Hello world in Site Updates
Revised: 03/29/2018 2:28 p.m.
- March 29, 2018, 1:14 p.m.
- |
- Public
Dear ProseBox,
I’ve got you. Seriously. We can do this.
I had a dear friend and active member of your community (we’ll call her “Jen”) reach out and tell me what’s been going on. Knowing my background, she asked if I might be interested in stepping in to help out or possibly take over. The answer was an immediate “uh, maybe” followed by lots of questions and then a “that sounds awesome actually”. I reached out to SM and we’ve come to an agreement we’re both happy with. Effective over the coming weeks I’ll be stepping in fully to take his place.
Ok, so who the heck are you?
Hi there, I’m Josh! I’m a designer living in LA who cohabitates with a deeply opinionated dog named Mochi (see profile pic). My focus the last half-decade has been building, growing and maintaining communities. I love it. I love getting to know users, figuring out their needs, and helping to build a place where everyone can have a positive experience. I’m here to help, and I’m excited to get to know you.
A few reasons I’m a good fit:
• A few years ago I was part of a team that built a very successful 30k strong community for a really exciting industry. My focus was on community management and engagement. We had a very passionate user base and a lot of the organic lessons I took from that could apply to your community.
• These days I’m working on building a similar platform for my dayjob’s 30mm monthly users, doing a deep-dive into community needs. I think I could apply some of this methodology and focus to help guide possible improvement efforts – though I’m certain you all have a list :)
Cool. Why are you doing this?
Seriously, I want to save your community. And I get it. I wasn’t a member of PB before today, but I’m part of a few communities I really cherish and have been part of a few others that have died off. I’ve lost a few very close online friends to sites shutting down, and I understand the pain that causes. I don’t want all of you to have to experience that, and I’d like to make sure you can stay where you already feel at home.
And wow, you all really remind me of the best parts of what I loved about the internet 15 years ago. The rawness and freedom that anonymity can provide is so refreshing to me, especially in this age of massive social networks and walled gardens. Preserving that is important to me on kind of a primal level. I had already made the decision to help before I did some digging, but now that I’m getting a sense of the community I’m honestly excited to be involved. In short: I like u.
So is everything going to change now? Are you going to start charging like OD?
No. Definitely not. I think a paid tier is something worth exploring eventually – with community input and involvement – but there will always be a free tier. Full stop.
Are you doing this for the money?
Nope! I am not taking over this site to make a profit. As things are today it barely breaks even, but I’m not looking for any kind of ROI. This is a labor of love. I pledge to all of you here and now that I’m not going to turn on crazy popups, giant banner ads or malware to make an extra buck. And ideas around monetization will be fully transparent and proceed with your input. You have a good thing going here, I don’t want to mess with that.
What about site improvements?
For my non-dayjob work I’m partners in crime (and childhood best friends) with a very talented developer who will be helping me to make sure the site is in a much better place going forward. I intend to be transparent about the features we’re working on, soliciting community input every step of the way.
Are you gonna bounce on us in a few months?
No. I’m in this for the long haul, and in the coming weeks and months will be working to put together a roadmap for 2018/19 and on into the future. I’ll be sharing this with all of you as it evolves, and I’ll absolutely need your help with this. This will be a group effort.
What if things get crazy or overwhelming?
I’ll be honest with you. If things start to get overwhelming I’ll ask for help. Look, I don’t know you yet and you don’t know me, but I’m looking forward to giving each other a chance. I want us to trust each other, and I’m looking forward to earning that.
How will you pay for the development work?
Honestly? TBD. This first stretch of shoring up the site will be pro bono, but after that we’ll need to strategize. I saw that many of you mentioned being open to donations, and I think that’s worth exploring once we hammer out a roadmap. I promise to be completely transparent and up front with any development costs, and would love to hear feedback and ideas on what feels good to all of you.
So, help me become one of you. Let’s do this. Any community-centric lingo I should know about? Memes? In-jokes? I know you’ve got some.
Happy to answer any questions, and really looking forward to getting to know each other and growing together.
<3,
-J
Last updated May 31, 2018
Cat Mommy ⋅ March 29, 2018
Welcome Josh!
sassafras ⋅ March 29, 2018
All. Of. The Fuck. This.
