Hello folks, today is a special day for me and this website. It all started three years ago on December 28th, the day when I set up this website with no real idea of what it was going to become. I knew that it could become popular, I hoped that many people would like it, but I never expected 1.5 million page views in one month like we had last November. I have to thank you all for that, readers and writers, you people have become my friends and I guess I can never reward you enough for your kindness. By the way, if you want to read some interesting stuff about me and the website I recommend an interview that Frozy has published last week, click here to read it.
Every celebration must come with some gifts though, that’s what I think. So I have a new competition lined up for you, it starts now and it will end on December 31st at midnight with the winner to be announced on January 1st. All you have to do is share your thoughts about this website in a comment, you can even criticise us, just feel free to share whatever you think. Then, after the contest will be closed, I will pick the most interesting/funny/creative/wacky comment and its author will get a prize either from our games store or from our fan shop. The most obvious prize is a copy of FM 2012 but if you already own the game you can pick any game from our games store priced below 30 pounds or any product from our fan shop within the same price range.
Thanks again to all of you for supporting this website and I promise you that I’ll keep doing my best to provide help and great Football Manager content in 2012. Happy New Year my friends!
P.S.: Remember that the best way to help us keep this website going is to keep visiting us and share our content on Facebook, Twitter, Google + or wherever you can.
Frozy
28 декабря, 2011 at 13:36
I hope you to get 1.5 Billions visitors per month in 3 years ))) My congratulations to FMS birthday!
Johnny Karp
28 декабря, 2011 at 14:03
Thanks mate but I guess we’d have to write in Chinese to get to those numbers ;)
jameswd
28 декабря, 2011 at 13:48
what can i say about this site i mean just wow, it keeps me entertained on a day to day basis and the stories are that passionate and well constucted that its hard to not want to come back to read more, you guys also care about your readers aswell as you care about the people who view the site e.g. assisting them with problems they have or help the find the gem they need to complete a team(the scouting network) i wouldnt be bothered if i won the competition tbh because this would still be a great site and one that i hope to one day write for. this site inspires me to play more
Johnny Karp
28 декабря, 2011 at 14:04
Thanks for your comment James.
Lemuel
28 декабря, 2011 at 15:42
Your Stories is very interesting, Very precise account of your results and the finances and the top performer of the team. You all also never have the mindset of managing a popular and big club, e.g. Man Utd. It also excites me when I see that under the careful management of the club, the smallest club in the country and became the most sucessful club in the country, or even the continent. However, I feel that you should not keep your stories on Europe, as majority of your writers managed clubs in Europe. Clubs in South America and Asia are also good choices and I strongly recommend you and your team of writers to share your experience on managing an Asian or South American club give the reader a new experience and guide on how to manage a Asian or South American club. Lastly, may the best comments win their deserved prize!
Cheers!
Johnny Karp
28 декабря, 2011 at 15:55
Thanks for the suggestions mate.
Lemuel
28 декабря, 2011 at 15:57
Thanks, I can write in chinese if you want to reack 1.5 billion viewers. Haha. Happy new year.
Kevin
28 декабря, 2011 at 20:02
I’m quite interested in doing a South American story next time around and will probably do so before FM 2012 is done with.
Sears
28 декабря, 2011 at 22:13
I’m managing in Brazil Kevin; and I must say, I’m really enjoying it here. You’ll love South America ;)
George Dobson
28 декабря, 2011 at 17:19
The website is great fun and it is the first thing I look at when I get home too see if there are any new posts the writers are brilliant I actually started reading on darrens website but then when Darren moved I moved too and this website is even better I really like the fact theres alot of different features like the scouting network the forum and stuff like that finally I like that you update me on everything from when theres a new patch any new skins and lots of updates about the new version of the game before it comes out
Thanks George :D
Johnny Karp
28 декабря, 2011 at 20:54
Thanks George, I hope we’ll be able to post new stuff as often as you would want to :)
Darren Smith
28 декабря, 2011 at 18:07
Obviously I am not entering the competition Johnny :) I just wanted to say congrats on hitting the 3 year mark, FMS has grown an incredible amount since then and its scary to think what you’re capable of within the next three years, one things for sure, I’ll do everything in my power to help! Congrats.
