Today is Sunday, January 11th. To most people it is just another day, but for CANN…. well…
Today is the 6th Anniversary of CANN!
When CANN was started in 2009, we had only a few goals:
- Keep the public updated on all the Clay Aiken news as it happens.
- Maintain a site that presents Clay in a positive way.
- Present a place where all fans are welcome from all corners of the world.
- Have fun and enjoy being a fan of Clay Aiken.
Deona and I work hard to maintain CANN and we both enjoy presenting this site. We are lucky…we live about 5 miles from each other just north of San Francisco. Deona is a computer wiz. She maintains the site and adds all the bells and whistles…and does it so well that she gets very little credit. She is also a great teacher as she has taught me so much about codes, widgets, Plugins and…patience!
The following are some of the updated facts about CANN:
- We have published 2,721 posts
- Our Facebook page now has over 3,000 likes
- We are visited by fans from all over the world. We have had visitors from 147 countries!
- We are having fun!
From news about other performers like David Hyde Pierce, Keala Settle, Joni Mitchell and Kelly Clarkson…information on bullying to the latest news on equality… reviews of performances to crazy fan polls, live reporting to exciting memories, I have tried to keep the site interesting and fun.
Of course, our first priority is news about Clay Aiken; however, we have presented news about professional colleagues of Clay, information about the music profession, the newest information on social media, and the latest Broadway news. We also support fund raising at the charities that Clay has said he supports.
2014 was a challenging year for Clay and his supporters. It was a challenge for CANN too. We made a concerted effort to put away the fan news and instead, post supporter news. Since CANN is a public board, I wanted to make sure that it fit with the path that Clay was following.
We also closed down for a few days to make sure that the security on the site was tightened up. There were two reasons. First, we added a more prominent announcement that reminded visitors to the site that CANN was run by fans. Secondly, we made it a bit more difficult to copy the information and media that was posted.
In 2015 we may see more directions from Clay. As his interests and direction change, we will change too. We will never forget the past and will always celebrate the important stepping stones in his career. However, we will also continue to report on what he is doing in the present. We will take our lead from Clay and his team and will support him in whatever way that is appropriate.
When I wrote the first article on CANN, I wondered if anyone would read it. I am still amazed that you are here, supporting CANN. I check the Cluster Map each day and love seeing friends from all over the world. It is amazing. In the last 6 months, we have had almost 900 visits from the Philippines and over 500 from Germany. I would love to hear from some of our readers from all over the world. CANN has also had some surprising responses from the PR people who represent many of the charities, music businesses and artists that we have covered. It is always fun when you realize people are reading what you write.
For those of you who subscribe and read the daily e-mail, I hope you will stop by the site sometimes. At the bottom of the e-mail, you will see a link that says:
Post from Clay Aiken News Network
If you click on this link, you can see what CANN has to offer. It also gives our site hits that help us in our Google listing. Look around, click on the Cluster Map and see the readership by state and country. It is pretty interesting. And remember, we love to see your comments (just press on the number by the word comment).
So…Let’s Celebrate! A Toast To Clay Aiken!
Happy Anniversary CANN!!! I am so thankful for everything that you have done and will continue to do in keeping all of Clay's fans updated on all the things that he does and in supporting him in every way possible. I am so glad and proud to be a Clay fan and will continue to be one as long as I live.
Thank you so much to you Martha and of course to Deona for all that you do for Clay. More power to both of you and God bless!!!
Great job Musicfan!!!!!!
Happy Anniversary musicfan, Deona & Clay! I always love to read what you post here and on facebook. Keeping us up to date on Clay and all the fascinating information on the people he meets,places and events he attends. Looking forward to see where Clay's life journey takes him next. I have said from the beginning of me becoming a fan that this man is going to be interesting to watch. It certainly has been interesting and has opened my eyes to a great many things in the world. He has me as a fan for life no matter if he chooses entertainment , public service or an entirely different direction. Anytime he "calls" he has my help even if it's just cheering from the sidelines and letting him know someone cares.
Congratulations Deona and musicfan aka Martha! I can't wait to wake up, turn on my computer and go to CANN first! It makes my day better!! Happy Anniversary and keep up the great work ladies!!! You KNOW you are appreciated!!! Can't wait to see what Clay is working on now and I'm sure you will be the first to post it when it happens! Thanks for the last 6 years girlfriends!!! <3
Happy Birthday Cann! here's to an exciting 2015!!
