Happy Birthday To JoeBucsFan.com
August 7th, 2017
Nine years ago today Joe fired up this website and never turned back — nine full years obsessing 24/7 about all things Buccaneers on these pages.
It all started with a laptop and a dream.
About two years before JoeBucsFan.com was born, Joe hatched a plan to cover the Buccaneers in a way that would entertain and interest Joe, something edgy, fresh and unlike the extraordinarily stale traditional media. A defunct NBA site called JoeNetsFan.com was the inspiration for the name and the spirit, but Joe decided to bring a different angle, the whole third-person “Joe” thing.
Joe pounded away for months on these pages writing passionately for almost nobody. Traffic grew slowly while Joe endured endless personal attacks, the result of rattling the cages of Bucs fans, the Bucs franchise, and Joe’s media brethren.
But Joe pressed on, confident fans were buying into Joe’s unique brand of journalism that continues to be like no other.
Thankfully, Bucs fans kept coming. Yesterday, JoeBucsFan.com enjoyed a rather typical day, about 20,000 actual visits to the website. Joe’s traffic grows annually, and it’s reached the point where Joe now is the only destination for legions of Bucs fans. In 2017 alone, more than 1 million unique visitors will bust more than 7 million actual visits to JoeBucsFan.com.
The ride has been wild (Joe could write a book about the bizarre sh*t he’s experienced), and Joe appreciates all his readers. While Joe has wacky daily commenters and devoted followers, the typical reader around here only comes twice a week or so, and Joe is thankful to all of you.
Foot On The Gas
This past year was a different animal. Joe hatched plans with beloved voice Justin Pawlowski, iconic Ira Kaufman and nationally renowned Todd Wright to launch a podcast network that now features eight episodes per week and climbing.
Joe also added wise, young Bucs sage Gil Arcia to write a Saturday column. Plus, longtime Tampa Bay multimedia star Rock Riley joined the party as a thrice-weekly video reporter. Rock has been awesome and generous with his time.
With this growth, Joe is back to his roots, further rattling the cages of stuffy corporate sports entities and media members paralyzed by a 1990s mentality and inflated egos.
Yes, there were more plans to push the envelope, like Joe’s firm Day 1 devotion to the Stick Carrier movement with Pawlowski. Why? So Bucs fans can say they have the best damn team coverage and fans in the nation. They deserve it.
Deep Pockets Sought
In the birthday spirit, Joe usually accepts small gifts starting at $2.00 — donations to help fund Joe’s coverage, as well his quest for unattainable women and good beer. But this year, Joe is only soliciting $1,000 donations.
If you have the financial means and feel the love, then please consider a four-figure gift to Joe.
This year, Joe’s only looking for a few good men.
Joe would love to travel to more Bucs games and invest more capital into the website. And yes, there are bills to pay around a small business like JoeBucsFan.com. It ain’t as easy as it might appear. Happily, those bills include the paycheck of The Custodian of Canton, eye-RAH! Kaufman, who makes his home at JoeBucsFan.com world headquarters.
Thanks to all of you. And thanks in advance for the big fish or two or three who want to help. Your generosity will be forever appreciated and help drive Joe to new heights.
August 7th, 2017 at 6:26 pm
Nice job and well said, thank you for all you guys do!!
August 7th, 2017 at 6:29 pm
Happy birthday Joes.
Almost to the double digits…
August 7th, 2017 at 6:30 pm
Twice a week? Psshhaw! I, like many others, come daily and refresh it constantly!
Been reading your site since at least 2009, although maybe late 2008. Happy birthday Joe, and thanks for being such an informative and diverse Buc-centric site!
August 7th, 2017 at 6:33 pm
Cheers, Joe!
Hope you all can throw down some Riesling and beat salad with Ira! You will never find Joe partaking in a beet salad.–Joe
Your birthday present was early this year (freeing you from the fake/spin radio network you used to bring good ratings too).
I hope you all can get more podcasts/content. I’d love to outsource all other wannabee Buc News Providers.
August 7th, 2017 at 6:42 pm
$1000? Chump change. The check is in the mail.
August 7th, 2017 at 7:09 pm
Joe’s,
Congratulations on your 9 year anniversary. I wasn’t here from the beginning, but have followed you loyally since I discovered your site.
I.am currently in the running to become “America’s
Next Hot Convict. ” and if I were to win I would happily send you a check for a grand.
Thanks for all of the hard word you and your team does.
Oh yeah, Release 87! If you were to look up the word Fanatic in the dictionary, 87’S ugly mug would be staring back at you.
August 7th, 2017 at 7:13 pm
We may not always agree on your takes, Joe, but most of us will agree that we are grateful to have your coverage.
August 7th, 2017 at 7:17 pm
PS – I remember coming to the website in 2008 when it was brand new….and the whole Favre saga playing out that August……..
