Money Pit

There was a time, three to four years ago, when Salon.com was one of the brightest lights on the internet. They were original, confident, talented, and at times even broke stories ahead of the big media establishments. They proved - for a while - that the internet was a completely new medium flush with opportunity for independent, original content. But ever since that big ol' bubble of internet hype and inflated Nasdaq stock prices fell through the floor, Salon has barely kept their head above water. And now, sadly, it looks like their days really are numbered.

How do we know? Because editor David Talbot has written another open letter begging readers for more money. They also haven't paid the rent since December. What's the pitch? That Salon.com is a lone, editorial voice for the anti-conservatives, and that by donating money to the magazine you can help raise Rush Limbaugh's blood pressure.

Seriously.

Salon has slowly dug their own hole by alienating everyone but the most adamantly liberal base of their readership. They used to publish a fair, rounded balance of politics and social issues, which opened up the site to a wide cross section of readers. For those who agree with their editorial viewpoint, they are probably a God-send. But for those who prefer a little more balance in their news media, Salon has only become more painful to read. And now, with Talbot's letter, their editorial myopia has reached the level of parody.

I'm sad to not only see Salon passing out the collection plate - again - but that they foolishly drove away many readers by filtering all their news and content through a particular agenda. They may have picked up some new supporters by adopting a hard line stance, but it was on the backs of those leaving the building for higher ground.