![\"user-pic\"](\"/css/images/default.gif\")
Congrads!!!
Congrads!!!
![\"user-pic\"](\"http://consumerist.com/assets_c/userpics/userpic-25168-100x100.png\")
Sweet?
Good news.
Hello CR, goodbye Gawker Artists? :(
![\"user-pic\"](\"http://consumerist.com/assets_c/userpics/userpic-505944-100x100.png\")
@DaveStolte: I won't miss that one picture of the creepy, mustachioed fellow staring out at me from the screen. Yikes.
@DaveStolte: NOW where am I going to get my fix of pictures of nake--oh, right, that guy has a LiveJournal too.
![\"user-pic\"](\"http://consumerist.com/assets_c/userpics/userpic-436584-100x100.png\")
@DaveStolte: I never really cared for Gawker Artists. About as annoying as the parent company Gawker.
![\"user-pic\"](\"http://consumerist.com/assets_c/userpics/userpic-32179-100x100.png\")
Glad to hear this blog is going to survive.
![\"user-pic\"](\"http://consumerist.com/assets_c/userpics/userpic-1485-100x100.png\")
i am really glad to hear this! and that the Chris and Carey are coming back... i miss the weekend updates
![\"user-pic\"](\"http://consumerist.com/assets_c/userpics/userpic-106827-100x100.png\")
@snazz: Glad to see that are back as well. It's a good omen that Consumers Union was thoughtful enough to think of them.
![\"user-pic\"](\"http://consumerist.com/assets_c/userpics/userpic-370347-100x100.png\")
@snazz: Yes! I was really glad to hear that the bump in salaries didn't preclude rehiring Chris and Carey.
@snazz: Ditto on the happy, but Chris said goodbye to me in his final post. What do I say now that he's back in my life? So confused.
![\"user-pic\"](\"/mt-static/support/assets_c/userpics/userpic-349596-100x100.png\")
@RTFA_SteveDave: Write him a final \"Hello and don't f*ckin leave us again\" post and hope it sticks ;-)
![\"user-pic\"](\"http://consumerist.com/assets_c/userpics/userpic-182704-100x100.png\")
YAY! Welcome back, Chris and Carey. I've missed you.
Wonderful news. Congratulations!
![\"user-pic\"](\"http://consumerist.com/assets_c/userpics/userpic-186777-100x100.png\")
OH OH OH! Will they let you into the secret room where they have people shave different sides of their faces with different razors? Or the one where people try to wash 10 gallons of clothes to test machine durability?
I want to see all of the secret testing stuff!
@m4ximusprim3:
You do know that any Consumerist (and anybody) willing to travel to scenic Yonkers NY around the 3rd Saturday of every October can get a full tour of all the secret labs, right? It's pretty cool, if you're into that stuff.
![\"user-pic\"](\"/mt-static/support/assets_c/userpics/userpic-389492-100x100.png\")
@m4ximusprim3: i want video of the deodorant testing. there have to be some interesting faces made by the professional noses.
@catastrophegirl: Maybe Consumerist.com can make some extra cash by selling those \"odor detectors\" that they use in deodorant commercials.
@catastrophegirl: I've heard they try to keep the identities of the buyers/testers somewhat secret, to ensure they get the same products/service as any other random customer. It probably doesn't apply to stuff from the supermarket, but I could see it being a problem in some cases.
Of course, they don't look like \"normal\" customers, because they have to buy all different types of the same product. I think I read one person avoids suspicion by acting eccentric.
@m4ximusprim3: Oh, and will there still be stars? It's always been an ambition of mine.
I like to think of myself as Fievel in \"Fievel goes west\", looking out the window at the same star as OMG! Ponies!
![\"user-pic\"](\"/mt-static/support/assets_c/userpics/userpic-74864-100x100.png\")
Welcome back Chris and Carey. Hope you enjoyed yer vacation. :)
Ta Ta Denton, don't spend it all in one place!
![\"user-pic\"](\"http://consumerist.com/assets_c/userpics/userpic-515010-100x100.png\")
@MercuryPDX: @MercuryPDX: Yes, and if you really must spend it in one place, perhaps put some monies for your poor underemployed bloggers!
![\"user-pic\"](\"/mt-static/support/assets_c/userpics/userpic-27969-100x100.png\")
This is not a dig at the site or its mission, but given its soon-to-be-former status as Gawker Media's loss-leader blog, the purchase price could very well be a figure that Nick *could* spend in one place. I'm just glad that CU was willing to take it off his hands - Consumerist becoming part of CU makes a lot more sense that a lot of other buyouts I've seen lately.
![\"user-pic\"](\"http://consumerist.com/assets_c/userpics/userpic-370594-100x100.png\")
Yeah!!! Hopefully...
![\"user-pic\"](\"http://consumerist.com/assets_c/userpics/userpic-394630-100x100.png\")
How long until we have to be a CR online subscriber to post?
![\"user-pic\"](\"http://consumerist.com/assets_c/userpics/userpic-46299-100x100.png\")
Mazal tov! May this lead to only good things for everyone at Consumerist central! {ProfJonathan}
![\"user-pic\"](\"http://consumerist.com/assets_c/userpics/userpic-71694-100x100.png\")
I am very happy to read this. Sounds like a good match.
What happens when you have to post a story about the shady ripoff practices of Consumer Reports?
![\"user-pic\"](\"http://consumerist.com/assets_c/userpics/userpic-196743-100x100.png\")
@kidnextdoor: I love the magazine, but their subscription department needs to be reigned in.
In early December of 2007, I received a screaming notice that trumpeted \"FINAL NOTICE FOR SCOOSDAD'S ACCOUNT\" that said this was my last chance to renew my sub at this fantastic rate.
Trouble was, my subscription was good through February of 2009. About 15 months left to run on my subscription.
It's ironic that it's stuff like this that Consumerist is best at exposing and mocking. Great news, but good luck. I can see some editorial head-butts on the horizon.
