Stalking

It's not easy to track him down and when I did, he was startled by a couple of deer who passed between us. The result is a blurred but identifiable image of a lesser-spotted Ellis in Bushy Park this morning (see extra). Sadly he was gone in an instant, lost among the low-lying vegetation, so I had no option but to settle for what there was, such as this chap. The park blippers were far too busy on this crisp morning for much conversation but I did have a fleeting chat with SueL by the lake. Home for breakfast and the dentist.

Not at all surprised to find that our Blip saviours have got the price down so, unless there's a lot of mind-changing among those who've pledged, we should be nearly home and dry. That's exciting. Congratulations to the four who were committed enough and patient enough to take on this project. It's proud day for them. 

And this is just the start. If and when the site is secured, there's a lot of building to be done - community building and securing a stable and sustainable membership model to name but two priorities. There may be grants to be had, all kinds of possibilities arise now, including new ventures, possible partnerships and exciting developments that can come from within the more enthusiastic and innovative corners of this community. I was shocked to discover just how many people to whom I subscribed had stopped blipping in the past year. Hopefully some will come back but many will be lost for good. The news today that Friends Reunited has closed is a reminder of how fragile internet communities can be. Let's hope Blipfoto now can be placed on a more durable footing.