# We're being sold. Again. Maybe. **URL:** \ **Category:** About This Message Board\ **Created:** [May 9, 2012, 9:09pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/were-being-sold-again-maybe/621426 "2012-05-09T21:09:29Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 3
**Author:** ![Irishman](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/i/b487fb/32.png) [@Irishman](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Irishman)\ **Post date:** [May 23, 2012, 6:43pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/were-being-sold-again-maybe/621426/41 "2012-05-23T18:43:13Z")
> [@TubaDiva](#): > > Until that time comes (if indeed it does come), we’ll deal with it then, so in the meantime don’t fret yourself. Besides, you’d look silly with [frets](http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fret). ---
**Author:** ![Marley23](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/45deac/32.png) [@Marley23](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Marley23)\ **Post date:** [May 23, 2012, 6:48pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/were-being-sold-again-maybe/621426/42 "2012-05-23T18:48:11Z")
> [@Rhythmdvl](#): > > I know there are a lot of splinter boards. Would it be kosher to start a ‘where to go in case of emergency’ thread? Since we’re asking people not to panic and there’s no reason whatsoever to think that’ll be necessary now or any time in the future, maybe you’d be willing to hold off? ---
**Author:** ![TubaDiva](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/tubadiva/32/507_2.png) [@TubaDiva](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/TubaDiva)\ **Post date:** [May 23, 2012, 6:53pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/were-being-sold-again-maybe/621426/43 "2012-05-23T18:53:51Z")
> [@Rhythmdvl](#): > > Holy cow, _less than three million_ for the whole kit and caboodle? I wish I knew that beforehand; could have made good on a lot of the promise of the board. > > I know there are a lot of splinter boards. Would it be kosher to start a ‘where to go in case of emergency’ thread? I would think if anything happened you’d know, or you’d find out pretty quickly. Again, why are you so sure this means the demise of anything? ---
**Author:** ![Rhythmdvl](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/r/85f322/32.png) [@Rhythmdvl](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Rhythmdvl)\ **Post date:** [May 23, 2012, 6:56pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/were-being-sold-again-maybe/621426/44 "2012-05-23T18:56:01Z")
> [@Irishman](#): > > Besides, you’d look silly with [frets](http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fret). Are you [sure](http://cdn.costumesupercenter.com/csc_inc/images/items/343x432/7668-03.jpg)? No problem holding off. Not sure of anything–except that the unexpected happens all the time. Again, look at [jumptheshark.com](http://jumptheshark.com) for just one example of what _could_ go wrong. ---
**Author:** ![Brainiac4](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/brainiac4/32/3534_2.png) [@Brainiac4](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Brainiac4)\ **Post date:** [May 23, 2012, 7:00pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/were-being-sold-again-maybe/621426/45 "2012-05-23T19:00:33Z")
I think this is good news. Creative Loafing has been unsure of where to fit the SDMB into its overall portfolio. As Ed points out, the SDMB is a good-sized web property with a nice combination of revenue and content. Sun-Times will have no reason to shut it down, and many reasons to keep it going. The only thing to worry about, IMO, is tonal change, and at would be foolish on the pat of the Sun-Times. You don’t fix what ain’t broke. ---
**Author:** ![TubaDiva](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/tubadiva/32/507_2.png) [@TubaDiva](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/TubaDiva)\ **Post date:** [May 23, 2012, 7:02pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/were-being-sold-again-maybe/621426/46 "2012-05-23T19:02:57Z")
With all the many outlets available – including the splinter boards – I would think there would be no end of places to go and things to do. For right now, however, it doesn’t appear to be an issue. ---
