More on the Hot Air acquisition
posted at 4:37 pm on February 18, 2010 by Allahpundit
Ed’s written about it and Michelle’s planning to write about it so I’d feel odd if I didn’t write something myself. Frankly, I don’t have much to add to what Ed said earlier, although he did leave out the part during negotiations where Salem demanded that I stop writing about polls, Palin, and atheism and I reminded them that that’s, like, 97 percent of my content. (I’m joking. Or am I?)
He’s right, of course, that this was unsettling at first, partly because of the speed with which the deal came together and partly because we were uneasy about moving from what was, in essence, a family business to a corporation. But, all idle flattery aside, when we flew out to Colorado and met with the Salem team, they couldn’t have been friendlier or more accommodating. The gist of it is that they like the site pretty much as is and believe they can do a better job of promoting it and monetizing its ad potential than Michelle could. Which is certainly true: Whereas MM had to pay third parties to handle advertising and tech infrastructure, Salem already has experienced people in house to deal with that. They also have many more servers on which to host the site, which, as our regulars know, became a major issue on the night of Scott Brown’s election when the traffic load caused us to melt down. With the midterms coming up and traffic expected to keep popping, the need for more server space to keep the site online would have driven overhead up dramatically. That’s not a major problem for a corporation, which enjoys economy of scale, but for a very small business, it’s a dilemma.
Long story short, the biggest change to the site that you’ll likely see is uninterrupted service on very high-traffic days. Beyond that, things should look familiar: Same Ed and AP, same URL, same basic design (although some tweaks, especially to manage ad space, should be expected). As Ed mentioned earlier, to our great relief, there’s been no attempt to limit what we can or can’t write about. Which means, quite simply, that there are no great downsides to this transaction. Or rather, almost no downsides.
The difficult part of this is having to part ways with Michelle. Superficially, it’s no big deal: She rarely posted to the site and was content to let Ed and me run things here as we saw fit. But Hot Air was, as I say, essentially a family business, and the family has now split up. After the deal, I joked with MM that I felt like a kid whose mom had just dropped him off at the orphanage — a really nice orphanage, to be sure, but still. Cliched though it may be, I do remember like it was yesterday meeting with her and her husband in 2005 to brainstorm about the new site, hearing them describe how Michelle wanted to do daily vlogs called “Vents”, how they were thinking of a two-column format to help promote popular posts, how they needed a name for the site that would reflect its emphasis on video — something with “Air,” perhaps. And now, somehow, I’m the only original contributor left. It’s not lost on me, nor will it ever be, that she could have chosen many other, better bloggers to help her launch Hot Air, particularly since I’d quit blogging at my old site more than a year before she conceived the idea for HA. But she chose me, for whatever reason, and there’s no way I can ever repay her for that, even though it’s a comfort to think that Salem’s offer helped.
Ed wasn’t kidding this morning when he said we told Salem at our meeting that they have big shoes to fill in replacing Michelle. We really did tell them that. But the early signs on that front are good and I’m optimistic that they’ll remain good — which is a hard thing for a famously mopey eeyore to admit. Here’s to an exciting and profitable future for all of us.
Blowback
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Hi Allah,
Don’t know if you’ll actually read this, but I have to say that I think it was insight and wisdom that made Michelle choose you!! She must have been moved by your humor and impressed with your clever comments when you were posting at allahpundit.com. I was SO disappointed when the site shut down. And I was positively THRILLED when I realized it was THE allahpundit at Hot Air. You’re the reason I became a fan, and you’re the reason I stay. I can’t tell you how many times I’ve read a comment from you to my husband and let with, “You’ve got to hear this. This is so funny!”
Leiren on February 18, 2010 at 6:26 PM
I don’t believe I’m alone in saying that HotAir would never have become a favorite hangout, by far, because of Allahpundit…whose longevity here only speaks to his ability to inform and entertain with wit and imagination unmatched in the blogosphere.
HA wouldn’t be where it is without ya.
JetBoy on February 18, 2010 at 6:27 PM
I do not log on to comment often-However I read EVERYTHING!!
Congratulaions on your success. Hotair is my favorite website.
