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June 22, 2010

Hull Selling RIF to Shadowy Board of Directors!

Marc Comtois

Brian Hull (h/t Ian Donnis), current proprietor of RI Future is putting the old girl up on the block again. This will be the 3rd ownership change for our erstwhile Progessive counterparts in as many years. Hull has been accepted into the Masters in Public Policy degree program at Harvard's Kennedy School of Government and the workload will be too much to both manage RIF and get the sheepskin. (I do believe we have a contributor here at AR who can relate).

However, Hull still intends to be part of the future of RI Future as a member of a new "Board of Directors" that will take ownership of the site with the intention of turning it into a non-profit. (Because--apparently--we need another progressive non-profit!). So, the blog founded by community activists will be run by a corporatist-like Board of Directors comprised of as-yet unknown individuals (with the exception of Brian). Meanwhile, this blog--oft-accused of being in corporate pockets like Big Radio, etc.--will continue to be run by volunteers. Ahhh, the Alanis Morrissette-like irony!

In all seriousness, best of luck to Brian in his studies. See you in the interwebs.

Comments

They're adopting the "corporate model." How ironic.

This really is too bad because Brian was by far the best thing to ever happen to that site (as nice as it would have been to see it go down permanently under the previous owner, Comrade Crowley). Brian has been a steady voice of reason, peace, and understanding in a frothing sea of eco-terrorists, marxists, and hate-filled union extremists. He turned the site around from the brink of extinction and brought some credibility back to it, however small. That takes serious effort, willpower, and leadership, especially after the severe reputation damage that Jerzyk and Crowley had done over the previous two years.

The site has blossomed since Crowley has stopped contributing regularly. I think Brian might have given him a little "talking to" at some point because the libel got pretty out of control during the whole Central Falls escapade and there has only been the occasional peep from him since.

Brian has also conducted some high-level in-depth interviews of candidates, particularly in the Attorney General race. He even interviewed the Republican and Moderate Party candidates.

Good luck, Brian. Hopefully you will continue to use your good sense and keep the real nutjobs who surround you off of the Board of Directors. Remember, you turned the site around by yourself and you don't owe those people anything (Brian's major flaw is that he is far too kind to those around him who would hijack his sincere efforts to pad their own salaries and advance their own causes).


Posted by: Dan at June 22, 2010 5:46 PM

Will they qualify for a legislative grant?

Posted by: John at June 22, 2010 5:51 PM

Undoubtedly, the propensity to spew nutbag liberal nonsense once again proves to be a market failure, a la Air Amerika.
What is amazing is these stupid liberals will never accept the fact that conservativism sells, and their BS doesn't, despite volumes of proof.

Posted by: Mike Cappelli at June 22, 2010 7:42 PM

RIF ownership was like hapatitis:Types A,B,C.
Type A:generally mild and curable;preventable
Type B:carcinogenic long term;frequently fatal short term;preventable
Type C;fatal short term(relatively);not preventable
Read the above as:Hull,Jerzyk,Crowley in that order.

Posted by: joe bernstein at June 22, 2010 8:09 PM

You can sell a blog? What do you guys want for this place?

I never spend much time over there, maybe I'll put it on my list.

Posted by: michael at June 22, 2010 8:15 PM

Yeah, who really cares?

I once ran a popular anti-government (local) blog - gave it to a friend when I left town. He ran it into the ground.

Rifuture and this site both rank extremely low in visitors - so low as to be worthless as anything other than a local watering hole and sounding board.

Posted by: Stuart at June 22, 2010 8:29 PM

Low on visitors? I've been doing a blog for years, www.rescuingprovidence.com and I can guarantee I've got the RI market cornered when it comes to low on visitors. But you are right. Who cares? I love it when even one person reads the thing, even better when they leave a comment.

Posted by: michael at June 22, 2010 8:39 PM

I still post there occasionally, but I don't find it anywhere near as interesting as it used to be.

I think the new format has something to do with it, it seems much less conducive to discussion in the comments.

Posted by: brassband at June 22, 2010 9:25 PM

So Stu,why do you spend so much time here with people who'd as soon spit a lunger in your face as look at you?
You're a sick puppy.

Posted by: joe bernstein at June 22, 2010 10:18 PM

I just checked the traffic rankings on Alexa for both RIF and Anchor.
RIF is 1,737,364 (232 sites linking in)
Anchor is 1,853,730 (162 sites linking in)

RIF is a little better than 120,000 higher than Anchor and twice the sites linking in.

Just the facts.

