julie W.
May 6, 2019 at 9:51 amCongratulations on 8 years! I think we’re around the same age (I’m 32), and I started following you since I was in my middle twenties I think! I started for the fashion, but then stayed for the links to true crime articles, book recommendations, travel logs, and now parenting thoughts ( just gave birth to my first in March). Keep doing what you’re doing, and yes I still read blogs even though I follow you on Instagram as well!
Patricia
May 6, 2019 at 10:19 amI’m not sure how long I’ve been reading your blog – maybe 5 or 6 years? – but I enjoy it very much. I get it through bloglovin’, and your blog is one of the few whereby I click straight through to the blog before reading. I have nowhere near the budget for clothing and accessories that you do, but that doesn’t bother me at all – I love the inspiration! I have particularly been re-reading your posts about your trip to Japan as my husband and I are going there in November.
Xin
May 6, 2019 at 12:29 pmI’ve been reading fashion and lifestyle-focused blogs on and off for about as long as you’ve been blogging, and I also marvel a bit at how much things have changed. I was a late adopter to Instagram and still don’t really “get” it, though I do follow a lot of accounts and appreciate that it’s a good platform for daily outfit-type blogging. (But I never really read Instagram post captions, it’s just not a format that really works for me.) I still strongly prefer reading blogs over following someone on Instagram, I just find blogs to be a better platform for reading people’s thoughts, and when people comment on blog entries, I think the discussion that happens that way is a lot more interesting and in-depth than is possible on Instagram.
There aren’t a lot of blogs I enjoy that are still active and posting regularly, so I’m glad you’re still writing! I really enjoy your blog, I like both your book and fashion recommendations (though our shopping budgets are quite different), and also the other topics you write about. Your link lists are always great and thoughtful!
CC
May 6, 2019 at 4:02 pmLong time reader and I remember when you had three blog posts a week (Monday, Wednesday, and Friday). Hope I’m not misremembering! Anyway, loved following your journey.
Would be great if you could squeeze in a couple of home decorating posts? We’re in the process of remodeling our home and any inspiration we can get is much appreciated. Love your taste and perspective in life. Thanks for continuing to share yourself with us!
Hugs.
– CC
Brook
May 6, 2019 at 4:17 pmI love your blog and have been reading for years. I hope to keep reading for many more. I love the varied content and your authenticity shines through 🙂
Catherine
May 6, 2019 at 4:43 pmCongratulations on 8 years! i have been a loyal reader since almost the very beginning. Appreciate your POV and taste and I think you are one of the best blogs out there! Here’s to many more years to come!
Irina
May 6, 2019 at 5:48 pmHappy anniversary!! I remember finding your blog through some search for balenciaga comparison too many years ago)) you are the only one I still read though I never read too many. We have witnessed a whole life:))
AD
May 6, 2019 at 6:18 pmCongratulations ~ I prefer blogs as well, and hope that they make a comeback. I’ve been reading yours for many years, it’s one of the only few that I read religiously and I really appreciate you still posting.
Helene Tran
May 6, 2019 at 9:19 pmHappy 8th year!! Long time luker and first time commenter. I have been reading your log 5 6 years now and loving the variety of topics, your sense of humor and how you look at life in general. I adore your travel posts. I love travels too and can’t wait to get back to those adventures. We’ve been to beach resorts only the past two years lol. Both my kids were born like 7-8 months after your two adorable kids and your sharing about the journey helped prepared me a lot. Please keep up the good work Kat!!
S
May 7, 2019 at 2:37 amAuthenticity- this is why I like your blog ! It’s more or less the only one that I still read. All the other I abandonned over time due to the lack of authenticity. I really like the mix of topics – fashion, life, books and articles, money, career. Happy anniversary!
Corinna D.
May 7, 2019 at 9:22 amCongrats! I think I’ve been reading your blog since 12/13 and what I love about your blog more than others was other the the pictures, you took time to explain and provided your insight to various subjects. I loved your interview series, the handbag reviews, and your travel posts. I log in time to time now that I have a little one but it is always refreshing to catch up on your posts. Keep up the good work!
