By Peter Sterne 5/27 3:12pm

publicity stunts

Screenshot of Gawker's 'Crackstarter.'

Why Are Canadians Giving Gawker Money?

Last week, Gawker editor John Cook launched a crowd-funded project to purchase an alleged videotape of Toronto mayor Rob Ford smoking crack. They called it a “Crackstarter,” a play on Kickstarter, and aimed to raise $200,000 from viewers like you. As of this writing, more than $196,000 has been pledged.

It isn’t clear that Gawker will even be able to buy the video. Mr. Cook has been unable to get in touch with the video’s owner for over a week. (Mr. Cook did not return our request for comment). But one thing’s for sure: if Mr. Cook does manage to track down the owner and purchase the video, it will mean a big payday for Gawker. A post containing the video could draw record pageviews and advertising revenue. Read More

By Foster Kamer 8/29/12 8:22pm

MEDIA BRIEFS

original

Gawker Media’s Attempt to Crowdsource Paycheck Journalism Goes Flaccid

Have we come to the day when Gawker Media’s hard up for pictures of an Olympic swimmer’s pool noodle (a euphemism for “penis”)? Maybe it’s just decided to use that money to hire people (like its competition). And speaking of budgets, do we know what really rocked the relationship between Sally Singer and T to its anticlimactic end yesterday? We don’t, but does someone else? Do you? Did we put “Gawker Media” in the headline instead of “Deadspin” because more media wonks will read it? We have the answer to approximately 3.4 of those five questions, but will only answer two, right here in your Wednesday Evening Press Clips:  Read More