May 1, 2010 - 3:01pm
The Batavian is two years old
posted by Howard B. Owens in thebatavian.
Yes, it's May Day. And it's Law Day. You might also say, it's The Batavian Day.
The Batavian officially launched on May 1, 2008. In our first month, 2,756 people visited the site.
In May 2009, there were 25,553 visitors. The past two months, we've topped 40,000 unique visitors each month.
And, of course, we've gone from zero to 75 local businesses sponsoring the site.
In May 2008, I was an employee of GateHouse Media and launched The Batavian for my employer. Now, Billie and I own The Batavian, LLC and I no longer work for GateHouse and Billie and I live in Batavia.
A lot can change in two years, and Billie and I (and Pachuco) love how things have turned out.
Thank you all for your support.
P.S.: It would be fun to hear in comments how you first heard about The Batavian.
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May 1, 2010 - 3:18pm
#1
I first heard the ad on WBTA (some woman who was a local waitress??)
Congrats Howard, you have done an amazing job since you took over the site!!
May 1, 2010 - 3:37pm
#2
Thanks, Gary. That would be Nici Johnson. You can still hear her on WBTA occasionally filling in for Wayne. She also still works at the Pok-A-Dot. I ran into her at the carnival last night, in fact. She remains a big fan of the site. It's still my favorite ad we did. You can listen to it here (mp3).
May 1, 2010 - 4:23pm
#3
congrats to you guys on your 2 year anniversary ... love this site ... check it at least 4 or 5 times a day if i have time ... keep up the good work !!!
May 1, 2010 - 4:28pm
#4
Can't remember when I first found The Batavian, sorry. Happy Birthday, and to echo Robert, keep up the good work!!
May 1, 2010 - 6:50pm
#5
My old Pembroke Highschool chum Michael Murray either e-mailed me or he posted something on the Ramblemusic dot calm website that tipped me off. I'd been bugging the Batavia Daily News for a website, before that, and now that they have one I don't care.
May 1, 2010 - 8:42pm
#6
Congrat, howard. I really do not remember how I stumbled onto this site but I can say I visit it almost daily and enjoy it. You, Billie and most of all pachuo do a wonderful job.
May 1, 2010 - 9:08pm
#7
Yeah! Congratulations!
May 1, 2010 - 11:19pm
#8
We first learned about The Batavian when we met at the Chamber After Hours. You gave us your business cards to hand out... and we did. We visit at least twice a day. You've done a wonderful job! Congratulations!!!!
May 2, 2010 - 12:46am
#9
I have been following this site pretty much from its birth, (give or take a month) I stumbled on to it by doing a google search for Batavia, and the name "batavian" jumped right out at me. Like Bob said a few posts back, i too check it out 4 to 5 times a day, pretty much every chance I get. Howard, you and Billie really put the daily snooze to shame. Keep up the great work guys!!!
May 2, 2010 - 3:55am
#10
I think it was Christmas in the city 2008. I talked about what Christmas time meant to me on camera.
May 2, 2010 - 7:56am
#11
I saw this site advertised in the Genesee Valley Penny Saver.
May 2, 2010 - 8:41am
#12
A friend, too afraid to post, told me about it. Little did she know what a monster she created :)
Congrats.
May 2, 2010 - 3:40pm
#13
Happy 2nd birthday! What a great day to have one (also my mom's 73rd b-day yesterday ~ Mary Cordes ♥)
Thank you Howard & Billie. You two make a great team. I check this sight first thing, even before emails!
My son, who's almost 22 told me about the sight. And I do remember seeing an ad in the GVP; but that was after he told me about it.
May 2, 2010 - 4:30pm
#14
Howard,
Claudia and I were standing on the sidelines of the Elba-Oakfield football game, Sept. 2008 when I bumped into Brian Hillabush. Hilly told me it was his last game covering sports for the Daily News and then handed me a BATAVIAN refrigerator sticker. The rest is history. Claudia and I miss Brian, his writing and, come autumn, miss seeing him on the sidelines!
May 2, 2010 - 7:33pm
#15
Hey Howard. thank you so much for this website; I read it every day. Tim Walton told me about your site. He was covering the first puck drop for the Tim Reis/Matthew Kota Midget B hockey tournament. He told me to go on-line to your site to see a write up and picture. Now I have let my brother in Houston and my sister in Phoenix know that your site exists, so they can check up on what is going on in Batavia. Great news.
Thanks, Tom.
May 2, 2010 - 10:59pm
#16
"Little did she know what a monster she created." I say nonsense, one man's trash is another man's treasure, and you're treasured by me for sure. Liberals unite for World Peace and Justice. "C'mon people now, smile on your brother, everybody get together, try to love one another RIGHT NOW" Or, tomorrow will be fine too. Just so long as you do it. Namaste Bea, keep on keeping on gal.
May 3, 2010 - 11:50pm
#17
THANK YOU FOR THE 2 YEARS OF GREAT REPORTING. KEEP UP THE GREAT WORK!
May 6, 2010 - 6:38pm
#18
Congratulations on your 2 year Anniversary! Since moving to Virginia with my husband and kids 11 years ago I was so happy to find your site about one year ago while searching Google. I frequent the site about 2 times a week to keep up to date on what is happening in and around Genesee County. So much of our family still lives in the area and we told them about your site. Many had not heard of it, but they are avid visitors now too!!
May 19, 2010 - 3:27pm
#19
Happy Birthday!