I am a Marin County Conservative.
surfer girl on February 18, 2010 at 6:27 PM
+ 1
jgapinoy on February 18, 2010 at 6:27 PM
+1000 here
I was a Hugh Hewitt fan until he was absorbed by the craptacular Townhall. Now I hardly ever check his site. I have been a HotAir and Allahpundit fan-girl since you all started – I think I may even been in one of the first rounds of open registrations, and I am really apprehensive at the prospect of Townhallization of HotAir.
Lily on February 18, 2010 at 6:28 PM
What they said.
Let’s put this another way.
Yo, Mister Salem, if you’re listening, do the following.
1) Open two browser windows.
2) Go to Townhall.com with the left one, and Hotair.com with the right.
3) Look at Townhall.com. See how it looks.
4) Look at Horair.com. See how it looks.
(drumroll, please!)
5) Don’t make Townhall.com look anything like Hotair.com.
Finally, you don’t have to change anything just to show us you’re the boss. We’re not stupid, or Mrs M wouldn’t be a lot richer right now.
Bon appetit.
manwithblackhat on February 18, 2010 at 6:29 PM
Hey AllahPundit… Congratulations!
Everyday there is love from me for you… I either love to hate you (poll days and Palin craze) or hate to love you (atheist smart ass) LOL
XoXo,
Califemme
Califemme on February 18, 2010 at 6:34 PM
My very best wishes to the HotAir family with many thanks for hours of laughter, pondering a point, and providing ‘news’ that no one else sees fit to share. I check in several times a day to see what is news and I’ve never been disappointed. I’m very impressed that your team is going to be able to carry on, just as before. Looking forward to the next chapter(s)…..great job! Congratulations.
24K lady on February 18, 2010 at 6:36 PM
Like Ed and AP both said, HotAir is going to remain separate from TownHall, so there is little reason to believe that HA would look too much different than it does now, save perhaps a little branding.
JetBoy on February 18, 2010 at 6:36 PM
From those of us who have been here since day one, this change of ownership is a bit unsettling. That said, I offer my congratulations to Salem for this excellent acquisition and stating up front that things will pretty much remain unchanged for now.
Please accept my best wishes, Allah, and to Ed (and the Green Room crowd). Y’all are simply the very best. I’ve rarely missed a day visiting here and will continue to chime in with my two cents every now and again. Continued good fortune to Michelle and all here at Hot Air. Now, on to the mid-terms!!
Zorro on February 18, 2010 at 6:38 PM
He is working for the Republican party in Texas, last I heard.
Spirit of 1776 on February 18, 2010 at 6:39 PM
So, comment threading plus an ignore button would be fantastic.
Masochists like me who enjoy arguing might not use it much, but there are times when some trolls go over the line and I just don’t want to see their vitriol anymore.
TheUnrepentantGeek on February 18, 2010 at 6:42 PM
That will forever remain a mystery. :)
The other mystery is whether that success should be a source of hope or despair for the “many other, better bloggers.” At bottom, it shows that capitalism is often neutral, producing wanted goods, not necessarily valuable goods.
Anyway, congratulations on your continuing employment. It keeps at least one person out of the postal system, where we all know what can happen.
JDPerren on February 18, 2010 at 6:46 PM
First I heard of it. But the lede alone was enough to make my heart sink.
Of course, they were. IT’S A TRAP!!!
Until they fire and replace you.
She always had the hots for you. Your hiatus didn’t change it.
More like she sold her own kids.
Don’t act surprised when Salem management starts demanding sexual favors from you and Ed. You were warned….
Blake on February 18, 2010 at 6:49 PM
“Like a box of chocolates”, when Ed told us the ship was docking for the last time and we’d have to go to this place called Hot Air, I had no idea what I wuz gonna get. I’d be lying if I didn’t admit I was shocked, shocked, to this new site’s pompous egos and arrogance run amuck–”(I’m joking. Or am I?)” All I heard at first was some good folks here not happy about Bryan’s exit and who is this Morrissey fellow? My question was, who’s this Allahpundit? Little did any of us know what would transpire over the next couple of years. As I said in the other thread:
Congratulations to the both of you for the dedication needed to run one of the best sites on the net. I hope the folks at Salem appreciate this talented duo—and the loyal commenters here who make Hot Air what it is—a class above the rest.
