apointe's Profile

When I got the email today with the email today with the subject line "Apartment Therapy is a Community" I had to chuckle. Apartment Therapy is a community in the sense that it's a group of people with similar interests who like to discuss those interests, but the moderators make it as difficult as possible for us to actually communicate with one another. The fact that there has been no response to the requests for a system by which updates on topic posts are sent by email and where we can reply directly to one another's comments for about 3 years now is laughable.

I have been reading AT almost as long as it has existed. It helped me transition to life in the big city from a small college town in Pennsylvania and has taught me how to keep my home and make it a bit more stylish at the same time (and I am NOT a stylish person). The site has grown exponentially since it started, which is great for you guys (it is your livelihood after all). But I always thought that one of the goals of the site was to create a community (or communities) around common interests. I think that's why I (and others) were so connected to the spin off sites.

Now I don't even understand where to go to find things - as SCM said above "The choice of which article gets put under which heading seems pretty darn arbitrary." Agree completely. If it's not on the main page in chronological order there's really no point in wasting my time trying to find new information.

Also to the point of community, I have never understood why one cannot either comment directly to someone else's comment or question, OR have the ability to track a post (as someone said above). This seems like blogging 101 to me and would also bring the moderators into the discussion in a more active way. I rarely comment on AT because I don't have time to go back and track to see if someone replied to me miles down the list of responses.

You have tens of thousands of readers (maybe more?) - I just don't understand why you didn't ask them to help you understand how people actually use the site and then make changes from there.

Best,
Ashley

I was using all eco-friendly (mostly homemade) cleaners for a while and found that they just weren't as effective as the "bad" stuff. I do have a box of Borax and vinegar/baking soda at home so maybe I'll experiment some more. I'm way to cheap to go out and buy those over-priced eco-cleaners like Mrs Meyers and Seventh Generation.

I'll be off to buy some flowers at lunch and arrange them in the living room, bathroom, and bedroom.

I did like the comment that someone made on the inital post about looking for potted plans instead of flowers (more longevity, can clean the air, etc) and I think this is a great idea too. I bought 4 potted plants from KMart of all places a few months ago and they have added immensely to the character of my home!

I'm in as well! I'm glad I saw this today and can start with everyone else. Now I just need to decide between the living room/dining room and the bedroom. Both are in dire need of help!

Ooh making that ginger ale just jumped to the top of my list! I'd also like to do regular blog posts on my weekly CSA shares and how I use them.

I think my special project will be a backsplash with some color since I can't paint (I'm a renter). I think I want to do a black/white/red theme in the kitchen and I was thinking of getting black and white checkered contact paper and using it as a backsplash. Does anyone know if I will be able to remove it in a few years when we move out? I'm thinking googone or something should work, right?

Mine are split 1/2 in the kitchen and 1/2 in the hall closet. I just have a few all purpose sprays and extra dish soap and sponges, but like to have things at my fingertips. Though I guess you could make the argument than in 700 sq ft most things are at your fingertips!

lotusmoss - the Sh-mop looks SO much more effective than my swiffer, which I think only picks up about 50% of what's actually on the floor!

MissMarked - I like the idea of yoga while I mop! I'll have to try this!

Didn't get to it this weekend, but will work on it this week. I did start making a mental list of things that I need to get rid of and I don't think it's that much! Maybe just some kitchen utensils, a gross coffee pot, and an ableskiver pan (I've never used it but the idea of making munchkin-like treats is so fun!).