As many of you already know, this week we announced that 7x7 is shedding its old print clothes to move with the times as an all-digital San Francisco magazine. For 13 years, we have poured heart and sweat into the pages of a regional book filled with all the cool news, stylish happenings, and brilliant people in the SF Bay Area. Our magazine has evolved and improved, and we believe that each new issue has been our best. But the challenges facing the print industry have only continued to grow, and we've struggled alongside the best of them trying to make it work. At long last, we've decided to cease swimming against the current and move with it instead.
In 2006, we launched 7x7.com as a daily companion to our flagship magazine. But over the years, the tables have turned. This past January, 7x7.com saw it's highest traffic month ever, with 600,000 unique readers coming back multiple times each week to devour such content as our annual Big Eat, the best local hikes, our feature profile of Tartine wunderkind Chad Robertson, neighborhood guides, and more. When we listened to our readers and our clients, it all became clear: 7x7.com is no longer our sidepiece; it's our main squeeze.
As some of the press has speculated, streamlining our operations indeed necessitated some layoffs. It is with the deepest regret that we said farewell this week to some members of our team, some new and some 7x7 lifers, who are not only our friends and family, but also among the very best in the business. Their incredible talents and moxie have blown my mind; they've inspired and motivated me every single day. I am honored and grateful to have collaborated with such an exceptional bunch.
Fortunately, a fine bunch of folks remains here at 7x7 as we leap into our next adventure. I am excited to announce that Schuyler Bailey, longtime 7x7 food editor and digital director, will be our editor in chief. She is joined by interim executive editor Brock Keeling, associate editor Sarah Lee, and contributing editor Leilani Marie Labong. Advertising director Natalie Wages will move up as publisher; Jason Oronzi moves into the associate publisher role; and Brian Stansbury and Jeremy Paz maintain their oversight of accounting and operations. Of course, who can forget the many writers, photographers and artists who collectively make up the 7x7 voice? They will remain as regular contributors.
In the end, little has changed. 7x7 will continue to turn out the same great content with a focus on the best the SF Bay Area has to offer. We may not be gracing your local newsstand, but you'll find us everywhere else: on your desktop, laptop, email, iPad, and smartphone; and at cool events as always. Soon, you'll notice improvements to these platforms as well. In the meantime, pick up a copy of our March 2015 Style + Wellness issue. It will soon be a collector's item.
There is just one more thing to say: Thank you. To the countless readers, clients, staffers, and friends who've supported us these many years, it is an honor and thrill to share our love of San Francisco with you every single day. Your continued encouragement and feedback are appreciated.
