So Popwell.net debuted one year ago this week, if our domain name auto-renewal notice is to be believed. Who would have thought that just one year could produce so many memorable, life-altering pieces? In that spirit, we’d like to celebrate our first anniversary in one of the laziest ways we can think of. . .by casting a fond look back at the most popular pieces of Popwell’s first year.
1. Ladie’s Night: Kool & the Gang’s Unheralded Feminist History Lesson – This eye-opening essay was by far the most popular piece to appear on Popwell this year. It’s a fascinating exploration of the feminist messages hidden in Kool & the Gang’s funky 1979 hit.
2. Spaghetti Westerns Beyond Leone – The good folks at the Spaghetti Western Database pushed this article into the year’s second spot. Once the link hit their Facebook page, Popwell enjoyed its biggest single day ever. Thanks, Tomas Milian!
3. Long Beach to Build Colossol Cher – Clearly, this is an idea that resonates with the people, judging from the response this piece got. Or maybe there are just a lot of Robert Garcia fans out there. Anyway, can’t wait to see them start working on this!
4. A Thanksgiving Miracle – This heartwarming story warmed hearts with its story of heartwarming warmth and whatnot. To give away any more would spoil the surprise!
5. Giblets – Surprisingly, this odd little tale was easily one of our readers’ favorites. Technically, it predates Popwell entirely, since it was originally published on the WordPress Popwell’s site. Whatever, it’s some quality gibberish!
6. Skoogy Lee Goobins’ Last Round-Up – This winning slice of Old Western blather sidled its way up to sixth on our charts. Its combination of gritty, authentic western details with startlingly stupid plot twists has a certain charm.
7. Of a Tuesday Evening, Shades Drawn – Our most popular poem of the year was this creepy Gothic tale of intrigue, mystery and enigmatic goings-on. If you haven’t read it yet, prepare to wet your pants in terror and/or confusion.
8. New Bon Jovi Musical Offers Unique Take on Jesus – Pulled from today’s headlines, this piece focused on Jon Bon Jovi’s controversial leap into the realm of musical theater and revisionist Biblical history.
9. Remembering Ice Kapaid – Readers were taken with this moving remembrance of the late Latvian skrapper. Or is it “taken in by”? Oh well, either way, there’s some great ice skating-related rhymes in here.
10. Mages Unite for Gender Equity – The first article to delve into the raging #WitchsTitGate controversy, this was one of Popwell’s first pieces of straight journalism to make a big impact nationally.
Hope you’ve all enjoyed the first year of this dubious enterprise. Look for a major redesign in the coming months, as well as lots of fun surprises! Everyone likes fun. Plus, we’re up for eight Emmys, so keep your fingers crossed!
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