Back on July 20th, 2011 I launched Outkick the Coverage.
It was the first day of SEC Media Days.
Just like anyone who starts any business I was nervous as hell. I had two boys under the age of three and I'd made a gamble that where I worked didn't matter anymore. After seven years at CBS, FanHouse and Deadspin, I'd come to believe that you guys would find me no matter what company I wrote for. So, really, I was gambling on you guys, the readers who have followed me over all these years.
That gamble paid off in the first year. Over four million unique visitors have come through the OKTC doors in our first year and over 60% of that traffic is social media, you guys sharing our content through Twitter and Facebook and online message boards. What's more, we produced over thirty million ad impressions, a massive number for an independent site with no relationship with any major site for linkage.
Those numbers are small compared to the big boys, but they aren't artificial.
They're real and to me they're spectacular.
Better than I could have hoped.
In fact, I had no real idea what to expect at all.
Which means today is the day when I give y'all a big, sloppy Internet embrace.
I've learned a ton this first yeawr and I've had a hell of a fun time. Most of the thanks goes to you guys for inundating me with tips, sharing OKTC articles with friends, and continuing to stop by to be entertained all year around.
You've proven that an independent site can work.
Thrive, even.
And we've all gotten to drink together with Uncle Verne and hopefully OKTC has helped make your days pass a little faster.
So thanks to all of you, yes, even the Kentucky and Alabama fans.
God, y'all are just precious.
And deranged.
