Whats the story behind the sale of Chowhound to CNET?
Chowhound ran in the red for many years with antique, overburdened software. By the summer of 2005, we were choking on our own popularity. Our little labor of love had outgrown our ability to manage and pay for it. Something had to change. Somebody up there must be a Chowhound, because suddenly, online communities were hot again. We started getting calls. But we were wary. Better to close up shop than be acquired by a company that would dumb Chowhound down or turn it into something embarrassing. Then we got a call from CNET Networks, and were excited by what we heard. The CNET folks recognized the worth of compelling information contributed by expert, passionate people. They thought that with some much-needed improvements, Chowhound could continue to grow while maintaining its values and pleasing its loyal users. In fact, several CNET folks were already Chowhound users. So we’re still here, run by the same crew with the same love, and we got our makeover. Without the burden of managing
