About Us

Introduction
This site's goal is to help facilitate discussions and remove the stigma of those first-time, awkward, in-person introductions. A good way to quickly meet other Astorians with similar interests is to check out our groups. We have several that span interests from Parenting to Pub Crawling that meet on a regular basis. If you're new to the area or want to share your likes/dislikes, check 'em out! If you're curious about some of our past activities, take a look at our photos.

Editorial Team

You, Reporter/Planner/Moderator

There is no one more informed and up-to-the-second than you. You're the first on the scene, the first to get an invite, and the last to leave. You are Astoria. We invite you to share your Astoria with the community early and often!

Ran Craycraft, Editor/Founder

Ran created WLA in April of 2008 as an easy, online way for people to meet their neighbors. It began as a small, social group and has quickly grown to a community of thousands of hooligans. Ran is originally from Stout, Ohio, and attended Syracuse University's Newhouse School.

Participate
Anyone with a profile on WLA?! can post a daily blog or participate in our discussion forum. We would love to hear about your Astoria. Don't forget to post all of your upcoming public events!

Socialize
Members of WLA?! come from very diverse backgrounds--fitting for our wonderfully diverse community. Everyone on this site is here because they want to increase their circle of friends, so if you find someone who sparks your interest, we encourage you contact them. And as always, if you have any questions, don't hesitate to ask. We hope you enjoy the site!

Advertise

WLA offers a broad range of sponsorship packages that allow local brands to engage directly with the community. We feel strongly about keeping this site free for our users--to do this, we enthusiastically partner with local businesses who share our interests and demographic. For more information on our incredibly competitive rates, please contact sales (at) whyleaveastoria (dot) com or give us a call:

Comment

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Comment by Kara Bell on August 28, 2012 at 1:43pm: I should have mentioned, it is at least 4 days now.

Comment by Kara Bell on August 28, 2012 at 1:36pm: I tried to comment on Next City Council Member blog, it appears my comment that a conservative on some issues would be good is being censored. Is this allowed by blogger who starts blog?

Kara

Comment by Nicholas Levis on July 16, 2012 at 7:17pm: Maybe I don't know how to do this but I don't understand why the event I posted doesn't appear in the calendar, but only under "My Events"

http://www.whyleaveastoria.com/events/tue-7-17-wikirebels-free-movi...

Comment by Carol Sudhalter on March 28, 2012 at 9:10am: Please, can someone tell me how to change the name of the venue on my April 21 event? It's listed as Steinway Reformed Church but it's Sunnyside Reformed Church (Carol Sudhalter's Astoria Big Band). I'd like to change it before anyone goes to the wrong place. When I was setting up the event, I clicked the 'add new location' button and filled it out, and that erased my event each time! So I clicked on Steinway Reformed, already on the list, and then couldn't change it! I've written twice to Why Leave Astoria 'contact' menu, but no reply. Anyone? Thanks. sudsax@aol.com

Comment by Lori on November 23, 2011 at 1:58am: I'm trying to load a photo to classifieds but it isn't working. I also tried to email a photo Ito the address provided in my profile but it didn't seem to work.

Comment by Pete on March 10, 2010 at 12:16pm: Great website! Thanks for reaching out to me on Twitter! Could not bee more pro-Astoria!

Comment by Melissa on April 24, 2009 at 2:23pm: Living in Astoria for 37 years I am glad to see this website!! Keep up the great work. I am a true Astorian!!

Comment by Steffan Olausson Partridge on February 7, 2009 at 10:47am: Great initiative!!! Astoria has always been this little secret neighborhood in Queens, Manhattan folks are scared to venture to the outer boroughs and its nice to have this little secret to ourselves sharing what makes Astoria so great. Keep up the great work!!!