But some loyal readers had lately noticed a decrease in quantity and quality. There were more product giveaways, fewer in-depth tutorials. The Petersiks’ trademark gung-ho enthusiasm seemed forced. And since the birth of their second child, Teddy, in April, they were increasingly voicing their difficulty in balancing work and family.

In hundreds of replies to the Petersiks’ query, these and other concerns were raised, sometimes bluntly. One commenter named Margaret said she had lost interest in Young House Love because each of the couple’s three homes “look exactly the same,” and complained they decorate with “cheap furniture.” The couple shouldn’t use their children as an excuse for a lack of posts, Margaret added, because they “make big bucks” from their blog.