Rovin on February 18, 2010 at 6:50 PM
All i ever asked it that those of us from the first round of registration get some special symbol next to our name.
Now those chances are dwinding even more.
Vincenzo on February 18, 2010 at 6:51 PM
Hey Blake…..what’s with the negative waves ???? Or should we call you Moriarty? :)
Rovin on February 18, 2010 at 6:56 PM
AP, you’re a hella writer and analyst. One of the best out there, right or left. Cheers to the change and here’s hoping you both are successful with it.
Grats.
spmat on February 18, 2010 at 6:58 PM
I, like some others, don’t log in much, but I do read everything. This is by far my favorite site. I pray to the good lord above that nothing changes.
I agree that this site would not be the same without AP. While I disagree with most everything he says, it is always good to have the other point of view… (no matter how inane it is)
God Speed MM & HOT AIR!!! (sorry for the religious reference AP, but you better get used to it! God is your Bosses Boss!)
The Dead Terrorist on February 18, 2010 at 7:06 PM
As I posted on another thread, the commenters on here for the most part are the best. Sometimes it gets a little tedious, but I actually learn a lot from them. I’m on here on and off all day checking in for the latest, and it’s always updated. Love it the way it is!
silvernana on February 18, 2010 at 7:07 PM
Seriously? Why get rid of traffic generators? Ya, the atheism posts can get a little annoying at times but, they seem to generate discussion and therefore traffic and therefore money, right?
boomer on February 18, 2010 at 7:12 PM
Oh and perhaps AP will get a golden ban hammer as a fringe benefit.
boomer on February 18, 2010 at 7:13 PM
AllahPundit almost singlehandedly opened my ex-liberal mind to the merits of conservatism. His fair-minded approach to issues isn’t “hot” air, it’s fresh air.
Thanks AP!
EarthToZoey on February 18, 2010 at 7:17 PM
Uh, no. It was a “change” joke. I also think in the beginning there wasn’t a preview button, but that was years ago….
ScottG on February 18, 2010 at 7:24 PM
This sentence struck terror in my heart….
I swear if they put those ad pop-ups over here like over at Townhall–it will be a traffic-killer…
lovingmyUSA on February 18, 2010 at 7:25 PM
I would also like to add to that request for a decent iPhone app. I live on that thing now more than ever and would love a streamlined view of the articles and comments (because I love the commenters here, too!). During the midterms and in other big events, it would be really cool to get push notifications of breaking news. I’ll even pay a couple of bucks to download.
Tech-knowledgy. Embrace it! :)
EarthToZoey on February 18, 2010 at 7:27 PM
What’s up with your naiveté? How many bridges do you own?
Blake on February 18, 2010 at 7:30 PM
I followed Captain Ed to HA and have loved this site ever since. I too hope that nothing changes. The links and top stories sometimes go to what the Left is saying, and it’s always a good thing to know what the other side is doing. Along with the other commenters I hope that HA stays #1.
Retired Sailor on February 18, 2010 at 7:31 PM
Congrats AP!
You’ve made a ding in the blogospheric universe and have hopefully been well compensated for it. We all appreciate the hard work (reading, analysis, linking, sifting, moderating, etc ) and creativity you pour into crafting your posts. Also, it’s your sardonic style that sets you apart and puts a smile on my face: I can’t count the number of times one of your headlines had me busting out in laughter.
You’re a blog artiste dude. Thanks.
zb42 on February 18, 2010 at 7:37 PM
HA is the best stuff on the Net. Thanks, guys — and congratulations!
John the Libertarian on February 18, 2010 at 7:38 PM
Well, that is one way to keep me here…
lovingmyUSA on February 18, 2010 at 7:39 PM
I don’t own any kind of smartphone but I’m sure a $2.99 or so Iphone/crackberry app is a great idea.
Mini-14 on February 18, 2010 at 7:40 PM
Ed & AP … I sure appreciate you guys … HA is my #1 source for news and editorial.
I wish you both nothing less than Great Success … keep on keepin’ on you two.
ORrighty on February 18, 2010 at 7:40 PM
I’m late to the party, but I wanted to mention that without Allah, I never would have started visiting HotAir. And that’s still true today, as without him, HotAir would be no different and no better than a few dozen other conservative sites I could name.
