Sitting here at my computer this morning as much as I would like to be saying that things are all well for me and my family but I can not. As great as it was to see so much positive support part of me just wants to close the web site, take long holiday and seek out a new project or challenge.
This morning emails began to arrive from organisations that, understandably, as a result of yesterday’s articles in the Hull Daily Mail have explained with regret they can no longer allow me to work with them or promote them on HU17.net which arguably is harder to take then anything else that has happened. Anyone who knows me personally will know the effort which has gone into HU17.net and right now it feels like it is imploding on me.
Last night I was contacted by telephone by Angus of the Hull Daily Mail for a quote on how I felt about the reaction to their story and the comments left on both web sites. Given all that has gone his organisation were the last people on earth I wanted to talk to and having read the paper again this morning a seeing the quotes the choice of words and placement of them on page is still very hurtful to me indeed.
At no point did I agree to make a web site for the ‘client’ that was created by the HDM all that was agreed was a meeting where I would be able to asses the situation. On the tape I have of the actual interview the reporter acknowledges this though the paper continues to report that I agreed to build a web site for an escort.
HU17.net is a non commercial web site, companies are listed with out cost and there are no adverts or advertising revenue. It is true I have made some revenue through the sales of pictures and from calendars which I made for a number of football teams in the area though my in the main this project has been funded from my own pocket.
On my job list I have two web sites to create for customers, both of these are related to the wedding trade but at this very moment in time I do not feel creative. Today I will have to contact these customers and there is a strong possibility I will loose this work given the events of the past day or so which will just add to the pressures I am currently under.
Overall I am gutted, yet every instinct I have, my family and close friends are telling me to pull myself together and to fight. But seriously how does one man take on a national company that employees thousands of people, and whom seem intent on making it impossible for me to succeed?
My father would be telling me not quit, although he is not with now I can hear him telling me not to throw in the towel but to pick up the camera and get back out there and do what I do best, interact with other people. Every minute that goes by which I am not out there is slowly distancing me further from the real stars of HU17.net, the people of Beverley.
I would personally like to thank everyone for their comments; I would also like to express my gratitude to the many people who I have not even met who have taken the time to phone me. I guess the way I can repay those people is to dust myself down and get ‘back on the horse’ so to speak.
When things go wrong as they sometimes will;
When the road you’re trudging seems all uphill;
When the funds are low, and the debts are high
And you want to smile, but have to sigh;
When care is pressing you down a bit -
Rest if you must, but do not quit.
Success is failure turned inside out;
The silver tint of the clouds of doubt;
And you can never tell how close you are
It may be near when it seems so far;
So stick to the fight when you’re hardest hit -
It’s when things go wrong that you must not quit.
YOU CAN’T DO GOOD THINGS WITHOUT CREATING OPPOSITION
IT’S WHEN YOU HAVE ENEMIES THAT YOU ACTUALLY FEEL YOU ARE DOING SOMETHING GOOD, IN FACT YOUR ENEMIES HELP YOU PROGRESS
words of Yacouba Sawadogo, A pioneering African farmer
Keep going, don’t let them win. Like many I arrived here via The Register covering the story, so you’ve had plenty of indirect publicity, and looking at the comments on the Fail article, you have a lot more support than they do.
To those in the Beverley area, I’d say make a note of those people and businesses who are so narrow-minded that they’ve decided not to associate with hu17 because of this and avoid them.
This is just a cynical attempt by a 3rd rate “news” paper to get back at a site that is actually doing something worthwhile and useful for the community whilst they themselves can only regurgitate facts that are not and truths that are somewhat dubious. They are guuilty of being at the losing part of the modern technology and can only go down y fighting dirty. They deserve no repsect or support from the local populace or local businesses.
Keep up the good work and it is a fact that they ill go out of business whilst your web site will go from strenght to strength.
Paul,
I’ve been following this since The Register picked it up. Take this vicious attack from the HDM as a compliment – they’re very, very worried about your site as it is so much better than what they have. If you weren’t taking all their Beverley business they wouldn’t be coming after you.
From what I can see, you seem to have 99% of the town (and everywhere else for that matter) on your side.
Stick with it. Don’t ever the the bad guys win.
Reg reader Jp here. Hang in there dude!
Would just like to add another voice of support for you, Paul. Don’t let them get away it…
Paul, your website is amazing and it is probably one of the best things that you have given to the community. It brings local people together and it creates a real sense of community spirit in Beverley. Please don’t give up because we are all behind you.
looks like the HDMs comments are closed today someone frighten them off
It would also appear that David Bourne is a bully and a tyrant http://www.holdthefrontpage.co.uk/news/2007/07july/070709jane.shtml
No wonder staff at the HDM are under pressure to bring out rubbish if this is the sort of people they have to work for.
I’m one of the people who came across the story via The Register, and I’m disgusted by the Hull Daily Mail’s actions on this. Stick with it man, this appears to be a) a damn good site, and b) well put together. A lot of people who wouldn’t have seen it otherwise now have.
Stick a little note up the top saying you’re available for design work.
I’m dropping a mail to the East Riding Council Leader mentioned in the HDM article, suggesting he might want to revisit his comments. Good luck man.
Please complain to the PCC. it offends my sense of justice that they can get away with it.
I have only just caught up with this story as I dont read HDM very much, I am disgusted at what they are trying to do to you, Take them to the cleaners, they deserve it……
P.S This is the first time I have visited this site, I live in Hull and will be now blocking HDM and adding this site to my favorites.
Good Luck Paul, Chin Up Matey
Paul,
I know you quite well mate,you are a likeable guy. Ever since you came to see me at my business to discuss your proposals for starting HU17.Net.You have done a great job for the town, its people and business.I am very dismayed with HDM.I know how desperate they are for adverts.Ok so you have done some dodgy porn sites, not what most people would have liked to have read about you but the HDM are certainly not angels either. As a lot of comments on here have said they advertise Contacts, Escorts etc.It is still the same industry and sex sells! That is all they can do.The next time they contact me for advertising space I won’t bother.I know their own site has been a flop.I paid into it to advertise for 4 weeks.A complete waste of money.I notice they do lots of freebies for their pals though aka..Paula Johns on Princes ave.Sick of seeing her face.Wonder if they are getting a big discount when the staff go in?I don’t see any adverts she has paid for!I have stopped buying the newspaper now since they have tried to close you down.Don’t give in matey.Pop by and I will give you some work.
Look at all these supporters! And me too! You can’t lose!
Give it to those jerks!
Let’s march on Blundell’s Corner!