HugNation.com is a true labor of love for Halcyon, the pink-haired icon of the adult online industry known for his work with FlashCash and an extensive array of other web-based endeavors. A project that started about six years ago, the site really took off once Halcyon involved his grandfather, Caleb Shikles.
“Housewives across the country think it’s just the sweetest thing ever,” Halcyon told XBIZ.
While he was initially concerned that the Yahoo story might emphasize the angle of “this crazy pink-haired guy and his loveable grandpa,” Halcyon said he’s very pleased with the way the story worked out.
“Kevin Sites and his producer were really cool,” Halcyon said of the Yahoo writer. “They totally got [the HugNation concept].”
Halcyon said that the Yahoo story took some time to take shape, as crews from the site filmed multiple segments with Halcyon and his grandfather over the course of several months.
“The previous year, Kevin did a thing where he went through war-torn areas and interviewed people there, and it was really depressing,” Halcyon said. “This year, I think they were looking for something a little more uplifting and positive.”
If there’s one aspect of the Yahoo story that Halcyon has any complaints about, it is the way the story wraps up.
“My only reservation is the way it ended — like I’m totally lost now, or something,” Halcyon said. “Really, HugNation is stronger than ever, and attendance [at the weekly group hug] is higher than ever before.”
Far from the potentially devastating it could have been, Halcyon said that his grief over Caleb’s death was mitigated by his grandfather’s own attitude at the time.
“Really, although it made me sad, he was so at peace with it, it didn’t really get to me as much as it might have,” Halcyon said. “He led an amazing life.”
While the site has lost Caleb’s physical presence, his inspiration continues to drive the site, and the site continues to draw more viewers, and more accolades — including a Webby Award that Halcyon is headed to New York to receive this weekend.
“I’ll be there to accept it on grandpa’s behalf,” Halcyon said.
After the New York trip, Halcyon said he’s going to keep the site going, full-speed ahead. He’s even acquired an RV to conduct a traveling HugNation road show.
“We’re taking it to the street,” Halcyon said. “We’re going to continue the weekly hug, and keep the good vibe going.”
Just as grandpa Caleb would have wanted, no doubt.