SO pleased to meet you, Josh. Welcome to our world!
Camdengirl ⋅ March 29, 2018
Welcome Josh... basically it's mandatory that you post cheesy videos with word puns, but other than that anything goes.
Thanks for doing this.
I think sharing the business plan is a great idea - I doubt people understand what the site costs to run or what the returns are. I'm open to a donate button. Let's fundraise!
Hopelessly Imperfect ⋅ March 29, 2018
Awesome! Welcome and thank you
Pretend Mulling ⋅ March 29, 2018
Welcome!!!
Waterfire ⋅ March 29, 2018
Thanks for the update, and for letting us know about yourself!
Skikkles911 ⋅ March 29, 2018
ようこそ!
Thank fucking god you're here to help us :)
Deleted user Skikkles911 ⋅ March 29, 2018
your profile name makes me want blue skittles
Deleted user Skikkles911 ⋅ March 29, 2018
your profile name makes me want blue skittles
Park Row Fallout ⋅ March 29, 2018
Thank you for doing this! If I'm right, I know "Jen" as well and I am thrilled that she was able to talk you into this ;) This is a very special place to a lot of very special people and (even though there will be rough days) know that a lot of people appreciate what you've done. Thank you.
Dirty Numb Angelboy ⋅ March 29, 2018
Thank you and welcome. The site lives on! Holy shit!! Time to celebrate! I think I'll go down and try that red lobster and waffles and a few drinks.
Oiseau ⋅ March 29, 2018
Hi Josh, SO pleased to meet you! Massive thanks to you and Simple Mind for putting your heads together to save Prosebox. Group hug?
josh Oiseau ⋅ March 29, 2018
Group hug!
I need tea. josh ⋅ March 30, 2018
Hug!
TellTaleHeart ⋅ March 29, 2018
Hi, Josh, and welcome aboard. I, for one, welcome our new PB overlords.
Narrator ⋅ March 29, 2018
Cool. Welcome!
drawnwell ⋅ March 29, 2018
Welcome!!!
dickson. ⋅ March 29, 2018
Welcome, friend!
The Rocky Mountain ⋅ March 29, 2018
I LOVE YOU KING JOSH
Ms Tai ⋅ March 29, 2018
Welcome Josh! :)
One Angry Dwarf ⋅ March 29, 2018
Hey dude! Welcome to the site!
YOU'RE NOT MY REAL DAD.
Teflon Superhero One Angry Dwarf ⋅ March 29, 2018
YOU DON'T UNDERSTAAAAAND!!! stops off you're ruining my liiifffeee!!!
Firebabe One Angry Dwarf ⋅ March 29, 2018
*cries laughing*
Oiseau One Angry Dwarf ⋅ March 29, 2018
spit take
Naiad One Angry Dwarf ⋅ April 02, 2018
I DON'T HAVE TO LISTEN TO YOU!!
pskettios ⋅ March 29, 2018
Hello and welcome, and thank you for taking this on. You seem cool. I’m really relieved that we won’t be losing this place. It feels like we’d just settled in and gotten comfortable after the last shakeup from previous sites. It really opened my eyes to what PB means to me. We’re with you.
shnooze ⋅ March 29, 2018
sounds good, josh.
welcome aboard.
Azzura ⋅ March 29, 2018
Sounds great! Welcome!
Firebabe ⋅ March 29, 2018
Give it about 24 hours, then be prepared for a stream, a flood, nay a tsunami, of requests for a search feature. It's the ultimate Prosebox unicorn. I'm pretty sure Simple Mind meant to build it, but bless his little red socks, between just the regular upkeep and maintenance of the joint, he wasn't able to dig into it.
When it doubt, post a funny/punny meme. We're used to them, and they always go over fairly well.
Welcome aboard, and many thanks for volunteering to ride this beast.
simple mind Firebabe ⋅ March 29, 2018
As much as I try to avoid playing favorites, Firebabe is my spirit animal.
Firebabe simple mind ⋅ March 29, 2018
Us arch nemesis have to stick together man.
kmh. ⋅ March 29, 2018
Welcome, Josh! Really grateful you’ve jumped on board.
woman in the moon ⋅ March 29, 2018
This is extremely good news.
