important The Next Evolution Of BreatheHeavy: A Letter From Jordan Miller

[Jordan Miller]

Before YouTube dominated how we watch videos online, before Instagram zapped our smart phone batteries. Hell, before smart phones… there was BreatheHeavy.com.

BreatheHeavy originated as a Britney Spears fansite 15-years-ago (June 2004), and boy has it seen its share of ups and downs. If you’ve been frequenting the site since then, we’ve been through a lot together. Our lives have changed profoundly in that time, but our love of all things Britney, and pop music, have shaped a part of our identities that we cherish. There’re not many things in life that spark a sense of excitement quite like our favorite pop stars, and capturing that magic in a bottle and sharing it with you is one of my main missions in life. BreatheHeavy is my passion, and no amount of words in a post could convey how truly blessed and grateful I feel. Your unwavering support has granted me the freedom to pursue my dreams. I can’t thank you enough.

Five years ago, I abruptly announced that BreatheHeavy would no longer be a Britney fansite. I flipped a switch and re-branded this as a pop music site. The intention was right, but the execution… all wrong. I learned a valuable lesson that year: be inclusive.

In the time since, I’ve written thousands of stories and conducted interviews with superstars like Lady Gaga and Britney (hey, that Q&A we did counts)… to lesser-known independent artists that I feel deserve recognition. But like I did five years ago, professionally… I yearn to expand further than my comfort zone allows. I no longer want BreatheHeavy to solely grind out breaking news (though we’ll still continue to post it!), but also offer original material you can’t find anywhere but BreatheHeavy. That’s where BreatheHeavy RX comes in.

For the last year, I’ve wrestled with the idea of creating a $5 a month subscription / membership element to BH. In my heart, I knew it would be epic, not to mention a first of its kind in the music blogosphere, but I’ve been scared. Terrified that no one would care. It’s the Internet equivalent of no one showing up to your birthday party, but something Britney and pop music have taught me over the years is that the best things in life happen through taking a leap of faith. Because the greatest risk is taking no risk at all.

I’ve quietly rolled-out what I consider “premium” content recently. You may have seen the “BH RX” logo branded on social media posts, or noticed the RX section on the main page. They’re original stories that ask the reader to break away from their hectic lives for a few minutes and escape into a world of thought, nostalgia and analysis. Myself and two editors (James and Ross) are creating more stories like these – focused on Britney and pop music – because it’s my hope that BreatheHeavy can reach further into the hearts and minds of music lovers like you.

Memberships won’t go live for a little while, so if you’re even slightly interested, I encourage you to sign up to our waiting list to get more information (don’t worry, you’re not committing to anything just yet). I’ll send you updates and freebies prior to the launch. I’ve also set up a Frequently Asked Questions page here because I want to be as transparent as possible.

Yes, Internet comments will drag me to hell. Yes, I anticipate a backlash and probably a battle with my own self doubt, but ultimately it boils down to this: I want BreatheHeavy to offer ad free, high quality content, make real connections with YOU, the loyal readers who have stuck by through thick & thin, and create a community of people who share a love for Britney and pop music. Let’s do this!…together.

So much love,
Jordan Miller
Owner / Editor in chief of BreatheHeavy.com

[rawbrit]

epic site is epic

[Brunetteknee]

I think its a great idea! A lot of people really love the analytical side of pop culture so I think it will do well. Also, have you ever thought about starting a Breatheheavy podcast? I’d totally listen and I bet a bunch of other people would too. 

[pablitonizer]

5 dollars for "Ad-free & beautiful, original content for subscribers, including in-depth thought pieces, investigative essays, interviews, features, podcasts, videos and more!"?????!!!  Shudder costs $4,99 and offers a wide veriety of horror movies & exclusive content 

Sorry Jordan, I don't see the point in this 

 

[falka]

 

[femmefataledoll]

has it really been five years since you stopped being a Britney site? Omg, time flies 

[RealLarryRudolph]

I’m poor 

[femmefataledoll]

Does this affect exhale?