**Author:** ![Marley23](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/45deac/32.png) [@Marley23](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Marley23)\ **Post date:** [May 23, 2012, 7:05pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/were-being-sold-again-maybe/621426/47 "2012-05-23T19:05:07Z")
> [@Brainiac4](#): > > I think this is good news. Creative Loafing has been unsure of where to fit the SDMB into its overall portfolio. As Ed points out, the SDMB is a good-sized web property with a nice combination of revenue and content. Sun-Times will have no reason to shut it down, and many reasons to keep it going. I think that’s a sensible analysis. > [@](#): > > The only thing to worry about, IMO, is tonal change, and at would be foolish on the pat of the Sun-Times. You don’t fix what ain’t broke. Then again, nothing about the forum changed (or was ordered to change) as part of any of the previous sales. ---
**Author:** ![Qadgop\_the\_Mercotan](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/qadgop_the_mercotan/32/83_2.png) [@Qadgop\_the\_Mercotan](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Qadgop_the_Mercotan)\ **Post date:** [May 23, 2012, 7:12pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/were-being-sold-again-maybe/621426/48 "2012-05-23T19:12:53Z")
The article didn’t even mention the Straight Dope, much less our Message Board. Or more tellingly, _me_. :eek: ---
**Author:** ![carnivorousplant](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/carnivorousplant/32/3563_2.png) [@carnivorousplant](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/carnivorousplant)\ **Post date:** [May 23, 2012, 7:15pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/were-being-sold-again-maybe/621426/49 "2012-05-23T19:15:54Z")
> [@TubaDiva](#): > > Again, why are you so sure this means the demise of anything? Because G-d hates me. Sorry to drag all of you into this. 🙂 ---
**Author:** ![Qadgop\_the\_Mercotan](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/qadgop_the_mercotan/32/83_2.png) [@Qadgop\_the\_Mercotan](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Qadgop_the_Mercotan)\ **Post date:** [May 23, 2012, 7:30pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/were-being-sold-again-maybe/621426/50 "2012-05-23T19:30:22Z")
> [@carnivorousplant](#): > > Because G-d hates me. > Sorry to drag all of you into this. 🙂 She doesn’t hate you, but she tells me she thinks you’re a bit of a drama queen. that’s all. 😉 ---
**Author:** ![carnivorousplant](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/carnivorousplant/32/3563_2.png) [@carnivorousplant](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/carnivorousplant)\ **Post date:** [May 23, 2012, 7:33pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/were-being-sold-again-maybe/621426/51 "2012-05-23T19:33:41Z")
> [@Qadgop\_the\_Mercotan](#): > > She doesn’t hate you, but she tells me she thinks you’re a bit of a drama queen. that’s all. > > 😉 You think I’m to argue about this? Get Her pissed off again? ---
**Author:** ![Irishman](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/i/b487fb/32.png) [@Irishman](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Irishman)\ **Post date:** [May 23, 2012, 8:21pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/were-being-sold-again-maybe/621426/52 "2012-05-23T20:21:42Z")
> [@Rhythmdvl](#): > > Are you [sure](http://cdn.costumesupercenter.com/csc_inc/images/items/343x432/7668-03.jpg)? Case in point. > [@Brainiac4](#): > > The only thing to worry about, IMO, is tonal change, and at would be foolish on the pat of the Sun-Times. You don’t fix what ain’t broke. It’s a risk, but I don’t think a high one. We’ve been through two ownership changes without anyone poking their nose into the board (other that Ed Zotti trying to clean up the Pit). Hmmm, okay, bad example. 😉 The SDMB seems to be a strong asset. It’s a community formed around one property, the Straight Dope column. Assuming they wish to keep the SD column running, there’s no reason to think they’d want to tamper with the SDMB. No reason to want to absorb it into a different existing online community they may have. Of course, sometimes business people are idiots, or egotists, or any number of other flaws. Can you imagine what would happen if it were bought out by Donald Trump? :eek: ---
**Author:** ![Giraffe](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/giraffe/32/129_2.png) [@Giraffe](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Giraffe)\ **Post date:** [May 23, 2012, 8:24pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/were-being-sold-again-maybe/621426/53 "2012-05-23T20:24:09Z")
> [@Qadgop\_the\_Mercotan](#): > > The article didn’t even mention the Straight Dope, much less our Message Board. Or more tellingly, _me_. :eek: You’re not part of the sale. You have to stay behind with the broken office furniture. 😛 ---
