Ten years of the Orange Mane

[Taco John]

It's hard for me to believe that we've finally reached 10 full years of existence. This site started as an idea for a college project. I was in a media communications class, and my term project was to develop a business plan and operations strategy for a media organization. It was a no brainer to me: I put together an idea for an online center for Broncos news and discussion. I got an A.

I graduated, moved to Vancouver, WA to marry my then fiance', and pretty much gave up my dream to work in the Broncos marketing department. But the itch never left me, and after a couple of false starts, I created the Orange Mane as an online blog where I could flex my photoshop abilities, and give my takes on things. People dug it, and I launched the forum on draft day 2001. It went viral and was immediately the most busy draft day message board on the internet beating every other discussion outlet for day of draft discussion. Garcia Bronco, and Watermock were instrumental at the time in keeping the conversation going. Then the Denver Broncos fumbled with their message board forum switching to a horrible system that drove it to near extinction (at the time). We benefitted. Then the RMN forum screwed their community with some terrible decisions. We benefitted. And then the Denver Post followed suit and messed up the community that they had. I could not understand how it was that all these sites were so negligent of their communities. They all had very rich cultures. They just didn't seem to understand them and made decisions that damaged them. They've all since tried to re-engage and provide a community platform, and the Broncos eventually launched "Broncos Country," which is a fine effort on their part to be proud of.

In any case, here we are ten years later still going strong. Yeah, we've got our problems. There are issues that need to be worked out. But all in all, I'm very proud of what we've built here and look forward to the next ten years!

Here's the Internet Archive to show you where we've come up from:
http://web.archive.org/web/*/http://www.orangemane.com

[Requiem]

Congratulations, TJ.

It is a great story.

Here is to another decade of continued success for the OM!

[Natedogg]

Would love to know more about the early history. Maybe you should write a book TJ!!! (I'm serious!)

[_Oro_]

Congratz TJ, thanks for the great site.

[Drunk Monkey]

I missed the first 5 years but have enjoyed the last 5. Thanks for getting this started and keeping it going.

[schaaf]

That is sweet! its amazing to look at how it's evolved over the years

[bronco militia]

thanks TJ....

I've only been banned once

[cmhargrove]

So, you originally got an "A." Can we review that grade?


Just kidding - great job, and thanks for all your hard work.

[DomCasual]

One thing TJ doesn't mention is how the OM was almost stopped by the rowing twins that claimed to have come up the idea before the OM went live.

[TDmvp]

Big time Congratz T.J.

I thank you for your effort here and creating the one stop spot for Broncos fans info and general conversation... It's to the point if I just have a question on a subject I can't dig up info on the net about I ask here before anywhere else because I know someone here will know and take the time to help.


I have always respected the hell out of the effort it takes , and your demeanor while dealing with it / us.


Thank you T.J.

[oubronco]

Thanks TJ I have loved being part of this community and appreciate all you have done

[serious hops]

Free beers for everybody!!

[bronco militia]

still waiting for those naked cheerleaders

[schaaf]

Originally Posted by DomCasual

One thing TJ doesn't mention is how the OM was almost stopped by the rowing twins that claimed to have come up the idea before the OM went live.

haha I believe I was one of them twins and would like a few extra million dollars!

[oubronco]

Originally Posted by bronco militia

still waiting for those naked cheerleaders

seen that too

[Killericon]

I'm happy to have been a part of (most of)it.

[bronco militia]

also, I miss Adam Shysters food reviews......

hey TJ, do you still have that Shopped pic of the Shyster?

[BleedingOrange]

I tend to do more reading then posting but it has been a fun 10 years. Congrats and heres to another 10.

[UKBronco]

Still my my first stop for all things Broncos.

Great job, keep it up!

[Miss I.]

This song is clearly about my feeling for OM.

Thanks, TJ.

[bronco militia]

found it!

[DomCasual]

Originally Posted by bronco militia

found it!

[bronco militia]

Originally Posted by DomCasual

Adam started adding food reviews to his DPO mailbag around 2002 or so. It drove most of us nuts.

[~Crash~]

I am taking it the content of discussions are gone after 2 years ?

[Broncomutt]

Thanks Taco! Great job.