ReadWriteWeb has disbanded its blog network, which included AltSearchEngines and last100, as well as the main ReadWriteWeb blog. Richard MacManus says that the reason for the decision is “to focus on building and extending our core ReadWriteWeb brand”. That makes sense, we’re in a recession after all, and it is better to tighten the portfolio and strengthen the things you truly believe in.
Also from the RWW post on the matter:
I will retain a personal stake in both AltSearchEngines and last100, but as of 1 November they are under the majority ownership of Charles Knight (AltSearchEngines) and Steve O’Hear (last100). I’d like to thank Charles and Steve for putting in so much effort to build up AltSearchEngines and last100 respectively. Both have done a great job covering their respective niches and we wish them all the best in continuing to grow the sites.
I can’t find anything about this on last100, but AltSearchEngines writes about it, using cute toons to further push the point.
I love this:
AltSearchEngines is now an independent blog,
although I doubt that you will notice any changes.
Is this the beginning of a trend? Some blog networks, like b5media and Gawker Media, are cutting costs by changing pay schemes to their bloggers. Others, like Envato and Giga Omni Media, are expanding rapidly. Will we see a halt to this momentum, or is the ReadWriteWeb decision an isolated event?