I’m glad to hear nothing much will change with the acquisition.
Splashman on February 18, 2010 at 7:46 PM
Ain’t we the hoity toity….
lovingmyUSA on February 18, 2010 at 7:49 PM
I think a lot of commenters here agree. Please use open registration in a responsible way–and if Ed and AP still have say in this, then everything should be ok…
lovingmyUSA on February 18, 2010 at 7:54 PM
> EarthToZoey on February 18, 2010 at 7:17 PM
Hotair.com: Opening minds to Chamberlain-esque RINO candy ass Conservatism since 2006
zb42 on February 18, 2010 at 7:59 PM
Look, if Salem kept on a Chamberlain-esque RINO candy ass, along with a hair-challenged ideological conservative who’s okay with Jesus, I think we’re okay here. But they better not Townhall this place, or they’ll see HotAir 2.0 rise faster than a phoenix on steroids.
You get me, sweetheart?
TXUS on February 18, 2010 at 8:24 PM
Allah mentioned we should expect TownHall to do “a better job of promoting [HotAir] and monetizing its ad potential”. For the benefit of whoever might be keeping score over at TownHall, here are a few of the comments so far on that subject:
And here’s my own 2 bits:
The reasons I don’t have TownHall.com bookmarked are
1) awful design — a big ol’ mess
2) slow-loading
3) pop-ups
The contributors at TownHall are great, and I do follow links there sometimes, but I’d never bookmark or subscribe to such a lame site. Never.
Nobody here, least of all a born-again Capitalist like me, begrudges TownHall making a buck from HotAir. But there are particular lines you better not cross.
Splashman on February 18, 2010 at 8:24 PM
You underestimate yourself, AP. You’ve been the common thread and (ironically) the soul of this operation. I signed up on day one, having followed Michelle for a while. Came for MM, stayed for AP. Congrats and all the best in the future.
mikeyboss on February 18, 2010 at 8:30 PM
I hope the best for all of you. Fight any change that would compromise what’s made this a value worth Salem’s purchase price. And yes, buy Ed another microphone. And AP an I-Pad. And golly gee, Mr. Wizard, don’t let the new IT crew make it impossible to get this site on my Blackberry.
And Ed, you’d be styin’ in a string tie and a Stetson.
Robert17 on February 18, 2010 at 8:32 PM
Congratulations to all. AP, you bring another dimension to the site-mostly in a good way. While I get tired of your Sarah-bashing photo choices, I value your realistic appraisals. Finally, the Humpbot rules!
indypat on February 18, 2010 at 8:35 PM
Allahpundit’s tendency to diverge with the mainstream right is what makes Hot Air worth reading. Conservatism is not the sole property of bible-thumping, abortion-loathing Christians. The sooner the Republican Party realizes that, the sooner they can get about the business of winning some elections.
Oh, and one other thing: I’ll vote for Obama before I vote for Sarah Palin.
Potfry on February 18, 2010 at 9:02 PM
AP… all due respect to Ed and MM, but you ARE HA and you ARE the best blogger in the sphere. I’m never completely sure who you are, where you are or what you do (other than blog), but you have a true gift for the medium. I could give too damns about who owns your servers. As long as you are writing, I am there reading. I hope you made some cash off this deal. The IP value in the deal was all you.
Maineac on February 18, 2010 at 9:04 PM
The unfortunate fact is 90%+ of acquisitions do not work out for those acquired by the end of the second year. Good luck to guys, hopefully this beats the odds.
ray on February 18, 2010 at 9:04 PM
+1
CWforFreedom on February 18, 2010 at 9:15 PM
How’s that hope and change working out for you?
indypat on February 18, 2010 at 9:18 PM
The bottom line on this acquisition is that Michelle’s kids won’t need a scholarship to get into Stanford now, will they?
radjah shelduck on February 18, 2010 at 9:20 PM
AP, you are a big reason that I’ve frequented Hotair over the years. I’m glad they are keeping you and Ed on.
As for those saying that Townhall has too many ads, I suggest you switch to Firefox as your browser, pick up Adblock and NoScript for it and you’ll be set. I rarely if ever manage to see ads on the net with those add-ons.