Leslie
May 7, 2019 at 11:38 amHappy Anniversary Kat! This is the only one I read on the regular because I love the fashion (yes to Everlane with Hermes!) and the recommendations for longread articles and books. Sometimes I think how fun it would be if we were in the same town and could meet for drinks and talk about all this, so you definitely get the ‘authenticity’ across! 🙂
Julia
May 7, 2019 at 1:13 pmI’ve been reading almost since the start; I echo other commenters that yours is the only blog that I still consistently read. Your content is varied and interesting, I love your book recommendations (Thanks to you The Custom of the Country is now one of my favourite novels!) and anything to do with handbags. I miss your travel posts and outfit posts for those of us in an office job but understand your life has moved on. I’d love to see the Q&A again (I still go back to your old ones) and movie outfit posts (Blue Jasmine was great!). Mostly I think I still read because you have such an inclusive style and always display humility and humour. Keep at it!
Sammie
May 7, 2019 at 9:58 pmHappy blogaversary! I’ve been reading your blog for at least 7 years now. Believe it or not, it’s the only one that I am still reading I appreciate how insightful, thoughtful and intelligent you are with your words. I love your recommended articles and books – they are something I look forward to each week. Thank you, and especially for sharing your life with us. *Hugs*
Phil
May 8, 2019 at 12:49 amI’ve always loved your blog and your exquisite style. Blogs (and bloggers)p come and go, but yours remain a favourite. 🙂
Yumi
May 8, 2019 at 10:19 amHappy anniversary Kat! I share the sentiment of many in that your blog is probably one of the only blogs I still read. I appreciate how multi-dimensional your content is – you tackle a combination of fun topics (like clothes!) but are also willing to delve into some more difficult subjects like burnout in a way that reflects real life. And I think the fact that it’s a singular voice (yours!) helps us readers get a consistent viewpoint. I always imagine that you’re really fun and thoughtful friend.
BRELIN
May 8, 2019 at 8:04 pmHappy anniversary! I’ve been reading your blog for quite a few years. What I love the most about your blog is its authenticity. It’s a rare quality today since now so many bloggers turned blogging into a business and their blogs smells like business. And lots of contents become very predictable. But you are different. You always offer a variety of topics. I enjoy reading your travel logs, your ideas about fashion and your thoughts about family and kids and I love your book/article recommendations. Thank you for all these! Hope you will enjoy blogging as much as we enjoyed reading your blog.
Jaime
May 8, 2019 at 8:11 pmMy sister, Whitney, a big fan of yours, turned me onto you when you just started your blog. We both followed you religiously and frequently had discussions concerning one or the other of your topics. As you know, unfortunately, I’m the only one reading it now but I know if Whitney was still here, she’d be your biggest supporter. I on occasion look at some of your older postings and what a delight to see her comments there. Thank you for being your authentic but sophisticated and genuine self.
Nvie
May 9, 2019 at 3:49 amThank you for continuing with your blog. There are many bloggers that I followed and many of them just stopped. Yours is one the very few left. Always looking forward to your posts. Happy 8th anniversary. P.S. I discovered you through TPF….lol.
wanderlustgal
May 9, 2019 at 6:25 amHappy 8 year anniversary dear friend. Thank you for this wonderful blog and I look forward to many great posts!
Elaine
May 11, 2019 at 1:50 pmCongratulations on 8 years! I love reading your blog. I started reading your blog about 5 years ago and have probably read every single post especially on your bag collection and travel. I’ve just become a mother in the past year and I love it when you write about children and thank you for keeping it real. Look forward to many more great posts!
Catherine
May 13, 2019 at 5:02 amKatherine,
I used to read every blog on my roll, but now all that’s left is yours and a couple others. I really appreciate that your content is well written and thought out and not just a way to endorse products. If anyone needs to monetize, that’s fine, but the endorsements are sometimes the driving force of the blog and articles are not the main sentiment.
What I love: you write excellent book reviews, the products you link to are solid and finally, you include articles that I have missed and immensely enjoyed reading.
Does it count that this is the only blog I leave comments on 😉
Happy Mother’s Day and bonne vacance!
Catherine
Revanche @ A Gai Shan Life
May 15, 2019 at 2:18 pmBelatedly – happy 8 years! I’m glad you’re still around.