during the 1st and 2nd quarter, our userbase reached a record peak of 400+ users, but after a glitch with our mySQL backup scripts that forced a 4-day rollback, and modifications of our TOS (terms of service), more than half of them left for greener pastures. a series of service downtime and hiccups typical of small operations caught up with us later in the year, but thankfully, we managed to make some adjustments and implement preventive measures.

highlights for the year include an extension of our services designed for Christian bloggers, lots of users taking advantage of “photoblog-like” integration of WordPress and Gallery 2 made possible by WPG2, a plugin written by Ozgreg, advertising partnerships with Japan-A-Radio & J-Fan radio, redundant rsync-based backups with bqInternet & Strongspace as well as our very own Cafepress Store.

in essence, by making use of personal publishing platforms like WordPress & gallery, we hope to promote OSS (open-source software) to the masses. Negimaki is not a service with “social networking” in mind. rather, we view it as a simple gateway for people to see perspectives written & photos taken by individuals from many walks of life & ethnic backgrounds — from Canada, Pakistan, India, Philippines, Taiwan, Hong Kong, United States & South America.

we look forward to another year of making small but significant changes to the quality of our services and overall improved hosting performance & experience for existing Negimaki users.