@scoosdad:
I've been getting those ridiculous final notices too!
CR is also the magazine with the second most bound in & blow in cards that I get.
The only one with more & it's way, way, more is the AARP Magazine which loses about a third of its weight after I remove them!
Exactly why is CR binding in all these subscription cards to its own subscribers?
There have to be at least six per issue!
What do they think, that I'm the public library & passing it around to the entire block?
@kidnextdoor:
I have to agree with you.
I'm a very long time subscriber [30+ years if you consider I took over my parent's sub], but CR sends me crap in the mail that is representative of the worst of the junk mail industry!
The worst is the annual survey which always has a plea for a donation to cover the approximate cost of $700,000.
But if that cost were divided up among all the subscribers, it would amount to less than $1 per year increase in the price, less the cost of the paper & printing of the annual plea.
Then there's the usual contest crap & constant mail to extend my subscription & send gift ones.
My subscription already goes to something like 2013.
Plus charging for the website is so 2000!
Even Comics.com stopped doing that. There was article on them this weekend & they realized there was more money from ads than charging.
I fully realize that CR doesn't take ads, but charging subscribers to the print edition for the website is absurd!
@Greasy Thumb Guzik: The America's Test Kitchen websites are just like this. My house subscribes to their magazines, but to get access online to the archives, we'd have to pay another monthly fee for online access. Without it, you just get recent recipes from the TV show and monthly extra content that didn't make the magazines.
You know, every time I see a mention of Site X or Site Y not being able to draw advertising, I always think \"So why not use the massive amounts of whitespace to run a few adwords?\"
Srsly. Adwords are the perfect fit for sites like Consumerist, since the site isn't beholden to anyone for that money.
I'm not saying that they'd pay the bills or anything, but adwords revenue is certainly more than the $0 they get from advertising currently, and the ads wouldn't make them beholden to anyone. They could even sift out the Circuit City, Best Buy, etc. ads.
![\"user-pic\"](\"http://consumerist.com/assets_c/userpics/userpic-125075-100x100.png\")
Congratulations, and welcome back Chris and Carey.
![\"user-pic\"](\"/mt-static/support/assets_c/userpics/userpic-244548-100x100.png\")
Hot Damn! Consumerist was too good to die.
Welcome back Chris and Carey! Meghann, congrats on the promotion. And Roz, now your ban-hammer will be tested for comfort, durability and value.
I sure hope the Consumerist voice does remain truly independent and does not end up a paid subscriber benefit to Consumer's Reports or such.
![\"user-pic\"](\"http://consumerist.com/assets_c/userpics/userpic-16563-100x100.png\")
@SkokieGuy: \"And Roz, now your ban-hammer will be tested for comfort, durability and value.\"
Tee hee. I giggled.
w00t!
![\"user-pic\"](\"http://consumerist.com/assets_c/userpics/userpic-489342-100x100.png\")
Hooray! Consumers Union doesn't know it yet, but you guys are taking over... :)
![\"user-pic\"](\"http://consumerist.com/assets_c/userpics/userpic-593915-100x100.png\")
What wonderful news!
Why dont they just buy Gawker so everything can still be a happy unity?
![\"user-pic\"](\"/mt-static/support/assets_c/userpics/userpic-143317-100x100.png\")
Couldn't have done better than that. Way to go, Consumerist!
I hope you'll be able to take the archive of useful Consumerist articles with you...
...Oh, and don't forget to rollover your Gawker pension plan and 401k...
By the way Ben, can we have a list of contact info at CU (Specifically Kevin McKean)? I would like to express to him how much I approve of their purchase, and how angry I will be if he tries to mess with anything.
Thanks! BTW, congrats on the salary bump. Remember, new cars are a waste of money! Buy used!
![\"user-pic\"](\"http://consumerist.com/assets_c/userpics/userpic-396185-100x100.png\")
Congrats, and I like the picture that goes with the story. :-)
![\"user-pic\"](\"http://consumerist.com/assets_c/userpics/userpic-562988-100x100.png\")
Hooray!!!!!
![\"user-pic\"](\"http://consumerist.com/assets_c/userpics/userpic-154038-100x100.png\")
This is good news. But are they going to make you guys test toasters and washing machines now?
I really like The Consumerist pretty much like it is now. Hopefully the new owners won't screw up a good thing.
![\"user-pic\"](\"/mt-static/support/assets_c/userpics/userpic-469349-100x100.png\")
Well-played, my friends... :-)
![\"user-pic\"](\"http://consumerist.com/assets_c/userpics/userpic-76955-100x100.png\")
Please, please can I keep my little lamb (no its not a sheep)!
![\"user-pic\"](\"http://consumerist.com/assets_c/userpics/userpic-428469-100x100.png\")
Sounds like a wonderful match. Congratulations on the sale. Oh, and enjoy the move to Yonkers. ;)
![\"user-pic\"](\"http://consumerist.com/assets_c/userpics/userpic-316976-100x100.png\")
Man, this is awesome! Welcome back Carey and Chris! Congratulations to you all!
![\"user-pic\"](\"http://consumerist.com/assets_c/userpics/userpic-476424-100x100.png\")
Nice, I get to keep reading and making snarky remarks.
![\"user-pic\"](\"http://consumerist.com/assets_c/userpics/userpic-390449-100x100.png\")
AWESOME!!! Hurray!
This was like my dream scenario for this site and it came true! Look forward to seeing everyone back in action in the new year!
![\"user-pic\"](\"http://consumerist.com/assets_c/userpics/userpic-630279-100x100.png\")
Awesome. Of of my favorite blogs!
![\"user-pic\"](\"http://consumerist.com/assets_c/userpics/userpic-14643-100x100.png\")
Fantastic news, and welcome back, Chris and Carey!
