MJ News Online will be closing January 18, 2008
Dear Members,
It is with some sadness that I announce the closure of MJ News Online, on Friday, January 18, 2008 - the end of next week.
I know this announcement will come as a shock to many, but I've come to the realization there's really no "right time" to do this. But I think that personally, with my 22nd birthday quickly approaching, and the various other changes that are taking place in my life, now is the right time.
About a year ago I attempted to resign from MJNO, handing it off to be managed by someone else. For many various reasons, with both parties, and things going on in both our lives, it didn't work out, and very shortly after (with no announcement) I took back management of MJNO.
This was a time when I wanted, and needed to leave. There were 2 options: continue MJNO (and disregard my personal, professional plans), or close it, and disappoint quite literally thousands of fans. I opted for the latter, hoping that I could somehow get a handle of the numerous things I wanted to pursue, as well as keep MJNO alive and kicking, and forever expanding.
It was a naive decision, but not one that I regret given how relatively nice the last year has been.
I've certainly reached a point in my life where it's time to just put my foot down, and move on, and do something for myself. Creating the largest Michael Jackson fan community ever, and the surrounding endeavors I've pursued with this club have opened up a lot of doors for me, and it's time to knock some of them down.
I could go on for hours about how much joy I've received from this site, from producing our magazines, and events, and whatnot; and certainly how at the age of 16, producing a few Michael Jackson webpages in my bedroom, I never envisioned what would come of it - something truly great, crossing all boundaries and borders, bringing literally thousands of people together in their fandom of the King of Pop.
It is coming up to 6 years now, and I am proud of what I've achieved here, and proud of what our team members have achieved, and proud of what you all have been able to make happen in our unwavering support for Michael Jackson.
As the saying goes, all good things come to an end, and this had to have happened at some time. I ask only one thing of you: to respect my decision, and to let me lay MJNO down to rest. This club is a reflection of me, and will forever be associated with me, and it would be impossible for me to move on if it continued without me - I hope for your understanding, and that I won't have to justify myself beyond this.
I cherish this site, this club, so no matter how bad you feel about its closure, I must feel worse. But at the same time, I am extremely excited to move on to much bigger, and better things. There's no demise for this club like so many before us, each and everyday we're in our prime. This simply is a life decision for me, and one I had made long ago.
I cannot answer your questions as to where you'll go from here. I would personally suggest MJJCOMMUNITY.com - THE Michael Jackson Community - Home, which is a wonderful site, with a nice team, and a nice atmosphere - but the choice is yours. I hope that this announcement gives you enough notice to take all the necessary details from your friends that you've made here, to keep in contact.
I trust the mods will be able to answer any questions you may have on our closing, and I'd like to say that I am confident the fan community will flourish in our absence; it was here long before MJNO, and will be here long after us, and I truly believe Michael's return will be unprecedented.
There are so many people I'd like to thank, but I'll leave that for a little later. For now:
Goodnight, and farewell.
Paul Akinbanjo
Founder & Fanclub President,
MJ News Online
Source: Paul, MJNO
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