"Some background: The Linux.com URL was acquired by VA Linux, SourceForge's original name, in March 1999 for an undisclosed amount, although some rumors place the price as high as one million dollars. The site quickly become a major portal for original news about GNU/Linux. Eleven months later, after the acquisition of Andover.net, the owner of Slashdot and other sites, the company became the largest free and open source software (FOSS)-related media company in the world.
"News of the recent sale was given to Linux.com employees and long-term contractors at the end of last November, when the editorial budget was not renewed, and Robin "Roblimo" Miller, the senior editor, received notice that he would be laid off. On January 1, Lee Schlesinger, the former managing editor and the only member of the Linux.com who was not let go, posted an article entitled, "A new year, a new Linux.com," announcing that changes were taking place."
"For about a month afterwards, readers speculated freely in comments below this announcement. Many expressed anger that more information was not being offered."