Johnny Karp
28 декабря, 2011 at 20:55
The third year was the best one thanks to your help mate, you know that ;)
vaibhavc
28 декабря, 2011 at 18:39
It seems like just yesterday that I joined the website and started commenting on it. I was going through google, looking for a new blog when I saw a Vauxhall Motors sign on the first post. I went through it and I really enjoyed it, so I kept visiting the site for fun. One thing turned into another, and soon enough I started commenting on the stories. Then I won Goal of the Month which was quite amazing for me. Then I made it to the top commentators and then I saw Darren merge with you. I still remember waking up for school, and going on the computer and seeing quite a lot of stories being posted overnight! Its a great site, and I hope to make sure that I never stop commenting on the site.
vaibhavc
28 декабря, 2011 at 18:41
And I hope no one criticizes the website.
Johnny Karp
28 декабря, 2011 at 20:56
Thanks a lot Vaibhav, you are one of our most active readers and I really appreciate that.
TheZiggy
28 декабря, 2011 at 19:13
Congratulations on reaching 3 years, with an astonishing number of visitors. I think the idea of 1.5 billion visitors a month mentioned above wouldn’t be the best thing. That would be an average of about 33,600 visitors a minute, which might have an adverse effect on the website itself.
This is definitely one of the better sites around, and the pace at which posts are made in each story tends to be good. I’ve seen people run a blog, and make a huge mistake, where they’ve posted several updates to a single story thread in one day, which is very off-putting, as it tends to make interaction less welcome. The ability to interact with the author through the comments here can lead to some very interesting ideas, and I’m sure everyone has learnt something through this; I know I have.
With your little competition in mind, I’m currently trying to write something creative. The horrendous storms outside aren’t helping that much, as my mind is currently seized with darkness in mind. The joys of a Scottish winter. ;)
Johnny Karp
28 декабря, 2011 at 20:57
Thanks Ziggy. I don’t think I want more traffic to be honest because, as you say, that might change the website into something that I wouldn’t like.
Kevin
28 декабря, 2011 at 20:00
Hi Johnny
Congratulations on reaching the third anniversary of the site. Visiting FMS whenever I can is just one of the most enjoyable activities I can do but more importantly is the opportunity you gave me two years ago to be a guest writer on the site which totally revitalized my experience with the game. Coming to FMS allows me to escape some of the real world pressures, even if it’s only temporary and aside from that I’ve made some wonderful friends along the way and for that I shall be forever grateful.
Johnny Karp
28 декабря, 2011 at 20:59
Hey Kevin, thanks a lot for the kind words. This website has facilitated lots of friendships and that’s probably one of the most pleasing things that I find when looking back at these three years.
Rod
28 декабря, 2011 at 20:22
I don’t want to participate, i don’t want any prize, but i want to thank you for these years. You built a great site, but the important thing is that you built a great community. Sorry for my english, i think you understand what i’m trying to say anyways. Best of luck for the next year, and i would love a story in Argentina, there are very good challenges in FM 2012, like returning River Plate to the top, or revive Boca Juniors as one of the BIGGEST of America after a few not so good years.
Johnny Karp
28 декабря, 2011 at 20:59
Thanks Rodrigo, I appreciate your suggestions.
Sears
28 декабря, 2011 at 22:16
I really don’t know where I’d be if I hadn’t located this site. FMS is amazing, pure and simple. Congrats Johnny, and keep up the brilliant work!
Johnny Karp
29 декабря, 2011 at 10:37
Thanks Sears, I don’t know where we would be without you! (you’re the all-time top commentator here)
CsAtlantis
29 декабря, 2011 at 00:40
The site has plenty of good story writers, lots of good scouting profiles and is also quick to take action on questionable blog posts (that was last year anyway, won’t mention a name)
Not to mention the abundance of guides on tactics, financials, player development and others, which keeps drawing in more and more visitors each month!
Johnny Karp
29 декабря, 2011 at 10:38
Thanks buddy, I hope we’ll keep the good stuff coming for a few more years ;)
Ana Garcia
29 декабря, 2011 at 00:46
Having been writing stories at other sites I remember getting a message from Kevin asking me if I would like to write on this site. At first I wasnt sure, the reaction I can get sometimes isnt always lets say the most mature.
