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JANUARY 8, 2010 at 5:41 PM
Posted by CHEESER
Source: HPANA
It's been a long road, getting from there to here.
It's been a long time, but my time is finally near.
When I created HPANA on a whim in late 2002 -- over seven years ago -- I never anticipated or dared dream that it would become so large and touch so many lives so deeply, including my own. It's difficult now to imagine my life without the site, without the close friends I would otherwise never have met, without the incredible experiences I've shared as a result.
I suspect most of you don't know that HPANA is entirely custom-built, from the aggregation technology that gives the site its namesake, to the forums, content management systems and user administration. I wanted to pursue two passionate interests simultaneously: my love for the Harry Potter books, and a desire to hone my web programming skills.
From the very beginning, it was evident I stumbled onto something big and everlasting. I sent a (real) post card online via the Royal Mail's official web site to J.K. Rowling in 2002, and promptly forgot about it. Little did I know, Jo not only received my letter but credited HPANA in 2004 as the first Harry Potter fan site she ever visited.
That honor was in large part due to the efforts of HPANA's many dedicated staff members over the years. It was also thanks to all of you who made the site a bustling hub of news and community, filling the forums with a whopping 6.9 MILLION posts in 86,000 unique topics, reading nearly 4,000 news articles and browsing 100,000 automagically collected headlines mentioning Harry Potter around the web 24 hours a day.
Now the family we've built together is in serious jeopardy. These last sixth months, the site I and so many of you embraced and called home has been running in the red. To make matters worse, I lost my job in October and the ad revenue HPANA depends on to survive has rapidly declined. We've reached a cataclysm and that's why I'm reaching out to you now.
Our datacenter has very kindly kept the servers online while the bills have piled up. But as of January 15 we will owe $1500 that I simply don't have. I was, and will again be very happy to pay for HPANA's operation out of my own pocket -- once I find work, of course.
In the meantime, I put it to you, our loyal readers and fellow fans, to make a donation if you'd like to see HPANA survive. There are still a number of very big Potter events to follow in 2010 and beyond. The Wizarding World of Harry Potter at Universal Orlando Resort opens in Florida in just a few short months, followed by the fan conference Infinitus. Then, of course, the Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows films in November of this year and July of 2011. (I have a feeling there will also be surprises along the way.)
If each of you reading this right now donated just $1 per month in 2010 (just $12 for the year), we'd be all paid up. I am currently working to reduce costs, and will gladly get the site running back on my own dime as soon as I find employment. HPANA has been and will always be free to use and enjoy. I've only come to you three times in the past seven years asking for your help, and you stepped up each time. This will be the last.
Click here to make a donation of any amount. As always, if you donate at least $10 you will receive a special insignia in your member profile and will see fewer ads for the entire year. Send me an e-mail if you have any other ideas you'd like to discuss (or if you have a job for an experienced web developer!).
Gratefully yours,
Jeff Guillaume
Editor-in-Chief
Reader Comments (47)
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Witch
Points: 556
Naushin Potter says:
This was one of the first Harry Potter sites I ever used.
I am a forum and news addict, and I used HPANA for everything Potter.
I could not bear the idea of the site being shut down. It's my homepage, and it's my main fill of Potter.
The sum isn't too large, and I'm sure we can all come up with the money somehow.
You can expect a donation from me, definitely.
We will never let you down, this site has done so much for us :'(
Come on guys! Let's work for what we believe in!
Posted Jan 8, 2010 at 5:54 PM EST
Eternal Meatball Head
Points: 6219
harrysgurl201 says:
Oh wow! I knew that there was a decline, but I never considered the idea that HPANA might shut down for good!
This was one of the first Harry Potter fan sites that I've visited and the most that I've used! I have made so many friends here and not having this site to come to will be awful.
You will be getting a donation from me soon :)
Come on everyone! Make a donation and save HPANA :)
Posted Jan 8, 2010 at 6:01 PM EST
Witch
Points: 534
mrsharrypotter4500 says:
NO no no no no no!! This cant happen again! Anyone remember Dissendium.com? They hosted the Triwizard tournament back in 2005. It was one of the best hp fan sites ever (including this one) This is the place where I get all my hp info!!! I would give money but in only 16 and if i were to do something like that it would have to go through my mom and she wouldent let me! I really love this website very dearly! I automaticly get updates from you guys on my MyYahoo page. please help out!!
Posted Jan 8, 2010 at 6:41 PM EST
Auror
Points: 2181
HermioneLunaGinny says:
Wow. This is the only Harry Potter fansite I am a member of.
