As we come to the end of our first year, we want to say a massive thank you to everyone who's been involved with YEAH.
This time last year, YEAH was not much more than a sparkling little idea in Errey's head. The first ever issue was released in February 2009, by which point it had a new co-editor - Me!! Who'd have thought that a teaching placement would leave me with a fledgling magazine to love and nurture.
It's been said many times and by many people that Errey and I act like a married couple - finishing each others sentences and bickering over nothing at all. And really, when we think about it, YEAH is our baby. From it's birth in February, we've loved it, nurtured, spent many sleepless nights thinking about it. But we both love it more than anything.
If you've been lucky enough to look at the first issue, you'll understand when we say how much it's improved. We have come so far in just 12 months, and it might sound a bit big headed, but really, we're damn proud of it!!
But enough about us, YEAH wouldn't be anywhere without the work of all our dedicated, talented and inspirational contributors.
YM001, all the way back in February, was made up of the work of just a small group of people. All the imagery was Errey's own, with only a couple of writers and other people helping out.
In our latest issue, YM004, we had the work of over 25 contributors. People of all ages, backgrounds and nationalities. All of whom found out about YEAH and decided they wanted to get involved. We want to take a moment to thank every single person who has contributed to YEAH over the past year. We really wouldn't be where we are now without you, and we hope we have helped you as much as you have helped us.
I also want to thank everyone who has believed in us, offered advice, or even just bought a copy!! All those people who heard about YEAH, and saw the spark, saw the potential. You have helped us immensely, from the obvious support we needed to get the project off the ground, but also, for having faith, it's your encouragement that gave us the drive to keep going.
Not only have we produced 4 magazines in 2009, YEAH is about more than that. We have been lucky enough to attend the UK's first ever Youth Led Media Summit, that was such an honour for us. We've started selling in shops across the south coast, and in Sweden!! In October Errey and I went on our first ever business trip, to visit Johan in Gothenburg - to name just a few!!
2009 is just the beginning, the tip of the iceberg, so to speak. We are gonna get so much better in 2010, we already have a lot of really massive, exciting plans (all top secret of course, but be excited!!). So if we could ask just one more thing from all of you, all of YEAH's fans and supporters, it's that you keep on supporting us. We're going from strength to strength, and it's all thanks to you guys.
So from both Errey and myself, we want to say a huge huge huge thank you, to all of you.
I'm gonna apologise now for this next part, this post is turning into a bit of an Oscar Winning Speech, but really, it needs to be done. So here's all our thankyou's...
To both my parents, and Errey's, and our whole families - you've put up with us through it all, through the ups and downs. Amanda, Rich, Naomi and Kate - for understanding, and letting us put YEAH first.
To Johan - for believing in us, for his amazing photography, and for looking after us in Sweden.
To Jools, David, Paul and Andy - For all your help, support, advice and encouragement. We couldn't have done it without you.
To all of our contributors (there's too many of you to name, sorry guys, but you are all important to us!) - Without you guys, there'd be nothing to make a magazine from.
To our stockists - You have helped us spread the word of YEAH.
To everyone who's ever bought a copy YEAH - You believed in us, and supported us.
To every single person, who's ever said a nice word about us - We cannot say how much we appreciate your feedback. You keep us smiling when it gets tough, you give us the determination to keep working hard!
Okay, Okay, I'm almost done. There's just one more person I want to thank, this time just from me.
From the bottom of my heart, I want to thank you Errey - you believed in me, you let me in, and let me share this amazing project with you. In less than a year you've become my best friend, I can't imagine life without you, or without YEAH.
There's a little bit of me that's sad our first year is coming to an end. But every other part of me is bursting with excitement for 2010. I'll be back in the new year with an update of what to expect, but for now...
Happy New Year Everyone
Thank you for your love, support and encouragement, we couldn't have done it without you!!
Much YEAH Love,
Errey & Stevie
(But Stevie wrote this, so all the I and Me bits, are from Steve)
