Hi All,

First off I consider this great news, so don't panic! :)

I just wanted to let everyone know about a huge decision I made with my family last night since it affects the site. Many are probably unaware that I have been severely struggling for quite some time to manage my day job+family+APUG. Another issue is my own photography has practically been on hold for 3yrs as well. It basically came to a head last night being a Sunday and knowing I have yet another rough day job week ahead. To be honest I hit bottom last night and reached a point where I knew without doubt I could no longer juggle my IBM job, APUG and still have a family life or sanity for that matter. A few months prior I believed I could handle it for another year and tough it out but I just can't do it. The growth of the site has seen far more support and maintenance work which is dangerously eroding my family life and all available spare time. I have worked hard to increase APUG revenue so that one day I might have a shot at running the site full time and giving it the real attention it needs, not just maintenance but content. With a current stable revenue stream plus the sinking NZ dollar I believe I am in a strong enough position to work for the site full time. I have resigned from IBM this morning, and my final day will be April 7th. Starting from April 7th I will be working for APUG, not only supporting the workings of the site but ensuring the site reaches it’s full potential from a content perspective. I know things will not be the same around the household, we'll definitely be revising our budget but we believe this opportunity is worth a shot. If things work out the site will continue to improve and I will have more time for family and photography. Like the saying goes; better to try and fail than never try at all. There is always the IT sector to fall back on if I must. I was faced last night with a choice to give up a solid career in IT or give up APUG and there is no way I could ever give up this community. The art form is far too important to me and the community here has become like a second family.

I also want to take a moment to thank all of the members and sponsors over the years that have given me such strong emotional support and have contributed to APUG financially to make this moment a reality. Also those members who go even further beyond the call by organizing conferences, moderating the forums, providing us graphic design, merchandising and spreading the word about our fantastic community. It’s just incredible and deeply moving to be a part of this.

Thanks again,
Sean

Enormous respect to you, Sean! I wish you all the very best with this move!

Great news Sean !!!! Good to hear that you are following your heart. I know it will be a struggle, but in the long run, you will be much happier; knowing that you didn't choose a dead-end job over fulfilling your passion. Let me know if I can help in any way.

wow - what a decision to have to make! good luck with it all, and lets hope the site continues to succeed.

Wow,

Even though I'm just a junior member here, this is the best website around.. Mostly because of the really really nice people that just seem to be attracted by it.. I've been reading this site for a year or two now and I must say that I applaud you.. all your energy has not gone awaiste! you've built up a safehaven for the analogue photographer, and more so allowed for a wonderfull oasis amidst what I consider a digital desert on the internet. I hope that with the support of your family and your second (apug) family this will turn out to be as good a decision as it seems to be. A massive thanks and loads of appreciation from me and well, I guess the sites' large subscribers number speaks for itself..

Onno

Congratulations Sean,

I know very well the difficult choice it was, I was faced with the exact same choice 8 years ago and headed the same direction you have now chosen, the ride will be up and down and the emotions will be hard, but your onto something and I know in the longrun will be very satisfying. Good luck, If I can ever help, please don't hesitate to let me know, big or small I will help in anyway I can.

Dave Parker
Satin Snow Ground Glass

Thank you Sean.
I wish you and the site all the best.

Following your heart.
You must have one heck of a good family Sean and in that case you are twice blessed. All the best from eastern Canada!!!

Mike Kennedy

congratulations sean!
i too did something similar a few years ago.
things can be tough, but in the end, its being happy that counts.

best of luck to you and thanks for giving us apug!

-john

What can I say?

Congratulations - and good luck to you.

You've already proven many times over that you have the talent, creativity, dedication, and commitment to make this site all it can be. That entrepenurial gift will only thrive and grow stronger with your decision not to serve two masters. With the support of your family and all of us here who care about apug, there's no doubt in my mind that your p-b&j-sandwiches-for-dinner era will be short lived and a soon to be amusing memory. Congratulations, Sean!!

Sean,

Congrats! I hope that our gain is your gain as well. :D Seriously, I can't imagine what agonizing you and your family must have went thru. This is truly a very unique forum and I am glad to be a part of it. It started with you and dream, which I think has worked out very nicely.

g

Big decisions are tough. Good luck

Triple congratulations Sean. Working for one's self may turn out to be much harder but its so much gratifying that its well worth it. All the best!

That's a bold journey ahead of you. If there's anything we can do to help, just let us know.

Best regards, Art.

Congratulations Sean! A major change like that is always a tough decision, but I'm confident you've made the right choice. You know that you'll always have APUGer's in your corner.

Sounds like the ideal time to raise the rent around here.

Good luck Sean.



Michael

I add myself to the list: congratulations.

G

A brave decision Sean. Congratulations and good luck!

Andy.

Ps, and thankyou to Mrs Sean for being understanding and supportive of Sean's dream.

Wow, that takes guts, Sean. I've done it twice (give up a good-paying job for something a lot less stable), but I wasn't married at the time, so I could afford to take the risk.

I have a lot of respect for you and your family. Best wishes, Sean!

Steve

Thanks Sean. Your efforts are greatly appreciated. Good luck.

Congratulations on a momentous decision. You have my heartfelt thanks for doing a wonderful job creating and cultivating such a wonderful site. I wish you and your family the greatest success.

All the best,
Daniel

Congratulations and best wishes Sean.

I hope things go well for you and your family.

Regards.

PE

Congratulations and best of luck to you and your family. You have already done great things for our community.

Cheers from the Canadian Subarctic,
Clarence

That's an astonishing commitment, and I wish you all the best Sean. I'm still pretty young so I don't face yet such choices, but I nevertheless admire you the more and will keep supporting APUG with my paid subscription and my big mouth.