The recent news that the Chicago Reader has changed hands has got me nervous. Let’s say that the board’s new owners decide to increase the board’s “public appeal.” Suddenly, there are three dozen smilies to choose from, and the board is infested with posters who say things like “this is teh suxxor” and have animated sigs that fill half the page (or more).
What would you do? Where would you go for intelligent discussion? No site could ever replace The Dope, but what would be your refuge, the place where you seek asylum?