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Three years ago on April 8, 2008, I set up a small blog on the advice of a friend. I just wanted a place to review books I wished to read, rather than the stories the sites I was reviewing for decided I should read and review. Since then, the success of the blog has been unprecedented for whatever reason — probably mostly luck!  😆 — and it exceeded expectations I could never have imagined. Christian Otto who became my friend shortly after I set up the blog persuaded me that I should move to a website, when the blog could not cope with the number of people who were trying to log on, and he became my Webmaster.

We were both astonished as the numbers grew and grew and grew  …..  But with success came an incredible workload that was unbearable as I lived and breathed the site 24/7. The behind-the-scenes work and administrivia was and still is exhausting, and staying on top of everything was impossible. Obviously this situation could not continue since it was impacting my personal life and health, so I had to decide whether to shut down the site or get a partner who would be willing to shoulder some of the load. I’m sure you know how much I love this site — I wouldn’t have invested so much of my life in it over the past 3 years if I didn’t — and the decision about what to do has probably been one of the most difficult ones for me, but it’s the right one.

In the end I could not just close the site because it had evolved into a community and was no longer my little online home away from home. This site has become a place that so many of you love to visit every day to talk about books and other topics and meet your online friends. I have been lucky to have many wonderful people here who have invested significant amounts of their time, starting with the guest reviewers, some of whom have been with me for at least 2 years. Two people I have talked about many times, who have devoted major chunks of their own personal time to keep the site running at peak performance are Christian and Aunt Lynn, a guest reviewer that you know well and more recently Christian’s go-to person on some technology, style and design issues on the site, areas where she’s an expert. I’m sure you remember Lynn’s critical role in helping Christian design the new website.

I decided to ask Lynn to be my partner on the site and and I’m really pleased that she has accepted.  :bravo: Lynn is a wonderful and fun person for whom I have a huge amount of respect and regard as a friend and she will improve the site I’m sure over time. She will gradually take over some of the responsibilities that I have been neglecting and, as well, develop new strategies for the site as we move forward, to make it even more responsive to your needs and what you would like to see. The site will always be a work in progress because it is my strong feeling that the minute we think something is perfect and rest on our laurels that’s when it’s in danger of becoming dated and passé , so the more changes the better. I asked Lynn to prepare a short bio and here it is, although it doesn’t do her justice. BTW Lynn’s email is auntlynn.reviewer@gmail.com.

“As most of you know from my For love of Books interview, I live in Berkeley, CA (go Cal!), am a librarian by education, a web developer by choice, a reader and reviewer by night, and spend a lot of time thinking about and involved in disaster prep so when the Big One comes and in case I survive, I’ll be ready.  I’m a big animal lover; not only do I love animals a lot, I go for huge, hairy ones — my partner and I share our home with a Bernese Mountain Dog and two Maine Coon cats (and their cast-off fur!).  The other love in my life is food, and if I weren’t devoting my life to saving people from their website problems, would love to open a B&B where guests get great grub (not that nasty continental breakfast crap you get at some) as well as a comfy place to lay their head.  I even have the perfect place picked out, but until I hit the lottery or someone wants to back the venture, I’m stuck in weblandia.  🙂

Anyway, I am thrilled to be able to change my role and give Wave a much needed hand.  Yes, I’ll still be reviewing, but it will be less as I take on more behind-the-scenes stuff as well as several things Wave does now on the public side.  Look for good things to come!”

Our main task now is going to be focused on finding excellent reviewers whose skills will match our current wonderful guest reviewers. :drinkin:

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151 comments

  • Wave – I’m really happy to see this decision you’ve made. Obviously, this site will always be your baby and your creation, but I know what it has taken out of you, and I know that it is probably 5 times the amount of work than what I’ve seen myself. I hope this will give you some much needed time off 🙂

    Lynn – Honey, I love you and I’m so happy to hear that you’ll be partnering Wave. She made a wonderful decision in choosing you and you’ll do a wonderful job. Just don’t disappear completely, okay?

