A Fond Farewell…
Monday afternoon the editors of Digital Scrapbooking Magazine were informed that CKMedia would no longer be publishing Digital Scrapbooking in print and would be looking into other ways to deliver content. (see previous entry or visit digitalscrapbooking.com for details). That meant the staff would be reduced to about nothing (with the exception of Super Woman, Renee Pearson who does so many things – QVC, CKCs, CPRs, Books, Scrapbook Memories and so on – it makes your head spin, and Editor-In-Chief, Jennafer Martin, who also heads up Simple Scrapbooks). For a split second I was shocked and disappointed but just as quickly realized this was the best thing for me at this time in my life. I put the phone on mute and let out a breath I didn’t realize I was holding in.
As many of you know, I began the little Digital Scrapbooking magazine back when there were only yearly special issues and a couple of e-zines. I gave it my all and with the help of amazing contributors and supporters, put out a product to be proud of. It grew bigger and bigger until it was too big for a basement production. About the same time, I found out I was expecting child #3 – a baby that had been long-awaited. With that great news, I found a new home for my little Digital Scrapbooking magazine and website and was ready to hand it over and be done with it forever. Lin Sorensen and Lynda Angelastro didn’t let me get off that easy and I will always be grateful to them for that! Although having a baby was a big change for our family, I still needed an outlet. Something to let me escape into sometimes and consulting and contributing to DSM for the first year was perfect! As the second year rolled around they asked me to come on as Creative Editor and I can say it’s been the most fun job I’ve had – ever. Hunting for new and exciting products, trends and techniques, working with great editors like Molly, Renee, Anna, Angie, Pattie and Jen, and great leaders and managers, Lin, Jennafer and Lynda. Learning from amazing photographers like Simony and Brian and art directors like Cathy and Marin. It has all been the best education I could have asked for. I LOVED my job!
Now, Joshua is a little over 2 years old and as nap time dwindles, so does my writing/surfing/research/scrapping time. Something had to give and it seems this was it! It comes at a time when my family needs more of me. I will miss the work because I loved it, but I will relish the time I’ll have to spend with family. I am feeling good about where this has ended for me.
I am, however, sad for the people who will be negatively affected by this and will be thinking of them and hoping they recover quickly. I will also be wishing great things for the readers in the way of new delivery options and substitutions. Digital Scrapbooking won’t die, it will just morph into something else and I hope it’s enough to satisfy the needs of the readers.
As for my digital life, I won’t disappear from the digital community because it’s a huge part of me and it documents the other huge parts of my life. There are many opportunities out there but as they come in I’ll be putting them on a list and stepping back to see if any ‘speak to me’ before I jump. I don’t know what I’ll be doing, but I’ll be around. Drop me a line any time!
November 5th, 2008 at 3:57 pm
I really identify with what you are saying here, as I contemplate some decisions of my own.
I am so sad to see DSM go, though. It was an awesome magazine and I have thoroughly enjoyed it.
November 5th, 2008 at 3:59 pm
Although I’m saddened, April, I’m glad you are doing well and would like to thank you for everything you’ve done for the digital scrapbooking community over the years.
November 5th, 2008 at 3:59 pm
So sorry to hear that it is discontinuing. My subscription actually runs out with the January edition. Of course, I received a renewal notice encouraging me to renew, actually several of them and not very long ago.
November 5th, 2008 at 4:11 pm
Sad, but a sign of the times and ailing economy. I have watched from the sidelines since before at 2Peas, your announcement of the magazine, the “green” staff, the online site that so many waited with baited breath to “open…open…open!”, the reconstruction of the staff and I have been a subscriber since the beginning. What a shame. You have done wonderful things for the community, April. It has been wonderful to watch. Best wishes for future success and opportunities.
November 5th, 2008 at 4:14 pm
class act as always April – the digital community has been very blessed by what you started and I am grateful that the change comes at a good time for you. I am excited to see what you take on next!
November 5th, 2008 at 5:53 pm
it will be missed april. thanks for all your work!
November 5th, 2008 at 6:48 pm
Thanks for everything you have done, and will continue to do, April. I’m sorry for the news, but I am sure there are bigger and better things out there. Like Tania, I remember the announcement, all the little milestones this amazing magazine has had.
November 5th, 2008 at 7:00 pm
I’m so glad to hear that this is good timing for you! You’ve done a fabulous job w/the mag. Enjoy your family & you’d better keep in touch with me!
November 5th, 2008 at 8:06 pm
April, the news saddens me as well, but I am glad that you see this as a new opportunity. Please accept my hearty “thank you” for a publication that taught me, inspired me, and bowled me over with its creativity. Blessings upon you and all those affected by the reduction.
November 5th, 2008 at 9:21 pm
I was very shocked when I heard about Digital going under. I thought immediately of you and wondered how you were doing. I am very impressed with the strength you’re showing. I’ve always found that when God closes one door, he opens another. Wishing you all the best!
November 6th, 2008 at 10:05 am
I am sad that there will be no more DSM, but I can understand the financial difficulties of printing a magazine that deals with all digital content. It was important to me in my switch from paper to digi. April, you have handled this with class and I am impressed with your half-full perspective. Thanks for all the time and effort you put into this project, and I anxiously await your next creative endeavor!
November 6th, 2008 at 12:38 pm
A sad, sad day indeed.
Things are changing so fast in publishing…I am saddened by it all…and a little scared of the direction (online EVERYTHING) it is all going! Will our children actually be able topick up a magazine or newspaper and read it when they are adults?!?
Best of luck – you’ll thrive and prosper whatever your next opportunity is!
November 8th, 2008 at 6:09 pm
[...] Take note that they intend to honor current subscriptions with CK Media Product and they will be sending out more information this year. April Anderson shares her thoughts in a farewell message on her blog. I’m interested in seeing what happens to the magazines official blog. I guess time will tell for all of us. [...]
October 25th, 2010 at 2:06 pm
hello guys whoever started this blog/thread is a legend, it is so helpful! I am an professional photographer searching for some new photography jobs, anybody know of any websites I can join for free?
December 7th, 2011 at 9:26 am
99% of website owners are guilty of these five mistakes. You will be suprised how easy they are.
September 12th, 2012 at 12:51 am
The luxury proposed may well be incomparable; citizens are never fail to seeking for bags is actually a Native goals. The concept numerous insert goals uniquely to push diversity with visibility during the travel and leisure arena. Hotels Discounts
January 1st, 2013 at 10:03 pm
I am extremely impressed with your writing skills as well as with the layout in your weblog. Is that this a paid subject matter or did you customize it yourself? Anyway keep up the excellent high quality writing, it is rare to see a nice blog like this one today.
January 1st, 2013 at 10:03 pm
Usually I don’t learn post on blogs, however I would like to say that this write-up very compelled me to take a look at and do so! Your writing style has been amazed me. Thank you, quite great post.