Do you love Creative Spark?

[Hannah]

Then maybe you'd like to own it.

We're retiring from the forum business and are open to handing Creative Spark over to anyone here who is interested in running it.

The forum currently runs on managed hosting (provided by the company that builds the forum, Xenforo), which costs $60 a month. That supports the current number of users—about 1,100—perfectly well. But if you attract more users, you'll need more resources, which could potentially lead to higher hosting costs. But for now, all is well. (Alternately, you could buy a license for Xenforo software and host the forum yourself on another host.)

The only other cost is the domain name, creativespark.art, which I believe is around $10 a year. That cost will depend on which domain registrar you use.

So you can see, the cost isn't terribly high (cost isn't the reason for our departure, so no need to offer funding suggestions). But unless you already know how to manage Xenforo forum software, your main cost will be time spent learning how this beast works.

Anyway, let me know if it sounds like something you'd like to do, and we can talk about transfer. If there's no interest in a takeover, I'm afraid we'll have to shut it down in the near future.

 

[Joy]

Hannah, this is quite distressing news. No matter what happens with the forum, I am so very grateful that it was in existence for so long. Other forums are struggling with ownership/management, also. So many of us use it on a daily basis that has enriched our lives. You and Ayin have done so much for the art community. Unfortunately, I know nothing of hosting and am unfamiliar with the Xenforo, a new name to me.

 

[Jade]

Thanks for the update Hannah and to you and Ayin for everything. I'm a relative newcomer but have been so impressed with the community you've built here. Unfortunately I'm not in the position to take over but hopefully someone will be. Thank you both again

 

[TK H-H]

Oh no... This is sad to hear. I haven't produced a ton of art lately, but I enjoy stopping by daily to see what others have posted, and have made new friends here. Lots to learn as well from other members.

You guys built a great little community here. Much better than previous forums I've tried using. Feels a little more like a family here. Much appreciation for all the work you put in to set it up and maintain it for all of us.

I'd happily step in, but I know nothing about forum hosting...

Hopefully someone can take over.

 

[PaintBoss]

I’m sad to hear this.
But I understand that sometimes you have to make changes. It would be a wonderful thing to host. I don’t know anything about this stuff either. And I don’t know if I could learn fast enough.
Thank you to you both for all your effort and care and giving us this platform. I haven’t been able to find anything like it.
If any of my friends here want my email address to keep in touch please let me know.
I hate the thought of losing contact with my art friends.
~Christine

 

[LizC]

Sad news indeed, and just as I was starting to participate here. I hope someone will be found to take over the forum.

 

[Enyaw]

This is so sad. Ayin, I wish you all the best. I so hope someone takes over but it would be an act of love and I do think in this world that is rare and so I do think ownership will be hard to come by. Really going to miss the place and keeping them crossed that someone will have the will and means to continue. Thank you and thank all on this site. It's been a good time here.

 

[Donna T]

This makes me really sad too. This site is my main means of contact with other artists and I cherish the friendships we’ve developed. Be well, Ayin and Hannah and thank you both for all of the time and energy you put into making this such a wonderful place.

 

[pcj]

I'm very sad to hear this too. Thankyou Ayin and Hannah for everything you have done for us.
Best wishes for your health and happiness.
Patricia

 

[pcj]

Could you give us a days warning before actually shutting down so that people
who wish to exchange contact information can do so please.
Thanks.
Best wishes for your health and happiness . Thank you making this forum such a great
place for all of us.
Patricia

 

[snoball]

I wish I had more time to invest in the forum, but alas, I hardly have time to eat when I'm hungry. I really hope someone takes over and keeps the forum going. You all have done a wonderful job of building it. When it first started Ayin said they hoped it would get 20 members and look at it now. I wonder if maybe joint management would be possible for more than one to take it over? Just throwing ideas out.

 

[ams]

Very sorry to hear this but I understand. I appreciate you and Ayin having it as long as you did. Unfortunately, I am not in a position to take it over either.

Hannah and Ayin, I wish you health and happiness.

Take care.

Anne

 

[Bartc]

Even when humbled, I've learned something from you and Ayin.
First, my gratitude for doing this. As an organizer I know how much it takes behind the scenes.
Second, I do hope someone will take the reins.

 

[laf.art]

Sad to hear this. I wish you both health and happiness. I'll keep up with you through your blogs.

 

[Hannah]

Could you give us a days warning before actually shutting down so that people who wish to exchange contact information can do so please.

Of course.

But so far, it doesn't look like anyone is prepared to take over, so you may want to exchange information now.

 

[NedL]

Sad to hear this. Thanks for the time you've spent on this site, there is a good community here.

 

[Sanlynn]

So sad to hear this. I understand all the work it took to keep it going and Thank You for that. I wish you and Aydin all the best in your future endeavours.

 

[Marksmomagain]

Blessings to both of you. Thank you for all your hard work. Best of wishes in all your future endeavors...

 

[bethany]

Thank you for all that you have done. I appreciate how much hard work you have put into making this place such a success.
I will be sad not to see the amazing creativity here any longer. It has been such a joy to see all the different artworks.
Everything has a season, and it looks like this one has come to and end.

 

[Joan T]

Thank you for all the work you did to make this such a great place to share our creativity with a wonderful community. I will be sad to see it get shut down if that happens.