![\"user-pic\"](\"http://consumerist.com/assets_c/userpics/userpic-58237-100x100.png\")
Hurray! I imagine that like a bad ex-boyfriend, Gawker will regret letting y'all go.
Whoo! Happy New Year Consumerist! This is great news indeed.
![\"user-pic\"](\"http://consumerist.com/assets_c/userpics/userpic-83385-100x100.png\")
I blame the victim...err...congrats!
![\"user-pic\"](\"http://consumerist.com/assets_c/userpics/userpic-172388-100x100.png\")
SWEET!!
I hope we get grandfathered in for fee-free reading.
(I know, it's that kind of talk that got Consumerist sold in the first place.)
Welcome back Chris and Carey!
I was thinking of getting a CR online subscription - or maybe even paper mag. I keep reading them when I'm at my aunt's house, and they're to my liking. This reminded me that I was thinking of doing that. Your plan is working!
![\"user-pic\"](\"/mt-static/support/assets_c/userpics/userpic-126807-100x100.png\")
@oneandone: I'd been on the fence about getting a Consumer Reports subscription, but I've finally been inspired to subscribe out of gratitude. Woohoo, Consumerist!
![\"user-pic\"](\"http://consumerist.com/assets_c/userpics/userpic-214427-100x100.png\")
@oneandone: I have both an online as well as a paper CR subscription. I like being able to read a physical magazine, but also like being able to find articles when I'm away from home.
![\"user-pic\"](\"http://consumerist.com/assets_c/userpics/userpic-130682-100x100.png\")
Bravo! There's nothing bad about this. Make sure you get white lab coats.
![\"user-pic\"](\"http://consumerist.com/assets_c/userpics/userpic-529488-100x100.png\")
Yay.
![\"user-pic\"](\"http://consumerist.com/assets_c/userpics/userpic-76146-100x100.png\")
Great news. Long live Consumerist!
Oh, and happy new year too.
![\"user-pic\"](\"http://consumerist.com/assets_c/userpics/userpic-59197-100x100.png\")
Bravo you guys. This is a serious coup for consumers everywhere and especially for the admins of this site... this further piece of legitimacy is a hell of a thing.
Now more importantly... Will my awesome avatar follow my username?
![\"user-pic\"](\"/mt-static/support/assets_c/userpics/userpic-570476-100x100.png\")
Excellent news. Glad to see everything turning out for the better, and what a great start for 2009!
I certainly just got more interested in Consumer Reports.
Wonder what they felt Ben was doing so terrible that he needed someone to backstop him?
![\"user-pic\"](\"http://consumerist.com/assets_c/userpics/userpic-23360-100x100.png\")
Ha! This is way better than the time my chocolate got in the peanut butter....
![\"user-pic\"](\"http://consumerist.com/assets_c/userpics/userpic-3130-100x100.png\")
Congratulations, glad to see Chris and Carey back!
(Glad to see it wasn't bought by some punk company either!)
![\"user-pic\"](\"http://consumerist.com/assets_c/userpics/userpic-4998-100x100.png\")
Cheers big time! One of the best sites on the net is still alive!
Whoo! As someone with a CR online membership already, this sounds like a great thing! Mostly for the total lack of ads! Of course, now you might have to create a spin-off site along the lines of [notalwaysright.com]
Btw - I will be very unhappy if the parent company stops the Consumerist from sharing the occasional story on its site. Its not like CR has an RSS feed.
![\"user-pic\"](\"http://consumerist.com/assets_c/userpics/userpic-79408-100x100.png\")
oh good! I don't like Gawker...
![\"user-pic\"](\"http://consumerist.com/assets_c/userpics/userpic-474191-100x100.png\")
Swwwwweeeeeeeeeeettttttttttttt!
![\"user-pic\"](\"http://consumerist.com/assets_c/userpics/userpic-1673-100x100.png\")
Woohoo!
YES! I am breathing a huge sigh of relief for me and my constituency. : )
Congratulations! When I heard you were up for sale, I was wondering if Consumers Union would buy Consumerist since it seems like a perfect fit. Does this mean you will be writing articles for Consumer Reports magazine?
![\"user-pic\"](\"http://consumerist.com/assets_c/userpics/userpic-6838-100x100.png\")
Huh. I figured it was going to be Readers' Digest.
![\"user-pic\"](\"http://consumerist.com/assets_c/userpics/userpic-545648-100x100.png\")
Oh, that's awesome news!
Welcome back, Chris & Carey!
great news, I've enjoyed and learned a lot from this site, I'm glad it's sticking around :)
![\"user-pic\"](\"http://consumerist.com/assets_c/userpics/userpic-449069-100x100.png\")
This is awesome news, two great pro-consumer forces are joining together to become MORE POWERFUL THAN YOU CAN POSSIBLY IMAGINE.......or something like that.
Congrats Consumerist!
When I began reading the article, my eyes began to tear up because I saw lots of changes to my most favorite blog. As I read more, it seems as if it is a win-win acquisition for all involved. Since I have become a Consumerist devotee, I have gained invaluable insight into business and my role as a consumer. Congratulations and good luck! You guys really do rock!
fantastic news. i realy enjoy this site and am glad they're getting the patronage they need to keep going.
congratulations!
![\"user-pic\"](\"http://consumerist.com/assets_c/userpics/userpic-1665-100x100.png\")
Will you guys get to test cars on the CU track? LUCKY!
(When I was a kid the car reviews were my favorite part of Consumer Reports.)
I couldn't imagine a better scenario for all of this. Congrats to all! :)
Juat promise no more layoffs, its been killing me to watch my favourite Gawker writers dropping like flies, Consumerist and Kotaku are my favourite blogs ever...
Hooray!!!
EXCELLENT news!
![\"user-pic\"](\"http://consumerist.com/assets_c/userpics/userpic-185231-100x100.png\")
Hearty slaps on the back to all! Welcome back, Chris and Cary!
So how soon before Carey & Chris start testing rocket-fuel-lit charcoal BBQs, and will the videos be available without a CU subscription?