Just a slight hint/suggestion. Don't change too much. Many of us like it a lot the way it is.
And again, bestest of luck.... to us all.
I need tea. woman in the moon ⋅ March 30, 2018
Yup
Jigger ⋅ March 29, 2018
Is your profile picture Mochi? Because that is definitely a mark in your favor.
sassafras Jigger ⋅ March 29, 2018
Agreed!
josh Jigger ⋅ March 29, 2018
It is! I took that pic of him yesterday as we were hanging out in the hammock. He's a bit of a ham
I need tea. josh ⋅ March 30, 2018
Cute!
dellusion ⋅ March 29, 2018
Welcome, Welcome, Welcome!
woman in the moon ⋅ March 29, 2018
This is extremely good news.
Just a slight hint/suggestion. Don't change too much too soon.
Many of us like it a lot the way it is.
And again, bestest of luck.... to us all.
summertime sadness. ⋅ March 29, 2018
I love "Jen", and I love you. THANK YOU.
Just Annie ⋅ March 29, 2018
Hello, welcome, and thank you!
simple mind ⋅ March 29, 2018
YOU GOT THIS!!! Welcome, glorious new leader. :)
I need tea. simple mind ⋅ March 30, 2018
:)
m.i.a. ⋅ March 29, 2018
Welcome! It is nice to have you here. :)
NorthernSeeker ⋅ March 29, 2018
Nice to meet you!
Lyn ⋅ March 29, 2018
Hello, welcome and 🌭🌭 (franks) a lot!
Jeanine ⋅ March 29, 2018
Welcome, Josh! You're in for a fun ride circa Internet 1997!
josh Jeanine ⋅ March 29, 2018
Step 1: twinkling star backgrounds, dripping blood bars and revolving green skull & crossbones GIFs
auburn_girl josh ⋅ March 29, 2018
Will it scare you off to know that you actually WILL get requests for these?
Firebabe auburn_girl ⋅ March 29, 2018
I wish she were joking, but sadly, she's not.
sparkli josh ⋅ March 30, 2018
and falling snow when it's winter! :D
EchoSeven ⋅ March 29, 2018
I'm already into it!
..
....
I'm actually super emotional about this. Not gonna lie. I am so freaking relieved that I choked up a bit. While I was hopeful there would be an effort to move forward I was also scared, in the very back of my mind, that PB was really going down. Josh, thank you SO MUCH for helping out Simple Mind and for introducing yourself so thoroughly! This is home on the internet for so many of us, so it means a TON.
TellTaleHeart EchoSeven ⋅ March 29, 2018
I got a little verklempt myself.
I need tea. EchoSeven ⋅ March 30, 2018
Ditto to all of this. I am sure SM is really grateful as are we xxx
auburn_girl ⋅ March 29, 2018
Welcome to the family. The strange, strange family. Looking forward to seeing where you lead us.
Vivienne ⋅ March 29, 2018
Hi Josh, welcome. Glad to have you taking over.
Finn ⋅ March 29, 2018
https://youtu.be/LOUf8Z0RQic?t=2m31s
TellTaleHeart Finn ⋅ March 29, 2018
BRILLIANT.
Nash ⋅ March 29, 2018
You wouldn't be joshing us would you? Ha!
love, squeezebox. Nash ⋅ March 29, 2018
GRINS I see what you did there :P
Azrael ⋅ March 29, 2018
Thank you!
Ad Astra Per Alas Porci ⋅ March 29, 2018
ZOMGZ Yes!!! Thank you “Jen” and thank you Josh. Also thank you Simple Mind for sharing your creation to allow it to live on. <3
Also, Take All My Monies!
I’ll gladly donation/sub/pay to help keep this community strong going. You all are worth every penny. ^.^
Deleted user ⋅ March 29, 2018
Nice to meet you. It will be interesting to see where things go from here and the improvements you have in mind. Definitely open to a donation or monthly/annual fee for tiered membership.
Silverstar46 ⋅ March 29, 2018
Thank you and welcome!
