RSS
Twitter
Facebook
About.com- one of the oldest information-centric sites on the web (and likely the predecessor to content farms like those operated by Demand Media and its ilk)- is making significant cuts to its editorial staff.
“15 of the 22 full or part-time positions in the editorial department” will be axed (down from an originally reported 100% of editorial positions) according to Business Insider, but the post was updated to note that 10 new full-time positions would be created. According to the site, revenue dropped just over 17% in Q2 of 2011, and current CEO Darline Jean took the reins from former chief executive Cella Irvine in July. Jean was brought on to turn the site’s fortunes around.
In response to a request for comment, a public relations representative for About.com said:
“We are restructuring the About.com Guide Operations team to focus on operational efficiencies that will position us well for the future. The new structure will include new tools and processes designed to enhance quality and productivity, and ultimately, to improve our ability to deliver the high-quality expert content About.com users want and expect. In order to create the new structure, 15 positions are being eliminated and 10 new positions are being created to support the new organizational structure.”
The New York Times Co. picked up About.com in 2005 for $410 million.
