@Chip Bennett -
The story gained traction primarily because WPTavern linked to it, and discussed it.

No, WPTavern publishes plenty of posts, publicizes plenty of stories, which then go quietly into the long night, despite that WPTavern put them to the world. The WPTavern kiss does not make a great story from a trifle.

KevinJohn Gallagher's story is a great story ... because KevinJohn Gallagher created a great story.