Ad Astra Per Alas Porci ⋅ March 29, 2018
...ALSO WELCOME MOCHI!
Antiangel ⋅ March 29, 2018
Had to laugh... We named our dogs the same thing.
Thank you for stepping up and welcome.
Deleted user ⋅ March 29, 2018
Mochi!!! 💖💖
stargazing ⋅ March 29, 2018
Thank you, thank you! I think I'm friend's with your Jen, and she mentioned that she'd spoken to a friend who was interested in taking over this place. I think I can safely speak for all of us--we are so glad you are here. Thank you for being willing to take on this project. I appreciate it more than you could know.
Walking Crow ⋅ March 29, 2018
I was worried until I read this! Welcome to PB <3
perfunctory ⋅ March 29, 2018
https://youtu.be/Olk2xas9rEY
TellTaleHeart perfunctory ⋅ March 29, 2018
OMG, perfect!
four leaf clover ⋅ March 29, 2018
Welcome and thank you thank you THANK YOUUUUUU! I'm so freaking happy!
Key and Collar ⋅ March 29, 2018
Welcome to PB, Josh! Thank you SO much for what you are doing for all of us! xx
a mote, floating ⋅ March 29, 2018
Welcome, Josh, and Thank you!
Etoile Filante ⋅ March 29, 2018
Welcome Josh!! Thank you so very utterly fucking much for this!!! What a legend xXx
Etoile Filante ⋅ March 29, 2018
Welcome Josh!! Thank you so very utterly fucking much for this!!! What a legend xXx
Meraki ⋅ March 29, 2018
Welcome and thank you! Dog lover. Already have my vote :D
Emrys ⋅ March 29, 2018
Hi josh :) thank you
Dream-me ⋅ March 29, 2018
Hooray!!! So glad we don't have to move again!
isaidnoh ⋅ March 29, 2018
Welcome :)
ForeverYoung ⋅ March 29, 2018
THANK YOU.
Parallax. ⋅ March 29, 2018
I think I love you a little bit <3
Deleted user ⋅ March 29, 2018
We look forward to getting to know you. Welcome to PB it'll become like a second home if you let it.
Deleted user ⋅ March 29, 2018
Would it be weird to say I love you? Too soon?
Ah, screw it. I love you, man.
NeonLady ⋅ March 29, 2018
Welcome and THANK YOU SO MUCH! This place means more than most of us can express.
Blue Echo ⋅ March 29, 2018
I probably wouldn't pay for a premium subscription (though I think many people would), but I would totally donate occasionally if you did Wikipedia-style donation drives. Thank you and good luck!
Deleted user ⋅ March 29, 2018
Hello and welcome to our little corner of the net. Hopefully you won't find us TOO insufferable over the coming months/years :)
QueSeraSera ⋅ March 29, 2018
Welcome Josh and thanks for taking over our little group of writers. We really appreciate it. Do you play Pokémon Go ? :)
missing maui ⋅ March 29, 2018
Welcome Josh. This is all very exciting!
leonalia ⋅ March 29, 2018
Wow Josh, goodonya, as us Aussies say. Big task, big commitment. So big hugs.
Echo ⋅ March 29, 2018
Thank you for stepping in :)
Anaiss ⋅ March 29, 2018
What a wonderful introduction you've presented us with! Thank you, thank you. I was skeptical about the site's future even with someone else taking over, but you have restored my faith and created new enthusiasm in me!
I need tea. ⋅ March 29, 2018
Exciting news bit confused. But that may be the booze. But yay pb living on another day xxx
Zappel ⋅ March 29, 2018
Hi, and welcome! We're really relieved and glad you're here. I echo what others have said about the importance of communication and collaboration. The stakes feel high for us here, especially after the last few days.
Definitely looking forward to excellent dog pictures, too.
Mystery ⋅ March 29, 2018
Hello and welcome! My only concern would be PB becoming radically different and everything it isn't today. I've seen sites get sold and bought by others who have turned it into absolutely nothing it used to be. I hope that won't be the case here. Gaining helpful features is one thing, but losing them is another. I would really hate to lose the simplicity here and end up with a totally different and very complex, tricky site to navigate that's full of glitches.
