When I started blogging back in 2003, I used a site called My Opera. It was an app on my Nokia phone and at the time, I didn’t even know they were a browser. My blog became quite popular and I started to get more involved in the My Opera community and also the browser side of things. I helped arrange a London event for them and I was also part of their Street Team. It was such an amazing time for me. They flew me and my boyfriend at the time to Norway to meet the team and see Norway. It was an unforgettable experience.
In more recent years, the My Opera community has gone through a lot of changes. In November last year, they announced the closure of the My Opera Community, which I find shocking considering how loyal their fanbase is. They keep Opera going. I can’t help but think this is the end of Opera, full stop.
However, all is not lost. Opera founder, Jon Von Tetzchner has started a new community – Vivaldi.net. It’s so similar to My Opera, it makes the switch almost seamless. There are so many familiar faces and other than the name, Vivaldi stays true to the original My Opera community, which delights me. I met so many good friends there, both old and young and I’m pleased to say, I’m still in touch with quite a few. It’s been over 10 years since I started blogging there and so I’ve seen people get married, have kids and hit other impressive milestones.
I was privileged enough to meet the big man himself, Jon Von Tetzchner at Le Web a few years back. I did have to sneak into the speakers room, but it was worth it to thank the man who had created this amazing community that started off my love of blogging.
We all know there are more popular communities around, however I would love for people to try out Vivaldi. It’s a fantastic, young community where the people running it, genuinely listen to feedback from their members. It’s free to signup and you get a blog and email address with your account. There are active and interesting forums, just like at My Opera and as the community grows there will be something for everyone. You can upload your picture and theres a chat. So pretty much My Opera in everything but name.
I’m most thankful to Jon for creating this new site. It’s nice to see someone giving back to the community that made them. I wish them the best of luck and hope Vivaldi becomes bigger and better than My Opera.