Its not just traffic in general. Its noteriety. His pictures are well known as some of the best (next to mine of course
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The traffic just helps. I couldnt open up a web gallery of coaster pictures then expect a park to look at me and say "Yea, hes legit". I need people behind me and I need the traffic plus a good following to make that happen.
How do you think some sites get access to media events and others dont? Your content. You have to offer quality content and generate traffic because of it.
You could have a ton of traffic on your site - like this one. But if its not for the right reasons (Video/Photography) then it means nothing.