Yay! YAY! YAY!! I can't think of a better home for Consumerist, and I'm tickled pink (a nicely-broiled by rocket-fuel-lit BBQ pink!) at this great news!
Err, I note with aclarity and alarm that there is no official position for Captain Duvel Moneycat. PuhLEASE tell me that our dear Captain landed on all four paws, purring happily.
![\"user-pic\"](\"http://consumerist.com/assets_c/userpics/userpic-142052-100x100.png\")
That is good news and it seems like a perfect match.
Oh, and can we please try to retain the widget that tracks past comments we've made? Wonkette left the happy (cough) Denton fold without this and I shamefully admit my involvement has slackened without this key feature. :)
![\"user-pic\"](\"/mt-static/support/assets_c/userpics/userpic-363287-100x100.png\")
Whoooo, hoooo!!!
Oh, I'm sorry. I just noticed someone else already said the same thing.
Whooooooooooo....!!!
![\"user-pic\"](\"http://consumerist.com/assets_c/userpics/userpic-326654-100x100.png\")
Congrats Consumerist...I hope this works out great for everybody.
Yay! hope the tone remains the same, but with the old crew of writers, I think it will =D
![\"user-pic\"](\"http://consumerist.com/assets_c/userpics/userpic-9959-100x100.png\")
Congrats - in Yiddish, seems like your \"Bashert\" :D
@AvatarZ: Kol hakovod! Mazel tov on the shidduch, Consumerist, and may you be zoche to...ok, I'll stop now.
This is terrific news. My subscription to Time ends in March and I am casting about for other magazines to potentially subscribe to. My parents are CR subscribers, and this move has me looking seriously at getting my own subscription.
![\"user-pic\"](\"http://consumerist.com/assets_c/userpics/userpic-93244-100x100.png\")
My congrats, if just to add my name to the ranks of Consumerist addicts who will continue to visit this site on a regular basis.
Will FaceBook logins be allowed at the new site?
![\"user-pic\"](\"http://consumerist.com/assets_c/userpics/userpic-501585-100x100.png\")
Congrats!! A match made in heaven?
A little bit of bright news! Congratulations to you guys. I'm so glad Consumerist will continue!
Best news of 2008!! Congrats!!!
![\"user-pic\"](\"http://consumerist.com/assets_c/userpics/userpic-434764-100x100.png\")
Fantastico, I say. Fantastico.
![\"user-pic\"](\"http://consumerist.com/assets_c/userpics/userpic-248249-100x100.png\")
Chris and Carey! My weekends will no longer suck (nearly as bad, anyway)!
ALL HAIL CHRIS AND CAREY! ...and Meg and Ben too!
Good news, everyone!
![\"user-pic\"](\"http://consumerist.com/assets_c/userpics/userpic-237718-100x100.png\")
This sounds like a very natural fit for both entities. Congratulations on the sale/rescue. Consumerist has been a daily stop for me for about a year now and I am very happy that practice will continue. I am also a fan of Consumer Reports, though not always in agreement with their opinions, and often refer to their reviews before making a major purchase. Looking forward to your continued good work and entertaining style.
Rock on.
I just thought that I'd add my \"WooHoo\"!
@Consumerist-Moderator-Roz: Congratulations! This seems like a great fit for Consumerist, and will only serve to strengthen what the blog does best. It'll also be nice to have Chris and Carey back. Congratulations again!!
congards!
Fantastic news, and congratulations!
Viable fit. Purposes are inter-related.
Very well played. This is good news.
![\"user-pic\"](\"http://consumerist.com/assets_c/userpics/userpic-240967-100x100.png\")
hooray! consumers' union is definitely forward-thinking :)
wb carey and chris!
![\"user-pic\"](\"http://consumerist.com/assets_c/userpics/userpic-349442-100x100.png\")
This is great. Good to have Chris and Carey back.
Fantastic!
![\"user-pic\"](\"http://consumerist.com/assets_c/userpics/userpic-473526-100x100.png\")
I sure hope the snarkiness stays!
if we keep our login stuff are they still valid for the rest of gawker or no?
Yes, a victory for the consumer. Its about time. Keep up the good work guys. In your face nick denton!
![\"user-pic\"](\"http://consumerist.com/assets_c/userpics/userpic-143777-100x100.png\")
Chris and Carey are back? YAAAYYYYYYYYY!!!!!
happiness! so glad someone with standards and money saw the value in this site
Well, hopefully your gadget stuff doesn't become as terrible as Consumer Reports is. Other than that, I like them and love you!
![\"user-pic\"](\"/mt-static/support/assets_c/userpics/userpic-267279-100x100.png\")
HURRAY!
Will all the Gawker Network links disappear? And what of our log ins? Will we have to sign up again when you depart the Gawker network?
Yay!!! Brilliant match!
![\"user-pic\"](\"http://consumerist.com/assets_c/userpics/userpic-57360-100x100.png\")
This is awesome x2. The Consumerist to give me the pulse of what's worthwhile and what sucks, and Consumer Reports to narrow down my selections so I'm not getting screwed. I'm not sure this could have gone any better. Grats Ben & Company!
![\"user-pic\"](\"/mt-static/support/assets_c/userpics/userpic-21380-100x100.png\")
Yay for Chris and Carey! Welcome back! CU and Consumerist seem like they were made for each other.
![\"user-pic\"](\"http://consumerist.com/assets_c/userpics/userpic-159466-100x100.png\")
Wow, incredibly good match, I don't think you guys could've asked for better. Congratulations to Consumerist, Consumers Union, and all of the visitors and commenters!
![\"user-pic\"](\"http://consumerist.com/assets_c/userpics/userpic-380019-100x100.png\")
This is awesome news. Congrats to everyone!
That is fantastic news. Can't think of a better combination!