**Author:** ![carnivorousplant](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/carnivorousplant/32/3563_2.png) [@carnivorousplant](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/carnivorousplant)\ **Post date:** [May 23, 2012, 8:31pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/were-being-sold-again-maybe/621426/54 "2012-05-23T20:31:22Z")
> [@Giraffe](#): > > You’re not part of the sale. You have to stay behind with the broken office furniture. 😛 Maybe G-d has been watching me like Santa Claus. ---
**Author:** ![Happy\_Lendervedder](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/happy_lendervedder/32/8488_2.png) [@Happy\_Lendervedder](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Happy_Lendervedder)\ **Post date:** [May 23, 2012, 8:48pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/were-being-sold-again-maybe/621426/55 "2012-05-23T20:48:18Z")
I’m too lazy to click on Tuba’s link. Can anyone sum things up? Rather, can anyone tell me if “Happy Lendervedder” came up at all in the negotiations? I understand Qadgop wasn’t mentioned, but that says nothing about me. ---
**Author:** ![Shmendrik](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/ee7513/32.png) [@Shmendrik](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Shmendrik)\ **Post date:** [May 23, 2012, 8:58pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/were-being-sold-again-maybe/621426/56 "2012-05-23T20:58:32Z")
> [@Qadgop\_the\_Mercotan](#): > > The article didn’t even mention the Straight Dope, much less our Message Board. Or more tellingly, _me_. :eek: The Tribune [article](http://www.chicagotribune.com/business/breaking/chi-suntimes-owner-buys-chicago-reader-20120523,0,3474395.story) did: > [@](#): > > Wrapports, the owner of the Chicago Sun-Times, has closed a deal to buy the Chicago Reader. The acquisition, announced Wednesday, includes [chicagoreader.com](http://chicagoreader.com), [straightdope.com](http://straightdope.com) and the 41-year-old flagship alternative weekly. ---
**Author:** ![Loach](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/loach/32/350_2.png) [@Loach](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Loach)\ **Post date:** [May 23, 2012, 9:09pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/were-being-sold-again-maybe/621426/57 "2012-05-23T21:09:52Z")
> [@Marley23](#): > > Since we’re asking people not to panic and there’s no reason whatsoever to think that’ll be necessary now or any time in the future, maybe you’d be willing to hold off? So when it is time to panic will there be some sort of signal? I haven’t had a good panic in years. ---
**Author:** ![Marley23](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/45deac/32.png) [@Marley23](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Marley23)\ **Post date:** [May 23, 2012, 9:24pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/were-being-sold-again-maybe/621426/58 "2012-05-23T21:24:01Z")
> [@Loach](#): > > So when it is time to panic will there be some sort of signal? I haven’t had a good panic in years. Maybe we can develop some kind of button. > [@Qadgop\_the\_Mercotan](#): > > The article didn’t even mention the Straight Dope, much less our Message Board. Or more tellingly, _me_. :eek: You were saying? > [@Shmendrik](#): > > The Tribune [article](http://www.chicagotribune.com/business/breaking/chi-suntimes-owner-buys-chicago-reader-20120523,0,3474395.story) did: > > > [@](#): > > > > Wrapports, the owner of the Chicago Sun-Times, has closed a deal to buy the Chicago Reader. The acquisition, announced Wednesday, includes [chicagoreader.com](http://chicagoreader.com), [straightdope.com](http://straightdope.com) and the 41-year-old flagship alternative weekly. [del]Emphasis added[/del] Message decoded. ---
**Author:** ![RetroVertigo](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/r/b38774/32.png) [@RetroVertigo](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/RetroVertigo)\ **Post date:** [May 23, 2012, 9:26pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/were-being-sold-again-maybe/621426/59 "2012-05-23T21:26:20Z")
> [@Irishman](#): > > Can you imagine what would happen if it were bought out by Donald Trump? :eek: I’d imagine gold plated statues of Marley in his full glory, everywhere. ---
**Author:** ![Marley23](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/45deac/32.png) [@Marley23](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Marley23)\ **Post date:** [May 23, 2012, 9:28pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/were-being-sold-again-maybe/621426/60 "2012-05-23T21:28:33Z")
> [@RetroVertigo](#): > > I’d imagine gold plated statues of Marley in his full glory, everywhere. I _am_ pretty freaking classy. But I don’t use a fork when I eat pizza. [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/were-being-sold-again-maybe/621426.md?page=2) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/were-being-sold-again-maybe/621426.md?page=4)