Gangleri ⋅ March 29, 2018
In the words of the great John McClane, “Glass? Who gives a shit about glass?”
Oh, wait.....“Welcome to the party, pal.”
Flame is Love ⋅ March 29, 2018
It's safe to read the comments here.
Mostly. I
just read all of these. And now I'm imagining you clinging to Mochi asking yourself what the hell you've just gotten yourself into.
Flame is Love ⋅ March 29, 2018
Also, I could use an edit button on comments. 🤦♀️
TellTaleHeart Flame is Love ⋅ March 29, 2018
Hahaha!
O TellTaleHeart ⋅ March 29, 2018
lol
GypsyWynd ⋅ March 29, 2018
Welcome, Josh, and THANK YOU!! Your introduction makes me much more hopeful for the future of PB. Especially your profile pic. Anyone who is owned by a dog can't be all bad.😉
You seem to understand what this site is all about, and that does my heart good.
benthegirl ⋅ March 29, 2018
YES. Thank you so much!
Swanny ⋅ March 29, 2018
How awesome. Thanks Josh!
Witchy Woman ⋅ March 29, 2018
Welcome!!!
Thank you for your huge commitment to us in allowing us to keep our wonderful home.
Witchy Woman ⋅ March 29, 2018
Welcome!!!
Thank you for your huge commitment to us in allowing us to keep our wonderful home.
RavenSunset ⋅ March 29, 2018
HOORAY! THANK YOU SO MUCH!
RavenSunset ⋅ March 29, 2018
HOORAY! THANK YOU SO MUCH!
RavenSunset ⋅ March 29, 2018
HOORAY! THANK YOU SO MUCH!
Deleted user ⋅ March 29, 2018
Seriously...I got all choked up reading your entry and the comments. Many of us have been together for almost 20 years now. Isn't that amazing? And even though we don't all know each other, we are a real community! We love Simple Mind and we love this site.
Thank you so much for answering our questions before we even asked them. Welcome!
My one request: if you need help, if you feel overwhelmed at all with the site... please ask us for help!
And whoever you are, Jen, THANK YOU!
I need tea. Deleted user ⋅ March 30, 2018
All of this !!!!!!! Xx
LachrymoseBeauty ⋅ March 29, 2018
Oh no! Your name is J... My diary suddenly became awkward lmao! Welcome and thank you for saving our ship!
Hillbilly Princess ⋅ March 29, 2018
Welcome to the group and thank you for helping keep the group open.
white_russian ⋅ March 29, 2018
Welcome! :)
Katren...In Conclusion ⋅ March 29, 2018
Glad someone took this site. I use it because it can be made very plain. My vision is bad. I can turn off all the fancy visual stuff and just concerntrate on reading. Please don't change that ability . good luck. I really don't want to lose touch with the few spepople I know who are still alive.--- I'm 49
PS Please try to avoid those annoying letters instead of words things-- like KMH and BTW.
martian princess ⋅ March 29, 2018
Thank you! We appreciate this!
Nin ⋅ March 29, 2018
I want to squish you in a big hug!! I have two cakes cooling right now and if you were here I would gladly gift one to you. In other words, welcome!!
Gonewiththebreeze ⋅ March 29, 2018
Welcome!!!! I am so excited you’re saving our community. And I’m so glad you understand the love and support this kind of community brings I like you already woo!!!
TruNorth ⋅ March 29, 2018
Saved again!
Florentine ⋅ March 29, 2018
This will feel like home in no time. Thank you!
Lepetit pumpkinesque ⋅ March 29, 2018
Hi josh!!!!!! I actually am Jen. Not your ‘Jen’ but a Jen and I am so damn thankful for you being here
Neogy Titwhistle ⋅ March 29, 2018
Finally read to the bottom of the notes! Geez, really? Well, welcome Josh! I only got two: a "donate" button and a search thingy. And like all the other noters up there, I whole heartily agree, SIMPLE AND CLEAN IS BEST!
Gilraent ⋅ March 29, 2018
Welcome to the neighbourhood!
Gilraent ⋅ March 29, 2018
Welcome to the neighbourhood!
