The State of the Union is Strong

As some of you have noticed in your travels through the SBN megaverse the powers that be have released a bevy of information on the over 220 communities that make up SB Nation. Obviously, as one of the leading hockey communities the numbers here are pretty impressive. The growth from 2008 to 2009 is amazing and I won't even bother trying to figure out the stats for 2006 and 2007 since they'd like be outstripped by one of the last four months of 2009 on their own. To give you an idea about the growth that we've experienced 2008 saw 120,717 visits with 365,211 pageviews which ballooned in 2009 to 668,341 visits (Edited: I screwed up!) and 1,802,576 page views.

The SBN platform provides a lot of ways for the community to share their thoughts and you guys have definitely taken advantage. The thing that I've heard repeatedly from other SBN writers is that they most admire the way that you guys dive into articles to share your opinion (and do it intelligently) and have used the fanposts to great effect. To date over 800 have been written! The comments are where, I think, this site separates itself but it's important to make sure that everyone that's here continues to uphold the high quality so that any newcomers know what's acceptable.

I've noticed, and some long-time commenters have raised the same issue, that there has been an increase in contentious posting. If someone is saying something like Rickard Wallin is the new John Madden or Phil Kessel is the new Jason Blake or the Leafs are doomed to a neverending spiral of failure and you think that they are wrong then explain why you think that you are right. If you make a compelling enough case you might change their mind. If you call them batshit crazy you definitely won't. And if they refuse to engage just ignore them. It'll save us all a lot of aggravation

Obviously it's been a tough season but I've re-posted the community guidelines as a refresher. Chemmy and I run the site because we love talking about the Maple Leafs and having all of you guys makes it worthwhile. I bet the lurkers would add to the discussion as well so fell free to climb out of the shadows and into the light.

As for trolls, kill 'em with kindness and facts or just ignore them. And don't forget to use the flags (under 'actions') to help me and Chemmy track the little buggers.

Now, onto the stats!

This is not Hockey Buzz. Please act accordingly.

Welcome to one of the most active and largest communities dedicated to the Toronto Maple Leafs. Take some time to get a feel for the community. These posts will help you to learn the ins and outs of the site's features as well.

Feel free to disagree. Defending your view point is encouraged but keep it clean. Ad Hominem attacks are not welcomed.

In fact, keep it well-written too. Swear if you must but picking your spots will make the swearing much more effective.

If you are a fan of an opposing team, play nice. We have it bad enough as it is. We welcome opposing viewpoints but trolling will not be tolerated.

Stats For 2008

New Members

232

Total Comments

70612

Total Stories

752

Total FanPosts

255

Total FanShots

437

Most Active Commenters

Most Stories

Most FanPosts

Most FanShots

Stats For 2009

New Members

873

Total Comments

464697

Total Stories

1298

Total FanPosts

528

Total FanShots

1741

Most Active Commenters

Most Stories

Most FanPosts

Most FanShots