Thank you for your frank (albeit curt) reply. (Apologies if you think this is too wordy, again
)
where are you coming from? why now? why didn't you contribute to the ongoing discussions?
I actually applied to help with the other efforts a year ago and was both ignored and subsequently declined. It was unfortunate, but I decided to let those with their passion lead the charge. Yet. things didn't work out, and like the rest of the community I sat around wondering what was happening and when they'd be ready. It seemed like things had simply disappeared, so about a month ago I began making my own plans to build a replacement.
The timing of this announcement and the discontinuation of the other project is purely coincidental. If they're still active and want to collaborate, I happily welcome it.
Further, it doesn't seem like there is much of a public discussion elsewhere (the other project is "discontinued"). That was part of what I was dismayed about during the last year -- there was no insight into what was happening.
I come from the same place as everyone else with regards to wondering about the future of the community. I've been patient and decided that it was my turn to take action.
your announcement is quite a mouthful...
You're right, thanks for pointing that out! Now that the day is done and I've re-read it with a "fresh" (rather, "tired") set of eyes it certainly comes off as preachy. I've re-written it to be more direct.
... what projects do you have to already show for of a similar size and complexity? what is your background to make that happen?
This is my day job, which I have over 8 years of experience with, and a similar number of years of formal education for. Although, I will admit that I have never created an East Asian Drama community before. This will be a first! :chuckles:
who are you?
... these questions are asked to shield the community from harm putting faith in someone who never contributed anything is a little much to ask, don't you think?
I agree, I think the community is burnt out with announcements like this and are tired of getting thier hopes up, which is why I explicitly asked people not to, and to not regard this as imminently announcing a new site. We'll take things cautiosly, survey the response, and make a tactical decision as to how to proceed based on that. (Although, as I alluded to previously, I have already done initial research and written design outlines, so if enough help is offered, things should proceed fairly smoothly)
This is indeed a new account; it is not my primary. I chose to separate the two because I don't want to be seen as the "owner." I'm merely helping to get things moving and in a stable place by providing my time, experience, and money. Once it has become established I fully intend to fade away and leave things in the hands of the staff (who, if things go well, will include the existing D-A staff/admins) and community. This is why I wanted to keep my primary account separate.
However, my primary account has contributed plenty to this community over the years. I have done my fair share of re-seeding, and even created subtitles for a few missing episodes of a favorite series. I've been involved in the drama "scene" since before D-A existed, before JEM was releasing his caps on BitTorrent, and heck, before anyone even knew what BitTorrent was (those were the good old days of abmj -- anyone else around from back then?).
Having been a part of the "scene" for so long I have access to all the raws I need, and am not reliant on D-A to satisfy my addition. I simply love the community, want to help revitalize it and spread the drama love. I think that it would really be a shame if things couldn't get back to where they used to be.
You've got nothing to worry about: either people who share this same goal are willing to contribute their personal time to recreate D-A, or this project fades and we're in the same place we all are now. It's entirely in the community's hands, I'm just trying to help us all get there together.