However, About.com’s focus the last couple of years seems to be (a) cutting expenses and (b) squeezing as many ads as possible onto each page. I don’t find any of their sites valuable enough to visit frequently, despite them covering some of my favorite topics.

If they realize they’re the world’s largest blog producer and make some changes to be more like WIN or Gawker–an emphasis on good writing, less ads, more participation in the blogging community, etc–they could practically own the game.

Anyone remember when they were called The Mining Company?

This is my guiding principle in journalism: My readers know more than I do, and that’s great!
—San Jose Mercury News’ Dan Gillmor