    With love to both of you :flowers:

    PS. There’s isn’t a new smiley for love, wtf? 🙂

    • Thanks Cole! We hope to do wonderful things together and my personal goal is for Wave to get some down time to do things outside of the site. And no, I’m not disappearing at all. 🙂

    • Hi Cole
      It’s one of those babies who need constant attention and cries a lot unfortunately. Maybe Lynn can make it just shut up. :grumble:

    • Thanks Josh. I know you and she have talked about this topic in the past and I’m glad you’re there as a sounding board for her.

  • Whew almost had me sweating there Wave, I know I don’t post much but I visit everyday and love this site, so glad to see you find some help. Big Thanks to you Wave and Christian for the site and a Big Thanks to Aunt Lynn for taking it on and further helping the site grow. What would I do without the reviews 😕 , just glad I don’t have to think about it. :bravo:

  • It sounds like it’s a good thing for both of you……so congrats to you both!

    Now both of you *relax*!!! :my2cents:

    • Hi Sherry, and thanks. It’s gonna be good.

      And relax? What is that? 😉 Oh, yeah, that’s that thing I’m hoping Wave will do now that I can take some of the weight off her.

  • Ladies, Congrats to you. This site will continue to thrive and grow.

    Wave – please make sure you get plenty of rest and relaxation…drink green tea, too! 🙂

    • Hi Tracey
      Thanks for the good wishes.

      Green tea?? I just finished editing an interview where all they talked about was tequila and vodka. 🙂

    • Thanks Tracey. We do hope for lots of good stuff to come from this.

      …drink green tea, too!

      Ha! I was gonna suggest a huge glass of wine, but tea is great, too. 😉

  • Wave, Lynn, Chris and all the review and special post team: Thank you for all your hard work.
    Take care :kiss: :hug:

    • Hi Helena. It’s it our pleasure. Thanks for being a part of one of the things that makes the site great — comments.

  • I just wanted to say I’m glad to see the site will continue on, I can’t imagine the amount of work that you all have put into this site, but it has been much appreciated!
    I know I could not have kept up with such a pace as you have set, along with the high standards you have maintained.
    I really do wish continued success with both this site and your off-site endeavors 🙂

  • Happy Almost-versary and Congrats on the new partnership, both of you! 😀

    Looking forward to seeing what the future holds!

    ~Tis

  • Wave and Aunt Lynn,

    The amount of work that must go into making this site as user friendly (in many senses of the word) and successful as it is just boggles my mind – especially considering how much trouble I’m having just setting up a one page static web site. I am very grateful that you do it and happy to enjoy the results. 🙂

    • Hi Kaija. It’s a ton of work and I don’t know how Wave did it on her own for so long. I’m just glad that I can help and that you keep coming back. 🙂

  • I’m glad that Lynn has agreed to help you, Wave. The site has been a huge commitment for you and it’s good that you know have someone who can help you. Yay for Lynn :).

    • Jen
      Thank you. Commiserations are probably in order for Lynn. You have been a huge help to me over the years and especially when guest reviewers were falling like flies. lol

  • Its great to hear Wave that you are putting yourself first. This website means a lot to a lot of people but if it is causing stress mentally and physically than you made the right choice for you and this site. I think this will be exciting for the site and it sounds like Aunt Lynn was the perfect choice for your partner. I will admit I was a bit nervous for a second! 😀

    • Well not exactly putting myself first but at least I’m in line. lol.

      Lynn is the perfect partner because our skills are diametrically opposite – she loves technology, I don’t.

      Were you nervous I was going to chuck the whole thing? It was a real option because the workload was too much for one person to handle – hell, Christian helped me a lot, but the writing and posting and back-end work is where Lynn will be a tremendous help.

      • Of course I was! I love this site. Well I hope this change helps you move yourself up the priority list.

  • This is wonderful news. I’m sure that the site will flourish and grow, though it’s hard for me to imagine it getting better. We all saw how hard Aunt Lynn worked during the give away. No question she’s a worker bee and will help lighten the load. All to our benefit.

