The closest thing you'll get to a blog on this site...

THINGS WE'VE LEARNT...

People don't necessarily trust a 'free' thing...

We gave out a ton of flyers when we started the site, thinking that most shops etc would jump at the chance of some free promotion, but we were slightly underwhelmed by the response. Earlier this year, I was discussing this with someone and they pointed out that people only saw the value of something if they paid for it. That was what gave it value. Which I guess is true, but that doesn't mean I like it.

...but that doesn't mean it should always be about money.
When a friend saw the site, his first response was "you could make a fortune out of that". But then that would detract from what we're trying to do here and really, money just complicates things.
I've also toyed with the idea of having Google ads on the site as a way of generating some income to at least cover the monthly cost, but I don't want them cluttering up the design of the site and the pages (that's my job) and distracting from the content. For as long as it's possiblem there won't be any of those annoying side ads on this site.

There are only so many hours in the day.
I'll admit, I was completely unrealistic about how long it would take to get everything up on the site and to have it as I wanted. A year later, and the site is still a work in progress, and will hopefully keep changing and expanding.
Sadly, I have a regular day job which keeps me plenty busy / tired, so certain concepts have been abandoned. There's no time for a regular blog, or all the 'humourous' restaurant reviews I wanted to do. The news and reviews section is gone, as it didn't really take off (thanks to those who did contribute though, and please feel free to send it things for publication) so I hope the site can at least continue to provide links to reading material, articles and other sites.

WHAT WE SAID A YEAR AGO...

Welcome to The Canterbury Wanderer.

 

The site aims to be an alternative guide to what is happening here in Canterbury, including local gigs, events, musicians, artists, entertainment, reviews, independent retailers, places to go, places to avoid, where to eat and drink, where to go for bargains, weird stuff, friendly service, and places of interest.

We moved here a few years ago and found that there was no definitive guide to the area, at least one that highlighted things that were happening off the beaten track. As a first year student at UKC, my partner wanted to know where to go and what to do and found that there was either no guide or that we'd missed out on something because we found out about it too late.

This is also about us exploring Canterbury, as there are doubtless places and nights that we don't know about that deserve a wider exposure. We aim to compile a comprehensive guide to pubs and restaurants here, and we'll be honest and have a laugh at the same time. We don't have time to go to many gigs so if you want to submit a review then please email us. But don't just write a shining review of your mates' band / gig, as we'd rather just promote those events in an unbiased way, while still being able to prevent balanced, critical reviews. Time permitting!!

We also aim to involve as many people as possible, and would like to hear from anyone interested in submitting photos, reviews or features of any kind, and anyone who would like to promote their own activities. Ultimately, we'd like to be able to create a network of creative individuals, and enable those who live in and around Canterbury to be able to access information and resources that they might not have previously been aware of. Beyond that we'd like to identify what is missing from Canterbury and endeavour to organise more events and help promote everyone's work or business.

Need emergency internet access and can't find a list of places that provide free wi-fi? Looking for venues for your band? Looking for fancy dress shops? We will have those lists.

Got an exhibition or performance coming up and want to promote it for free? Let us know. Are you a band with a forthcoming gig in the area ? We'll be happy to do a Q&A with you, and plug your myspace or website.

We'd also like to hear from you if you live in the surrounding area, or are up to something different or unique in Ashford, Maidstone, Faversham, Whitstable, Herne Bay, Broadstairs...
The more people we can promote, who can then promote this website, the more people will be aware of your event / shop / busking / zombie walk /whatever.

Contact canterburywanderer@hotmail.co.uk

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