The Blender Network initiative now has two new enthusiast admins, bringing us much needed activity at the networking site.
As we all have noticed, the Blender Network has been quite inactive for many months already. After a very enthusiastic start, the amount of work for keeping the Blender Network alive has become too much a burden for Bart Veldhuizen. Especially with his other daily duties it was taking too much of his energy and time.
After reviewing this situation with Bart, I've been investigating alternatives last month. I'm happy to announce that we've found the solution now. Francesco Siddi and Pablo Vazquez will take over the Blender Network initiative, as of today officially!
Francesco and Pablo will manage the Network under the same conditions as I've agreed with Bart last summer. That means they will conduct a "Blender Foundation approved" initiative, but day-to-day managed independently. Income from membership fees will be first used to cover their work to handle all subscriptions, support and website work. When there's budget left they will work with Blender Foundation to organise or support activities benefiting Blender Professionals in general.
In the next weeks the site will be migrated to new servers, and will get a backend and design overhaul. The expectations are that mid February latest all is back on track, and blooming as never before!
I'm still fully convinced that this Network is a crucial initiative for Blender's future. We need a platform for professionals to present themselves and to connect them well. We need to help professinals to conduct successful business, and - last but not least - to make Blender a better program for their daily work.
Thanks Bart for all the support, and I wish Francesco and Pablo a lot of success!
Ton Roosendaal
Blender Foundation Chairman