OUT WITH THE OLD
Here I sit writing my first article as Editor of the Dundee United Mad website. What should be an exciting venture for me has without doubt been tainted by the sad circumstances that saw two friends of mine removed from their positions as site Editors of Dundee and Dundee Utd
My reasons for mentioning the above is that a little over 4 years ago a United supporter from England(Nottingham at the time I believe) took on the mantle of website editor of a relatively unknown website and set about making it the number one United fans message board and internet site. Through the 4 years, covering 5 seasons, his website brought together countless strangers who shared one passion – Dundee United Football Club. There have been nights out, quiz nights and match day introductions- all of which it could be argued would never have happened had it not been for the efforts of the Editor in charge in making this site so welcoming. We have even saw Football matches arranged between posters from the Dundee United Mad message boards and Posters and ‘ringers' from the Dundee Mad message board.
From the meagre beginnings the website went from strength to strength and as it stands today it contributes financially to Dundee United Football Club through Strip sponsorship and other means as well as being as good a grapevine for rumours as there is around. It boasts a close relationship with the Club and remains proud to be the place to be for united news on the net.
All at Utd Mad feel it is vitally important that the unfortunate events of the last week are not allowed to overshadow the time, effort and commitment Paul put in to making this site the best Utd fans website on the net. It is the hope of this Editor that given the time for wounds to heal, we shall see Paul back on the message boards – I think it's important that we hear his ramblings about northern soul every now and then – and more importantly enjoying posting on the boards again. I'm sure everyone who reads these message boards will wish Paul all the best for the future and thank him for his services throughout the last 4 years. Cheers Paul.
IN WITH THE NEW
Over the next few weeks, I will spend time getting used to being Editor and there will be minor changes (There will be some changes to content as a lot of the content just now belongs to Paul) to the site but it is my belief that if something is not broken then don't try to fix it, so hopefully it will be the same message board we have all enjoyed using in the past. One thing I hope does change for the better is the relationship between the two Dundee Clubs' message Board users. There is no doubt that relations have strained in recent months and it would be nice to get back to the old attitudes and banter that made both boards so successful.
If anyone out there feels they have any ideas on ways to improve the website or wishes to help out in some way then feel free to get in touch. Here's to the future lads and lasses. Arabest.