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How MJ-Upbeat Began Back in 2003 I, (Bonnie Lamrock) began working for 'The Michael Jackson World Network'. I had
only worked there for a couple of months before I realized that I wanted to
spread my wings and try creating my own MJ web site. I had so many ideas and
thoughts I wanted to share.
I approached my boss, (The president of MJWN) about leaving and she suggested I stay
just a little bit longer because there was a surprise coming up which she was
not at liberty to share yet, so I decided to stay.
A few days later she announced to us that we will be flying
to LA and working at Michael's 45th Birthday party! I was very excited.
On August 29th I arrived in LA and met with some of my team
members. The next day I picked up my work jacket and proceeded to the party. The
party was fantastic. I had different tasks at the party such as selling
Michael's official merchandise, (T-shirts & caps). I also helped to bring the fan art back stage and in between my
assignment's, my daughter and I also filmed Michael's birthday speech.
The night ended by me handing out goodie bags to everyone
exiting the venue. I still have a goodie
bag preserved here at home as well as the official
Jacket I wore.
At the end of the night all workers were offered to go to
Neverland, unfortunately I wasn't feeling very well so I didn't go. It was hard
to watch all my fellow worker's file onto the bus and not be joining them. It's
something I regret often.
I continued to work for 'The Michael Jackson World Network' a few
more weeks then I decided to give it a try making my very own site. I learned
many things while working for MJWN, most
important was to respect Michael and be extremely thorough when researching the
news.
I looked for a free web host and found a place called
'Hometown' on AOL. I felt like a kid in a candy store designing the web site.
The pages were a bit disorganized, but I was still having fun.
After about a year of running my site on Hometown, I decided
I wanted to expand MJ-Upbeat and take it a step further by searching for a
larger hosting service. I found a good one which costs twenty dollars a month
and I've been with them to this day.
I started out with about 6 pages and only 5 to 6 viewers a
day. 8 years later MJ-Upbeat has expanded to over 50,000 pages and an average of
about 2,000 visitors each day.
It's been a long journey. So much has happened in these 8
years. The darkest days and the brightest moment's of Michael's life was shared
here on MJ-Upbeat. I never thought that one day I would be posting news that
Michael had died. That was the most painful day of my life. I thought he would out live me. I'm still numb to this day.
I've met so many amazing people and experienced some of the
most memorable moments in my life while running this site. My journey will
continue, embracing the positive memories of Michael Jackson.
Thank you to all the wonderful fans who have been a part of
MJ-Upbeat throughout the years. I couldn't have done it without you.
- Love, Bonnie
Special thanks to: 'The Michael Jackson World Network' & 'The Michael Jackson Fan Club' for the opportunity to work at Michael's 45th Birthday party. |
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