After a few weeks of thinking about it I decided why not lets see how it goes, and I am so delighted I did. I have met so many wonderful people who treated me for who I am which at the end of the day is just a football fan like everyone else.
This might sound stupid but I feel safe here, not getting people harrowing me every day, no-one trying to pry into my private life, no-one making ridicules immature comments (and believe me there has been many else where).
Infact after only a few weeks here I left every other site just to write here because its really the only place I want to be.
I would just like to thank Johnny for allowing me the chance to write here, I hope this site goes from strength to strength and is around for many years to come. I love the community that has been built up here and the friends I have made, when I joined I never imagined that would happen.
So congratulations Johnny, I hope 2012 is the best year yet.:)
Ana. x
Johnny Karp
29 декабря, 2011 at 10:40
Thanks Ana, I remember that I was extremely happy when Kevin persuaded you to join our team. I am also very happy that we have built a friendly community here, one that has little or no rude members and I’ll do my best to keep it this way.
Lye
29 декабря, 2011 at 01:36
Hi Johnny,
I am not entering the competition as well but just want to share a few thoughts. First of all congratulations on the 3-year anniversary. What can i say about FMS! It’s truly an inspiration to many especially for me. Looking back, my site is already over two years old. If FMS didn’t inspire me, i wouldn’t have know awesome people like Johnny, Darren, Laxeyman, Kevin, Sears, TheZiggy, Calin and Martin who have been so supportive to me. The enjoyment of playing FM will not be this better if i never come across FMS and Johnny. All the best and i wish to see this site going on forever.
Here’s to a better 2012 and «Happy New Year».
Johnny Karp
29 декабря, 2011 at 10:41
Thanks Lye, you are a great friend for us all. Happy New Year to you too!
Nik
29 декабря, 2011 at 07:41
I am a new poster here. I still find myself wondering whether I should write something or not (player recommendations, training advices etc). But I really like this site and it’s writers. That’s why I made it a habit of dropping by every day to see for new updates.
Honestly I don’t want anything to change about this site. It covers my needs for scouting, training, tactics and I get to read exciting stories. Maybe I would like to have the option to PM (private message) someone, but I am not sure how good of an idea that would be. Regarding story recommendations, I was thinking last year of starting an interactive one. People could decide with polls on specific players to buy, tactics, training etc for a team. But it would be hard to do and some people might get frustrated if their recommendations are not voted.
Anyway guys, congratulations and keep up the good work.
Johnny Karp
29 декабря, 2011 at 10:42
Thanks for the comments and suggestions Nik. I’ll look into that PM idea but until then you can always email me like many others do, I always reply ;)
MVB
29 декабря, 2011 at 09:17
Simple really, FMS is best site out there. First thing I check when load PC/Laptop up is this page, and the Forum and Scouting. There is always something new up and it’s great to see so many different people with different stories.
Happy Birthday to you
FMS totally rocks
Happy Birthday dear FMS
I hope you like your birthday socks
(postage and packaging not included)
Congrats on 3 years, hats on to you and everyone for a great great job, and I’m looking forward to many more years to come!
Johnny Karp
29 декабря, 2011 at 10:43
Thanks a lot for the beautiful message mate, I wish you a great New Year!
nielsneutron
29 декабря, 2011 at 13:09
Happy New Year FMS and grats on the 3 year anniversary.
I love the site and I must admit this site and the community around the site have made me like the game even more.
I have one suggestion. Sometimes when you are reading a story on the main or on the forum and you really like the story but don’t really have the time or just don’t really want to add another: Love your story keep it up comment for the 10th time.
What would help? A «like button» as on facebook.
Have a nice year and I will be aorund for the next anniversary.
Johnny Karp
29 декабря, 2011 at 13:57
Thanks mate. About your suggestion, we already have Facebook like buttons on each post both on the main site and forum, you can use those and every click would help the website as well because it would spread the word about the posts that you liked.
nielsneutron
29 декабря, 2011 at 18:24
Thank you for the feedback. The reason I suggest an internal like button is that while I think you guys are great I still feel that I need a more anonomous approach to the internet which logging in with the facebook login just don’t give you.
