In this special episode we explore how the internet has shifted over the past decade—sometimes in surprising and dramatic ways. We examine whether social media has replaced traditional blogging, how sponsored content and native advertising have changed the relationship between creators and readers, and why many creators have become more cautious about sharing their personal lives online. This episode is a recorded version of our keynote from the Altitude Summit, and it covers a range of topics including why a former Bachelorette reached out to us for advice, a career decision we now wish we’d handled differently, and a particular blog comment that once moved Sherry to tears.
You can download this episode from iTunes, Google Play, Stitcher, and TuneIn Radio — or listen with the embedded player below. Use this post as a resource to find the links, notes, and images we referenced during the talk. Note: if you’re reading in an RSS feed reader, click through to the post to access the audio player.
Altitude Summit Talk
- This talk expands on themes we first explored in Episode #14, “What Quitting Our Blog Taught Us,” where we shared the lessons learned from a major shift in how we publish and engage online. If you missed that episode, it’s a useful companion to this keynote.
- We also discuss our recent trip to Palm Springs and more details about the conference in Episode #37, which complements the ideas covered in this keynote.
- When we address advertising, sponsorships, and transparency, we reference Episode #8, where Emily Henderson, Nicole Balch, and Justina Blakeny joined a frank conversation about sponsored posts and pricing. That episode offers concrete examples of how modern creators approach partnerships and maintain audience trust.
- Most slides used in the presentation were text-based and aligned with the audio, so listening to the episode captures the full message. Still, a few of the slides were visual, and we’ve included them here for reference to help illustrate key points about blogging, social media, sponsored content, and audience engagement.
- We reference a personal post Sherry wrote about her aunt that resonated with readers; that piece remains an example of how authentic storytelling can create meaningful connections with an audience.
- And yes—Bubba the dog, winner of one of our early giveaways, makes a nostalgic appearance in our recollections of the blog’s early days.
Because this was a special, long-form episode, we didn’t include our usual “We’re Digging” section. Instead, we compiled a master list of all the things we’ve recommended across past episodes so you can find everything in one place. It’s a helpful resource for discovering tools, products, and ideas we’ve repeatedly found useful during our years of blogging and podcasting.
For those interested in home and kitchen fixtures mentioned during the talk, check out Delta Faucet’s product lineup and innovations at DeltaFaucet.com/YHL, where you can explore faucets, accessories, and design-forward solutions we’ve featured over the years.
Overall, this episode is designed for anyone curious about the evolution of online publishing—from bloggers and content creators to readers who have watched the landscape change. We dig into the practical and emotional sides of sharing a life online, including how creators balance monetization with authenticity, the impact of social networks on attention and community, and strategies for maintaining both privacy and meaningful engagement. Whether you’re planning a blog, considering sponsored partnerships, or simply interested in media trends, the Altitude Summit keynote offers perspective on where online storytelling has been and where it’s headed.