  • thank you for all your hard work – I visit the site almost daily and make most of my choices of what to read next here. May the partnership flourish and may you get brilliant new guest reviewers by the dozen!

    • Thanks Minnie.

      …may you get brilliant new guest reviewers by the dozen!

      From your mouth to your choice of religious deity’s ear. 🙂

  • Yay, congratulations on your new partnership. I know Lynn is a great asset to the site and it’s very exciting how things grow and change. Have fun Lynn. 😉

  • What a wonderful partnership this will be! Wave, I’m so glad you made this decision 🙂 I’d hate to see this site go under. It’s by far my favorite website; I read practically everything even when I don’t comment. But even more than that, I want YOU taking care of yourself! If it was a choice between this site existing and you being okay, I’d take you any day of the week. Please be good to yourself, honey.
    **massive hugs**
    ETA: Big welcome to Lynn!! Meant to say that in the first place. Doh. Celebratory manwhores for all!

    • Hi Ally

      Thanks Ally. It really got to the point of quitting or finding a solution that gave me some free time. Now I can actually go on vacation. :wave:

      You were one of the first authors whose books I feel in love with. The BCPI is still one of my favourite series and I’m looking forward to more stories in that world..

  • I’m tipping back a cold one right now in honor of Wave and Lynn. (And also because I was 😮 when I first started reading this post and now I need to calm down!) So… salutations, cheers, prost, etc!! Your hard work and dedication is much appreciated. :drinkin:

    Lynn, dog/cat hair is a condiment in our house 😉

    • Hi Dianne, and thanks. We just say that pet hair is extra protein, and we pretty much can’t get through a meal without someone picking some out. 🙂

  • This sounds like a really great idea! I know how hard you work Wave, and you’re long overdue for a break. Lynn is the perfect choice to partner with. Congratulations Lynn! I wish you both much success, and a good balance in your lives. Thanks for all that you do.

  • This is simply great to hear. :forit:
    Wave, I hope your decision will give you some time for yourself and I cross my fingers for your health!
    And Lynn – Hooray to you! :hurrah:
    Congratulations to the new partnership. May the force be with you two! 😀

  • Phew. You got me scared for a second there, Wave! But, I knew you will never leave us, because YOU LOVE US! (Insert Sandra Bullock from Miss Congeniality here 😀 ) I know how difficult maintaining the site is and I’m glad you’ll have another person to take part of your load.

    And, congratulations to Lynn! I think that was a perfect choice. :bravo:

    Plus, a big thanks to Christian for all the work he is doing on this site (and mesmerizing little green guys :wave: )

  • I was like nooooooooooo, I just found this great place! Thank-you Wave for keeping the site going and thank-you Lynn for accepting the partnership!

    Both of you are awesome :bananadancer:

    • Hi Jaime, and thanks. Yes, I think there would be some very sad m/m junkies if Wave closed it, but it was her call. Hopefully the help I provide will give her a chance to relax just a bit.

  • Thanks, Wave for everything you do! I am so glad you know when to say “when” and I am so glad you have Aunt Lynn to share the load.

    Congrats, Aunt Lynn! As your neighbor across the bridge and as a big dog lover/Cal football fan, I look forward to your increased presence!

  • Yay to another mod/admin! Thanks for creating and keeping this site, Wave & Christian & Lynn. It’s because of this site that I fell head over heels in love with the English M/M genre. Thanks for everything! (I don’t comment as frequently as I should, but I’m very, very grateful and deeply appreciative of all you’ve done.)

    • Hi S
      I’m so pleased to see you come out of lurkdom from time to time. Keep it up and before you know it, it will be come a habit. :wave:

  • Wave, you give and give to us; it’s time you took some time back for yourself. I’m so happy you’ve made this decision, even though I know it couldn’t have been easy. You’re the bestest. 🙂

    Lynn, I’m so happy to have you above me…er, uhm…. :blush: I mean, Yay!

    Congratulations to both of you on the new partnership. I know it will be amazing for all of us.

