Hearthlist Digest #501 - Wednesday, September 27, 2000
 
HearthNet top 100,000 visitors/month
  by "Craig Issod" <[email protected]>
 

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Subject: HearthNet top 100,000 visitors/month
From: "Craig Issod" <[email protected]>
Date: Tue, 26 Sep 2000 22:45:33 -0400
 
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE			Sept 26, 2000
 
Contact:
Craig Issod, President
CHI Associates
6095-654-7140 email: [email protected]
 
Renewed interest in alternative energy solutions sparked by the 
recent rise in fuel prices has catapulted HearthNet into a new 
category of web sites - those getting over 100,000 visitors a month. 
These visitors are reading over 700,000 pages of both commercial and 
informational hearth related content.
 
"I admit it, I'm flabbergasted" said HearthNet founder Craig Issod 
when asked about the new milestone. "When HearthNet was first founded 
in 1995 we set a goal of 10,000 visitors per month, and never even 
imagined we'd reach that point. Now we're doing 10 times the 
business, and it seems as if readership is still on the upswing".
 
Not many companies like to turn away business, but Craig has actually 
limited sponsorships and advertising on HearthNet. "We are not 
accepting any new fireplace and stove manufacturers into our program 
for at least the remainder of the year" says Issod.  "This will 
assure our current and long time sponsors the maximum benefit from 
their investment in our company".
 
Not that all businesses have been turned away. HearthNet is still 
accepting both retailers and accessory manufacturers into the 
directory. Also under consideration would be unique products that are 
not currently represented on HearthNet such as BBQ grills and outdoor 
fireplaces. Since HeartNet has year-round traffic, these and other 
related categories could reach a lot of qualified eyeballs.
 
One problem with all these visitors is whether HearthNets 
infrastructure and server computers can handle the load. Craig 
assures us that HearthNet is served by two dedicated computers, which 
according to him "are barely breaking a sweat" handling the current 
load of 3500+ visitors per day. However, Issod does mention that, 
given this years traffic, a network expansion might be in the cards 
for the spring of 2001.
 
Issod shrugs off questions of whether the increased traffic and 
readership are a result of market forces or just plain luck. "In this 
industry, there is always something changing and growing" Craig 
opines. "After 22 years in the trenches, I've learned not to predict 
- but rather to be grateful for the opportunity to help others with 
their heating needs".
 
If current trends continue, it looks like HearthNet and Craig will 
have plenty of folks lining up for just that.