Well, we saw the smoke before the fire. We all know that in the carefully planned Futfanatico-Lexicon-Of-Motifs, kittens mean change. And change is not always for the best.
As the world gets online and brick-and-mortar newspapers fold by the thousands, large multi-national corporations have turned their gaze to the nimble online media start-ups. True-slant got gobbled up ages ago. Recently, AOL swallowed the Huffington Post. And Daily Beast merged with Newsweek. In fact, JP Morgan created a fund solely for “new media.” Why? Well, the global economy has shaken off its rust and speculative capital reaches for the next big thing. Apparently, I am the next big thing. Or at least my Google PR5 domain name is.
I still don’t know what “new media” is. I’ve always considered audio, the written word, and video to be “media.” The internet just allowed us to combine the three slightly more easily. But apparently this website is new media. And, it pains me to say, this website has been gobbled up by a conglomerate. A new media conglomerate.
Let’s be honest – once this site’s monthly traffic reached five figures, we knew the dollars would fly out of the woodwork. While I love the blog because it fosters a close knit sense of community via comments, loyal RSS readers, and a consistent voice from a few authors, money speaks louder than feelings. After all, the world’s future greatest footballer needs plata for his late night binges of leche con chocolate.
I’ve loved this blog because I love the sport of soccer, and I also love interacting with intelligent & insightful readers. I appreciate readers that keep me in check and challenge assertions (even the typographical-error-troops). Sadly, as part of the sale of this site, I won’t be sticking around.I had the opportunity, but decided not to. It would have been like stepping off a rudderless paddle-boat and onto the titanic.
As part of the severance, I had to partially cede control of my twitter. I also am supposed to take six months off before starting any new project – you will just have to sit & eagerly anticipate the next tumblr sensation: “FTWBenAgueroHasNoLeftFootFUCKYEAHJUNITO”
And the editorial direction of the site? Well, the good and bad news is that you’ve seen it before. Yes, the nefarious Dr. Moschlavius Gumperteer has taken over the writing reigns. He also has a few site designs & tweaks. He was solely responsible for the new site name: “Puffington Host.” I don’t really get it, but I guess that’s the name of his internet hosting company or something.
Regardless, I am eternally thankful to you, the readers, for such a fantastic few years. I’m a bit relieved to get out of the spotlight, as these fake twitterers really get on my nerves. All the best. And God bless….
Image credit: NY Herald
I am so confused.
Charley,
Don’t worry. I’m sure the good Doctor will clear things up first thing Monday morning.
Have you tried to cash their check yet ?
Betcha it’ll bounce.
Webbie,
let me tell you the check has cleared! And depending on where you put the decimal point, plenty of zeroes made me a happy camper. I can’t wait to hit the bingo halls and clean up before the elderly winter Texans clear out.
I’m very personally disappointed that you sold out. You should have gone the same way as FIFA did and sold your soul for a few extra pennies. Just think… It could have been: “McDonaldsSonyMastercardAmstellBridgestonePepsiTojanCondomsHeiniken presents… Futfanatico… in
association with… NestleTollhouseSkittlesXanaxDrPepperHuggiesFordBusweiser… breaking soccer news.”
Has a nice ring to it dontch’a think ?
E-nony,
That is a brilliant idea! I wish I’d thought of it before I sold the rights to my blog. Better luck next time for me, I guess.