[Jordan Miller]

19 minutes ago, #Brunetteney said:

I think its a great idea! A lot of people really love the analytical side of pop culture so I think it will do well. Also, have you ever thought about starting a Breatheheavy podcast? I’d totally listen and I bet a bunch of other people would too. 

 

Thank you!!! We are definitely working towards a podcast. I LOVE podcasts, and I think I could offer some pretty interesting insight to readers, but one project at a time haha. I'd love to have that up this year though. 

[Jordan Miller]

6 minutes ago, femmefataledoll said:

Does this affect exhale?

I am working on a way to integrate Exhale into this where members would also see Exhale ad free, and have additional forum privileges... so, yes! 

But if you don't want to be a member, Exhale will remain as is so don't worry  

[Jordan Miller]

10 minutes ago, femmefataledoll said:

has it really been five years since you stopped being a Britney site? Omg, time flies 

Isn't that INSANE?! 

I remember there was such backlash from that, that's why I am treading lightly with this next step. 

[PokemonSpears]

1 minute ago, breatheheavy said:

Isn't that INSANE?! 

I remember there was such backlash from that, that's why I am treading lightly with this next step. 

I even moved to another forum, and I was here again by the end of the year.

I think BH / Exhale will always be the main Britney fansite by excellence

 

We can research many things about Britney's life and career on the internet, but I think a huge part of the story is also written within the threads of this forum, and that's what make us different from the rest of the world, we know and see things they don't :P Because we have this space where we can share, analyze and discover many things that cannot be discussed the same on social media or other websites. Maybe other forums, but Exhale is cooler

[Jordan Miller]

23 minutes ago, pablitonizer said:

5 dollars for "Ad-free & beautiful, original content for subscribers, including in-depth thought pieces, investigative essays, interviews, features, podcasts, videos and more!"?????!!!  Shudder costs $4,99 and offers a wide veriety of horror movies & exclusive content 

Sorry Jordan, I don't see the point in this 

 

All good! I know it's going to be a hard sell, hence why I created a waiting list for to generate some buzz (versus just dropping memberships live). 

I think the proof will be in the pudding when this really great content drips out. Trust me, for an entire year I've weighed the pros and cons. Advertising is on the decline, and I don't want it to be the sole way BH generates revenue anymore. It's way, way too inconsistent. I'd rather have less traffic, but the people that do visit are there because they really love it. ❤️ I know this isn't for everyone, and the thought of paying for content is SUCH taboo that I've been terrified to try this for a really long time. I have a gut feeling other sites will follow suit in the coming year/years an I wanted to be one of the firsts. 

[M3DON3R]

Nobody is really checking for pop star gossip or stan culture. I don’t know if charging people for it will change that?

Don’t get me wrong I really hope that this is a successful venture for you and it breathes some life into the Britney fandom but for me to subscribe the content would have to be outta this world.mp3, exclusive, and serve us piping hot T. 

If you offered a ‘trial’ I’d consider it for the Britney content (not really interested in the other pop stars and I have other sites to check them on for free). Most of the content on this site is user generated. Would you start restricting the hottest topics for paid only members as a result?

Its a slippery slope sis 

[Jordan Miller]

29 minutes ago, falka said:

 

Me this morning, procrastinating, before posting the letter.

[Chaoscontrol]

Really happy for you Jordan  you deserve great things. Thanks for supplying us with our favorite webpage for all these years 

[div]

I like the Crossfit inspired name. 

so the free users are scaled 

[Urbanney]

I started reading and thought you were closing down the site and I panicked a bit. Good luck on this. I think it’s a good option for those who would be interested in that content. 

[jordeezy river red]

I think you would be better off going the PR route if you want to make money... there are lots of independent artists that would love exposure on a site this big.  I know you must make a lot of money from these full-screen ads that block the whole page and force me to close my screen and have to reload the page.  I think a lot of thought should be put into it before you charge essentially $60 a year for what we are currently getting.

[BRSM_jl]

Can I still use exhale without the membership? I don't mind the ads and I only go on the Britney forum. I don't think I've seen the BH website... Sorry!