Apologies and Pleas

To be blunt and straightforward, this post is my official retirement announcement.

I will no longer be writing or contributing to the Wizrocklopedia. Some of you may have noticed that I haven’t contributed anything for several months. This wasn’t primarily by choice, but in retrospect I never did have the amount of time that was required for maintaining the website and giving it the amount of attention it needed.

At its prime, the Wizrocklopedia became something more than I ever thought it would. Unfortunately, the wizard rock scene grew too large for even a sizable crew of volunteers to keep up with. The result was a constant struggle between finding reliable contributors or more free time on my part. As it stands now, I really do believe that it’s impossible to keep up with every bit of “news” the bands put forth everyday without one person devoting full-time hours to it. Unfortunately, again, that isn’t realistic. While bands, and sometimes podcasts, can support themselves with merchandise, albums, and donations, this is not something the Wizrocklopedia can do.

I leave the Wizrocklopedia in the hands of Freya and Dinah with the hope that the community we’re supposed to have established as a whole will do something to save it from dying an untimely death.

Despite what I’ve learned about myself, other people, the power of the media, and what a blog can do from the experience of creating and running the site, I’ve also had the displeasure of stress, heartache, and debt as a result. I don’t retire from my job as Senior Editor with any bitterness or malice but I am happy to be rid of the responsibility.

I have made many friends in the past few years as a result of finding wizard rock. This is in no way goodbye. I’m not disappearing from the Internet nor am I no longer a fan of the music. I am simply unable to provide the ‘pedia with the attention that it needs. Whenever that happens and in any case, it is always best to leave the lacking thing in the hands of someone who will better take care of it.

In closing, I wish that both bands and fans do more to help keep the Wizrocklopedia alive. Freya will be providing more information soon concerning hiring new writers. The site will NOT be closing, not in the immediate future anyway. In the event that Freya and Dinah are no longer able to maintain it and the writers that they hire in the future move on as well, the site will remain as a testament to what was done in wizard rock’s name.

A very fond farewell,
Lizz Clements
Founder, Webmaster

40 responses to “Apologies and Pleas”

  1. Abby Avatar

    Hey, thats totally understandable… But I wanted to thank you for everything you have done for wizard rock fans (myself especially) during your time with the ‘pedia. You’ve been amazingly helpful in innumerable ways and I want you to know that I appreciate the work done and sacrifices you’ve made for us. I know we’ll still see each other at events and stuff, but I wish you the best!!!

  2. lou Avatar

    awwwwww 🙁 this makes me sad, but it’s normal to move on…

    I wish you good luck in everything that you do next! <3
    Thanks for all you’ve given to the wizard rock community!

  3. Zivlok Avatar
    Zivlok

    Aaaaaaaaaaaaand today was turning out so fabulously. Danny D’s MySpace triumphantly returns. Wrackspurt! comes back. Zoe announces Wrock Beat 2. And then Lizz resigns! To top it all off, it all happened on the SEVENTH day!

    “Quick! John Stewart! I need your help! Call Hall and Oates to do a send-off in the same manner you did for Alan Colmes!” Seriously, SOMEONE needs to write a parody to that song about this.

    Anywho… AWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWW! I’m a sad panda. And a wet and cold panda, but that’s for entirely different reasons. While Freya and Dinah have certainly proven themselves capable, it’s really sad to see you go!

    Thanks so much for making this site, and all your time and resources you’ve poured into it. I’ve been a regular reader for about a year, and have loved every minute of it. Thanks again so much for all you’ve done – the Wizrocklopedia has really helped comps and collabs and new artists get more people and attract a wider audience.

    We’ll miss you a lot, Lizz. Thanks for everything.

    *cue image of Albus Dumbledore with a single tear slowly rolling down his cheek*

  4. Lena Avatar

    Love <3

  5. Heather Avatar
    Heather

    Good luck and goodbye, Lizz. I have only started frequenting this site as of late but I wish I had found it sooner and been able to get to know you. Thanks for everything that you’ve done for the Wizard Rock community and the Harry Potter fandom as a whole. You’ll only truly be gone from the this website when none here are loyal to you. And I’ll remember.
    Good luck, best wishes, and love,
    Heather

  6. John Avatar
    John

    Will miss you Lizz.
    Truly grateful of all the time you spent,
    John.

  7. Jace Avatar

    It is truly a sad day in the Wizard Rock community.

