Extensive media coverage of “The War of the Worlds” 75th anniversary, coupled with fascination about the premiere of the lost “Too Much Johnson” footage, has sparked increased interest in Orson Welles’ career in recent weeks.
And nowhere was that more evident than here at wellesnet.com
During the month of October, wellesnet.com welcomed 21,333 unique monthly visitors – 1,208 more users than the previous record set in April. We also tallied 177,015 page views – second only to the 190,535 recorded in December 2012.
There was a significant spike in traffic in the week leading up to October 30, the 75th anniversary of the Martian invasion broadcast. The Wellesnet radio page was a popular destination and the evening of October 30 was an especially busy time.
A Halloween software problem at our web host played a cruel prank on us and limited access to the site for several days.
On a far more positive note, we were delighted to be mentioned in a piece written by former Chicago Reader critic Jonathan Rosenbaum, “End or Beginning: The New Cinephilia.” Rosenbaum is a noted Welles scholar, author of “Discovering Orson Welles,” and editor of “This Is Orson Welles.”
Also, we owe a debt of gratitude to the authors of several October guest submissions: David Acord, Matthew Asprey Gear and R.H. Greene. Submissions are always welcome and those interested should email Mike Teal or Ray Kelly at contactwellesnet@gmail.com
As always, a special nod to Jeff Wilson, who founded this website 12 years ago. And thanks to those who have contributed articles, participated on the message board or sent private notes of encouragement.
Interest in Orson Welles’ career will likely continue to grow with the approaching 100th anniversary of his birth in May 2015. We urge all of our readers to support celebrations planned in 2014 and 2015 in Woodstock, Illinois.
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