In a nutshell…
For the last couple of weeks, AFS has talked about scaling back and going to a new, simpler format. I thought I would take a few minutes to talk about why we decided to make those changes.
As anyone who has been an admin for a fansite can tell you, running a site can be extremely time consuming. In regards to the work I personally produced or oversaw, whether it was on Snarky Archies or AFS, I tried my best to make sure the information was the highest quality; sourced, credited, accurate and verified. I did my best to make sure everything posted was within our guidelines to protect David’s privacy and to show him in the best light possible. As a team, we tried to make it seem effortless, but those in the know can attest to the countless decisions made on a daily basis.
In the early days of David’s post Idol career, fansites were a necessary part of his success. We were the bridge between Idol-David and Solo-Career-David. On a personal level, it was my way of letting him know I was in it for the long haul, that he was more than a flash-in-the-pan and I wouldn’t forget him come Season 8.
Fansites were the only way to disseminate information about tours, vip tickets, and appearances. Remember the pathetic Jive site? Now of course, with Kari and the awesome Official Site (and David away for awhile) real news is pretty much covered. In fact, back in the day, when news was slow in reaching fans, I wouldn’t have hesitated to post a rumor (or speculation) that looked like a real possibility but now, with the OS always on top of things, that thought would never occur to me. Things have changed a lot in the past year or so, haven’t they?
Sites were also the place for fans to hook up, make connections and travel plans. It was fun and exciting to see those relationships develop. I know many, including myself, who have made friends for life. I remember once when a fan commented that her phone now contained more David fan phone numbers than everyone else in her life. Guilty as charged!
More than anything though, the bottom line is David is away. For me, that means it’s time to do something else. I honestly believe that I do not need to be engaged the entire two years he’s gone in order to show my support for him as a person or his career. I told him I would be here in 2014 which leaves the balance of 2012, 2013 and a portion of 2014 open for other things. I can understand that other fans might feel differently, but I encourage those on the fence to take a break and come back with renewed energy (and funds, lol!) for what may come.
~janey
I like this Janey: “I honestly believe that I do not need to be engaged the entire two years he’s gone in order to show my support for him as a person or his career.” I’ve always loved Fanscene and not being vivid here or anywhere on twitter, etc. never means we are not supporting David. We are fans for life. Thanks for everything.
pabuckie(Quote)
Thanks for everything !! Enjoy!!
Heidijoy (@Heidijoy5)(Quote)
Janey is dead on when she says ” I did my best to make sure everything posted was within our guidelines to protect David’s privacy and to show him in the best light possible. As a team, we tried to make it seem effortless, but those in the know can attest to the countless decisions made on a daily basis.”
While running AFAC and now part of the amazing AFS Team, I can attest that AFS has always had David’s best interest at heart with each and every post. It is an everyday job and with David away, it is time to focus on other things and doing good for the world..
We will ALL be here in 2014 !!
Wendynjafac(Quote)
Just wanted to say “thank you” for the time and effort spent in David’s behalf and for his fans. I really appreciate the positiveness shown. Enjoy some breathing room while you can. As David said, “Two years will go by ‘like that’” which is just how fast we will all reconnect in 2014!
Archugeezer(Quote)
Thanks for all that you’ve done, Janey! Your posts are something I’ve always looked forward to reading in the past few years, on Snarkies and here, on AFS.
I’m glad that AFS will still be here, and I do hope we can still go back through the archives to re-live old memories
VeeBee(Quote)
Working on making an access to our archives
ArchieFanDoc-AFS(Quote)
Hi Janey, i’ve enjoyed your postings and we will wait until your return!!! You’ve done an outstanding job. Take it lightly now (just for a little while!!) Thanks so much, I love this website and will always be there waiting. Thanks again, Sincerely, Madeline
madeline(Quote)
Thank you so much, Janey, for all your hard work. I’ve seen it first hand. You’ve been a constant support to David and to the fans. Take some time to breathe.
Love you!
Mary(Quote)
I love this site and everyone who participates in providing all of us a wonderful experience coming here everyday. I will still be visiting often to see if anything is happening with David, his fans, his charities and any other news that might come up until he returns. Thanks again for making being a David Archuleta fan more than just someone who likes his music, I think of myself as a fan who enjoys the kinship will all his fans and the joy and spirit of who he is.
rose(Quote)
As they say in Australia and NZ, good on ya, Janey! You and the other admin have worked so hard. You all deserve a break.
I still listen to David’s music, but I have simply moved on with my life. I treasure the fans I have made through the fan community and will be curious to see what happens when David returns, but for now, I have many other things to do. Hope you are all doing well!
Freo(Quote)
i love this site..i don’t post here regularly by i always visit here to get info about David. Thank you for your amazing job Janey.Good luck and we wish you all the best. I will always be a fan and i will support him forever. God bless Janey!
feliz marie(Quote)
Janey is taking a much deserved break! For years much of theup to the minute news and special “finds” originated from Janey. We go way back to the days of the AI7 tour with the both of us posting on Masterclass Lady nightly, as in the wee hours of the night, with videos of you know who. I recall nudging you to take that leap when you joined Snarkies and the rest is history. Your constant behind the scenes activities has not gone unnoticed or unappreciated and I hope you have received gratitude from all those you have helped. Thanks for being my night owl friend all these years … see you in my mailbox
tonight, and hopefully a So Cali visit soon.
AFD(Quote)
Janey, (((hugs)))), emily
emilyluvsarchie(Quote)
Janey, i think it’s wonderful. You are so right about where we get our news and the quality of the OS is great. You have done a great job as has everyone at fanscene and I appreciate that. Enjoy your time! I am much busier with my granddaughter and church and have found it fills my life in a wonderful way. Take care and see you around
8throwcenter(Quote)
I’ve always enjoyed coming to fanscene to check in & to see what was going on with David. Janey, Take care of yourself & all of us will always be David’s fans!! #DA2014
sunny(Quote)