    Thanks for all that you’ve done, I’m sure I’m not the only one who is forever grateful for you, and your creation of the ‘pedia. You have always been there for us, supporting us, and making sure people knew we existed, haha. You are simply the best, and I cant say thank you enough.

    <3 Jace

  8. Gred and Forge Avatar
    Gred and Forge

    Thank you for all of the help & love you’ve shown to me and the entire community. You will truly be missed.

    Jarrod

  9. Russ Avatar

    Thanks Lizz. I’ve said it before, but without folks like you taking the lead and helping spread the word, folks like me may have never fallen in love with the wrock. I truly appreciate everything you’ve done to help me personally, and everyone involved with this incredible movement. I wish you the best, always!!!

  10. Amy Avatar

    I wish the Wizard Rock community had some concept of the amount you’ve contributed over the years. You really helped to build this thing up and I know, no matter what you say, that the fandom hasn’t heard the last of you 😉 <3

  11. Orlina Avatar

    I wasn’t yet part of the Wizard Rock universe when you were constructing this wonderful site.
    But when I finally became aware of it I remember that Wizrocklopedia helped me learn so much about what Wrock really meant.
    So I, for one, thank you for all you’ve done and I wish you luck in whatever you do next^^

    .Cassia Lenoir

  12. Kim Avatar

    Just wanted to say thanks a million for all your hard work! And girl, I admire you for doing all of this for THIS LONG! We all know it isn’t easy, but you were graceful throughout. When I worked on Spinner’s Cast, you were always there for us when we needed some wrock help or other assistance. It meant a lot!

    Thanks for continuing to be a friend and yay for your continuing online presence (etsy, blogs, ect)!!

  13. Roonil Wazlib Avatar

    Thank you for everything, Lizz. It’s been a pleasure 🙂

  14. Abby Avatar

    Thanks for everything, Lizz.

  15. obockstal Avatar

    Thanks Lizz for creating this site and spreading the word about Wrock.
    You’re probably one of the first persons I did dare write a message to when I discovered Wrock a little less that a year ago.
    Your work on the ‘pedia will always be remembered, and I’m sure we’ll continue to hear from you, about wrock or other things (Animal Crossing 😉 )

  16. Alex Avatar

    There arent words for how important Lizz and her site have been to the fostering and growth of this community. I dont have the words at the moment, I am sure they’ll come , but for now I want to thank you from he bottom of my heart for being so steadfast in your dedication and so generous with your time and love LIzz. You will be missed.

  17. David W Avatar

    You’re not someone I’ve really talked to properly (despite having you on Facebook) but I know enough to know what you’ve done for the Wizard Rock community.

    I understand this completely. I found myself making a similar decision once about another site, and the time invested into that wasn’t anything like what you’ve given to us all. So this really shouldn’t be such a surprise.

    Nevertheless you’ll be missed very much and I wish you good luck in whatever you do. See you around 🙂

  18. Marauder Avatar
    Marauder

    Thanks for everything you did, Lizz. I know it was a lot of work, and I appreciate it very much.

    *rubs hands together* Okay, Wizrocklopedia, what do you need? I think one of the big things is that you need the master list of bands updated. Do you need help with that? I have no idea how to do it, but Mr. Marauder (the other half of The First Task Is Dragons) goes to school for computer stuff and has never been NOT able to do something I needed computer-wise. We’re busy and all, but I’m sure he could update it at least once every two months.

    When it comes to smaller updates (“Band X has two new songs, Y and Z”), I could do that if you show me the ropes of how to update this site. 🙂

  19. Z. Avatar

    Fare the well, Lizz, and you know where to find me the next time you get a podcastin’ jones. 😉

    –Z.

  20. Trudy Avatar
    Trudy

    Thank you so much for everything, Lizz, and we’ll miss you!

  21. Freya Avatar

    @all: Thanks for being so understanding and supportive. I know Lizz appreciates it.

    @Marauder: There will be forthcoming info on how to volunteer to help the ‘pedia. Thank you, thank you, thank you.

  22. Stine Avatar

    I can’t even begin to imagine how much work you must have put into this site, but I know your efforts have meant the world to the wizard rock community. There is so much going on in the world of wizard rock, on so many different levels, and the Wizrocklopedia is what ties it all together and organizes it as a community. You’ve done a great job with the site, and it is very much appreciated.