I'm an Okking Fool ⋅ March 29, 2018
Hi Josh and welcome! Thank you for this huge, amazing thing you're doing for us! Also, I'm looking forward to Mochi updates and pictures :P
Walking Crow I'm an Okking Fool ⋅ March 29, 2018
^^Yes Mochi updates sound promising!
Krud ⋅ March 29, 2018
Welcome, Josh!
::Robert DeNiro pointing fingers to eyes gesture::
=D
nthaniel ⋅ March 29, 2018
Welcome aboard, Josh!
nthaniel ⋅ March 29, 2018
Oh, and most of us, I think, already DID lose one community - OpenDiary, the first iteration. We migrated here in packs. ;) This has felt more like home for the past few years. I'm glad we're not moving out.
Rikstafer ⋅ March 29, 2018
`What great news! WELCOME, WELCOME, WELCOME, and THANKS!
masquerade~ ⋅ March 29, 2018
Hi Josh, thank you for coming on board to help save our community! I've been a solid (hashtag - because sometimes it doesn't show up in comments) #TeamProsebox for a while now, especially more so when OD come back around. I've said it before but I'll say it again, I wouldn't mind paying for a subscription service for this site (obviously at a reasonable price too). I've never been let down by PB - even in the past few days. So welcome aboard and thank you for your transperancy!
caffeinequeen ⋅ March 29, 2018
Welcome! I don't post here much anymore but I'm very glad to see it's sticking around so I can keep tabs on my favorites (in a non-stalkery way).
Unrelated: so jealous you get to live in Little Tokyo! Not so much of the traffic, but being within walking distance of Curry House and 'Lettes would be a dream come true for me. (Not so much for my pants size.)
KissOfLife! ⋅ March 29, 2018
Hi Josh! :)
gravity ⋅ March 29, 2018
I think we like u 2
Welcome, Josh and Mochi! And thank you!
littlefallsmets ⋅ March 29, 2018
Thank you for allowing us to not have to turn to the resurrected Open Diary and its unreliable Dairymaster.
Adira ⋅ March 29, 2018
You are my new favorite person :) Welcome!
Mr. Mofo ⋅ March 29, 2018
Have you ever done shots of Absinthe at the Edison? Have you ever been in the Bradbury building? Is it true that in your spare time, you're a wrestler in Luche VaVoom?
Take care.
donut ⋅ March 29, 2018
Hi there! We like dog photos. 😁
Deleted user ⋅ March 29, 2018
Hey Josh ! Glad to meet you and so happy you have been brave enough to take this on . Thank- you . I am totally ok with paying a subscription.
We like dogs here ;-) and all animals really .. welcome !!!!
BlueEyes418 ⋅ March 29, 2018
Well, now - this is refreshing. :) Someone who has professional experience, so you know what you're getting into, and you're passionate about communities.
I was probably too harsh when Simple Mind had a meltdown and told us all that the site was going to be shut down. I wrote at Open Diary for 14 years and made that site my emotional haven. It still hurts when I think about how badly Bruce handled things before he finally pulled the plug. So when Simple Mind nearly pulled the rug out from under us by shutting down Prose Box...yeah. That just didn't sit well with me. I told people to not give him a penny, because the guy was clearly not handling things well, so, why trust another flake with my hard earned money? I know that's harsh, but lets be real: a lot of people were burned monitarily as well as emotionally when Open Diary shut down. I wasn't about to let that happen again.
However...your approach feels like a very refreshing dose of seasoned professional mixed with a good amount of passion for the community around here.
It's very good to meet you, Josh. I wish you the best of luck and God speed in keeping this ship sailing.
~ Bridget
caramelchicken ⋅ March 30, 2018
Omg thank you so much!!!! Our saviour :D
Lacrime di Drago ⋅ March 30, 2018
Hi, Josh. Welcome to the jungle. And thank you so much for your enthusiasm for a community that you don't even know yet. I hope you find yourself at home here. Please just let us know how we can help. This place means a lot to each of us. And I'm sure in short order that you will fully understand why we love this place so much and appreciate your dedication to it. In short, thank you from the bottom of our hearts.