Benaiah on February 18, 2010 at 9:23 PM
I think this is a wise move by Michelle. While I disagree with her about Mike Huckabee (call him Michelle — communicate and iron out your differences) now that she has sold Hot Air she’s freed herself from all the “ungodly” content on this site celebrating sinful behavior which was both embarrassing and offensive to her reputation for years. After all, why do you think I am posting here? To counter all the ungodliness and to divert folks attention back to Christ. Believe me, I am just as upset with the wicked as they are with me. While I only wish the best for Allahpundit, who is an incredibly likeable character and a God gifted writer, and Ed, who has so much potential as a leader and speaker to do great things for God, Michelle may have no longer had any interest in funding the sinful and ungodly lifestyle that others are choosing to live. This way, with the sale, everybody gets to go in the direction they wish and Michelle’s conscience is a little less troubled (Acts 23:1). What about this rattler? Does the Hot Air acquisition mean I have to change my mission directives? Hmm, that’s easy – No. My mission statement will remain the same, present truth and expose error. Whether I do it here or somewhere else, well, only God knows the answer to that. Thank you. God bless you, everyone!
apacalyps on February 18, 2010 at 9:47 PM
It sounds like things will not change much. I’m so glad!
ryanj on February 18, 2010 at 9:51 PM
After all that’s happened this year you’d vote for the Lying, Socialist, Corruptocrat???
Srsly???
redridinghood on February 18, 2010 at 9:52 PM
Not to be an eeyore, but people might abuse that feature a little too much ;)
FontanaConservative on February 18, 2010 at 10:06 PM
Ed is a serious person; AP, not so much. I hope that Salem will force you to come out of the closet, so to speak. It would be good for you and for us.
azkenreid on February 18, 2010 at 10:07 PM
Long live Allahpundit.
SouthernDem on February 18, 2010 at 10:11 PM
Hey Blake….where’s your sins of humor? I thought you’d like the video.
Rovin on February 18, 2010 at 10:25 PM
That would be MISTER Beta male, Chamberlain-esque, RINO, candy ass at Hot Air to you.
…and Allah, it is said with love AND respect. I enjoy your intellect and wit; Salem was smart not to mess with your writing. Keep it coming.
Laura in Maryland on February 18, 2010 at 10:43 PM
Well, whatever you do, stick around here. We’ll get you educated and before long you’ll get on your knees with every Sarah picture that pops up. lol
boomer on February 18, 2010 at 10:58 PM
I am for keeping registration to Hot Air the way it is. I had to wait my turn as a lot of others had to do. There should be no “walking across the border” to get in. If this happens themn we will be overrun and it will become a cluster. With that being said I do look forward to a new LIMITED registration (As it has always been) group of neophytes and trolls. Trainers get ready and how many shamwows should we get?!?
Dire Straits on February 18, 2010 at 11:19 PM
We got your back, Allah. Nobody messes with our kid, Allah. Well, except us! ;)
Cheers!
*Clink Clink*
TN Mom on February 18, 2010 at 11:21 PM
So, AP, have you picked out a church, yet? :)
OldEnglish on February 18, 2010 at 11:24 PM
Allah, I hope they continue to allow you/Ed to use “…. or something” to headline your posts.. there have been quite a few times when those headlines alone made me LOL..
Frankly, i dont like the accquisition of HA – change is inevitable and although i only started following this blog since April 2008 it feels a lot longer than that. I am afraid that Salem will try to change this site but if their gimmicks dont work, will they have the good sense to admit it ? Let’s see.
Thanks for everything AP and Ed. This is easily my most favorite blog
nagee76 on February 18, 2010 at 11:30 PM
Are you really so threatened by the possibility that there might be a ship of eternal life and the sails don’t fit on your boat Potfry? Surely, with the confidence of your writing, you don’t buy the idea that some one is cramming Christianity down your throat. And, if this is not the case, can you enlighten us as to why you would vote again for a president that’s driving this nation towards utter government dependency and fiscal policy of endless debt? You are completely correct when you say:
But if you believe in conservatism, you may want to look at the sheer numbers of conservative Christians that are also Patriots and love this country because they see it as a gift from God, and have a faith that mankind can accept their own personal convictions without bias. Our founding fathers saw this as something so important, they wrote it into our Declaration of Independence that citizens were “endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness”.