Posted by: Swazool at June 23, 2010 9:17 AM

No one needs to go there to see RI Future anymore.
All we need to do is look at Greece or California and we can see this state's future rather clearly.

Posted by: Tommy Cranston at June 23, 2010 9:27 AM

A "corporatist-like Board of Directors?" You guys crack me up. So I take it that unlike RIF you run this blog more like a worker owned cooperative, eh, comrade?

Posted by: Russ at June 23, 2010 10:19 AM

>RIF is 1,737,364 (232 sites linking in)
Anchor is 1,853,730 (162 sites linking in)

Interpretation of those facts - both sites have a tiny audience.

Hey, Joe...I hope you are feeling better! I don't post here for popularity. I would enjoying debate with even one person, let alone 50 or so.

The point is, if it escaped you, that there is not really $$$ value in these local blogs. They are more of a home for the types (like me and you) who used to write letters to the editor in local rags.

Honestly, I never imagined people in RI were so unhappy! I suspect they really are not - just a small subset of complainers hooking up with one political "side" or the other.

Posted by: Stuart at June 23, 2010 11:50 AM

Well,Stu,I never thought blogs were something to sell either,but if you ever spend time on ebay,you'd be amazed at what people sell.
Feeling better?Why would you care?I haven't "felt better"in about 30 years(with small respites)but I'm not a crybaby about it.I just don't mind discussing it-I really enjoyed sharing my experiences at the VA with newly diagnosed diabetics-they were dealing with a real sh*t diagnosis.
I don't know if you've noticed,but I don't tend to rail about taxes or government much-I just want my taxes used constructively and GOOD government.
Which party provides it doesn't matter.
The VA medical centers are staffed by the best providers you could wish for.And that also includes the people who clean the bathrooms.All of them.
The administrative people in the VA-well,it varies.

Posted by: joe bernstein at June 23, 2010 1:22 PM

>Feeling better?Why would you care?

Well, we lefties have too much empathy, I guess. Given the choice, I'd want you to heal and run the marathon.....I don't wish suffering on anyone.

I'm pleased to hear that the VA is delivering decent care and service. As to "good government", I suppose people have rallied for it since the first tribe leader was installed...and will never stop doing so.

Actually, I sorta forget how I ended up at this blog! I think I read on another site how Justin was against Homosexuals, reproductive choice, decent wages and education, etc. and had to see for myself if we had that type of person in RI.....that meaning whether we had Ideologues as opposed to those who look at each situation independently. I think I got my answer, but hold out some hope that Justin actually is affected by reality and statistics. We'll see.

Posted by: Stuart at June 23, 2010 2:06 PM

Stuart-I ended up here the same way as you. It is funny watching Justin, and I enjoy your posts. You are right, there is no money in blogs, just a hobby.

Joe, I read your posts and enjoy your passion too. I hear you on the radio and even agree with you sometimes...sometimes.

Either way, I enjoy both sites.

Posted by: Swazool at June 23, 2010 6:28 PM

Joe,

I understand you're employing a cliché with the "spit in your face" comment, but it's really not accurate, even in allegory. Let a visceral dislike of people who disagree — even if they're obnoxious about it — be the province of the left.

On a related note:

Russ,

It continues to astonish me how incapable you appear to be to see the good-natured humor behind quips like Marc's. It reads to me as I know it was intended intended: a soft jog with the elbow to a pal. If you read it differently, I'd suggest that you reevaluate your understanding of interpersonal relationships between the left and the right.

Posted by: Justin Katz at June 23, 2010 8:16 PM

Swazool-if ANYONE agreed with me all the time,I'd be concerned.
Seriously,I just hear way too much innacuracy about immigration issues.Frequently from people who should know better,like attorneys.
Anthony Gemma's recent confusion between being naturalized and being born here is a case in point.
Maybe immigration law was an elective in the law school he attended.
On other subjects I just am an opinionated guy.Like anyone else who calls in.
Justin-ok,no spitting references.How about "wouldn't piss on you if you were on fire"?
Ok,ok.
I think it's time Rhody stopped inventing claims that I've "threatened" him.There is nothing funny about that at all.
I have no idea who he is so it's ridiculous-he also makes references to how poorly I did my job which he has no direct knowledge.I established a good reputation in my agency and with other agencies-if I were an egoist,I'd have a "me"wall at home,but i don't.All that stuff is in a box in the attic.
If the twerp wants to disagree with me,fine,or call me an ass,whatever,but these accusations about my job performance shouldn't be allowed on this blog.
Do you think his remarks about having to lock hs car door go somewhat beyond the limits of behavior here?