I love HPANA. I really, really hope everything works out. Unfortunately I, like the above, am under age and would have to go through my parents to donate. I wish there was something else I could do.
I really hope eveything works out and that you can get a job again soon. Not just for HPANA, but for you as well.
HLG
Posted Jan 8, 2010 at 7:05 PM EST
Estel's Guardian Angel
(Moderator)
Points: 10817
Tundiel Mehtarion says:
I just donated my $10. Only wish I could donate more. I hope as many members as possible pull through for this. HPANA is very important to me and I would be absolutely gutted if I couldn't come here. It's a lifeline, it really is.
I'll cross my fingers for you Jeff, and good luck with the job hunting. All the best.
Posted Jan 8, 2010 at 7:33 PM EST
Mistress of Music
Points: 8868
ViolaNut says:
Done, and I second Tara's well-wishes! When I think about the friends I've made and trips I've taken that would never have been possible without HPANA... yeah. Freely and gladly donated. Best of luck!
Posted Jan 8, 2010 at 8:12 PM EST
Professor
Points: 1022
Peitouche says:
For those underage, maybe you could give a mailing address to send money to?
And I sent my $10. (I'm not underage.) Good luck!
Posted Jan 8, 2010 at 8:53 PM EST
Order of Merlin, 4th Class
Points: 1397
SiriusFan says:
Jeff (aka Cheeser),
I'm sorry to hear about your job and I wish you much success in getting another one soon. My business took a large hit in August 2009 so I feel your pain. Just remember that these things tend to happen for a reason so don't overlook the opportunity to be found in what might seem like a problem.
HPANA is my homepage and has been for years now. It was the first fan site I ever visited, and it's the first place I go for all my HP needs, so I would hate to see its doors close because of money issues.
I just made my $12 donation and I hope others will do the same.
Warmest wishes,
Leah Saylor-Abney aka SiriusFan
Posted Jan 8, 2010 at 9:19 PM EST
Auror
Points: 2590
Roswelladdict says:
I simply can't imagine life without HPANA. You may have been Rowling's first fansite ever visited but it is my favorite ever! I have so many friends through this site and had so many experiences that I never would have had otherwise. I have donated in the past and feel I owe you so much more than $12 for a year.
You can definitely count on more financial support from me, starting now. :-)
Posted Jan 8, 2010 at 9:21 PM EST
Friendly Deaf Angel
Points: 5272
Friendly Deaf Angel says:
Jeff
1st im sorry you lost your job..i know how that feels..my mom lost some of her jobs, she cleans houses..and well..she lost some houses..last year.n i know..it hard..cue i been helping her..But im truly sorry that you lost your job, You are in my prayers..man..always..I will pray that you find a job soon
Im not underage..but i dont have a credit card to give you monies..but i will do my hardes to ask my older sister to help me out..because this wonderful site, has been the best place i ever been on..since i came back in 2005. were i find HP News..^_^..and everything..I love this site. this is were i have family...and alot of friends..i feel like im home..but i also have not been here..wich is sad..but..i do try to be here..because i miss everyone here..i miss my friends..that i havnt talk to.. =( ..but..im here..to support..and send out word for the rest of the friends..that havnt been here..to see the news =( ..
You have my prayers..and count on me..weahter with monies..or not..Like with prayers..that this wonderful site WILL NOT CLOSE DOWN!!!..you have my support..^_^..huggies.to all my friends..
my older sis want to know if thier is a mailing address were i can send the monies..Let me know please..^_^
Posted Jan 8, 2010 at 9:46 PM EST
Bewitching Bookworm
Points: 2526
*starfox* says:
As someone who has also been affected by the horrid economy, now that I'm working a temp job, I'm happy to contribute what I can to keep this website up and running.
I hope other who use this website as a daily Harry Potter news resource also contribute. It's the least we can all do to thank you for the work you, and your staff, do for us every day!
Thank you!
Posted Jan 8, 2010 at 10:39 PM EST
Witch
Points: 554
LunaGirl47 says:
Hey Jeff! I'm so sorry to hear about your job. I know how rough it is. HPANA was probably the first Harry Potter website I ever went to back in 2004. I have visited almost every day since! I just donated $10 to help. Wish I could contribute more. The best of luck to you and I hope what you need comes through. Thank you for all of the wonderful years of Potter news (so far!).
Posted Jan 8, 2010 at 11:48 PM EST
Witch
Points: 897
HpRwHgfan says:
I wish I could help, but I'm underage and cannot send money, but I send my prayers and hopes and thanks to those who have donated.
