This is the last news item…!

As far as I can remember, the first version of Bobtjes Blues Pages was 'born' at the end of 2000. Although it maintained a pioneer role in Belgium, it was very amateurish back then. A new official version was released in the summer of 2001 and through the years, the website evaluated to a professional gem. The first few years, the spotlights were set on the promotion of the Belgian and Dutch blues scene.
 
A little later, we started the additional "blues blog" (including the weekly podcast "Da Blues") which unfortunately didn't last a long time... At the end of 2007 the editorial board took the decision to transform Bobtjes Blues Pages into a more innovative and interactive website. We even started using a completely new content management system (CMS). At first it seemed difficult to convince our regular visitors of our meanings and ideas. The amount of visitors decreased spectacularly. But now, two years later, we can state that it goes steadily in the right direction. At this moment, we have an average of 500 visitors a day, which isn't that bad at all!

Nowadays we have to conclude that more and more new blues sites appear and... they're working in the same manner as we do. Of course, there's nothing wrong with and we encourage everybody who takes efforts to promote our beloved blues music. All of these initiatives bring profit to the blues community. Nevertheless an important question raises: “Does it make sense if several websites have almost to equal goods on their shelves?”

And even on top of that question we have to face that none of all the Benelux blues sites is as complete as the hard copy magazines "Back To The Roots" (Belgium) and "Block" (The Netherlands). None of them (and this also goes for Bobtjes Blues Pages) contains in depth articles on prewar blues (which I love very much), research in old blues labels, in depth book reviews, detailed artist portraits, movie reviews and so on...

To me personally, it seems more interesting to focus on these matters. No, I won't step aside from the current blues scene but as the chief editor of Bobtjes Blues Pages I took the decision to discontinue a big part of the website. We'll release a smaller version with an overview on my future projects and contributions to other media. Amongst these, the magazine "Back To The Roots" and the website "Keys & Chords". We'll also publish a section of links to all the useful websites you need to stay on top of acknowledgement about what happens on the “digital blues highway”. We're also thinking about drawing up a complete reference list of blues clubs and promotors in Belgium and the Netherlands. The evolution will go in the direction of a static website that doesn't need to be updated continuously and endlessly.

I also would like to spend more time to my second hobby. As some of you probably will know, I have an enormous passion for photography. But the current circumstances, with a lack of time in the first place, don't permit me to enjoy this wonderful hobby.

I'm aware of the fact that all this news could come abruptly. For that reason I decided to transform the website step by step to its new form. All current projects (as CD reviews, concert reviews or festival reviews) will be handled and published “as accurate as possible”. The goal is to bring it to an end slowly and to start over again with a clean plate by new year.

This decision certainly wasn't a walk on the one night ice. No, it didn't came easily. It caused me several sleepless nights to come to these insights. But, really, it has been beautiful! I've enjoyed it to share my services and those of my co-operators with you throughout the years. I've met a lot of fine people and some of them became friends for life. I can't express my grateful feelings enough!

The only thing that rests me, is to thank all of you for the thrust you've put in the Bobtjes Blues Pages team. My words of deep respect and gratefulness go out to our many faithful visitors, the blues bands and musicians, booking agencies, promoters, distribution companies, record labels, club owners, festival programmers, etc. And last but not least the volunteers who worked their ass off to reach this final high level. I really hope that all of you understand and respect this decision...

Of course, and this is a clear statement, you may keep me informed about what happens in your blues world. Your e-mails will be much appreciated!

Warmest regards,
Bobtje Blues