I do hope you know what I mean, Johnny.
Johnny Karp
29 декабря, 2011 at 18:39
I understand what you mean now but I’m afraid that an internal like button is something that I haven’t seen so far so I guess I don’t have a solution for that.
Mariano
29 декабря, 2011 at 15:15
Hi Johnny,
Lots of congratulations for FMS and for being an amazing source for learning how to play FM.
Wish you all the best for 2012 and for the future Romanian EC Champion!
Cheers and all the best for you and family!
Johnny Karp
29 декабря, 2011 at 15:46
Thanks a lot Mariano, I hope you and your family will have a fantastic 2012!
Sayam Khan
29 декабря, 2011 at 18:26
Congratulations Johnny on this remarkable achievement. Also, thank you for giving me the oppurtinity to post on this website, I had a great time and wish it could have continued this season also. I haven’t experienced any trouble on this site so far, which further proves how good this website is. I have always found help on this site whenever needed, such as troubles with save games, hints and tips etc. Thank you for everything!
PS: Hope your well!
Johnny Karp
29 декабря, 2011 at 18:40
Thanks Sayam, I’ve enjoyed your posts and I hope you’ll be back in action sooner or later ;)
Jon Crosby
29 декабря, 2011 at 19:28
This website made me feel at home within an instant! Even with myself bombarding Johnny from the start with help he never failed to let me down. I’ve got top respect for the main. With the forum a great place to start with the chance of a promotion to the main site it makes it all worth it when you’re down there. Like myself I was promoted after 3 months in my first year! Even though I took a drop I feel like it was one of the best things I’ve done! Although I’m not afraid to go back up if needed.
I’ve made myself a good friend of Jake (Excessive) within the forum as we talk most nights on how we can improve the forum like for instance the «Goal of the month» + «Story of the month» and finally the «Hall of fame» there is many more things coming in the new year! I hope everyone will become apart of the forum!
Back on track the main site helped me find my feet within writing as I’ve never really been a great writer if I’m honest but Johnny and Darren both kindly helped me with that, the guidance and positive criticism would help anyone to progress. Even after the controversy we had a few months back we grew stronger as a community.
I would like to Thank Johnny, Darren, Jake and Kevin on keeping this FMS alive! We wouldn’t be here without you!
Johnny Karp
30 декабря, 2011 at 10:07
Thank you Jon, you are doing a swell job on the forum with Jake and the others. In fact, I don’t think that your moving back to the forum is a step down, it’s a step forward in my view (both for you and especially for the forum).
Erich
30 декабря, 2011 at 07:47
As a Dane living in the States, it is quite hard to find others who love football but finding people who love football manager, now that is a real feat. All the years that I have been playing, on and off since 06, I have not met a single person who enjoys or in most cases has even heard of the game. But this website is different.
It is so wonderful to have a place where one can come by and read and chat about this incredibly immersive and addictive game in such a friendly and knowledgeable atmosphere. I might not take charge of Vauxhall Motors and lead them to the Club World Cup Championship, but reading about it makes me feel like it was me doing it — like I was there every step of the way. All the achievements that this website has accomplished, it is everyone’s achievements.
I love this site so much and I wish it many more happy years. Many more years of friends gathering around this Mecca of Football Manager to congratulate each others’ accomplishments, inspire each other, and help each other get better.
And for all the people like me who do not have others who understand that it is not just a game, it is a hobby and a passion — for us this place is our church of congregation where we can finally discuss with other people who have not only heard of Football Manager but understand what girlfriends and wives call «an obsession.»
This is a lovely website filled with terrific people and run by wonderful individuals who have created a virtual hub where we can all gather. It’s better than any bar or pub — the drinks are free ad the music is always your favorite songs ;) and the conversation is always going to be the beautiful game of Football Manager. Happy New Year to everyone but most importantly, happy birthday to FMS and many more happy birthdays to come! It is currently a toddler and at the rate it is improving, it will not be long until it becomes something even greater, like Leo Messi!
