lalalala
4 hours until my life is changed....forever
Over the past few weeks, Andy and myself (along with a few of you others who helped contribute on the way!) have been working relentlessly on a new layout and total revamped site for The Harry Potter Fan Zone. Though most of you will read this after the new site is released, I will go ahead and share some of the things I have thought about today as Katie and Andy have talked to me.
First off, Katie stated something to me that I never really thought about thoroughly until today: "It's amazing how fandom can change your life!" Where would I be if I didn't get started in website development and becoming a true Harry Potter fan? Where would I end up in my career path if none of this ever happened? What's going to happen in the future that will change my life because of this obsession?
Only moments ago as Andy and I finished some of the last touches on the new site design and contents did he state, "4 more hours until our lives change - forever." To some, the work (and money!) Andy, Katie, and myself put towards the site is little to nothing. Many times have I felt angered at some of the fans who visit the HarryPotterFanZone.com and HPFZforums.com due to their concieted comments. (Just ask Katie or Andy about my rantings...they heard it most of the day today haha)
For those that don't know exactly the time we spend working on the site, here's a quick preview of what my day consists of:
- I usually spend around 7-10 hours on the computer on school days
- I usually spend around 12-15 hours on weekends or holiday breaks
- I frequently tell my friends I can't go places because I have a commitment to the site.
- I get the pleasure chore of reading many comments from fans because HPFZ isn't good enough
And yet, I still "waste my teenage years" putting up with all of it (as some tell me). Well, running a website goes farther than how many unique hits you get. It's about constantly learning new things and meeting new people. And though I do hear many comments that are negative towards the site, I do hear the good ones which makes it all worth it!
The following people are the ones who have shown deep respect to not only the Harry Potter Fan Zone, but to me. Without having the support from these people, my life would be miserable beyond belief. In less than 4 hours now, I would like to dedicate the rest of my time spent towards the Harry Potter Fan Zone (for years to come!) to the following:
My family, Andy McCray, Katie Allred, Eric Scull (of MuggleNet), Galadriel Waters, Catherine Collins, E.L. Fossa, Christy Conley, "The Prof" a.k.a. Professor Mithrander, Mike (of Shurtugal.com), the HPFZ staff, and most importantly, the dedicated Harry Potter Fan Zone fans!
Now you can start showing your support by going to the HarryPotterFanZone.com and checking out the new layout! =)
EDIT: After talking with Eric Scull, he has once again astounded me with his thinking! If you were to remember one thing about this blog post, remember this:
Eric l MuggleNet: I thought to myself one day...
Eric l MuggleNet: Paint..
Eric l MuggleNet: why isn't Paint as bootlegged as Photoshop?!?!
Eric l MuggleNet: It's just as cool!
Eric l MuggleNet: Whatever one can't do, the other can simpler!
Eric l MuggleNet: and then, as if a voice in the back of my head was screaming,
Eric l MuggleNet: it said "Paint comes with Windows. Photoshop is a gift from hackers"
CDEDITS: http://zachmccleary.com