Posted by: joe bernstein at June 24, 2010 5:40 AM

"It continues to astonish me how incapable you appear to be to see the good-natured humor behind quips like Marc's."

I guess some here don't appreciate give and take (talk about not having a sense of humor). For the benefit of the tone-deaf, I don't really think you're communists.

Posted by: Russ at June 24, 2010 9:24 AM

Russ-I have previously posted on some leftist blogs like you do here.
I have experienced some really naty enraged attacks,yet the people mounting them didn't have an argument to ring.
I'm not saying everyone was like that, but enough.
What I found particularly annoying was being tod I was getting my talking points from Rush Limbaugh and Glenn Beck when I repeatedly replied that I didn't listen to Limbaugh nor Beck(although I do tune in Beck these days because he ferrets out some real stinkers in this administration)and how many times did I need to tell the a**holes that I never voted for Dubya after he screwed McCain?
I also noticed a sneering disdain for any dissident opinions that countered the Daily Kos style party line.
Also the race card crap.Sickening-everything is about race.Leftists are obsessed with it.Do you know hoe destructive that is?I like to hate who I choose without being accused of racism.
I'm of Jewish background and I cannot begin to tell you how many leftist Jews I despise.Does that make me an anti-Semite?ridiculous-I just believe in some fort of racial/ethnic loyalty that prevents one from criticizing "their ow"so to speak.
My "own"are those I connect with and who do so in return.They could be from Bum F*ck,Egypt or Lower Slobbovia for all I care.
I don't notice you get treated badly here.
You're passionate about what you believe,but not really nasty.
Some people think they're smarter than anyone on any subject-a real path to ignorance.

Posted by: joe bernstein at June 24, 2010 10:17 AM

Joe,

I wasn't objecting to your language. I was telling you that the disrespect for people who disagree, even in stupid ways, is not universal. I have no desire to spit on anybody who comments here, even metaphorically.

-----

Russ,

"You guys crack me up." Isn't a phrase of friendly joshing. It's a phrase of condescension, especially in context of your history of viscerally uncharitable comments.

Posted by: Justin Katz at June 24, 2010 6:54 PM

I find it kind of humorous that given the way he expresses himself, that Mr. Bernstein can complain about how anyone else expresses himself here.
The line of freedom of speech: anything that offends Mr. Bernstein. I entirely get it now.

Posted by: rhody at June 24, 2010 6:59 PM

Rhody-feel free to call me any derogatory name you want-that's expressing your opinion of me,and I couldn't care less.
I haven't accused you of doing your job poorly(I don't know what it is anyway),or being a danger to anyone.
That's what you've spewed out here about me and unless you want to present some facts you need to STFU.
How would you feel if I said you were a child molester with not a shred of proof?
It would be a rotten thing to do.
I'm not about that.I just have an intense dislike for you because you have made false accusations against me on a public forum.I'm not a public figure.
Ever hear of slander?Look it up.
Or,if you think you know something,put it out here instead of making cowardly innuendos.
Maybe you know someone I didn't get along with on the job.Isf you do-let's hear it.
Me being offended is of no import-being lied about is something I don't ignore.

Posted by: joe bernstein at June 25, 2010 1:28 AM

With some of the accusations Mr. Bernstein has slung around about other people (including child molester - I'm sure Arthur Handy got a chuckle out of that), his cries of foul play sound akin to a shout of "fire" in a crowded theater.
What a waste of outrage. Really.

Posted by: rhody at June 25, 2010 5:47 PM

Again you lie.I said Arthur Handy's vote against Jessica's Law would enable pedophiles and I reiterate it here.
I also told Handy the same to his face and he dissembled about some crap regarding molestation by friends and family.I wouldn't budge and he wasn't too happy,but f**k him anyway.
I never accused him of being a pedophile.If you can find a comment where I did,please cut and paste it or shut up.
As a matter of fact,I'd like you to show any comment where I made something up out of whole cloth as you do about me.

Posted by: joe bernstein at June 25, 2010 9:14 PM

Hello

I'm new right here at www.anchorrising.com and had been wondering if anyone knows anyplace I'm able to buy some Arnette Sunglasses as a cheap or even discount cost.

I am going on a skiing holiday in the near future as well as I've heard that these glasses are fantastic but I am unable to afford much.

thanks

Phillip

Posted by: PhilSmith1 at June 14, 2011 2:08 PM