Christians do not question your resolve or rights to pursue these same liberties, yet they will stand at your side with the same convictions of self governance and the principles of nation for and of the people. But, I would submit that mocking our religious or moral convictions may not be the best route to achieving a similar goal.
Rovin on February 18, 2010 at 11:32 PM
Safari seems snappier.
OldEnglish on February 18, 2010 at 11:38 PM
+100 That was an excellent post. Definitely nominated a “Thread winner”. That was impressive.
Dire Straits on February 18, 2010 at 11:44 PM
Good post Rovin. I went to Poltfry’s site -he is not exactly an Obama fan. has posted stuff mocking Obama.
But Palin hatred is fashionable today. She has quite some ways to go before she can be a real contender. But two things stand out..
A) People who disagree with her simply hate/loathe her.
B) She is WAY MORE QUALIFIED than Obama, Biden, Pelosi or Reid to lead.. How ever that is kind of setting the bar too low.
nagee76 on February 19, 2010 at 12:07 AM
All true ‘conservatives’ would.
As for the topic of the thread – Just say no to pop ups.
BadgerHawk on February 19, 2010 at 12:24 AM
Not a conservative I see–just a hater and Obama-bot…and not a very good one at that…
lovingmyUSA on February 19, 2010 at 12:28 AM
Enough with the false humility, AP…
You know damn well why she chose you: you are an amazing blogger. It wasn’t Michelle’s or others’ contributions that got people visiting the site. It wasn’t the entertaining Vlogs. It was mostly you! And you know that.
No disrespect to Ed… but you are the best analyst and the most entertaining writer. You’re the traffic generator. Even with your antagonistic posts about the Right still keep people coming back.
It’s no wonder that Salem’s demands to get you to change your content went nowhere. The best writer should be kept happy, or their acquisition becomes useless if you’re miserable and end up leaving.
Anyway, keep doing what you do best.
AlexB on February 19, 2010 at 12:47 AM
I love Ed, but I have said this many times: you’re the top blogger on the ‘Net. She could have chosen others, sure. But nobody better.
I’m sad to see her separated from the site, but this seems like mostly win-win. Good luck.
Patterico on February 19, 2010 at 12:56 AM
Oh, also:
(channeling idiots)
This site has become valuable to me because of the great Headlines. Some mysterious entity manages to find breaking and interesting news at all times.
Also, I wish Michelle would just fire Allahpundit.
(end channeling of idiots)
Patterico on February 19, 2010 at 12:58 AM
I wish you all the best, and God Speed. Hope you made some good US$
I am an avid fan & a fellow entrepreneur.
My bad in manufacturing.
America will survive with you HOT AIR and others like you to
PRESERVE
City dwellers like to think that fly over Country can be run over.
seesalrun on February 19, 2010 at 1:20 AM
Ridiculous, unless your criterion is solely based on traffic. Not even in the top 20.
Good at posting useful news reports and editorials from around the web, I’ll give him that.
JDPerren on February 19, 2010 at 1:25 AM
To any and all viewers here do not worry. Once Salem decides to ‘adjust’ the content to suit their needs, it will only take a few days to start up a new site!
Freddy on February 19, 2010 at 1:31 AM
Ridiculous, unless your criterion is solely based on traffic. Not even in the top 20.
Not based on traffic. On wit, good writing, and a level head.
Patterico on February 19, 2010 at 1:40 AM
Freddy – is that Kruger?
when and if the adjust comes, we’ll alert you. ok?
seesalrun on February 19, 2010 at 1:40 AM
+1.247 x 10^28
Ed’s a competent conservative cheerleader — nothing wrong with that, but there are plenty of others out there. Allahpundit is unique in that he is an entertaining and very sharp equal-opportunity analyst, who thankfully resists the urge to jump on the lib-gaffe-of-the-day bandwagon. I’m one of those creepy ultra-conservative Christians, and I don’t find Allah to be antagonistic to the right, as AlexB wrote. He just hasn’t drunk the Hugh Hewitt kool-aid. And as an avowed atheist, he’s as fair to Christians as anyone on the ‘net.
