Dear Neighbors:
For many reasons, it’s not working out. It takes too much money and time to do this, so BushwickBK is shutting down for some period of time, and possibly forever. Turns out, sadly, we were never in the pockets of The Developers ™ or anyone else. The site and all its resources will stay up, and we will probably run occasional pieces. The Twitter feed (@bushwickbk) will probably continue to update as well.
To those who encouraged us along the way even if you disagreed with us, thank you so much.
To those who shit on us at every step no matter what we did, fuck you, cocksuckers.
Love, Jeremy
K October 19th, 2011 at 5:32 pm
:(
ANGELA October 19th, 2011 at 5:37 pm
AWWWW…IM SAD TO HEAR THIS NEWS…U WILL BE MISSED AND YES FUCK THE COCKSUCKERS WHO SHIT ON U… TAKE CARE AND BE WELL!
el October 19th, 2011 at 5:41 pm
That’s really a bummer. I really enjoy this blog and I check it regularly for updates on my hood. I tried many restaurants/venues thanks to our recommendations guys.
Is there anything left to try to keep you guys in business?
Joe Rodriguez October 19th, 2011 at 5:46 pm
This site was great , maybe you could get a patch. Check out http://www.patch.com
Brandon October 19th, 2011 at 5:49 pm
Ugh don’t get a patch. AOL-owned scam.
jd October 19th, 2011 at 6:02 pm
I hope someone steps in to fill the void — Bushwick really needs its own voice on the web.
Thanks for everything, Jeremy!
sam October 19th, 2011 at 6:07 pm
RIP. You’ll be missed.
Martha October 19th, 2011 at 6:08 pm
I’m so sorry. We are regular readers and have been since you started. Best wishes with your future endeavors. Bushwick will really be missing out.
charlie October 19th, 2011 at 6:35 pm
Dude! We love you. Start a tumblr page and automatically push everything to Twitter… it’s free, come on! And you can have multiple contributors!!!!
charlie October 19th, 2011 at 6:35 pm
And you can customize it for 50 bucks and keep your branding!!!!
Wil October 19th, 2011 at 6:45 pm
I loved your website. Chin up. You will be missed.
Wil October 19th, 2011 at 6:48 pm
Also, Charlie has a good idea! Keep it simple! Come back!
EllenBK October 19th, 2011 at 7:31 pm
I will miss you…:(
Varetron October 19th, 2011 at 7:35 pm
Jeremy, sorry to hear this news, your website is/was great, I didn’t realize there were struggles, and share your disdain of whoever was making it difficult. I recommended BushwickBK to many people, as a good place to find out what’s going on the neighborhood, apartments for rent, new restaurants, etc. Good work, hope the change is good for you personally at least.
Christopher October 19th, 2011 at 8:07 pm
Unfortunate news. I hope someone comes along and fills the void (or voids) even multiple smaller blogs at the neighborhood level like I saw so frequently when I lived in DC. It’s really hard to scale up from that though. Kudos to you for giving it a try.
reader October 19th, 2011 at 8:45 pm
Well fuck.
Aline October 19th, 2011 at 8:53 pm
This is really disappointing – I really enjoyed having access to local news, which Brooklyn in general is short on, and to have a high quality site tailored to Bushwick was almost decadent!
Best of luck in your future endeavors.
xinthia October 19th, 2011 at 11:42 pm
awe man! this sucks! I found my dream apartment thru bushwickbk AND my mans indie booking agency got press on here. booooo! well, upside maybe this will slow down gentrification? sorry bout you luck man, hopefully on to bigger and better things. bummer!
JAYJAY October 20th, 2011 at 12:23 am
i’m just going to miss all the trolls and unnecessarily rude comments =(
READER October 20th, 2011 at 1:11 am
Jeremy,
your hard work and sophisticated journalistic values are a rare breed. congratulations on a serious accomplishment and hopefully you and your staff will continue to contribute to the shared knowledge bank for our neighborhood at a speed and volume that is comfortable for you all.
and don’t sweat the haters! there is an above average number of them in these here parts.
Sean-Michael October 20th, 2011 at 2:18 am
Wow, this is stunning news, but I can sympathize with being an overworked web guy and under-appreciated entrepreneur: it’s hard! I think your site is really good, and I don’t like much.
I say take a break and a good, deep breath, and embrace all that you have accomplished, which is a lot.
It would be sad to see such a valuable community resource go away.
peace
Maxwell Foxman October 20th, 2011 at 8:34 am
I am so sorry to see you guys go. I have used your blog almost every day! If there is anything I can do to help after January, I would do what I can. I have a background in journalism, and would happily write up some articles. Just need to finish this semester’s classes (currently a graduate student).
Dave October 20th, 2011 at 8:37 am
Moved from Bushwick to Cincinnati a couple years ago- this blog was my last connection to a time and a place I miss very much. Thank you, Jeremy, for keeping up as long as you did. Much love – this will all be sorely missed.