    • Thanks Buda.

      Lynn, I’m so happy to have you above me…er, uhm…. :blush: I mean, Yay!

      Hee! 😉

    • Buda
      I noticed that you’re playing with Christian’s balls too – when do we get the opportunity to … you know? I’m waiting, and waiting, and still waiting. 😀

      This does not mean that I’ll have more time for emails. Kidding :hysterics:

  • Congrats to you both! It really must take a village to raise this baby…I can’t imagine the amount of work that goes into keeping this joint up and running. I wish you both all the best and look forward to seeing what the two of come up with. : )

    • Hi Ethan, and thanks bunches. When Wave sent me the list of everything she does, I told her that I simply didn’t know how she kept up, standing and sane. It’s incredible. Hopefully I can give her some breathing space.

    • When are you going to birth that baby I’m waiting for Ethan? 😕
      I think Lynn is a great foil for me and my crazy ways and she’ll keep you focused. 🙂

  • OMG, I was on pins and needles thinking you were going to close down this blog. Thank you for not doing that and thank you Lynn for signing on!

  • Congratulations guys, Wave as many said, I hope it means you can take more time for yourself and Lynn congratulations on the new title :).

  • Welcome, Lynn!

    Wave, I’m so glad you’ve decided to keep the blog going. I look forward to many more years of great reviews, interviews, and hot studly Friday guys. ;D

  • When I started reading this I was thinking “oh no, she can’t close down!” so I’m thrilled that Lynn will be helping you. I find it incredible it’s taken this long for Wave to get some serious help on running the site. If I can’t find enough time to read everything here each day, how can she put it all together?

    So, welcome Lynn, from another Cal alum, and neighbor (over in Oaktown, near the lake). Maybe we need a local SF meetup with the many other authors/readers in the area!

    • Hey EM and a wave from your neighbor to the north. 😉

      She’s been thinking about it for a while, and I’m really glad to be able to lend a hand.

      Maybe we need a local SF meetup with the many other authors/readers in the area!

      Sounds great to me! I wonder how many are around that hang out on this site?

      • I’m a day late and probably more than a dollar short, but as another Bay Area reader I had to chime in. I love the idea of an SF meetup! 😎

        As has already been said a gazillion times, I’m so glad you’re keeping the site going; I was more than a little nervous for a minute there! I’m another who reads most every day and only comments sporadically, but I very much appreciate the site and all that you do.

        Lynn, I’m sorry you won’t be reviewing as much, but very glad you’ll be taking some of the load off of Wave. And Wave, I’m glad you were able to ask for help when you needed it, that’s a great (and somewhat rare) skill to have! 😀

    • Thanks John!

      Now maybe Wave can find more men for Fridays.

      🙂 You’re so cute! Maybe we can accommodate that.

  • Yay, everybody! :hurrah:

    Checking in on the site is one of the highlights of my day. I’m thrilled that this decision will work well for everyone.

    Lynn, gotta love a Berner. :2thumbs:

    Wave, I love playing with Christian’s balls. (Don’t tell my husband!)

    • Hi Patty, and yeah, the site is definitely a stop for quite a few folks during their day.

      Lynn, gotta love a Berner

      Woo hoo!

  • Congratulations to everyone…this is great news. Lynn is a terrific person to work with and Wave, I am sure that the two of you will be a dynamic duo, along with Christian, the various guest reviewers and so on…excellent, excellent news. 🙂

    • Hi Leslie, and thanks for the kind words. You’re not so bad yourself. 😉 We all make a great team.

  • Wave, you’ve done a phenomenal job since you started this site. Congrats to you and Lynn both on the new partnership. 🙂

    • Thanks Lily, and thanks for being part of the team. Wave has done an AMAZING job essentially by herself and I don’t know how she did it.

  • Reading the first page of the announcement I thought “oh, no, wave is leaving”.

    I’m glad to see it’s not the case. :happydance:

    Good job in splitting the pages 😀
    Congratulations, Wave and Lynn :bravo:

    • Hi Alina. I was a bit dramatic, wasn’t it? 😉 Hopefully with me taking some of the load of, Wave can stay in business.