Wanted to ask, was there any one incident, transaction, game, reaction, etc. that you point to as the watershed moment of the site taking off?
August 7th, 2017 at 7:17 pm
Happy birthday Joe’s. Keep it real! ✌️
August 7th, 2017 at 7:26 pm
Happy birthday! You stole me away from 10+ years of visiting that other bucs site.
August 7th, 2017 at 7:30 pm
Thanks Joe… sorry but I am a very small fish who loves this site and the Bucs. HAPPY BIRTHDAY !!
August 7th, 2017 at 7:31 pm
Congrats Joe, Lee, Steve!!! Never doubted you for a second.
August 7th, 2017 at 7:31 pm
Congrats Joe(s)..man, this website has fed this woman’s addiction to football when needed the most..the off-season..
Maybe as a good-will gesture, can you release 87??…
August 7th, 2017 at 7:51 pm
Happy Birthday Joes! Keep on getting better!
August 7th, 2017 at 7:57 pm
All the way from Edinboro, Pennsylvania
Happy Birthday Joes!!!!!
I come here many times a day to get all my Bucs Information
Thank you for everything you guys do
Now where is that Roster Depth Chart that was just published 😉
August 7th, 2017 at 8:00 pm
I would rather have Rachael than a $1000
August 7th, 2017 at 8:19 pm
Where the fluck are the “practice notes”???????
August 7th, 2017 at 8:29 pm
$1000 would be a serious bargain.
August 7th, 2017 at 8:37 pm
Change my life has a bucs fan, I got 0 bucs coverage in Canada, you made me addict a bucaddict
August 7th, 2017 at 8:45 pm
Congratulations, Joe’s!
The site has been my number 1 site browse since… well… I think since you started it.
Thank you for all the hard work and time you guys put into this site.
August 7th, 2017 at 9:04 pm
Nine years! WOW!!!!
I think I’ve been here…shoot…since the year the Buccaneers message board shut down. When was that?
Anyway, congrats, Joes and company!!!!
August 7th, 2017 at 9:09 pm
The average fan only comes twice a week?!? Good Lord, I average that in an hour!
Keep up the great work!!
August 7th, 2017 at 9:11 pm
Congratulations,and Happy birthday!I started reading when Jay Cutler was a free agent.I was a moron who wanted him to sign.Glad things have worked out like they have ,finally!As i said before I even put your website,and America’s qb on my 18 wheeler.Saw fans all the way out in Utah..lol
August 7th, 2017 at 9:17 pm
Joes……….You guys are freakin AWSOME!!! I don’t care how many times you have banned me! You guys Rock!
August 7th, 2017 at 9:32 pm
Actually I have to come back and say that IMO you nailed the demographic you were looking for. There are just some guys that Bucs football mean more to than others. You hit the nail on the head with your model of more articles than other sites. Some of us love that Ish!
August 7th, 2017 at 9:35 pm
Congrats Joes! Incredible job so far. Never slow down. The next few years will be your brightest and most exciting. For I am a bucs fan , and I’m about to get used to this winning thing. 🙂
August 7th, 2017 at 9:53 pm
Joe
Your next step is to sign Miko to the JBF team. We need some diversity! Lol. I’m actually dead serious!
August 7th, 2017 at 9:56 pm
Well done.
August 7th, 2017 at 10:08 pm
There are several but the one that jumps out at Joe was the night Chucky was fired. As Joe noted above, slaved away for a couple of years with little to no revenue. But on the night Chucky was fired, believe news broke right before 6 p.m., from the time the news broke until midnight.
Mind you Joe had only been around for not quite six months. It was at that moment seeing how many folks visited the sight in only a six-hour window that Joe knew he was onto something. Had no idea at the time the site would grow to what it currently is.
August 7th, 2017 at 10:10 pm
Not so much more articles though that helps. But the style of the articles and, of course, every day having Bucs stories.
August 7th, 2017 at 10:11 pm
Some even more. 🙂
August 7th, 2017 at 10:13 pm
Cool story Reelbuc. 🙂
August 7th, 2017 at 10:14 pm
Thank you all for the kind words and support and inspiration.
Without readers like you, this site simply wouldn’t exist. Sincere thanks.
August 7th, 2017 at 10:21 pm
Lol…….I’m a Carpenter so I have no computers for at least 10 hours a day. I am still here at least a half hour a day. Often more. I just love the Bucs and have gotten to know the opinions of a bunch of people here and love the fact that I get “Home town news” here. I have met so many of cool people here in the last 5 years! Shout out to all of you guys that know who I am talking about!! Thanks Joe! Best Buc website ever.