Sal October 20th, 2011 at 9:29 am
This sucks. If money is the big issue, what about periodic kickstarter campaigns, similar to NPR fund drives? I’ve always been impressed that BushwickBK does so much original reporting (and I love the CB reports), and I’d contribute to help that continue.
A Fan October 20th, 2011 at 9:48 am
Speaking as someone who once had a super-popular web site, but shut it down because of the hassle from haters, I still run into people who genuinely and warmly thank me for my hard work. 99% of the people out there think your blog is great. The 1% who comment and give you shit are just very, very loud. I know that’s hard to hear & understand but it is absolutely true (there are statistics to back it up).
Maria October 20th, 2011 at 10:06 am
I love how you bitch about being in no one’s pocket when there’s a McDonald’s ad right above your note.
Ryan October 20th, 2011 at 10:45 am
I read you guys all the time. It’s sad to see you go
NS October 20th, 2011 at 11:00 am
Noooo!! Enjoyed your site so much. So sorry to hear it’s not working out. Looks like others will miss it too. Your site has been extremely informative, now where will I go for bullshit-free community info?
Francisco October 20th, 2011 at 12:12 pm
1. sucks to lose you guys.
2. best wishes to you and the team.
3. Wish you would’ve told us earlier. Maybe all of us could’ve somehow helped. This is too sudden.
Juan October 20th, 2011 at 12:27 pm
I enjoyed reading about my neighborhood through you guys. Good luck in your current and future endeavors. Thanks for your time and dedication covering the events and news from home . (-=
anna October 20th, 2011 at 12:59 pm
<3 thank you for everything, jeremy! all of your dedication, hard work and sacrifice of time and energy is really appreciated by me and so many.
carla October 20th, 2011 at 1:12 pm
thank you for all the hard work and effort you put into bushwickbk over the years. i was so grateful for it while i was gone this year, as it was one of my best connections to my neighborhood. jeremy, you are such an inspiration. truly.
Erin October 20th, 2011 at 2:21 pm
I really relied on this site for my local news as well. I referred locals (businesses and private citizens) to it at every opportunity. I hope someone picks up the torch or you find an easier way to keep it alive.
Sad October 20th, 2011 at 3:30 pm
Bummer!! You will be missed
Gloria October 20th, 2011 at 4:11 pm
This is such sad news! If there’s anything the readership can do — fundraising? contributing work? — please post on that! Thanks for all of your hard work :-)
chillinoncentral October 20th, 2011 at 4:44 pm
Closing down such a creative neighborhood outlet must have been a very tough decision. The ability to express one’s opinion and fight in the battles of ideas is very satisfying and this site strived to make it an empowering and intellectually rewarding art form that was admired by so many.
Jeremy, through all of the overwhelming encouragement that you’ve undoubtedly received from all over the world, and the criticism that you’ve undoubtedly endure, I am thankful to you and all of your staff who have shared their work with us and stood beside our neighborhood through thick and thin. You breathed life into Bushwick and can be forever proud, so take your bow with honor.
Osito57 October 20th, 2011 at 7:25 pm
Jeremy, your contributions to the community have been enormous. I have been a long-time lurker and really enjoyed your site.
Good luck, though we hope your reconsider! Best wishes whatever you decide to do!
designermannyc October 21st, 2011 at 12:54 am
sorry to hear this-it definitely sucks. thanks for all that you contributed to this neighborhood.
citobass October 21st, 2011 at 2:35 am
dam im from queens but i love this site. follow the tumblr idea. keep it going!
SERIOUSLY?! October 21st, 2011 at 8:05 am
you guys are dumbasses if you cant realize the potential of this site with its built in audience
Suzanne October 21st, 2011 at 11:32 am
Oh no! Just found this site. It’s beautiful.
Complex October 21st, 2011 at 11:43 am
I always relied on your site for local news and dialog. It will be missed, at least by me. Can I propose two options?
You have done serious branding. Perhaps you can transfer your readership to a site like patch.com or something similar before its all gone (Time is of the essence to retain or capture what you have done)
Continue what you have but scale it down to require less commitment.
THIS WILL BE MISSED! YOU OPINION, NO MATTER HOW JADED, WILL BE MISSED.
John Dereszewski October 22nd, 2011 at 9:03 am
Jeremy, I just received the sad news regarding the blog.
I can barely imagine the substantial – and often unappreciated – burden that running a first rate blog entails, and hope that you will now use the extra time at your disposal to get a well deserved rest and plan exciting new ventures. Still, the loss of BushwickBk leaves a pretty large void that, at least in the short run, will not be filled by any other group that I am aware of. For this reason, it’s great that the site will remain to be accessible to those of us who would like to occasionally revisit it. (There is a lot of great stuff in those archives.)