  • Lynn, big congrats from me, too. Smilie by GreenSmilies.com

    Though having a good insight into how much work maintaining this site really is, I fear that you might not have thought this fully through… :nuts:

    Just kidding. 😉 😛 🙂

    • You stinker! 😉 😛 🙂

      Thanks. We’re a good team and I’m glad to be continuing to work with you.

    • Don’t you dare get her to second guess herself now Christian. You are very bad. You promised you would not reveal all of those late night calls when you were on holiday or having fun with your friends in the bars. Those fricking green balls are making me dizzy. I want them in blue so you would know what I mean. :ahhh: :evilgrin:

      I’m always thanking you C. and I want to do so again. I bow to you.

      With Lynn at the helm I think it might be calmer waters now.

  • God, has it really been 3 years? Damn, how time flies…. Sometimes I feel like I’m going to wake up at 70 and wonder where the hell my life went :).

    Wave I know you’ve put a tremendous amount of energy in this site, and it would never have become the reference and rallying point of M/M readers that it is today without you – you remain the site’s soul! But I am glad you will be getting some help concrete help in the day to day running of the site, and I have no doubt that Lynn will do a tremendous job. She knows the site so well already and Everyone who’s ever visited here already loves her. Congratulations Lynn! And I hoep Wave that you use that much-deserved new spare time to relax and do all those things you didn’t have time for anymore – like, oh, sleep ;), and read just for the sheer pleasure of it, with no obligation attached :).

    • You and me both Mary! My motivation for doing this has been totally to relieve Wave of the incredible bittersweet burden she has, so hopefully she can breathe and sleep and maybe take a holiday once in a while.

    • Mary
      where have you been? Are you still in bed with Spock and Kirk? When are you going to realize they are way too old for you? 😮

      I haven’t heard from you in ages. I hope you are well and your Dad too.

      It’s a toss-up whether you or Lily were my first commenters on the old blog but you share that “honour.” You gave me the spirit to go on when I thought I would never have any visitors. How things have changed. 😯

      Don’t tell Lynn all my dirty secrets or she will rescind her part of the deal. 😀

  • Wave, you do have a flair for dramatic intros. 😉

    Thank goodness you’ll no longer be running yourself into the ground. What a wise decision to divvy up the workload, and what a fabulous choice you made in Lynn (and Christian, too)!

    Best of luck to you all. Long may you… uh…wave. (Sorry.)

    • KZ
      Until almost the last couple of days there was a distinct possibility that I would pack it in. 🙁 However with Lynn sharing some of the burden of running this site it might go back to what it was before, something I enjoyed rather than dreaded.

      I sure can pick people can’t I – you only have to look at the calibre of the guest reviewers! 🙂

  • Congratulations to you both :flowers:
    Aunt Lynn, congrats and good luck with your new job on the site 😀
    Wave, the site you’ve created is great. I couldn’t believe my eyes when I first stumbled upon it. So I’m glad it won’t disappear :happydance: Hopefully with this partnership you’ll have more time for yourself and the site will continue to be a fun place for you instead of slowly turning into a burden.

    • Hi Eva, and thanks. This site is such a great and fun place for those of us who love this genre, and we would hate to see it go.

  • Congrats with the new partnership! I hope it will give you both some more free time, because that is important too! I’m happy the site will stay, because I love to visit it every day :hurrah:

    • Thanks Lucia. We love all of the folks who spend some time here, because without you all, we wouldn’t be in business!

  • Congratulations on the partnership :bravo:

    I hope taking a step back will give you the space you need, Wave. After all the time and work you’ve put into the site, you deserve a bit of a rest.