![\"user-pic\"](\"http://consumerist.com/assets_c/userpics/userpic-117170-100x100.png\")
Great. Just no amateur auto reviews. I don't buy refrigerators from AutoWeek, so Consumer Reports shouldn't do cars.
![\"user-pic\"](\"/mt-static/support/assets_c/userpics/userpic-306460-100x100.png\")
@bmwloco:
What about them do you consider amateur, other than the fact that you apparently disagree with them?
@bmwloco: Everybody digs on CR's auto reviews, but they just aren't targeted at the same audience as enthusiast mags. Most people don't care how fast their car goes around a track, just how comfortable it is, how many cupholders it has, and whether it's going to break down every third weekend.
May we all be saying Yippee this time next year!!!
Wow. This is much bigger than I thought was going to happen with the sale. REALLY cool.
Now- since this site is pretty much built upon the Gawker design, what is going to happen to the layout of the site and the commenting system. I'm sure the same account we use currently will ultimately not work for Consumerist in the future.
Yes, thats me being selfish.
Either way, this is cool! Welcome back Carey and the other guy. :)
Just kiddin', Chris. I wonder if CU will implement posting quotas!!??
![\"user-pic\"](\"/mt-static/support/assets_c/userpics/userpic-21970-100x100.png\")
@homerjay wants Boston Legal back!: They had better! It's the only way I can come up with things to post!
![\"user-pic\"](\"http://consumerist.com/assets_c/userpics/userpic-75647-100x100.png\")
Yay! Consumer Reports are is my favorite magazine. I am a Consumer Reports sucscriber, and I just donated to the CU. Glad to see they're using their money wisely.
However, stranger bedfellows were never made. I always saw CU, and by extension Consumer Reports, as a pretty conservative organization. Maybe the partnership will be more than the sum of the parts.
I am strangely reminded of the ending of Demolition Man.
Sweet! Do i get to keep my star? J/K Great news, and congrats to Chris, Carey, Meg, and Ben... and anyone else involved I don't know about.
too bad it doesnt include a free subscription to CR :P
I think this is the best of all possible worlds. I am overjoyed to hear this. Keep up the good work all.
![\"user-pic\"](\"http://consumerist.com/assets_c/userpics/userpic-107356-100x100.png\")
Awesome. I love this blog and I'm really glad to see it stick around!
![\"user-pic\"](\"/mt-static/support/assets_c/userpics/userpic-394910-100x100.png\")
FUCK YEAH
![\"user-pic\"](\"http://consumerist.com/assets_c/userpics/userpic-148086-100x100.png\")
Two words: Fuck Yeah.
Will we still be able to comment using facebook or guest commenting?
Here's to a successful year for the both of you. Three cheers for Consumer's Union! (And welcome back, Chris and Carey.)
![\"user-pic\"](\"http://consumerist.com/assets_c/userpics/userpic-236034-100x100.png\")
Congrats! Glad to see everything is going to stay the same and get better with returning friends.
![\"user-pic\"](\"http://consumerist.com/assets_c/userpics/userpic-53248-100x100.png\")
Great news, guys! And what a great organization to keep the Consumerist running!
![\"user-pic\"](\"http://consumerist.com/assets_c/userpics/userpic-431264-100x100.png\")
Excellent! Awesome! And many other superlatives!
![\"user-pic\"](\"http://consumerist.com/assets_c/userpics/userpic-236523-100x100.png\")
This will be great, especially if we get some free CR and CU content...
I wonder if we'll see a language filter instituted by our Overlords? Some of the comments from pissed peeps can get pretty dicey.
![\"user-pic\"](\"/mt-static/support/assets_c/userpics/userpic-730845-100x100.png\")
Woo!
I am absolutely thrilled. Love Consumers' Union and love you guys! YAAY!
![\"user-pic\"](\"http://consumerist.com/assets_c/userpics/userpic-6173-100x100.png\")
I really am so happy, guys, and I'm delighted Chris and Carey will be back.
This year I renew my CR subscription with extra pride and a happy face!
Best news I've heard all day other than the fact that I have tomorrow and the day after off! Congrats to the Consumerist on getting on with this new deal. So glad to hear that my favorite blog (and I mean it) is now jumping out of the slaveship.
And a giant hearty \"Welcome Back!\" to Chris and Carey. The circle is now complete.
@Consumerist-Moderator-Roz: I've been a reader of Consumer Reports since I was a little kid, and I love reading the magazine and Ratings cover-to-cover. Heck, the \"Selling It\" section uncovered the famous \"Grocery Shrink Ray\" before you coined the term.
Ever since Consumerist was put up for sale, I always thought that Consumers Union would be a logical buyer for the site (possibly the ONLY logical buyer), and I'm glad to see this happen so I can continue reading my beloved Consumerist.
Oh, and welcome back, Chris and Carey! We missed you!
Good, that means you can get away from the awful designs that Gawker has implemented recently.
As a long time subscriber to Consumer Reports (print and online) I'm pretty ecstatic about this news. When do we get rid of a lot of the Gawker \"features\"?
I am thrilled too! Woohoo!
Congrats for a great site!
![\"user-pic\"](\"http://consumerist.com/assets_c/userpics/userpic-551073-100x100.png\")
Sweet! Good news. :)
![\"user-pic\"](\"http://consumerist.com/assets_c/userpics/userpic-615273-100x100.png\")
Congrats! Hooray! Woo hoo! and whatnot.
I knew The Consumerist would find a buyer. I am overjoyed that it is staying alive.
Here's to a new owner and great posts in 2009! *clinks glass*
Sounds like a triumph for you guys! Kudos. I look forward to continued participation.
This is the best news I've heard in quite some time. In the blogosphere, that is.
This is great too hear. Im encouraged that a group like them are bringing this awesome site under their umbrella.
Its a good day for consumers everywhere.
![\"user-pic\"](\"http://consumerist.com/assets_c/userpics/userpic-98237-100x100.png\")
Awesome news!! Can I keep my login??
