Hey, everyone: We've been mulling over the issues here, and is often the case with feedback, while Emily Nunn's advice didn't work for us, her criticism was valid, as the tagline, "Tips and tales from our homestead habitat" probably just confuses people. I thought I was being clever in proposing a new label in 'homestead habitat,' but does anyone know what that means? I am no branding expert. I royally flubbed the title of my first novel, Cat in the Flock, which featured a main protagonist named "Cat" but was placed algorithmically into the pet noir category by Amazon's bots. Wah-wah...
So anyway, what we've come up with instead is, "Homesteading in the suburbs, the wildlife-friendly way." But we're not going to put that in the logo itself the way we have previously with the tips and tales tagline. Instead, it's part of the short description here on Substack, the rest of which is, "Seasonal giveaways for paid subscribers." The logo, which is undergoing a redesign as we speak, will have either just the BG in the short version or just Brunette Gardens in the long.
Anyway, thanks to Emily for rattling our cage with her criticism and suggestion. She did that publicly, on Notes, where it was a bit hard to receive, coming from someone with her stature and experience, especially since the domain name change would have garnered both cost and hassle. We're frankly surprised she felt no qualms about dishing criticism and advice to us freely but apparently found it rude when we in turn analyzed her own Substack here. But like I said, we're peons, mere plebs, and Emily is the former food editor for New Yorker Magazine, among other distinctions. We don't know how to move in her world, as we've never been part of it. We probably stepped in it with this post.
If your brand shows what you are, you'll keep more of the people who join up. Saves work. No one can be all things to all people. Growing stuff and putting it out there will get 'er done.
I got the idea to start writing about the usefulness of weeds, and getting people to go outside and look for them, when I was in health care. We have lived on a little farm for a long time, so we have Tons of weeds. Great variety. Most of the invasive weeds are useful. Last year, I was describing what I was planning to a colleague, and "weedom - rhymes with freedom" just popped into my head. After I set everything up, and played with Canva to make some graphics, I found out that it's kinda generic slang with the 4/20 crowd. But it doesn't matter. I'm not stepping on any of their biz. :-D
May 11, 2023Liked by Anthony C Valterra, Lisa Brunette
Very cool that you were a podcast guest! I listened to the 1st bit, partly out of curiosity to hear what your voice sounds like. :) I can empathize with your struggle for a name; tying ourselves to a place with ours (thanks for the mention) felt right only because the chance of us ever moving is slim (we bought this place at an opportune blip in the housing market & it's in my hometown).
I vote for keeping your name and changing out the lotus. I agree that "homesteading" still carries a picture of livestock, even though there has been growing inclusivity & acknowledgement that even urbanites can homestead where they live. With the new ability to add tags in Substack, I've started adding "homestead," "homesteading," etc. so hopefully like-minded folk will find us.
BTW, I'm flattered you listened to the podcast. That's the second time I've been a guest, and even with our own podcasts, I never like the sound of my voice. I'm told everyone thinks that of themselves, though. Also, it's interesting that you're tagging some "homesteading" - I know the NRCS is actively working on applying farm status to suburban and urban homesteading situations... we've actually just applied for it. But I do think you're right that the word carries that livestock connotation pretty heavily, as far as branding goes.
I'd be interested to hear updates on your experience with the NRCS.
I finally made peace with the way my voice sounds, just in the past month. I spent a weekend with my sisters and cousins, and our chatter sounded like 1 person talking to themselves. So I guess I just have the family voice.
Hey, everyone: We've been mulling over the issues here, and is often the case with feedback, while Emily Nunn's advice didn't work for us, her criticism was valid, as the tagline, "Tips and tales from our homestead habitat" probably just confuses people. I thought I was being clever in proposing a new label in 'homestead habitat,' but does anyone know what that means? I am no branding expert. I royally flubbed the title of my first novel, Cat in the Flock, which featured a main protagonist named "Cat" but was placed algorithmically into the pet noir category by Amazon's bots. Wah-wah...
So anyway, what we've come up with instead is, "Homesteading in the suburbs, the wildlife-friendly way." But we're not going to put that in the logo itself the way we have previously with the tips and tales tagline. Instead, it's part of the short description here on Substack, the rest of which is, "Seasonal giveaways for paid subscribers." The logo, which is undergoing a redesign as we speak, will have either just the BG in the short version or just Brunette Gardens in the long.
Anyway, thanks to Emily for rattling our cage with her criticism and suggestion. She did that publicly, on Notes, where it was a bit hard to receive, coming from someone with her stature and experience, especially since the domain name change would have garnered both cost and hassle. We're frankly surprised she felt no qualms about dishing criticism and advice to us freely but apparently found it rude when we in turn analyzed her own Substack here. But like I said, we're peons, mere plebs, and Emily is the former food editor for New Yorker Magazine, among other distinctions. We don't know how to move in her world, as we've never been part of it. We probably stepped in it with this post.
But as someone who has to scrape chicken poop off their boots, stepping in it is not unfamiliar territory.
If your brand shows what you are, you'll keep more of the people who join up. Saves work. No one can be all things to all people. Growing stuff and putting it out there will get 'er done.
How did you think through your branding for weedom?
I got the idea to start writing about the usefulness of weeds, and getting people to go outside and look for them, when I was in health care. We have lived on a little farm for a long time, so we have Tons of weeds. Great variety. Most of the invasive weeds are useful. Last year, I was describing what I was planning to a colleague, and "weedom - rhymes with freedom" just popped into my head. After I set everything up, and played with Canva to make some graphics, I found out that it's kinda generic slang with the 4/20 crowd. But it doesn't matter. I'm not stepping on any of their biz. :-D
Homesteadish Gardens
I love it!
Very cool that you were a podcast guest! I listened to the 1st bit, partly out of curiosity to hear what your voice sounds like. :) I can empathize with your struggle for a name; tying ourselves to a place with ours (thanks for the mention) felt right only because the chance of us ever moving is slim (we bought this place at an opportune blip in the housing market & it's in my hometown).
I vote for keeping your name and changing out the lotus. I agree that "homesteading" still carries a picture of livestock, even though there has been growing inclusivity & acknowledgement that even urbanites can homestead where they live. With the new ability to add tags in Substack, I've started adding "homestead," "homesteading," etc. so hopefully like-minded folk will find us.
BTW, I'm flattered you listened to the podcast. That's the second time I've been a guest, and even with our own podcasts, I never like the sound of my voice. I'm told everyone thinks that of themselves, though. Also, it's interesting that you're tagging some "homesteading" - I know the NRCS is actively working on applying farm status to suburban and urban homesteading situations... we've actually just applied for it. But I do think you're right that the word carries that livestock connotation pretty heavily, as far as branding goes.
I'd be interested to hear updates on your experience with the NRCS.
I finally made peace with the way my voice sounds, just in the past month. I spent a weekend with my sisters and cousins, and our chatter sounded like 1 person talking to themselves. So I guess I just have the family voice.
Thank you for the input, Erin! I think your name is great, and I’m envious of your settled status!
Thanks, Phillip came up with the name. I'm jealous that you can have chickens!
This is so rude.
Ah, well... we've shot ourselves in the foot again! Story of our lives.
Yup, that's us in a nutshell.