Maybe that’s why HotAir is so popular: there’s something for everyone who’s even remotely conservative. If you don’t like Allah, you probably enjoy Ed, and vice-versa.
Splashman on February 19, 2010 at 2:00 AM
<
AP, I was reading your stuff long before HA debuted. I think that you sell yourself a bit short here.
Physics Geek on February 18, 2010 at 4:49 PM
Completely agree. I’ve been a long-time fan, following you on your various sites over the years. Honestly, I enjoy Ed’s commentary during the day, but I really appreciate your evening and night-time perspectives. It helps a lot that I’m a sucker for good snark!
Congratulations. I hope you and Ed got a piece of the payoff. You’ve both earned it. Keep up the good work and here’s to lots of humpbots over the next few years.
nukemhill on February 19, 2010 at 2:07 AM
Suggestion for HotAir 2.0 — editing. Yeah, I forgot to preview. Multiple maitais’ll do that to me….
nukemhill on February 19, 2010 at 2:10 AM
Heh. Maybe TownHall will upgrade the commenting system to allow editing of comments? :)
Splashman on February 19, 2010 at 2:10 AM
Geez. Posted at the same time.
Splashman on February 19, 2010 at 2:10 AM
Same here. I’m a relative youngin’ but I’ve been reading Hot Air since I saw my AP US History teacher reading it on his break nearly 4 years ago (give or take). That said, I only know AP and Ed from Hot Air, but I just wanted to say, I love Hot Air, and I hope the content remains largely unchanged. The depth of the research you guys do is outstanding! Congrats!
Vortaine on February 19, 2010 at 2:11 AM
what the heck, i’ll add to the chorus.
i had never heard of ap, came to the site because of mm, immediately found a voice for my perspective in ap, have never left since.
back in the day, i occasionally read bryan if the topic interested me – but it was largely obvious and uninspired analysis(to me). i think ed is a step up (probably even a big one), but i largely take the same stance with him. but i almost always read all of ap’s posts (at least politically related stuff). also, i remember he once said he was responsible for about 90% of the headlines (may or may not still be true), and those have been a killer addition to the site.
anyway, my two cents going forward: keep the new ‘contributers’ to a minimum and/or just the green room and/or maybe just saturdays – they just clog up the site in my opinion and are a negative (no offense – just my thoughts), and somehow, someway bring back mm’s vents!!!! (still think she stopped when drudge mocked her – a real shame…..).
truecon on February 19, 2010 at 7:04 AM
Growth is great for the owners and sometimes not so great for commenters. It’s nice to not have excessive number of snarky remarks to scroll through.
AnninCA on February 19, 2010 at 7:18 AM
I got a little misty-eyed reading both accounts. ;)
Absolutely right.
Diane on February 19, 2010 at 7:27 AM
Not always. It took alot of whining to finally get it.
I’m for bringing back the “vent” too. I sure miss Bethany.
BacaDog on February 19, 2010 at 8:41 AM
Obamateurism of the Day used to be the very first post of the day. Did Salem put a halt to it?
csdeven on February 19, 2010 at 9:20 AM
looks like you’re left with meggie mac twitters and humpbots, eh AP?
//
ted c on February 19, 2010 at 9:27 AM
Yeah, AP–I’m still PO’d about that. I was denied the humpbot I was entitled to, that I was so looking forward to, and which we so richly deserved on that Tuesday night AFTER you spent Monday night screwing around with Palin snarks when you shoulda been eeking out a few more gigawatts of bandwidth to handle the Tuesday load. But, did we get an apology, or a cone of shame??—nope./
ted c on February 19, 2010 at 9:29 AM
Allahpundit, Michelle, and Ed:
As long as the Salem Group allow the The Three Musketeers to continue providing U.S. your insights to the Blogasphere free of PC intimidation, fearing legal of profit motives, then “Hot Air” should continue to be icon that Michelle desired it to be.
I look forward to continue participating with “Hot Air” leadership, and its large group dedicated believers and supporters. However, the minute I notice a dramatic shift in message of ideology I will insure the new management know it is drifting and need to get off the brakes before it hits the proverbial “Brick-wall”.