![\"user-pic\"](\"http://consumerist.com/assets_c/userpics/userpic-101046-100x100.png\")
Actually, Meghann has reigned supreme ever since the picture :)
This is wondrous news.
![\"user-pic\"](\"/mt-static/support/assets_c/userpics/userpic-428137-100x100.png\")
Glad to hear it! Congratulations!
Great news. :) Glad to hear it.
I hoped for something like this, but didn't know how Consumer Reports would reconcile Consumerist's ad revenue as CR does not use ads.
thank you SO much! Ive been a subscriber to consumer reports for ten years, and have been an avid fan of the consumerist. I have faith you will be able to pull this blog back up to the place it used to be. (fun to read 5x/day instead of 1/week)
@TheDude06: \"fun to read 5x/day instead of 1/week\" -- my sentiments exactly! After the cuts were made earlier this year, Consumerist really took a hit. I'm glad Chris, Carey, Ben and Meghann will continue to rock on in the new year!
![\"user-pic\"](\"http://consumerist.com/assets_c/userpics/userpic-284456-100x100.png\")
Yay! Welcome back, Chris and Carey!
![\"user-pic\"](\"http://consumerist.com/assets_c/userpics/userpic-525453-100x100.png\")
Great News! I'm relieved that the Consumerist will be able to continue its work.
![\"user-pic\"](\"http://consumerist.com/assets_c/userpics/userpic-193188-100x100.png\")
AWESOME. I'm ecstatic and giddy.
![\"user-pic\"](\"http://consumerist.com/assets_c/userpics/userpic-24730-100x100.png\")
Can I get a cool little icon for subscribing to their mag and website? I think the little red \"o\" would be cool.
Welcome!
and glad you guys are hanging around.
Just_f*cking_great. Now that I've finally gotten Consumer's Union to stop sharing my physical address with their \"affiliates\" that fill up my mailbox with unwanted junkmail, they will now have all of our email addresses with which to perform the electronic version thereof.
Really, Consumer's Union A.K.A. \"Consumer's Report.\" Of all the hypocritical bullshit I've encountered from an organization, especially a non-profit, your automatic \"opt-in\" to junkmail when I bought a subscription was as low as I've seen. Clean up your act and make it an \"opt-in,\" as you would certainly expect of the corporate clowns you pursue.
Here's how: [www.consumersunion.org]
I had a similar beef with Consumers Union a number of years ago. I signed up for web access to their site, after checking their privacy policy. It stated they don't reveal your information to any outside parties. Great. As I was finishing the sign-up, they popped up a little window... hey, since you're subscribing to the web site, how would you like the print version for really, really cheap? OK, sure, I checked it off.
Over the next few months, I get a flood of junk mail. Since I used \"C\" as my middle initial when I signed up for C.R., and all of the junk mail had \"C\" as the middle initial, I knew instantly that it was C.R. who was selling my info. After their web site policy said they wouldn't. I wasn't shown any other policy when I was signing up for the web site... no indication that since I was signing up for the print edition, my info was now fair game for selling to other companies. AS far as I was concerned, they had just violated their own privacy policy by not informing me of the different way the web and print versions delt with customer information.
I contacted them about it, and after getting the runaround, someone left a voice mail saying \"gosh, you raise an interesting point... please call us long distance so we can discuss this.\" Uh, no... I'm not going to pay for the cost of a long distance call to help you get your house in order (this was in the days before VOIP and national calling plans, so I would be out a chunk o' change).
It was soon after that they lost me as a subscriber. I got spam from them every year saying \"we want you back!\" despite my having clicked the unsubscribe links in the emails *every* *year*. Sorry... you're not going to be my advocate if you're selling my personal information and spamming me.
That said... I'm happy the Consumerist will remain around. Maybe the they can do a bit of education of their new owners on the importance of treating their own customers with more respect.
@dweebster: PS: This is NOT hyperbole, I have solid proof. Time Magazine is one outfit that has received \"shared\" subscriber information, along with some charities.
I wonder if Consumers Union has any idea what a piece of dung they have purchased from Gawker. Example: My Gawker commentor name \"Nutgraf\" was mentioned in an article about Gawker in the Sunday New Yorks Times this past spring where I was quoted as making a critical comment about Gawker. After that the owner, Nick Denton, blocked me from commenting on all of his sites, including Consumerist. So Consumers Union has purchased a lot of bad will as part of this investment. I plan to cancel my Consumer Reports subscription immediately.
![\"user-pic\"](\"http://consumerist.com/assets_c/userpics/userpic-142901-100x100.png\")
@ValborgMelbo: And yet you wasted your time to post this and still can't live without this website...
I can't think of a better fit.
One thing - is the comment system going to change? It's been acting rather wonky since the changeover. Personally, I'd like to see a more robust and compact threaded view.
![\"user-pic\"](\"http://consumerist.com/assets_c/userpics/userpic-1504-100x100.png\")
Fact checkers? I must laugh now.
I'm very happy to learn of the association with Consumer Report. I'm very happy to learn about the editorial independence. I'm very happy to hear of the free access.
I'm particularly happy to hear that the writers are coming back. I've been rough on the Gawker owners and the remaining writers since the changes were made here. I think some of their changes were capricious and wrong-headed. I don't think that those mistakes will be made if the management returns with the writers.
I just hope that the snarky person who vets the comments goes away. \"Roz\" isn't needed here. Let her write.
![\"user-pic\"](\"/mt-static/support/assets_c/userpics/userpic-437936-100x100.png\")
Congratulations and Happy New Year!
Do a little dance, make a little love, get down tonight!
@MrsLopsided:
Who knows what the future will bring to this marriage... but I'm going to enjoy the moment:
![\"user-pic\"](\"http://consumerist.com/assets_c/userpics/userpic-161466-100x100.png\")
Rawsome! Congratulations to the Consumerist crew!