( Still need a five minute edit button though) 🙂
August 7th, 2017 at 10:46 pm
Congratulations Joes! I’ve been coming on this site for about 3 or 4 years now. This is the best Bucs site around and it’s not just because of the content. The problem I have with local Bucs media is that they are not fans, and if they are, they only care about the story and not if we win. You two are REAL Bucs fans and we feel the passion and excitement for the team that you have. JBF and Bucs Uncensored have taken it to a whole new level and I love getting my Bucs fix from REAL fans that have an emotional investment in the team. Keep doing what you’re doing. JBF is growing because people see the truth. Local media are transplants and you guys are fans. You two are geniuses. This is what we, the fans, want. Good luck to you in the future! GO BUCS!
August 7th, 2017 at 11:08 pm
Happy Birthday Joes!!!!
Thank you for your hard work and consistently delivering for us.
I have enjoyed your growth and the new members of your team. I tip my hat to you for following your passion and allowing it to take you to new heights.
May you be flooded with donations. Enjoy!!!
August 7th, 2017 at 11:20 pm
Happy Birthday JoeBucsFan! You guys are truly the best Bucs coverage in Tampabay!
August 7th, 2017 at 11:25 pm
Cheers to 9 years and many more Joes. Nice to see a thriving example of relentless gumption, hard work, & faith exemplified around my favorite team, yet another reason why America is still the greatest nation in the world.
GO BUCS, GO JOES, & Happy Birthday. #JoeKnowsBucs for 9 years strong.
August 7th, 2017 at 11:28 pm
I know if Joe was to pull my IP he would wonder if I even have a job..I check in at least 20 times a day if not more..but I do work out of my home among my 3 jobs..lol..
August 7th, 2017 at 11:45 pm
Haha. 🙂
August 8th, 2017 at 12:42 am
Happy 9th Birthday Joe!
This has been a big year for your little project here with all the talented and big name additions. And I agree with whoever mentioned that getting booted from 620 will be a good thing for Joe.
The future is bright for the team and for Bucs fans. JBF will ride the wave of increased popularity now that the Bucs are “good” again. I predict unprecedented growth for you guys over the next 2 years.
Keep doing what you do and know that all your efforts are appreciated guys.
August 8th, 2017 at 5:27 am
Hi Joe’s.
Many congratulations on your 9th birthday.
I’m the person near Glasgow who pays around 20 visits a day to the site and who listens to both yours and Justin’s podcasts every day. Sometimes more than once.
Keep up the good work of being the best bucs site in the world.
August 8th, 2017 at 6:54 am
Congratulations and keep doing what you have to do to get the passionate fan’s perspective out there. Having a fan on the inside is priceless. Thanks and a hat tip!
August 8th, 2017 at 7:03 am
Thanks guys for all you do!!
August 8th, 2017 at 7:52 am
Happy Birthday Joes!!
August 8th, 2017 at 8:06 am
thank you Joes for all your hard work. And a very Happy Birthday to you all at JBF!
August 8th, 2017 at 8:25 am
Congrats and major KUDOS on a most Happy and Prosperous Birthday, (Hey) Joes!! Welp, the countdown starts in 3 days. You guys thinking of bringing back the masthead countdown clock? 🙂 Go Bucs!!
August 8th, 2017 at 8:40 am
I can’t believe its been 9 years already Joe!!!!!! Excited for the “10 year” plans that have been rumored!!!!!!!!!
I remember when a busy day was 5 people in the comments section and 1 of those was a Joe!!!!! I always loved that Joe would mix with the crazies here!!!!! And that was the formula that JBF is so popular!!!!!
Because real recognize real!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Go JOEBUCSFAN!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
And Go BUCS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
August 8th, 2017 at 8:55 am
Congratulations Joe! I think I discovered this site in late 2009/early 2010 and I’ve been a loyal reader ever since. I can’t afford a $1000 donation but I can click on your sponsors links for you.
August 8th, 2017 at 9:28 am
Happy Birthday Joe’s. I echo what everybody else says. This is the only place I visit. It’s a guilty pleasure because I spend far too much time here when I should be writing.
Don’t have a loose grand right now…I have an SIL who is tapping our disposable income.
But I do have a money making idea.
You could begin a JBF Classified board for JBF posters. Bonzai and I are both writers with books up online and could use some promotion…Lord C has a band…I’m sure many others here have outside interests/professions that could use promotion.
You could keep it simple…no flashy graphics to design…just cut and paste from our submissions for a fee of course.
I would love this not just for the opportunity to promote my book but to see Bonzai…Lord C and other JBF posters outside activities. And you could pick up some extra change with little wasted manpower…interns could run the classified section.
Just a thought.
August 8th, 2017 at 10:23 am
I’m pretty sure you have readers from all 50 states, I wonder how many countries? Fans that don’t live near the area will always be grateful.
August 8th, 2017 at 9:45 pm
Agree!
August 8th, 2017 at 9:47 pm
Once again guys, mucho thanks for all the kind words. Joe sincerely appreciates the support. Without readers and fans like you, this site simply wouldn’t be open for business.
Heartfelt thanks to all of you.