Last year we penned this letter to an audience of around 400 or 500, roughly the size of a crowd at a high school basketball game. Today, with 17,600 (and counting) friends on Facebook, we’re talking to a crowd that might fill most of the Conseco Fieldhouse.
*gulp*
That’s a lot of people.
It has been a great year for us at Orangebeanindiana.com, and that’s all thanks to you. We’ve published hundreds of stories, added two staff members (quick shout-out to staff writers Mary and Zach). As always, we have focused on providing constructive, positive stories relative to Hoosiers and the Hoosier state.
A few changes ahead:
In the spring, we will be bringing back the daily news aggregate, unearthing daily stories from across Indiana that illuminate and enlighten Hoosier life. For us, the daily aggregate helps us keep pace with life across the state. We hope you feel the same.
We’re proud to announce the return of El Scorcho the Barbarian (a fictional character some long-time readers may remember). Fully rebooted and re-suited, El Scorcho the Barbarian was a fan favorite last year, but got lost and lazy in the shuffle. He’s back and as irreverent as ever.
Additionally, El Scorcho the Barbarian has agreed to maintain his own Facebook page for story updates, announcements and all things barbarian-ish. He asked us to provide this addendum: “The First, Greatest, and Only Facebook Page Created and Updated by a Fictional Character.” Sigh. He’s, uh, a bit of a character, literally and figuratively. But mostly a nice guy.
Finally, Orangebeanindiana.com will now feature a new story EVERY Monday through Saturday at 8AM EST. Like most of you, we think learning about the history and happenings of Indiana is a great way to kickstart the morning.
We again want to offer you, our readers, a sincere and heartfelt thank you. Our growth and success is 10% hard work and 90% your kindness and curiosity. What started out as a labor of love is rapidly becoming a thriving member of Hoosier media, thanks to you.
As long as you enjoy reading the stories, we will enjoy providing them, free of politics and Celebrating Indiana, One Story at a Time.
To a Great Year Behind Us, and to a Greater Year Ahead!