For my part, I really enjoyed the opportunity that the blog provided me to follow the many often fascinating – and often infuriating – developments that are occurring in the old neighborhood and to, on occasion add my own two cents into the mix. I especially appreciate the support you provided to the various historical projects that both Adam Schwartz and I conducted over the past few years.
Finally, if anyone suggests holding some sort of farewell – or, more optimistically, “so long for now” – party, please let me know. But, most of all, thanks for all of your wonderful efforts and best of luck in the future.
Hrag October 22nd, 2011 at 11:57 am
Sad to see this.
Johan Thorn October 22nd, 2011 at 12:28 pm
Never heard of you.
gimme October 22nd, 2011 at 2:08 pm
shart
Jimmy Mueller October 22nd, 2011 at 8:51 pm
Sorry to see thsi end, I really enjoyed it :-(
Oscar October 23rd, 2011 at 11:29 am
Jeremy,
I’m so sorry to hear this news I found your site not too long ago and enjoyed everything about it, drop me an email if you ever think of starting up again, I would love to photograph for you guys, good luck to you it’s truly a sad day
Oscar
paul October 23rd, 2011 at 12:10 pm
very sad to hear this, you only notice how you rely on something when it’s gone, much appreciated all
Kristin S. October 23rd, 2011 at 3:06 pm
This makes me so sad, Jeremy. But I have to agree with all of the praise here. I can’t thank you enough for your hard work in starting & maintaining such an important online community – one that informed, connected, inspired & transformed so much of our ACTUAL community. This was our lifeline when Sarah & I moved here 3 yrs ago, informing us before we even arrived. I’m glad we got to write & that we know you in person now. You deserve all the best.
Josh October 23rd, 2011 at 7:22 pm
Oh, man! I read often. Thanks for all the hard work. I hope you resurface at some point.
Bay Ridge October 24th, 2011 at 7:32 am
Stay classy, Bushwick.
Tungsten October 24th, 2011 at 11:11 am
As a local resident & real estate salesperson I am very sad to see you shut down. Tungsten Properties would love to come to an agreement to pay for real estate classified ads. I found your website a fantastic source for leads and we believe it is only fair to pay for that advertising.
If there is any hope to help in this matter please let me know.
Best,
Stephanie Rose
KBCshaun October 24th, 2011 at 12:36 pm
NOOOOOOO!!! say it ain’t so :(
BC October 24th, 2011 at 11:33 pm
Bummer! I just moved to NY from Ypsilanti, MI and your site was a great resource that lead me to Bushwick! So sad to see this resource go.
I can’t imagine why people would be shitting on you every step of the way. Really sorry to hear that.
Best of luck to the team.
Rebecca October 25th, 2011 at 12:31 pm
I am so heartbroken! I adore this website and hope you can keep it going! It was so much better than any of the other local news sites out there, even those funded with deep pockets like Patch. Please stay! Yours biggest fan on Stockholm Street
shwn October 26th, 2011 at 2:39 pm
This really sucks! I’ve been using the blog for years and thought it was only growing and getting better. Sorry to hear you got shit from people. Fuck them. And thanks for all the work you did to bring the best of Bushwick to us.
Erin October 26th, 2011 at 2:56 pm
No!!!!!! Why???
Matt October 27th, 2011 at 4:24 pm
Bad news but good to hear after wondering wtf was going on over the last few months of sporadic postings.
Mike October 28th, 2011 at 12:42 am
please let’s all figure out how to get it back and running!!!
kitty October 28th, 2011 at 7:33 am
please take seriously what people are saying and find a way to reincarnate. This site has been really useful, it’s fun to read, and well designed… At least see if fundraising would make a difference.
Buggles October 29th, 2011 at 6:55 pm
You will be missed! I’ve loved coming to your site these past 4 years (same amount of time I’ve lived in Bushwick)
Tom October 30th, 2011 at 9:16 pm
Agreed. I will give money. Do a kickstarter thing. This is one of the great things about bushwick. there is something about the community created by a newspaper like this. benedict anderson says this about the role of a buncha people reading newspapers in the privacy of their own homes (or coffee shops on the internet, as it would probably go today):
The significance of this mass ceremony—Hegel observed that newspapers serve modern man as a substitute for morning prayers—is paradoxical. It is performed in silent privacy, in the lair of the skull. Yet each communicant is well aware that the ceremony he performs is being replicated simultaneously by thousands (or millions) of others of whose existence he is confident, yet of whose identity he has not the slightest notion. Furthermore, this ceremony is incessantly repeated at daily or half-daily intervals throughout the calendar. What more vivid figure for the secular, historically clocked, imagined community can be envisioned? At the same time, the newspaper reader, observing exact replicas of his own paper being consumed by his subway, barbershop, or residential neighbors, is continually reassured that the imaged world is visibly rooted in everyday life.
