How did MYFJ come about?

Over the last two to three years there has been much debate over the with regard to how Jersey communicates its uniqueness both on and off Island.

The MYFJ team recognised the thing that makes Jersey unique is its complexity!

Take the Parishes for example, for such a small land space; we have 12 parishes, 12 fabulous constables, 12 different ways to get your dog licence etc…all quite complicated! You would never run a business with this level of complexity but it is our heritage and our Parish system is cherished and at the end of the day, works!

Then, on an industry level, again, for such a small geographical area of the world we produce the best in agriculture, tourism, finance and now fulfilment industries. Anything from a potato to finance - we are known for quality!

It is also no coincidence that the Western world calls a 'jumper' a 'Jersey.' This actually pays homage to our old knitting industry! Quite staggering for such a little place when you think about it!

MYFJ - Personalising the complexity!

The MYFJ team realised that if you could make Jersey's complexity relevant to each and every person passionate or even interested in Jersey you would have the beginnings of a very interesting concept.

The most personal thing there is, the team felt, is your favourite thing! Your favourite is never wrong! We all have an old favourite 'Jersey' that you feel safe and secure in and that never gets thrown out! So, My Favourite Jersey felt right and the team are thrilled at how it is being received.

How will MYFJ address the complexity of Jersey?

MYFJ is beginning its life as an online community site for both the local community and a wider international audience.

It provides a platform for anyone who is interested in understanding the real Jersey! MYFJ provides insights and interprets the complexity of Jersey through personal experiences and opinions of Island life.

It explains local nuances, represents excellence and endorses quality.

Visitors will be able to engage with the Island, its people and its many communities. MYFJ provides independent but more importantly, in-depth and genuine local, national and international recommendations.

What is the purpose of MYFJ?

The purpose of MYFJ is to provide anyone interested with an in-depth personal understanding of the Island by asking the people who know and love Jersey, about things that are their favourites!

Who is behind MYFJ?

My Favourite Jersey is the brainchild of many people who are passionate about Jersey! The concept was born through a desire to better communicate just how special Jersey is! Over the last two years there have been many people who have had input into how MYFJ will benefit the Island and who have all helped make MYFJ what you see today.

Leanda Jane Guy is a Director and her partner Terry Brissenden who have worked together on many international and local brand/marketing projects.

Who does MYFJ compete with?

MYFJ works at a level that doesn't compete with anyone. If you are a quality business or service you will be nominated and therefore included in MYFJ!

Who is the audience for MYFJ?

Any one passionate about Jersey, or anyone who wants to find out about the real Jersey from the people that know and love it!

We encourage all who care about Jersey to become involved with MYFJ. Support their favourites or nominate new ones by auditioning to be interviewed and have their opinions heard about local topics that matter to them. We want as many people as possible to get involved to support current favourites and nominate new ones!

Explain the audition process?

To maintain the integrity of MYFJ it is imperative that we keep the interviews personal. The audition process allows us to find out about the person in order to develop a personal interview. Eventually the audition and interview process will all be automated and interviewees will be able to choose and add their own questions, answers and add and delete their favourites providing really dynamic information.

Do you have to do an interview to engage with MYFJ?

No. You can register as a MYFJ member without doing an audition/interview and will be able to use the Parish Portals and other functionality when it comes on board. However, most people are really enjoying becoming involved with MYFJ through the interview process and supporting or nominating their own personal favourites!

Do I need a password for MYFJ?

Yes. To ensure security of the site, once registered, visitors are issued with a user name and password.

How did you begin building the content for MYFJ interviews?

As Jersey's only real online community forum, MYFJ's objective is to interview everyone passionate about Jersey! To start this ball rolling the MYFJ team interviewed their favourite people providing a fascinating cross section of our community to showcase how MYFJ is going to work.

What people are saying?

Before the official launch, MYFJ has been receiving 1000 unique visitors a week with many of these visitors already auditioning to be interviewed so we are well on the way to providing Jersey with an independent, in-depth and genuine insight into what makes Jersey so special.

What made you include blogs on MYFJ?

With so many fascinating local subjects we felt it would be really useful to have 'an expert' sharing opinions on various different local subjects. We are beginning with the lifestyle blog 'Yummy Mummy' which is already receiving rave reviews. Shortly, will be adding other Jersey specific bloggers to share news, views and opinions on all things Jersey! Keep logging on to find out who!

How does MYFJ help businesses nominated as a favourite?

Each favourite has a dedicated page within MYFJ on which to introduce themselves, promote special offers etc. Eventually, the favourites will be able to manage their MYFJ page themselves providing a truly interactive tool to help them link to their own website and maximise their favouritism!

We've already had favourites asking to personalise and for the ability to update their pages. This is all in the development pipeline, so it really is very exciting!

How will MYFJ pay for itself?

Favourites will be able to maximise their favouritism by placing offers on their own MYFJ page, other relevant pages on MYFJ and be offered the opportunity to place banners linking to their own websites.

Can anyone advertise on MYFJ?

No. To keep MYFJ's integrity only favourites are able to provide special offers, place banners etc therefore MYFJ will become a very powerful 3rd party endorsement site….only favourites!!!

When will the interactive Parish portals be up and running?

Early 2009!

Do you have any other plans for MYFJ?

Lots! The information people are providing about local secrets, nuances and idiosyncrasies, not to mention favourite people themselves gives MYFJ lots of scope to grow and continue to add value to Jersey and anyone who loves it, so watch this space!

In 2009 we are looking at having an inaugural, My Favourite Jersey Day! A great party will be organised on My Favourite Jersey Day (to be announced!) for everyone to celebrate all things Jersey that we plan to make an annual event!