So regular visitors are probably wondering why things are so quiet on here at the moment. In the last month or so, there’s not really been much content on the site at all. So I just wanted to clear things up for those wondering, WTF is going on with WTF1?
Here’s a quick blog that I’d like you to take a look at.
Despite being a “Blog,” I don’t really tend to do this sort of thing, you know, blogging, so excuse me for… well being useless at it, hopefully I’ll get the message across.
What started off as a Tumblr page is now bigger than I ever could have imagined. The Tumblr was just to amuse myself really and to get a break from Uni work while still getting my F1 fix, then when things got a bit too much, I stopped. A week or so later I got messages wondering why WTF1 wasn’t still going, I really couldn’t believe that people actually liked the site and wanted me to carry it on.
A couple of years after launching a little Tumblr site, WTF1 is now this, and even now I still can’t believe that anyone actually visits the site at all, never mind day after day. The new site is a bit full-on to be honest. Trying to get content week after week, keeping up with Photoshop of the Week, and all that while I have to do the day job (being a student was a lot easier!), not to mention I’m running the site on my own. No, I’m not trying to make you feel sorry for me, I bloody love doing this and it’s what I enjoy the most.
So a few months ago, to quote Will Smith, “my life got flipped-turned upside down.” I got offered a job, a dream job. For those that know me personally, you already know, but I’m currently working as a freelancer for Red Bull Motorsports. So now you could say that my hobby is now my full-time job and I love it. It’s been bloody tricky though, I’ve moved house, we’re still waiting for the internet and that makes things very difficult. I go to work, come home and I can’t update WTF1 like I used to. I’ve been trying to still update the Twitter and sometimes Facebook pages from my phone to let you all know that I’m still here, but things are a lot trickier. So for those wondering why WTF1 is a bit crap at the moment, that’s basically the reason.
I could so easily just shut the whole thing down but I don’t want to at all. WTF1 doesn’t make me any money but it’s something I’m really proud of, and where it all started for me. I’ve had a few messages recently asking what’s going on, and how the site isn’t very good any more. One or two have been pretty harsh, but in a way, I guess it just shows that people really care about the site, which is a good thing. It’s better than the odd messages I get telling me the site is crap because I don’t give out F1 news and run stories like “Martin Whitmarsh hopes McLaren can win the next race.”
While WTF1 may have come a long way since the Tumblr days, I’ll never “sell it out” so to speak, people seem to love it for what it is and it’s never going to change. I’m really appreciative of all the people who enjoy the site, the nice messages still make me smile a lot, I love getting them and knowing that I make F1 fans like myself smile too.
So really I’m just writing to say I’m still alive, I do still care about WTF1 and I will be doing everything I can to get things going again soon. It’s going to be tricky for a while but by November things will be back to normal. I can’t tell you how much I’m looking forward to it!
A big, big, BIG thanks to everyone who keeps coming back, time and time again.
Thanks,
Tommy
If you want to drop me a message about anything, please get in touch.
Twitter: @wtf1couk @tommyb89
Facebook: wtf1couk
Email: tommy@wtf1.co.uk
Thanx to @wtf1couk WTF is going on with WTF1?: So regular visitors are probably wondering why things are so … http://t.co/s6687VKd #F1
WTF is going on with WTF1? http://t.co/5PfuMt8b via @wtf1couk
YES! @wtf1couk “For all of our WTF1 readers, a quick blog I’d like you to read. A big thank you too – http://t.co/tL4Zjdf3 “
Best of luck Tom with your new job. I genuinely hope you can have success and although this website is unique and I loved it I perfeectly understand your paying job has the priority over your hobby. I myself have a blog and I was offered a job at writing about GP2 for an Italian website, however I had to turn it down. I am still a student and I can’t commit to a serious job, while writing GP2 Fanatic gives me little pressure as it’s something I do in my free time. You have finished your studies from what I read, and having a job is harder than studying, thus you have less free time. And even I wouldn’t want to spend it all on my blog, despite how much I love it.
Enjoying your life must be your priority, and I’m sure there are a few things you like more than WTF1. Or anyway, things more important than it. If you want to continue on this site please do so, but don’t feel forced to do so. If you write on here not often or irregularly, don’t worry. Do what you prefer, we’ll understand.
For now, thanks for the amazing content you’ve shared with us. I hope you can share more in the future.
Best wishes,
Fixy
Please read this: “WTF is going on with WTF1? http://t.co/T9GxfkoQ” via @wtf1couk
I have been a silent lurker in this site for long now. But I must say, congratulations on your awesome job. And I am relieved to hear that you are going to continue this site.
Good luck with the new job. :) I’ve had a similar offer via my blog, enjoyed it a great deal and I wish you the same. :) Try to keep this thing alive tho. :)
Man, I’m from Brazil and once a week I’m here. I love F1 and your site is amazing, but people in Brazil doesn’t care about F1 like Senna’s time. I really love to come here and read those things. We have a group discussion on Facebook we enjoy to talk about it, and it has about 19 members. I love a sport which is dying over here but I love so much.
So…
Keep it up!
Cheers.
Sérgio Siverly