Did you know there is this really COOL fun Internet Archive site called WayBack Machine?
Type in any website address and you’ll see archived snapshots of that website going back years.
WBM took me back to Feb 2006 and the first ODM website looking like an online music store and made m
e chuckle. I think I was more interested in the “gadgets” [gadgets would be learning materials, videos and guitars] of how to teach music to a child in a developing nation, but hey it was a start, right?
The next version looked amazing and had guitar videos online, a store and an “Impact” section that tried to explain the vision and mission. I was still in gadget mode and that made my elevator pitch about ODM confusing since I had so many different things going on at the same time.
I have learned over the years that Less is indeed More…you can be more productive when your vision is focused and clear.
The 2009 update was a reshuffling of information and color scheme. I dropped the online videos and store and spoke more about a classroom experience. I think that was a shift away from gadgets and ODM was moving closer to where we are today.
I included a donate page connected to PayPal that worked quite well. I have also learned that I could have added more useful information for people to learn about different ways to donate.
So here is the new 2010 ODM website. The vision is simple and clear, Hearts full of music. Hearts full of hope. The home page highlights the plight of abandoned children and we offer a fun solution!
The logo has also been redesigned and I am totally stoked about its visual impact and the new color scheme. I have added Word Press Blog software and am actually using it to create this and more blogs to come. Look for a blog soon about different creative ways to donate, regardless of the economy. You’ll be able to get involved and support the vision without it being cash out of pocket all the time.
One of the most exciting developments for me is the addition of “Our stories” which will let you follow how ODM is changing the destiny of individuals lives.
Looking back over the short 5 years of ODM’s existence I can tell how much I have grown and look forward to growing more and being even better at what I do with your help; Changing the lives of children through music and making the world a more fun, noisy place!
Gavin Audagnotti, Musician.