1) Corporate Contests are closing

Effective immediately, Worth1000 will no longer be accepting new paid corporate contests. Corporate contests have been a source of revenue for Worth1000 for a long time, but over the last year or so just haven't been happening organically enough to justify the cost of running the section. We've actually been losing money on it for more than a year and can't afford to keep doing so.

While I could spend additional time and energy to market it better, I don't have the time, bandwidth or resources to do so at the moment.

Sadly, it's time to just close that section down.

We're going to let the existing contests run their course, make sure all artists are paid up and all clients have their logos and then keep the section running for occasional fun or non-profit contests only.

It's been a good run folks. Thanks to all the artists who made that section amazing and the staff who helped run things.

2) Stafftech and Corporate (Amira) will both be moving on from their roles at the end of January.

Separately from what's been going on Stafftech has actually taken a new local job near her home (she telecommuted to us before) and we wish her the best of luck in her new position - it is a big step up in her career. Iz will be filling in for Stafftech on emergency repairs until a replacement can be found.

As Amira's role was primarily to oversee the corporate contest section, we will not be replacing her position with this change. Amira worked for us for 6 years doing a wonderful job helping manage the corporate section and general community and we will miss her dearly.

Beginning January 31st, the Contact Us forms will go to myself and appropriate admins. Between now and then Amira will continue to help resolve any current issues.

Please join me in thanking them both for a job well done! Worth will not be the same without them.

As of tonight January 1st, 2012, at the stroke of midnight, it will have been 10 years of Worth1000.com. That's like 300-years-old in internet years.

I started Worth1000 when I was 22. I had just graduated college and gotten married less than a year earlier (and only recently met Worth1000's co-founder, Iz). Now I'm 32. Over the course of Worth1000's long history I graduated law school, had 3 children and started a company. In short, I've grown up into an adult. And did it with the backdrop of maintaining one of the most talented communities on the internet.

We've been through 28,100 contests, 666,666 entries (well a few more, but I like that rounded number), 681,000 talented artists, all over a course of 3,650 days. Amazing.

Over the next few days I plan to review some of my favorite images over the history of Worth1000.

Staff members from all the years: Thanks so much for making this place a warm haven of creativity. Everyone: Thanks for filling it up with your Art. You are an inspiration to me and more importantly, the world!

Cheers and Happy New Years!
Avi