overview:
I Forewords
II Server Troubles
III Banner Ads
IV New Version of RTTP
V #2 metal site
VI In Print
VII Site Stats
VIII Future
IX Closing

I Forewords:
it's been a super busy year at rttp. all of the shows and things that have gone on have been excellent.

II Server Troubles:
rttp got screwed over during an inter-company struggle. This meant a 1 month loss of Data, bug fixes, 6-months of lost $$ paid for the old server, and a lot of headaches.
for more details: http://www.returntothepit.com/reason.txt
At that point, I went off with my own leased server in Texas so that I would never have to deal with that crap again, though the price tag was high. so I had to start running banner ads.


III Banner Ads:
Banner ads have been running now since about September. They are doing well and the site is just about paying for itself each month now. This is great and my pockets hope it continues. If you wish to support the site with a banner ad, read more: http://www.returntothepit.com/order.php?addrates=1


IV New Version of RTTP:
A new "version" of the site was launched around thanksgiving 2003. Initially, it was an accident. I had wanted to wait.. but things happen. This ushered in a nice, new, more "professional" look update. Though some people complained about it being too slow so http://simple.returntothepit.com was made for people with dialup, etc.
Also, for those only interested in internet fighting, http://forum.returntothepit.com is up.
Lots of more minor tweaks and changes are in the works and being uploaded as I type this.


V #2 Metal Site:
http://www.metalupdate.com collected thousands or even 10's thousands of votes. When tallied, RTTP was the #2 metal site on the web:
1) http://www.blabbermouth.net
2) http://www.returntothepit.com
3) http://www.digitalmetal.com
Amazing company there. Both of those sites have highly dedicated staffs and are constantly updated.


VI In Print:
This year was a great year to see pictures of RTTP in magazines. if you live in other countries. Seems like Japan and Chile love to use the pictures. Beside that CDs like Most Precious Blood "our lady of annihilation", anoxia, and since the flood and others used pictures.
I'm sure there is more that is failing me, but keep your eyes open.


VII 2003 Site Stats:
45070 pictures
75 different venues
141 different shows
934 different sets from 483 bands
Almost 23,000 miles driven to shows
2201 songs played on the 52 RTTP shows
10 bands played live in the studios (our studio was broken for 4 months)


VIII Future:
I'm always open for suggestions. Looks like a bunch of things are coming up.. big shows: Sick as Sinfest (march), Bitter End 2 Fest (april/may), NEMHF (spring), NJMHF (fall), etc.
More live guests: senseless mutilation, bane of existence, the slow decay of time, drop dead, the red chord, etc.
More completely useless things added to RTTP. I'm constantly writing and re-writing the site.
More pictures added (with more people asking "you shoot for RTTP? Do they pay you?")
More cowbell.


IX Closing:
Thank you to everyone who went to a show, viewed rttp site, added something to rttp, put me on a photo/guest list, posted messages on rttp, told some one else about RTTP, or even just came to look at yourself making a fool out of yourself in the pits.
Thanks
Rev aaron
rev@returntothepit.com