![\"user-pic\"](\"http://consumerist.com/assets_c/userpics/userpic-59101-100x100.png\")
Major congrats!
![\"user-pic\"](\"http://consumerist.com/assets_c/userpics/userpic-80336-100x100.png\")
While I am sad we were not able to collectively come together as a big Consumerist co-op group and buy you outright from Gawker.
I am incredibly pleased, however, I can tell the folks at Gawker TFSU in true Yoda style.
Thanks to Consumers Union, aka Consumer Reports (a 20 year member am I), for a great investment on their part.
Viva la Consumerist!
I have to say that I'm mightily impressed that our lil' blog's ownership change was found noteworthy by the paper of record.
![\"user-pic\"](\"http://consumerist.com/assets_c/userpics/userpic-16526-100x100.png\")
I've said it before and I'll say it again: \"The only thing worse than having a union is not having one.\"
Congratulations Consumerist on surviving!
![\"user-pic\"](\"http://consumerist.com/assets_c/userpics/userpic-24620-100x100.png\")
Adding my \"YAY!\" to the pile. All I gotta say to Consumers Union is \"ready or not, here we come!\" ;o)
This is wonderful news. I am overjoyed to hear that the consumerist will be going full blast next year. Go to it!!!
![\"user-pic\"](\"http://consumerist.com/assets_c/userpics/userpic-376262-100x100.png\")
I'm so happy! I could just pee!
I'm happy to hear that Consumerist found a new, presumably more stable home, but also a little skeptical about the amount of synergy [there, I said it] that the blog will create with CR. As the Times says -- and as anyone can see -- the voice and readership of the two pubs is vastly different; not sure how many people will take the leap. I wonder if the best thing that comes out of this will be that CR's interaction with a successful Internet property might encourage them to improve their Web site, which I subscribe to and is pretty disappointing.
![\"user-pic\"](\"http://consumerist.com/assets_c/userpics/userpic-739072-100x100.png\")
Does this mean we can't say anything bad about Consumer Reports now?
![\"user-pic\"](\"http://consumerist.com/assets_c/userpics/userpic-70648-100x100.png\")
Congrats! Glad you're sticking around!
Congrats, Consumerist team! Glad Chris and Carey are back!
![\"user-pic\"](\"http://consumerist.com/assets_c/userpics/userpic-406173-100x100.png\")
I am going to be a party pooper and say: this sounds like an ill-suited marriage.
Consumers Union is very careful about it facts and methodology (overlooking a few rare and controversial stories they've published over the years).
Consumerist has gotten better, but is still very sloppy with its facts. Sometimes if it's a slow news day, it's gets really hard to even tell what a highlighted company did wrong, if anything. And Consumerist has never been willing enough to tell some of its readers that they may have been in the wrong or that they may be right, but didn't give a company any chance to make good on the problem before writing to Consumerist.
I think Consumers Union should keep Consumerist independent, but be an earnest advisor and resource. The combination may really be something...
![\"user-pic\"](\"http://consumerist.com/assets_c/userpics/userpic-25844-100x100.png\")
@twophrasebark: All it takes is a little clicking on links and reading to answer that question.
The old-media and new-media worlds have clashed over not only editorial voice, but also editorial process. Most print magazines have strict fact-checking and sourcing policies, while blogs tend to be more lax.Mr. McKean said Consumerist would function much as it had, but with support from Consumer Reports. \"If they have something they're doing where they say, 'Gee, I'd really like to have a fact checker give this a second look,' \" he said, \"the fact checkers will jump right on it and do it.\"
So there.
![\"user-pic\"](\"/mt-static/support/assets_c/userpics/userpic-350350-100x100.png\")
@twophrasebark: I'm going to out myself as a wrestling fan, but when I read the news I couldn't help but let a big Ric Flair
\"WOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!\"
Back and better baby, that's the way it should be.
YAY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Some of the best news I've heard this month. Yay for a Consumerist away from Gawker's grubby paws.
![\"user-pic\"](\"/mt-static/support/assets_c/userpics/userpic-368496-100x100.png\")
GREAT NEWS! I suggested this back when we received notice it was up for sale, but it seems to have gotten deleted. A nice tight fit in my opinion. both are out to protect consumers interests. My only question is will this site become subscriber based?
RAWK! You guys are the best service journalism on the web.
I was hoping CR/CU would buy you guys. Now maybe the content can improve a bit? Such as we can stop focusing on mispriced items and and just posting things without much substance?
On thing, please DON'T advertise the CU lottery... For such a consumer advocate business I really don't like the fact that they send me junk mail to be in their lottery.
![\"user-pic\"](\"/mt-static/support/assets_c/userpics/userpic-462541-100x100.png\")
Oh, yay! And I'm looking forward to the return of Chris et al.
So if Consumerist is going to stop taking ads (a good move) does this mean the site will eventually become a pay one? I'm interested in the business model, because that speaks to the trustworthiness of sources.
@Consumerist-Moderator-Roz: @mmmsoap: That's my concern. CU has always charged for everything they do online. I looked at Consumerist as being the online competition for CU. The two would THROUGH COMPETITION keep each other honest. Competition is the best way for consumers to benefit. There is room for competition, even in consumer advocacy.
![\"user-pic\"](\"http://consumerist.com/assets_c/userpics/userpic-189920-100x100.png\")
This is great news, can't wait for Consumerist to leave Gawker and get all these new perks.
I'm happy Chris and Carey are back, and I'm happy Meg got promoted. Ben and Meg had been doing an overtime job with all these posts after the layoffs, so it seems deserved to co-edit together.
Now that the Consumerist is down, Defamer just needs a buyer.
Wow, what a blessing!
Out-frakin'-standing! Great news all around here!!
This has made my day - I was getting fearful that the consumerist would disappear!