Johnny Karp
30 декабря, 2011 at 10:09
Thanks a lot for sharing your thoughts Erich, I’m happy that you have found a place to share the FM passion. I think you’re in the same situation as Kevin, an Englishman in Toronto where hockey is king! :)
Erick Wolf
30 декабря, 2011 at 13:34
Like Erich above me, it is hard to find someone that has even heard of Football Manager, or even realised it’s an amazing game.
I remember the first time I read the Vauxhall story. I was simply amazed, that day I read, and read, and when I finally came up to date, I started commenting and I was so glad about discovering such a great game.
Now roll time forward, and I love your Romanian story.
However, I love English football, and thus, I’ve tried to emulate your Vauxhall feat, but with Blyth Spartans. I also signed a Romanian GK!
Let’s hope for all the best for this website, and may it flourish in years to come!
Johnny Karp
30 декабря, 2011 at 16:27
Thanks Erick and best of luck with the Spartans, that club still has a special place in my heart.
Laxeyman
31 декабря, 2011 at 13:12
Quite simple really: The best FM blog around.
Johnny Karp
31 декабря, 2011 at 14:57
Thanks Laxeyman, I agree ;)
TheZiggy
31 декабря, 2011 at 19:03
FMS — The Unofficial History
From the darkest heart of winter, in the post-Christmas lull, an acorn of an idea was planted on the web. The first shoots were soon sprouting into an uncertain world, carefully tended by one dedicated man, who soon found a small band of admirers who came to rejoice in the birth of a new tree of knowledge in the world of Football Manager. An intriguing story and insightful articles brought many like-minded souls to exchange information. The few with poison in their minds were soon banished to web’s hinterland, such was the feeling of affection among the followers.
From these humble beginnings a few enthusiastic individuals were then invited to also tend the tree as branches containing other stories began to sprout. Three years on a mighty oak has matured into a fine specimen, with a steady stream of visitors looking to divine some of the accumulated wisdom, and improve their experience in-game. At it’s very best, an inspiration to others to undertake their own challenge, and create another intriguing story. At the very least, there is entertainment and information to be found. Long live the mighty tree that is Football Manager Stories.
Johnny Karp
1 января, 2012 at 13:19
Thanks for the creative comment Ziggy ;)
Bhargav
31 декабря, 2011 at 23:49
Definitely my favorite aspect of FMS is the warmth that permeates through the community. Everyone is always so friendly and I love how we’re all here for the same thing: to revel in the awesome game that is Football Manager. I look forward to this website continuing as a fun aspect of my life for years to come!
Johnny Karp
1 января, 2012 at 13:20
Thanks mate, I guess we agree on the favourite aspect of FMS ;)
Alex
31 декабря, 2011 at 23:56
All I would like to say about this website is how it’s affected my life. I first came across this site last year I believe, I was looking for some suggested signings for my Vauxhall save when I found your Vauxhall Motors story. It helped me a great deal in my ambition of taking them to the top, admittedly I didn’t achieve anything like what you did (I managed to get promoted every season to the Premier League but my highest finish was third) and was using the website purely as a reference and for tips for my save. However I couldn’t help but start to read the story which engrossed my immediately, until that point I had naively not seen the concept of a ‘football manager story’ despite playing the game religiously for years. I gradually found myself coming to the site several times a day, reading every word of every post, in doing so I felt like the writers were becoming my friends. I didn’t ever used to comment on the stories (as I normally prefer to keep myself to myself), but then I created an account to show my support for the site and although I try and comment as often as I can, I also frequently fail to do so. This site is becoming an every increasing part of my life and I cannot express how much I value it, just the other day I found a complete gem of a tactic (I usually prefer to make my own), your Barcelona style 4-3-3 which can only be described as beautiful. This highlights just how fantastic this site is, from the passion and the addictiveness of the stories, the eloquence of the writers to the limitless resources it has to offer.
You are owed a tremendous amount of credit for the work you have put into this, the constant expansion and improvement is exciting. Happy birthday and site-anniversary.
Thank you.
Johnny Karp
1 января, 2012 at 13:22
Thanks Alex, your support means a lot to us.