Posted Jan 9, 2010 at 12:07 AM EST
Hogwarts Social Worker
Points: 3674
SnoopyLover says:
Cheeser, I know that between your health and your job, you have had a time of it these past couple of years, but you still have been able to maintain this place. I am donating not so much because I come here as much as I used to, but in honor of the lovely friendships that developed thru the forums and because you have a terrific site here. I will keep you in my prayers, and I hope people who come here will give a hand to keep this going.
Posted Jan 9, 2010 at 1:32 AM EST
Witch
Points: 540
Mrs. Hammerlick says:
I have been enjoying this site for years. It is my first stop for any Potter info, as well.
It was my pleasure to donate.
Thanks for all your work.
Posted Jan 9, 2010 at 2:54 AM EST
Mistress of Weather
Points: 12188
Miss_Winter says:
I will for sure look over all my bills and pay the maximum amount I am able. I met a few lifelong friends on this site back when I was an awkward thirteen year old.
Long live HPANA!
Posted Jan 9, 2010 at 5:32 AM EST
Auror
Points: 2049
cool_witch says:
Oh It's really sad...and telling the truth this is the only site where even strangers have become my best friends...
Truly...But we already knew dat something was coming after The last harry potter book was out...and Now people are usually busy in their lives or don't come because there's no HP-related stuff to talk about...
But seriously, Hpana has been a major part of my life and this place is the best place where we all used 2 ccome and discuss our obsession about Harry Potter.
Those good old days seem so far away...
Yet I hope something works and please tell us if we can do anything to save it :)
Posted Jan 9, 2010 at 5:56 AM EST
Furry Little Problem
Points: 4532
Juicybit says:
I've just made a donation. I will give more as soon as I can (I'm not rolling in money either). It is probably a good idea to make it possible to make a donation not only via PayPal, so that (at least some of) the underage fans can help, too.
Please keep us posted, so that we can do more if it is necessary (if you haven't got the money by the 15th).
Posted Jan 9, 2010 at 6:48 AM EST
Furry Little Problem
Points: 4532
Juicybit says:
Also we should alert those who don't check the news regularly. I know some people don't read the news pages anymore (not regularly anyway), they just visit the forums.
Or Jeff could put up that orange coloured ALERT box we used to have for urgent cases.
Posted Jan 9, 2010 at 6:52 AM EST
Muggle
Points: 63
Lily_Evans123 says:
Jeff,
I would love to donate. But there are several problems, a) I am underage and b) I live all the way in Italy.
One more problem could be that my parents wouldn't want me to donate.
I don't think mailing money will help, here in Italy they seem to take money out of envelopes, as they did with the birthday money my grandmother sent me.
I would love to help.
Posted Jan 9, 2010 at 7:08 AM EST
Celtic Epona
Points: 6738
Val-Halla says:
Just donated $50 to hpana...this site is wonderful...have made some good friends on here. It deserves it :)
Posted Jan 9, 2010 at 7:12 AM EST
Prefect
Points: 304
Julietowers says:
Are you accepting donations through Paypal? It's possibly the only way for people from other countries to send you money...
Posted Jan 9, 2010 at 7:49 AM EST
Honeydukes Sweetie Pie
(Moderator)
Points: 4719
Keng says:
Just donated $30! I was going to donate $12 for every year I've been on the site... but I, unfortunately, am pretty strapped for cash, as well, and can't afford to donate $72.
But hopefully this $30 will help a little! :-)
Posted Jan 9, 2010 at 9:24 AM EST
Prof. of Cultural Literacy
Points: 4499
PowerGranger says:
Done and done. I've been happy to donate in the past and now it is critical that we all band together to help Jeff keep things going -- especially since he's been footing the bill for all of us for so long! If my husband can pay monthly to play WOW, I can certainly donate to HPANA! ;)
Sorry to hear about your job loss, Jeff. You are obviously talented -- I hope you will find a new work-home soon! And many, many thanks for being the heart of HPANA! I visit several times a day, as I have for years now, and I can't imagine not being able to do that anymore. Thanks for all your hard work on our behalf!
Posted Jan 9, 2010 at 9:46 AM EST
Points: 143
snodgethebodge says:
Donation made, hope it helps, hope the site stays up, and I hope the job situation improves for you!
Posted Jan 9, 2010 at 3:00 PM EST
Student
Points: 202
I<3Weasleys says:
I would love to help but I am underage so please help out people! I wnt HPANA to survive :) I dunno what I would do without it.
Posted Jan 9, 2010 at 6:46 PM EST
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