MSGTAS on February 19, 2010 at 9:31 AM
I don’t post very often, but I’ve been reading Hot Air since it’s inception.
Allahpundit is by far my favorite blogger on the internet. It made me feel better that there are other conservative atheists out there who weren’t complete jackasses.
Thanks AP. Enjoy the mountains of cash you’re now rolling in.
thereverendag on February 19, 2010 at 9:31 AM
Great job to all you guys for making HotAir what it is. The simplicity, the humor and snarks makes HA the best around. Moreover, we’re not overwhelmed with stupid popups ads and dudes dancing across the screen. The keep-it-simple-stupid approach is appreciated by the commenters here–at least by this one.
ted c on February 19, 2010 at 9:32 AM
Oh, and I feel as if I should add that I love Ed as well. Bryan, bless his little heart, was not my favorite blogger. Ed’s posts are great though.
So thank you Ed.
thereverendag on February 19, 2010 at 9:38 AM
I have a mansion, forget the price
In Minnesota, covered with ice
I live in hotels, tear out the walls
I just have Salem, pay for it all
Akzed on February 19, 2010 at 9:48 AM
I’ve been here a while, sometimes fairly active, sometimes lurking. I well remember the vent days, though I can’t recall when I registered. I remember being banned once, by Bryan, and then somehow getting an appeal in and he let me back in, probably to some other posters eventual dismay. But I’ve been (mostly) good since.
That said, I disagree with AP (who doesn’t sometimes) a fair bit. But he’s got the best talent for headlines, which Ed is picking up on, and a truly unique set of sources, as well as a great wit and writing skills. I’ve defended him here before, and I think HotAir wouldn’t have succeeded without him. I miss Bryan’s posts, but honestly, Ed filled in pretty well without a hitch. But if AP was gone…. Hotair wouldn’t work.
Worst of all, I find I keep rooting for him to actually get with Meghan McCain, or Kristen Powers, or any of the other half liberal women he so publicly drools over. Best of luck to you guys!
Vanceone on February 19, 2010 at 10:01 AM
This sounds just like a typical corporate take over.
TH and HA have EXACTLY the same target audience.
EXACTLY.
We will see in about 6 months, the two sites starting to look more alike, with more cross over etc.
Then bit by bit, there will be no difference. Then in about 9 months time, we`ll hear that the two sites are merging to “deliver better service to the readers”
No differenct to any well managed hostile take over.
Very sad to see this happen, but in a way, it`s good to see the HA model becmoming a major media force.
gozzak on February 19, 2010 at 10:06 AM
Rovin–
Thanks for your thoughtful reply (no snark).
Do not conclude, though, that I don’t believe in God. I simply believe in a fierce separation of church and state. Constitutional conservatism is far different than religious conservatism.
I respect that certain Judeo-Christian values are imbedded in our constitution as a moral grounding. Fine. But the notion that we should subjugate our individual liberties to the laws of a God that only some claim to understand runs counter to the American spirit, in my opinion.
As for voting for Obama, it would certainly be with my nose pinched. You only need to visit my site to see how I truly feel about the man. But I don’t believe Sarah Palin is qualified to be my daughter’s second grade teacher.
Potfry on February 19, 2010 at 10:33 AM
I’m betting that the site went for stock, not cash – and that Columbia Wanger Asset Management filed the 13G. I’ve read through all of Salem’s sec filings, nothing out of the ordinary other than that 13G filed on 2/11.
Fishy.Gov on February 19, 2010 at 11:21 AM
Hey Allah,
Thanks for your two cents. I usually don’t agree with you on issues of some of the said issues above (atheism, Palin, etc.) but I wish that your voice isn’t squashed on these issues. As a Christian I wish to continue dialogue with non-believers and want to continue to embrace your discussions with as much respect as with people I agree with. I think having you on board and being heard demonstrates how tolerant how the so called “intolerant” are.
Good luck on the new partnership with Salem. To me this is best setup for me because I love Salem’s talk radio format and Hot Airs web content. Best of luck to you all.
Closet GOP
closetgop on February 19, 2010 at 11:44 AM
+2
ted c on February 19, 2010 at 1:32 PM
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