Hi everyone! I haven't done one of these posts in a while and I've missed all of you. I really regret that I haven't kept in touch with my friends here as much as I should have. I've been sick for the better part of 3 months now and one sure loses the will to get on the computer much when being sick for that long!

First the backstory: we've been needing a mobile iOS / Android app for a long time now (as most of you know and have begged for). I've built out the infrastructure we need for one but the main thing I can't do is build the app itself. We don't have the money to get it done so that project has been languishing for years now.

Another thing we need is to have a real dedicated site designer. We've been plodding along with what I've cobbled together so many years ago.

There are a few investors willing to invest in our little social network but they all prefer to invest in something that's not as niche as Asianfanfics. If we were to re-brand to a site that was more inclusive of all genres, then they'd be interested in investing in us to actually build the things we need.

So with that, the name of the site would change. That's a scary change even for me. Not only that, as many baby-making parents can attest, it's pretty damn hard to think of a new name. Harder still to find one that isn't already taken. Go ahead, think of one then see if the domain is already registered. It's probably already taken. Even stupid names like writersareus.com are already registered (I know, I couldn't believe it either).

As of now, if we were to go through with this name change, the name I have picked out is FablePad. With that, we get a FablePad iOS and Android app and a FablePad web designer to work on the site. We'd also be inclusive of more genres like original works and other stories that normally don't fit into the Asianfanfics motif.

What do you guys think? Do the pros of changing our name outweigh the cons of sticking with it?

Update: All right you guys have managed to convince me. Some of you like the idea of FablePad but the majority would prefer to stay with Asianfanfics as it is. After listening to all of you, I've decided to stay with Asianfanfics. I never really liked the idea of having investors anyway because then they get a say on how we run things.

An idea that was suggested is that we can hold a fundraiser to help raise money for us to get that Android / iOS app (if we only make enough money for one system, I'd have to draft that fateful blog post asking you guys to pick between the Android or the iPhone to start - wouldn't that be fun). I think a fundraiser would actually be pretty fun even though I have doubts we'll make enough (but I'd love to be surprised!). I'd like to give you guys what you need so maybe this fundraiser can help us with that. Announcements to come!

It's almost 2 AM here so I'm going to sleep. Apologies to anyone I didn't get a chance to reply to!

Update 2: Some people have been asking about an estimate of how much we would need to get started with an app. A good writeup and an estimate was posted here: http://www.asianfanfics.com/blog/view/813204. Realistically, I think we can start at $20,000 to help us get an initial app. We are a small community so I think even $20,000 is pushing it but it's the minimum we'll need to get started. It's good to have a lofty goal anyway!