As the calendar goes from 2015 to 2016, it is a time of reflection for all. What went well, and what you would like a do-over for. On behalf of the staff of Baltimore Beatdown, I would like to thank all of you, our wonderful readers and commenters, for helping make this site what it is today. The growth over the past year would not have been possible without you. Every click, comment, like, retweet, and share contribute to the site and help us make it better for you and all our other readers.
I have been coming here for over 6 years now, since Malor was a pubescent little teen, after searching the internet for a great interactive site where the readers are knowledgeable and 12,000 comments later, the interactions still have me coming back.
A few special mentions:
Matthew Stevens, Managing Editor
What can I say about Matthew? Seven months ago when he took over the site, I thought he was a pompous hack writer. Of course I still think that over 100 articles later, but at least now I think he is a smart, knowledgeable pompous hack writer with a vision for the site.
In case it isn't apparent to the average reader, Baltimore Beatdown has experienced immense growth in the 8 months since Matthew took over. Besides his brilliant move to bring me onboard almost immediately, he has brought aboard talented writers like Nathan Beaucage and Wola Odeniran, among others. We have experienced growth on Facebook, Twitter, and started a podcast and actual game play by play, which we hope to continue in future seasons. All of the staff have other commitments like real jobs, family, school, and social lives, but Matthew is the glue that keeps the site together and the motor which keeps it running. The steep increase in traffic for the site, which has been accomplished through his vision increases the sites budget which helps us provide better reporting and a better blog for you, our readers. The growth of the site has also enabled Matthew to get us access to the Castle and other media events and training camp, which gives us more access which in return gets you more access.
Nathan Beaucage, Editor
Nathan was brought aboard a short while after I was, after a few stellar fanposts on Baltimore Beatdown. He has been a great acquisition as I am sure you all know. His gameday management helps give the site great gameday coverage, and you could never guess he is only in High School.
Wola Odeniran, Editor
Wola has only been here a short time, but I think we can all say we have enjoyed his writing style, even if we don't all agree with him. I think I can count on one hand the amount of times I have agreed with him, but who's counting. At least he knows how to admit he is wrong about something, and publicly acknowledge my all-knowingness, like with Ryan Mallett (hopefully he doesn't sh*t the bed this week and prove me wrong). Wola, you have been a great addition to the team.
Kyle Barber, Editor and Chuck Mills, Staff writer
You both predate me, but you have both grown as writers in the time I have been here, and I enjoy your content. Kyle's post game articles are sure to engage the readers, and Chuck's succient style is refreshing.
My #1 fan, Sharp21
There are alot of great readers here, but I want to give a shout out the Sharp21. We may not always agree, but your comments always add to the discussion and it helps that you idolize me (even though I'm pretty sure you have 10-20 years on me). Thanks for reading, and your fanposts are great. Just remember to check your salary numbers on spotrac.com before you post about cap savings, or I will be sure to call you out on it!
To Malor and the other idiots who accepted spots in my Auction League and didn't manage your teams
Assholes! You are definitely not invited back!
To the rest of the writers, readers, commenters
I hope you guys are enjoying the site. We strive to bring you a great site, and any suggestions for improvement are welcome. My email is laboyzz@yahoo .com if you have anything you want to share with me privately. We encourage you all to read, comment, write fanposts, and enjoy the community.
Wishing you all a wonderful 2016!