Io9
Annalee Newitz launched io9 in 2008 under the umbrella of Gawker Media. The site emerged shortly after her previous project, Other Magazine, ceased print publication. Newitz received an invitation from Gawker to create a new blog focused on science and science fiction. Her initial editorial team included Charlie Jane Anders, Geoff Manaugh, Graeme McMillan, Kevin Kelly, and Lynn Peril. Each brought distinct backgrounds from outlets like BLDGBLOG, Newsarama, Joystiq, Cinematical, and feminist retro-futuristic writing. Newitz described the core ethos as looking into the future through the lens of science fiction.
Charlie Jane Anders remained editor after Newitz moved to Gizmodo in January 2014. Rob Bricken took over the role on the 26th of April 2016, following Anders departure. Bricen stepped down on the 31st of July 2018, citing that managing the site consumed too much time for his own writing. Jill Pantozzi assumed the editor position after Bricken left. She had previously served as managing editor before becoming deputy editor. James Whitbrook became Deputy Editor in charge of io9 following Pantozzi's exit in December 2021. He had been a staff writer since 2014.
Gawker reorganized its structure in 2015 to merge io9 with the larger technology blog Gizmodo. This integration combined io9's eleven-member staff with Gizmodo's twenty-two person team under Newitz supervision. The merger aimed to coordinate content between the two sites more effectively. Gawker assessed roughly twelve percent overlap existed between their respective topics. Newitz retired from both io9 and Gizmodo on the 30th of November 2015. She explained she disliked managing both sites simultaneously while losing her passion for writing articles. Her move to Ars Technica marked the end of an era for the original leadership team.
Michael Moran named io9 one of the top thirty science blogs in February 2010. His review appeared on The Times Eureka Zone blog dated January third, 2010. Moran noted that the site found space for pieces on cutting-edge technology and wilder fringes of astronomy. He also highlighted worrying implications of grey goo within the publication. The site maintained focus on science fiction and fantasy pop culture alongside former interests in futurism. This blend attracted critical acclaim during its independent run before becoming a sub-blog of Gizmodo.
James Whitbrook published a statement denouncing the decision to publish AI-written articles in 2023. The backlash occurred when io9 joined other G/O Media sites in releasing artificial intelligence generated content. Internal dissent emerged among staff regarding this strategic choice. Whitbrook had been a staff writer since 2014 before rising to Deputy Editor. The controversy marked a significant shift from the site's human-centric editorial history established over fifteen years.
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Common questions
Who launched io9 in 2008 under Gawker Media?
Annalee Newitz launched io9 in 2008 under the umbrella of Gawker Media. She received an invitation from Gawker to create a new blog focused on science and science fiction.
When did Rob Bricken take over editorship of io9 after Charlie Jane Anders left?
Rob Bricken took over the role on the 26th of April 2016 following Charlie Jane Anders departure. Jill Pantozzi assumed the editor position after Bricken stepped down on the 31st of July 2018.
What happened when io9 merged with Gizmodo in 2015?
Gawker reorganized its structure in 2015 to merge io9 with the larger technology blog Gizmodo. This integration combined io9's eleven-member staff with Gizmodo's twenty-two person team under Annalee Newitz supervision.
Why did James Whitbrook denounce AI-written articles published by io9 in 2023?
James Whitbrook published a statement denouncing the decision to publish AI-written articles in 2023 because internal dissent emerged among staff regarding this strategic choice. The controversy marked a significant shift from the site's human-centric editorial history established over fifteen years.
Which publication named io9 one of the top thirty science blogs in February 2010?
Michael Moran named io9 one of the top thirty science blogs in February 2010. His review appeared on The Times Eureka Zone blog dated January third, 2010 and highlighted the site found space for pieces on cutting-edge technology and wilder fringes of astronomy.