- Benedict Anderson, Imagined Communities (1983)
Bushwick BK was exactly one of these things that generated a real sense of community. It must go on. Please. You have my money and time. And I want to write (i’m a professor, for whatever that douchey claim might mean).
All my best.
Tom
Alan October 31st, 2011 at 1:01 pm
Aw, that’s too bad — it was good while it lasted. Will miss the fresh opinions and reports.
Khaki November 1st, 2011 at 3:07 pm
Very sad to see you go. If would help out if a plan emerges.
BTW, who are the haters out there, and why??
Patty November 2nd, 2011 at 8:24 am
Bummer! I love Bushwickbk.com! Thought is was awesome for the Bushwick/Ridgewood community. It’s where I go to get local news and find out what’s the lastest in the local art scene. I will miss you!
John November 2nd, 2011 at 2:13 pm
Really sorry to see you go! Loved reading about the food and restaurants, as well as the recipes. Best of luck in all your life’s path!!
Jess November 2nd, 2011 at 2:24 pm
Damn! Really sad to see you go… I too hope something works out soon. Take Care Jeremy!
Fred Dresser November 2nd, 2011 at 3:14 pm
C’mon did we give up when the Germans invaded Pearl harbor?!?!?!
Dresden November 3rd, 2011 at 1:39 pm
I have no idea who the fuck is on the ballot and no idea where / how to find out. Shit.
ohjco November 4th, 2011 at 2:34 am
You will be missed!!! You guys gave our band our first review!!! :(
RIP xoxo
Jeremy Sapienza November 4th, 2011 at 12:04 pm
Just want to check in to say all these comments are being read and thought over by the team. The input is appreciated very much and we welcome all your ideas.
–J
David November 6th, 2011 at 8:51 pm
Aw, this really sucks. Now I’ll NEVER know what’s going on in Bushwick!!! Thanks so much for all your hard work. And to people who think he’s in someone’s pocket just because they put an ad on the website doesn’t mean anything, that’s completely unfounded and ridiculous. I know from my blogger friend that just because you get a few ads doesn’t mean shit. Even if it is from McDonald’s.
Jonathan Ross November 7th, 2011 at 3:09 am
BushwickBK.
This is the saddest thing I’ve come across in months.
I’ve been living in Bushwick for over 3 years now and can’t imagine a Bushwick without you guys.
You’ve kept me aware, on my toes and organized.
I’ve even considered writing for you.
If there is anything I can do to keep from saying goodbye to you forever please don’t hesitate to let me know.
You have made me feel a part of a comunity for the first time in my life.
Without you here I worry how I’ll ever know what is going on.
My love and admiration are with all of you and your hard work always.
Love and hope,
Jonathan
Khaki November 7th, 2011 at 7:27 am
Mobilize us, Jeremy.
BklynRep November 7th, 2011 at 10:34 am
Thank god! Maybe you can move out of the neighborhood next.
Susannah November 7th, 2011 at 10:59 pm
I wish you’d change your mind! I really, really do! Anything we can do to change it?
Best of luck to you, and many, many thanks. This was such a valuable resource.
Khaki November 10th, 2011 at 9:47 am
… so this douchebag doesn’t win.
Diana November 10th, 2011 at 12:15 pm
I’m sooo sad!! I read this blog everyday! I know that money can be raised somehow to keep Bushwickbk alive! So many people have left such positive and encouraging comments saying they would like to help fund BushwickBK! and so will I! I love this blog and I can’t seem to believe it will be shut down soon. Let’s start a fund drive like NPR! Jeremy you might be surprised by what happens! just try! don’t go just yet!
Samuel November 13th, 2011 at 12:17 am
WHAT?? Wait… no… for real?
I’d write for you guys, you should post something for people to apply.
pamarama November 14th, 2011 at 1:52 pm
thanks jeremy. will really miss this. hope to meet you one day. MUCH LOVE
Christoff November 14th, 2011 at 5:53 pm
Jeremy,
Your hard work will be missed. BushwickBK was a great resource and indispensable for those of us who are somewhat newer to the neighborhood. Thank you for everything.
Kindest regards,
Christoff
moyjoy November 14th, 2011 at 11:08 pm
Sigh. :(
pamarama November 15th, 2011 at 9:23 am
if you guys could keep this alive in some way, shape or form it would obviously continue to be an enormous asset to the community.
a platform of some sort where people can easily contribute at will seems like a good idea – a lot of people stepping up in this thead alone.
Come on bwick – DIY for life!
joec November 15th, 2011 at 10:25 am
Just crazy, when a site this good must end. It was a success not a failure.
You are a talented and creative guy and your creation was a joy to read.
yasky November 16th, 2011 at 7:21 am
I always read the Community Board updates by Aaron Short. It was the first time those meeting ever made sense to me. DON’T GO!