LotusButterfly ⋅ March 30, 2018
Thank you thank you thank you thank you thank you!!!!!!!!!! I may love you more than I love carbs right now- thank you for saving our Haven!!!!
wintergrey ⋅ March 30, 2018
Welcome! And thank you for keeping this site going for us!
my.halo.has.slipped ⋅ March 30, 2018
This and a 4 day weekend? This is like the best Friday ever.
celador ⋅ March 30, 2018
Yaaay! Welcome to the community, thank you SO MUCH for stepping in xxx
Marg ⋅ March 30, 2018
Hi Josh and Mochi! Welcome and thank you so so much for taking us on - you can see how much this place means to us all and it's so refreshing to hear you totally get that whole community aspect and its deeper connotations. Best of luck in your endeavours - you've created a wave of happiness throughout the site which is just lovely to see!😊
Deleted user ⋅ March 30, 2018
Welcome Josh and thank you infinitely for your generous dedication to a community you didn't even know :) x
ThisIsME ⋅ March 30, 2018
Welcome Josh!
Complicated Disaster ⋅ March 30, 2018
Welcome Josh. Thank you so much!
Internet Stranger ⋅ March 30, 2018
Pleased to meet you, and I hope the community appreciates your efforts. :D
Deleted user ⋅ March 30, 2018
Well, this is good news! :) Thank you for doing this!
I honestly didn't know where I was going to go and I love PB.
M ⋅ March 30, 2018
Welcome!
Kate ⋅ March 30, 2018
Welcome and good luck. I mean GOOD LUCK. I hope before you committed, Simple Mind covered you in honey, tied you to an anthill, dipped you in acid, set you on fire and made you dance the bachata with 5,000 moody volunteers screaming suggestions at you on how to put yourself out while bringing them coffee. You know, to give you a feel for the job.
sparkli ⋅ March 30, 2018
well josh, you just adopted thousands of children.... i hope you are ready! and please please please, just take our money. im willing to give you money but not bruce. i have standards and morals and shit. but welcome and thank you for saving us!! :D
ConnieK ⋅ March 30, 2018
I have nothing bad to say about Simple Mind or Bruce. I thought the conspiracy theories were silly paranoia. I'm pleased the site will stay because I like the vibe here, but if it dies, I recognize that everything has a shelf life.
Thanks for taking it over. I'm happy to donate.
Welcome!
nightborn ⋅ March 30, 2018
Hi Josh. Thank you for stepping up. Happy to contribute financially if needed - just say when.
Chic Chat ⋅ March 30, 2018
Thank you!!!! Thank you so much, best news ever!
Leanne 🌈 ⋅ March 30, 2018
Hello. I am looking forward to seeing what will be happening on PB with new management.
Welcome and thanks :)
mrsckugs ⋅ March 30, 2018
I just got the hello world joke. It took a solid 30 seconds #BadITPerson.
mcbee ⋅ March 30, 2018
The thought of going to another site seriously made my introvert persona anxious, so thank you and know you will be appreciated!
Rhapsodies ⋅ March 30, 2018
I, for one, welcome our new Mochi overlord. :)
Thanks for taking this on. As new co-overlord, you'll find this place is a lot like Whose Line...everything's made up and the points don't matter. Beware the armchair programmers who know how easy it is to run a site!
Deleted user ⋅ March 30, 2018
Yay!!
raynedrop ⋅ March 30, 2018
Thank you :)
beth ⋅ March 30, 2018
Your introductory entry struck just the right tone, so you're off to a great start already! Dan was and is great at communicating what was going on, good or bad, so long as you keep that up, you'll be golden. Welcome to the community!
Sapphire's Gaze beth ⋅ March 31, 2018
Exactly this!
Shattered ⋅ March 30, 2018
Welcome to our hidden corner of the internet! It means so much to me and all of us that you are willing to take PB on. Thank you.
sarahbaby. ⋅ March 30, 2018
Thank you so much!! Please let us pay you ASAP!
Ophidia ⋅ March 30, 2018
Thank you Josh!! You're seriously saving our lives. Thank you thank you <3
Exhumed By Scrying Eyes ⋅ March 30, 2018
Thank you for joining and rescuing the site. I appreciate your transparency and glad to be a part of the pb community moving forward, there truly is no better alternative out there for a site like this, particularly for free and I think that's where your membership thrives. Communities like this work best having a lot of members writing, commenting etc... Open Diary needed someone like you to step in years ago; thankfully what happened there won't occur here.
