So it’s been over a year since we started this site up and I must say it has been a very interesting experience to say the least. The initial idea for this site has for the most part been fully realized, and I am happy with the direction the site seems to be taking. That being said, I recently realized that it was perhaps time for a brief reiteration of the goals of this site as well as how to SUCCESSFULLY contribute to its perpetuation. A list seems most appropriate.

1. This site was meant to be a place for information about the hardcore/punk/etc. shows and goings-on in West Michigan– most specifically– Grand Rapids. Due to the nature of said events and their inherent tendency towards exclusiveness or just general elusiveness, the idea for this site was born, in hopes of expanding our small scene and hopefully bridging some serious gaps in communication that seem to be the root of the small scene in the first place. For the most part, THIS HAS BEEN VERY SUCCESSFUL! I have been absolutely impressed with the way shows have gone in the last year or so in our area, and very very happy with the direction things seem to be moving, the most important one being the increased DIVERSITY I’ve noticed in show spaces, the types of shows happening, the touring bands that have come through, and most importantly the increased diversity in those attending the shows in the first place. If any of these things can be realized through this site, then it is worth it’s continuation.

2. So the UNDERLYING purpose of the site has always been to promote COLLECTIVE action. In the most general sense that means that through contributions this site can essentially run itself. While obviously moderators are necessary for posting and other up-keep, the more stuff people contribute THE BETTER THE SITE IS AND WILL BE!

These things include:

- Columns

- Photos

- News

- Show Reviews

- Flyers (i.e. for the Michigan archive)

- Information about shows you are doing or know are happening that aren’t already listed on the site

- ETC!

So hey! While I’m on the subject… let me go slightly off topic for a minute. I am one of the primary “shit poster” on this site. And most times it goes very smoothly EXCEPT when I get stuff that is just typed into e-mails! IT IS OF UTMOST IMPORTANCE THAT ANYTHING CONTRIBUTED TO THIS SITE IS SENT TO ME AS AN “ATTACHMENT”. This prevents me from literally having to re-type and re-format entire entries. If you need more information on how to do this PLEASE contact me and I will be very happy to help you figure it out for whatever computer system you’re working with. It’s a minor effort that helps things run much more smoothly!

3. In addition to all this contribution stuff I have realized over the last few months that not having one consistent e-mail address for contributions is perhaps causing some stuff to fall through the cracks. Because of that I am currently in the process of getting a separate e-mail address entirely for the site which should be able to be utilized within the next week or so. This hopefully will remedy some of the issues with who exactly to send stuff to. In the meantime, my e-mail is clairerevenge@riseup.net and you may send things there. OKAY!

4. One more thing! We’ve experienced some haggling in terms of people wanting us to post their stuff automatically or whatever and in terms of that, we are only two people. And two very busy people. We post as often as we can. No threats PLEASE!

5. This site absolutely will always remain a positive INCLUSIVE place. So duh NO FUCKING BULLSHIT PLEASE! (Though for the most part refraining from a message board has kept that in check so yay!)

That’s pretty much it for tonight and what’s on my mind in terms of the site. PLUS! We always are looking for people to help with larger projects like re-sizing photos and updating archives etc. And I could really use someone to clean out my computer or at least show me how. Okay.

Love,

CVG