18 Years of AVO: Messages from the AVO Team (Part 1)

AVO Magazine started in 2003 as a forum and over the years transformed into an online magazine with a variety of articles. While I have started this project myself and have been in the spotlight much because of this, I am not doing this all alone. You can see that on the colophon page, where many people currently active but also (temporary) not active writers, translators and video/photographers are mentioned. They have been working on the website as well.

From being busy with writing, editing and translating articles and have many of them on my name and also being active with answering emails, thinking of social media posts and planning them in, without the help of those that I call AVO crew members -those who are or have been part of the AVO Team- I haven’t been this far and I always try my best to thank them for their hard work. So, it was time to look back on 18 years of AVO, the forum, the webzine, the concerts and festivals, with those who are active but also those who are not active anymore but have seen AVO Magazine growing in the last few years or even from the start. They all have something to say about AVO Magazine (or the forum), their highlights and more.

Get something to drink and a snack and take your time to read through them -there are quite a few stories to read- and do click on their names to get to read those articles they talk about. Also, do check out part 2 and 3 of this unplanned article series. Let’s start!

Hageshi | translator NL <-> ENG

Happy birthday to AVO Magazine!! It has already been 18 years and time surely flies. With this time a lot of memorable things have happened. And it might sound cliche, but the first time I came across AVO Magazine has been during the performances of Satsuki and OROCHI in 2014 at P60, Amstelveen. The concerts booked by AVO Magazine had a great atmosphere and were always fun to attend. But it is not only about concerts, but it also has great articles for example with tips and tricks to visit Japan, as well as ASMR artists and back in 2016 they talked about the taboo of tattooing in Japan which shows that AVO Magazine has a broad spectrum.

I joined the translation team in February, 2018. Here I got to learn more about AVO Magazine and see there was more than just concerts behind the scenes. Even though I am a staff member, it doesn’t feel like it. Since it is fun to work with AVO Magazine and to see everything so close, it feels like a family. So up to the coming 18 years and on from there!

Yuki | reviewer of many, translator NL <-> ENG, Much Munchies

Congratulations on 18 years of AVO, to the staff and fans, but to the editor-in-chief in particular as well! Without her, AVO wouldn’t exist and I am proud to have contributed to its growth, both by helping translate the bulk of the Dutch articles and by writing articles. AVO has given me the opportunity to focus more on writing, candy kits and baking.

Shortly after I wrote some recipes on the website I realised the joy it brings me and have been baking more ever since, mostly for my own site but also for AVO with the birthday cupcakes I made for the 14th birthday. I hope AVO continues to grow, I will keep writing for the site and in the future there will definitely be another birthday recipe coming your way. Here’s to many more years to come, happy birthday!

AlexD | reviewer games, anime, music, Japan Jams

Happy 18th birthday AVO Magazine! It’s incredible that with each year the site seems to grow and grow, developing more as it goes on. Since I’ve been writing for AVO Magazine, there have been numerous highlights which makes it hard to pick one. Still, if I have to pick it has to be when I got the chance to review Jump Force after writing a what to expect article when it was first announced. Where the game itself was a bit disappointing, it was a full-circle moment.

Thanks to all the wonderful staff who are supportive with articles, and of course our Editor-in-Chief who pushes us to ensure we have the best content. Here is to many more years to come!

Dj Robintje | ex-global mod and one of the first writers

AVO exists 18 years! Today we know AVO Magazine, in my opinion, a prominent name in their domain. In the period that I myself was very active, we had AVO Forum. I was allowed to witness the start of AVO Blog (now the delightful Magazine). I wrote a few blog posts myself, both personal and review. Wonderful opportunities and possibilities arose during this period. AVO helped me develop and hopefully, I also contributed my bit to the development of AVO. Meanwhile, I am no longer an active member of the team, but I still carry AVO in my heart and try to contribute every now and then in whatever way I can. I got to know fantastic people through AVO, a closely collaborating team with a great deal of understanding for each other. The members and readers were also fantastic people, with whom it clicked particularly well. AVO is a community, even without a forum!

I wish AVO, and especially the chief editor, starter and inspirer, many more years with more fantastic people, experiences and growth opportunities. AVO is special, the chief editor is persistent, a real fighter. And that is exactly why they deserve to keep and strengthen their place in this world, in this field.

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