Okay, it's not my last post. But it's my last post on this site. Yip, I'm moving on. (And up hopefully.) I've been working with some super-talented and creative people for the last few months on a concept which I can finally tell you guys about. It's a lifestyle website which aims to showcase the finer things in life. So things like fashion, travel, food, art, wine, cocktails, design, architecture etc. are all there for you to enjoy. Sort of like the online equivalent of standing in front of a magazine rack. I'll be handling the food&wine side of things, with other talented contributors talking about what they know best.
I am pre-empting the cynics out there, who no doubt will point out the fact that the new site has advertising. Indeed, it does. I have previously been pretty outspoken about the fact that I didn't allow advertising so let me explain:
- This is a step towards writing about food full-time. The last year and a half has seen a tiny blog grow to the point where I can genuinely make a career out of doing what I love. At the moment I spend a lot of time and money investing in a passion and I now feel it is fair enough to start generating some income from it. The ads WILL IN NO WAY IMPACT EDITORIAL CONTENT. This remains paramount and as long as we don't lose sight of this, we'll be okay.
The new site is going live from about 14h00 tomorrow. Check it out at www.aficionado.co.za - I am extremely excited about this but nervous at the same time. I have poured a lot of energy into building the blog and I know I will lose a few readers who see this as "selling-out". I just hope the majority realise that the new site is something I would not be part of if I didn't honestly believe credibility can be maintained.
Cheers,
Andy Fenner
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10 comments:
Bye Bye Jamie.
Hello Andy.....
I'm excited for you, sounds like a great new adventure. And I honestly believe no one can hold it against you that you're trying to make a career out of your passion. I feel I've gotten to know you and your personality through this blog and believe you will always maintain credibility. So big up, you have my full support, can't wait to see the new site. P.S. I might still call you Jamie though, I kinda liked that :-)
Good for you!
I think people who are fans/readers will appreciate the fact that we come back to read your opinions on things, and that won't change even if your blogging platform does.
All the best, really looking forward to more delicious reviews and recipes...
when you click on the link to the new site it tells me to check again in 6 days, you say its going live tomorrow....hope this isnt an indication on how this site will be run
Thanks for the support guys, I really appreciate it and hope you like the new layout.
I know what it says Daz. That's why I clearly wrote that it will be live sooner than 6 days. Shame, you sound like a very bitter person who probably wasn't loved much. If you don't like the way the site is run then by all means don't read it.
Go Jamie Who go! On to great things... looking forward to seeing where it takes you. I'm pretty new to your blog, but have really enjoyed what I've seen of it - hoping that the new move keeps the great stuff coming.
Exciting news! I don't think it's a sell-out - hey, we all have to earn a living somehow - and look forward to checking out the new site. I'm sure it will be a roaring success.
Hi Andy,
That my friend is what they call progress! As you say, your blog has grown from a small, personal project into a commercially viable concept. Have had a look at the new site.
Looks great! Sophisticated. Suave. A true reflection of the City we are all so proud of.
If you're ever in our neck of the woods, please do pop in for visit.
Well hel-lo Andy!
You'll always be Jamie Who to me :)
All th best with the new venture. I read your blog for the way you write - I love it - so as long as you don't delegate the posting to a ghost writer with no flair ;) you've got me no matter where you write...
And congrats on getting so far as to live the dream of doing what you love - and getting paid for it. As they say, it's better than working for a living.
Way to go, I say.
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