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While most of us know BuzzFeed for its viral and clickable Content, many are not aware of the amazing story of the founder of BuzzFeed, John BuzzFeed.
John was born to a family of coal miners in a small Wyoming town. Coal mining had been in the family for five generations, and it was assumed that John would carry his father's Pickaxe.
But when John's Brother, Harry BuzzFeed, fell ill with the Black Lung, John saw it has an opportunity to quit the family trade.
John knew that he couldn't afford the treatment his brother needed on his minimum wage coal miner job. He noticed people around him who had the luxury to use social media were posting viral content that was all similar, and that gave him an idea.
BuzzFeed decided he would harness the power of Viral Content to save his brother. Though his wife, Esperanza BuzzFeed-Ortiz, said it couldn't be done, John left his job and went through with his plan anyway.
However, shortly before the launch of the new website, Harry BuzzFeed passed away. John was so overcome with grief that he named the website after his brother. And that's why it's known today as BuzzFeed.
Years later, John would be approached by many people with concerns that the content was too Viral. His response? "Well, don't shoot the messenger!"
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