    I only found this site in November, but I visit every day and thoroughly enjoy the variety of reviews and other posts (even if I don’t always comment)

    • Hi Cayendi

      You have done a lot of commenting since November and you know how much I love that. 😀

      I’m going to try to do much less than I am right now as Lynn moves into her new role. Christian and I will continue to have fun at midnight my time and early morning his time. Hmmm…wonder what he’s doing whenever I email him. 😯

      The site will be fun for me once again rather than a place that stresses me out. 😎

  • Kuddo’s to you Wave for making such a big decision. I am sure it will be hard to let a part of your baby go.

    Congrats (or commiseration???) to Lynn. I think a lot of hard work is coming to you but at the same time I also hope a lot of fun. Only the future will tell! :crystalball2:

    • Hey Ingrid, and thanks. 🙂 Yeah, it will be a lot of work, but the time I am pouring into reviews will go to a new area, so it should work out just fine.

  • hello
    Congratulations to both Lynn for her new responsability on the site and to Wave for some deserved rest! It’s so important to save time for ourselves and for the ones we love!
    Thank you for this great site which has become part of my life since I discovered it some times ago!

    • Thanks Mona. I know Wave would have a hard time with the decision, and in the end couldn’t let all of you down. I’m glad to be able to hopefully provide some respite.

  • Congrats Aunt Lynn! I’m happy for you! 🙂

    It’s a wise decision Wave! I’m glad you didn’t close the website!! 🙂

  • A tough decision but the site is so huge and such a valuable and popular resource, I’m glad Aunt Lynn can give you the help to keep things running!

    • Hi Leslie. I knew Wave was thinking of closing shop and I just couldn’t let that happen without trying this to see if it helps her. Hopefully it will.

  • Omo:) I was thinking you were going to close down this site… My heart stood still for a second.Don’t do this to me, never ever! I am glad to see the site will continue on 😀 I looove this site.
    Thank you for all your hard work and good luck !!!

    • Thanks for commenting, Bogusia. Wave did give everyone a mini-heart attack with the dramatics, but don’t worry, we’re sticking around for a while. Hopefully my help will make a difference for her.

    • Hi Sue. Was a touch scary, wasn’t it? 🙂 If the plan works, we’ll be around for a good, long time.

  • OMG! I almost died at the thought of the site closing. This is the only m/m site I go to and I look at it everyday. Without it I wouldn’t know what to do.

    I honestly thought you already had several people behind the scenes helping. To hear that you do so much yourself is amazing. I’m glad things are working out the way they are and I’m not left to fend for myself in this m/m world.

    • Glori, we wouldn’t want you to die or fend for yourself! And we’re glad you’re a daily visitor.

      While the guest reviewers do a lot to help Wave with the many, many books that released (though we need several more to meet the demand, especially since I am taking a step back with this new role), the burden of the admin side is simply overwhelming. I don’t know how she did it this long without collapsing under the pressure and weight of it all. I am going to take some of the day-to-day stuff, plus some other things off her to help.

  • Wave, I have often wondered how you cope with the huge input you have made to this site, which I appreciate very much. I hope you get some time off for bad behaviour now!

    Lyn and Wave – I wish you a happy and productive partnership, together with your team. Thank you for an interesting boost to each day.

  • Thank you both Wave and Aunt Lynn for shouldering so much work to make things clearer and easier for us readers or sometimes more entertaining … I love this site and visit it almost daily sometimes more for discussions not only for reviews on a lot of interesting topics – all that I appreciate greatly; when I’m interested in a book my first thing is to look here if a review it’s already made :)) … I admire all of you guys who put your passion at such a time consuming but greatly appreciated work giving us such thorough reviews and thoughts. Congrats for a really great job (that’s why all that work !) and good luck for both of you and all the guest reviewers …

    • Thanks for all of the kind words, Mimi. We’ll try our hardest to make this the best site for the m/m community.

  • Now that was a scare. This is the only review site that I frequent. From the amazing job you do Wave I always thought you had more help behind the sences. With thar said congratulations to you and Aunt Lynn.

    • Patty
      Thanks. We hope to continue providing the same high level of reviews and all round service in the future. If not, feel free to kick Christian’s butt – he doesn’t deserve it but hell, these damn green balls are too addictive. 😀 😯

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