Welcome.
Stumble Bee 🐝 ⋅ March 30, 2018
😆
Deleted user ⋅ March 30, 2018
Hello, hello.
cricket_factor ⋅ March 30, 2018
Welcome, Josh! I'm in CA, too. I love Little Tokyo, by the way. Ever try the Shabu-Shabu House? Cafe Dulce is cool as well. I live in the 805.
I look forward to you steering the ship. Sounds like you're earnest and real and not afraid. That's who we need.
TrippyNina ⋅ March 30, 2018
Welcome, Josh! SM has made a great community and I'm happy to hear that he is passing on the torch and this place will continue to thrive!
SM has done a lot of good work here and I'm so grateful that it will continue with you.
Purple Dawn ⋅ March 30, 2018
Thank you Josh!!
Kristi1971 ⋅ March 30, 2018
Welcome to our community!! And thank you so much for joining us and keeping us alive and well. :) Yep.....dreamy for sure! :)
Soliloquy ⋅ March 30, 2018
Thank you! I've been keeping a diary online for almost 20 years now and I didn't want the end of PB to be the reason I stopped. I can't tell you how awesome this is of you. You're an incredible person.
Stephably ⋅ March 30, 2018
Welcome and thank you for stepping up for us. As you stated community us very important and what we have always loved about sites Like these.
cariad ⋅ March 31, 2018
Welcome and thanks for all of this/us on!!! :)
Sapphire's Gaze ⋅ March 31, 2018
Thank you very much for taking our community on, we all appreciate the continuity. xx
A Pedestrian Wandering ⋅ March 31, 2018
Hi Josh, you're enabling all of us addicted to words. Thank GOD! So glad you're here!
crystal butterfly ⋅ March 31, 2018
Thought my diary days were going to be over. I am so glad you are here and that you and SM decided you could do this. Also, thank you "Jen".
hotjavy ⋅ March 31, 2018
Hi! Thanks for the save!
colojojo ⋅ April 02, 2018
Thank you so much for jumping in! I hope you enjoy our community
Naiad ⋅ April 02, 2018
I think you'll fit in just fine here. :)
Comfortably Numb ⋅ April 02, 2018
Thank you from the bottom of my heart for stepping in. We all kind of panicked when we thought this site was gong away. I hadn't written in months and sometimes go long stretches like that, but when I do need to write, I literally NEEEEEEEEED to write. And PB has been here. I'm so glad it'll continue to be.
The people on this site are crazy as a pet coon, but in the best possible way.
Welcome to the family!
Deleted user ⋅ April 02, 2018
Are you planning on turning this in a pay to play site with no free option?
josh Deleted user ⋅ April 02, 2018
Not at all! There will always be a free option, full stop. We're still exploring what monetization could look like, but whatever we come up with we'll run by the community first to make sure everyone feels good about it.
Deleted user josh ⋅ April 02, 2018
Thank you!
rubix cube ⋅ April 03, 2018
XOXOXOXO
Justlovely ⋅ April 03, 2018
Thanks for all this!
Icklewriter ⋅ April 04, 2018
Thanks for saving the community. It takes a very long time for such a thing to grow, and previously, I was on OD for 12 years. When that shut down, it was all very weird, and I came here and never properly settled, although some of my friends from there are here too. I've never been able to post pictures here, and OD has recently opened up again, but it's obviously not what it was, and most of the people - who made it what it was - have moved on anyway. So...pleased to meet you, and thanks for taking this on. It can't be easy, and I hope the members here give you tons of support.
Just Call Me R ⋅ April 04, 2018
Welcome Mochi!!!!!!! SO happy to meet you!
Oh, yeah, and welcome and thanks and all that good stuff to you too, josh. :-D
Calicakes ⋅ April 07, 2018
My wife is a Sgt with LAPD, based out of Union Station!!
Deleted user ⋅ April 15, 2018
Welcome Josh..come get to know me. I also live in la.