    Thank you so much for everything you have done, Lizz. You will be missed. Good luck with whatever comes next!

  23. Scott Humdinger Avatar

    Lizz,

    As someone who has managed several websites and newsletters over the years, I can certainly appreciate the hard work you have put into this site. It is a thankless task done that is obviously done out of love. As a community we are indebted to you. Hope you stay Fabulous!

  24. Ellatrix (The Lost Diadems) Avatar

    I don’t think any of us can really thank you enough for what you’ve done, Lizz. But we can try.

    THANK YOU, LIZZ!

    Good luck in whatever you do next, and remember, this community are always with you, whatever you choose!

  25. Amber Avatar
    Amber

    Thank you for everything, Lizz! Your time here has brought our community even closer and I’m certain that you will be missed.
    Thanks again, Lizz and I’ll be waiting for the info on the writing spots to show up! :]

  26. Nancy (HPhorsegirl) Avatar

    Lizz, I love you so much! Thanks for all you’ve done. 🙂

    <3

  27. Elizabeth. Avatar

    Aww, thanks for the time and effort you’ve put in for so long. I understand it getting completely overwhelming. Sometimes it’s better to put it in the hands of other people and take a deep breath and get rid of the stress. But you’ve been amazing! We’ll miss you on the ‘pedia.

  28. Dinahsaur Avatar
    Dinahsaur

    I just wanted to repeat Freya’s sentiments to everyone. Thank you for your understanding and your support! We all want this to be as smooth and easy as possible… not to mention stress-free for Lizz! So thanks again!

  29. I Put The Oh in Crucio! Avatar

    Well like Alex said there are no words to describe what you have given to Wrock and the fandom, but we all love you and appreciate everything you have done. We have had conversations and I have told you things about what I have done and what has happened to me in this community and you listened and were a good friend. I think we should do a Wizrocklopedia compulation to help support and keep the site up and running. Any other bands that feel this way should contribute, I would start the compulation myself, but I feel if someone else was doing it, it would gain more support. So thank you and we look forward to hearing from you again in the future!

    Read Books or I’ll Curse You!

  30. 50 Points From Slytherin Avatar
    50 Points From Slytherin

    Lizz,

    You have my heartfelt thanks for creating the ‘pedia and leading it into a golden age. If it weren’t for the Wizrocklopedia I would have never known that Wizard Rock existed and it would have never been such a profound impact on my life. Thank you for your hard work and dedication, it is greatly appreciated.

    ~Heather (Lily)

  31. Grace Avatar

    Lizz, you are amazing and have done amazing things for the community that are truly unmeasurable. Wherever the winds take you next, I’m sure you will do only great things. <3

  32. Michèle Avatar

    I’ll second what everyone said: Thanks you Lizz for creating this fabulous website and devoting it this much time. <3

  33. Bandon Josh Avatar
    Bandon Josh

    It’s been fun while it lasted…I hope it’s been as fun for you as it has for us. Thanks for giving us something exciting to look forward so often!

  34. Laura Avatar

    We will miss you. I know when I was first learning about wrock this site was the biggest help. Thank you for your hard work, it is appreciated. <3

  35. Deirdre Avatar

    I’m sorry you’re going, Lizz — and congratulations on a job VERY well done! It was great getting to know you through Wizard Rock, and I hope I’ll see you at a show soon.

    In the meantime, I wish you and your family a very Happy New Year — Wrock on!

    <3~Deirdre (Gringotts Grrl 2)

  36. Debbie S. Avatar
    Debbie S.

    All your hard work has not gone unapprecjated, Lizz. Heartfelt thanks from this fan!

  37. Hilary Avatar
    Hilary

    Thank you Lizz 🙂

  38. Jake Niffler Avatar

    Aww man. It’s understandable that you are leaving. Every time I think of the wrocklopedia or hear its name I always see your face. I probably always will.

  39. tina. Avatar

    changing times! you are a really great person to have taken this stuff on and brought such excitement to everyone! I think that it is great that you are moving on and thank you also for all of your devotion!

  40. Paul Avatar

    I’m getting in late on this thread, but just want to give a very big and heartfelt THANK YOU to Lizz (and everyone else at wizrocklopedia)! Your enthusiasm and dedication did more to help grow and inspire the wizard rock community than any single band ever could. You should be supremely proud of all that. You are AN AMERICAN HERO!

    Good luck with all your future endeavors. We’ll miss you for sure!

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