Congratulations on your 6th anniversary! Thank you to you and Deona. CANN keeps me connected to Clay happenings. Reading your email is the first thing I do every morning. This is a wonderful service to all Clay fans all over the world. More power to both of you.
Congratulations! And thank you for 6 years keeping us informed about all things Clay!
I go to CANN first thing every morning. Thank you for all your hard work you do!
Happy Anniversary!!!
Happy Anniversary to Martha, Feona, Clay and whoever else is responsible for all the great news that you all share with us!!!
Congratulations CANN!!! We all appreciate how much work you've put into this site. I always check it first thing in the morning and in the evening.I'm sure Clay appreciates all the positive reporting you do. Thanks again Martha.
Congratulations and Happy Anniversary CANN!! Thank you for your dedication to Clay!
I look forward to your newsletter every day!!! You are so very much appreciated for your daily reports. Even when there is no "news" to report, you fill our inboxes with wonderful memories and reminders. Thank you!!!!
Martha, I was so glad I got to meet you at the Gala to thank you, in person, for all the time and effort you devote to this newsletter. Congratulations on this anniversary!! I look forward to reading this every morning and starting my day off on a positive note. Even when there is not much Clay news, you find interesting related topics to keep us going. Again, much thanks to you and Deona!! Love it! Love it! Love it!!!
Congratulations and Happy 6th Anniversary CANN!!
I just lost my post so it will be shorter this time. Thank you Martha and Deona and anyone else involved for the great newsletter you have provided for Clay’s fans for the past six years. It certainly has been a labour of love. Maybe we will meet in Raleigh again some day. Congratulations and thanks again. Hugs, Carole ☺
Congrats on a 6year anniversary. I enjoy this site everyday. A big thank you for all the fun things you post. I hope and assume that Clay reads here.
A toast to you and a hope for 6 more years
6 years!! Amazing!!
I do appreciate receiving great news about Clay. He seems like an intelligent man and I am glad you have followed his career.
I hope that someday I will have the opportunity to hear him sing live!
A toast to all of you who are CANN. You are doing a great job. I hope someday to meet Clay he is my all time idol. He is such a great singer and and I love hearing about him. Thanks again. How can I get a picture of him to put in my frame?
Martha, it's a long time since we met in Raleigh but I'm happy I had the chance to do so. I want to thank you and Deona and all those involved with CANN for the great publication you have provided for all Clay's fans over the last six years. It is truly appreciated! Hugs to you all. ☺Carole PS The lost post has just been found!!!!
Almost daily for 6 years the two ladies of CANN, Martha & Deona, have presented positive news about Clay. How can we ever thank them? I'm hoping that Clay is aware of how they have helped raise awareness and money for NIP, Clay's campaign and other worthy causes. I'm looking forward to another exciting year of current and also retro news about Clay.
First of all, A big THANK YOU goes out to you and yours who make this website possible! Every day I look forward to reading about Clay. Whether it's new or of the past, I am intrigued with the articles. Let's face it, we are all of the Claynation, because we love him so!
Congratulations and Happy Anniversary CANN. I love to read all the updates from you regarding Clay Aiken. I used to stay in the US but last year, after over 20 years and after my retirement, I decided I have to be back home (in the Philippines). I felt sad because I thought I will never hear about Clay anymore. But thanks to the people of CANN because you do make me happy.
What a labor of love! Thanks for your dedication to Clay and his fans. Congratulations!!
Keep up the great work. I always love coming here to read and see your videos and pictures.
I posted, I think on your Facebook, but once is not enough to say Thank you for all the time you both have spent in dedication to my son. Keeping his name fresh and doing all you can to boost his career. 11 years running is a long time to promote a celebrity. You both have been tirelessly faithful in your dedication. Thanks is not enough but all I can do.
May your New Year be bright and happy and may you have lots more to post.
Thank you, thank you, thank you
Faye Parker
Thanks for another nice post. Now I have to go and listen to Roy.
Congratulations on doing such a find job. Always love hearing about Clay! Keep up the great work!