The gadget website Gizmodo got itself some unwanted publicity this week when one of its dimwitted bloggers went around the Consumer Electronics show with a remote control capable of turning off any TV. Haha, pretty funny, until he started messing with live presentations and one-shot press conferences, events at which people's jobs and important business deals are on the line. In typical Gawker fashion, Gizmodo published a video of its crime (and yes, it was a crime under Nevada law, not to mention a violation of one or more torts) on the site, adding a weak apology at the end after the uproar had started, but never once taking down the post or sincerely addressing the issue. In fact, Gawker's slimeball-in-chief Nick Denton has been quoted as fully supporting Gizmodo editor-in-chief Brian Lam, saying he would rather his bloggers "got into trouble" every so often than act like the respected journalists from CNET and other publications.
It seems that traffic-addict Denton is taking a rather short-sighted view of this whole situation: since Gizmodo is still pulling in the page views, he's had another good day, or so it would seem. What he doesn't consider is the fact that most people visiting Gizmodo in the wake of this scandal are simply rubbernecking in the same way as motorists who pass a fiery car wreck. Once the excitement dies down, the onlookers will speed up and forget all about the mangled carcass.
Therefore, based on what seems to be an overwhelmingly negative and angry reaction from pundits, commenters, and industry insiders all over the internet and even on Gizmodo itself, I am predicting that the backlash from this scandal at its flagship title will be so severe that it will topple the Gawker Empire like a domino effect. Which is too bad, because a number of fine publications such as Lifehacker, Jalopnik, and Kotaku may be lost in the wake of the lawsuits, fleeing advertisers, and declining traffic that will almost surely come about.
Thus, the Gawker Deathwatch is in effect, and this blog will attempt to follow the fall of the House of Denton as it unfolds, bringing you updates on various events which will lead to the eventual crumbling of the company and, if there is such a thing as justice, the personal bankruptcy of a man who has made millions covering the misery and missteps of others.
If you'd like to send in a tip on news relating to this topic, please feel free to do so at gawkerdeathwatch [at] gmail [dot] com.
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