![\"user-pic\"](\"http://consumerist.com/assets_c/userpics/userpic-84465-100x100.png\")
holy crap, congrats! :D
![\"user-pic\"](\"http://consumerist.com/assets_c/userpics/userpic-474558-100x100.png\")
So I don't get to see the hot chick trying out her Dark Spells any more?
OK.
![\"user-pic\"](\"/mt-static/support/assets_c/userpics/userpic-53958-100x100.png\")
Great news - especially that Chris and Carey are back!!
Now I have to show my Great Canadian Ignorance and go find out who/what Consumer's Union is. Back in a bit.
Wow, I'm so happy to hear this! Consumerist is one of the only sites I check daily, so I was sad when I heard it was for sale. Welcome back Chris and Carey, and congrats to Meg!!!
![\"user-pic\"](\"http://consumerist.com/assets_c/userpics/userpic-1236-100x100.png\")
Congratulations. I'm thrilled for you.
![\"user-pic\"](\"http://consumerist.com/assets_c/userpics/userpic-533661-100x100.png\")
Consumer Union better not institute a Shrink Ray policy!
![\"user-pic\"](\"http://consumerist.com/assets_c/userpics/userpic-433752-100x100.png\")
Congrats, Consumerist team! Good thing that nothing has changed, just the company that owns you guys. While I'm no fan of acquired blogs like Idolator/Wonkette, I'm definitely gonna stay with you guys for a long, long, long time.
![\"user-pic\"](\"/mt-static/support/assets_c/userpics/userpic-6536-100x100.png\")
Hip Hip Hooray!
On a side note, since this won't be a Gawker blog anymore does that mean y'all will be able to put up a permanent link to the forum?
Yay! That's wonderful news!
This is probably the best possible result.
![\"user-pic\"](\"http://consumerist.com/assets_c/userpics/userpic-355288-100x100.png\")
w00t!
Congrats! First off, here are some tips:
If you ever find yourself at the Yonkers facility- don't stay in Yonkers. There is really one hotel and it looks like any number of mob hits have happened there.
Next: If they still use it, don't let them put Patchlink on your server.
![\"user-pic\"](\"http://consumerist.com/assets_c/userpics/userpic-49032-100x100.png\")
Seriously awesome. I already subscribe to Consumer Reports, but if I didn't I would do so just to thank them for supporting Consumerist.
![\"user-pic\"](\"http://consumerist.com/assets_c/userpics/userpic-469812-100x100.png\")
Fantastic news! Welcome back Chris and Carey, we have missed you. Happy new year, everybody! :D
I'm very, very excited that Chris and Carey are back on board!
In other news, I am disturbed that Captain Duvel Moneycat did not get a promotion of any kind. Overlord of the Oatmeal, perhaps?
![\"user-pic\"](\"http://consumerist.com/assets_c/userpics/userpic-435090-100x100.png\")
It comes full circle! I learned much about car specs (my Jalopnik side) from the annual CR books from 1988 on (my Consumerist side). Welcome, y'all!
SUCH great news! CU/CR is THE most respected name in the consumer movement, IMHO. This couldn't have happened to a better group of folks and WOULDN'T have happened without your years of dedication to informing and empowering consumers. WTG, Ben, Meghann, and the whole Consumerist gang!e!l!e!v!e!n!t!y!
I hope this is for the better!
Congratulations!
How is the commenting system going to work now?
![\"user-pic\"](\"http://consumerist.com/assets_c/userpics/userpic-738204-100x100.png\")
Awesome, more consumer justice for 2009!
Get ready for the millions of Consumer Reports magazine ads a comin'
![\"user-pic\"](\"http://consumerist.com/assets_c/userpics/userpic-462821-100x100.png\")
Great, now I command to have a pure-blood heir to the consumerist throne, Ben, Meghann...
What a fantastic Union for consumers!!!! I am ecstatic!!! Congrats to Chris, Carey, and Meghann.....
Well, this sounds like a good thing as long as CU doesn't start charging for blog access...
I wonder what sort of tests CU put the Consumerist through. Dropping it from three stories? Rear-ending it with an SUV? Immersing it in water?
@humphrmi: That's... weird? I don't remember seeing that paragraph when I read the story yesterday. Is it possible that the Times added more to the article?
Probably not? Anyway, I think that Mr. McKean doesn't know too much about the speed of blog reporting. Fact checkers take days or weeks. But I take notice of the paragraph and thank you.
Man, what a perfect combination! Consumers Union is one of the best non-profits.
![\"user-pic\"](\"http://consumerist.com/assets_c/userpics/userpic-90329-100x100.png\")
It is great to see those two coming back as well. This acquisition is a good movie on its own. Might actually end up with some subscribers to their magazine now as well.
I do hope that no one tries to mangle the wya the site operates in any way. The question I have is how will the software transition handle?
@mattarse: I was half expecting some company that Consumerist has exposed in the past to offer a huge pile of cash for it, only to shut the blog down or fire Ben & Meg and replace them with random hacks.
Glad that didn't happen.
![\"user-pic\"](\"http://consumerist.com/assets_c/userpics/userpic-371165-100x100.png\")
@seanhcalgary: Like Comcast or Bank of America? I'm sure they aren't jumping for joy that the Consumerist will live on. On the other hand, I think this is grrrrrrrrrrreat news! YAY!
Wow, congrats guys! Breathe easy
![\"user-pic\"](\"http://consumerist.com/assets_c/userpics/userpic-174344-100x100.png\")
Good to know you didn't sell out...
I could think of worse people to sell this blog to. I grew up reading Consumer Reports magazine while sitting in the bathroom, so I always loved their stuff. I can't think of any large commercial company that I would trust to run this, but CU has the right motives, and the money to keep Consumerist afloat and running.
I am very excited to hear this news! Congratulations Ben, Carey, Chris and Maghann! Heck, congrats Consumers Union on your awesome new site!
Bcs TrDlt.cm's vhcl rlblty nfrmtn s n ltrntv t CR's, 'm nt llwd t mntn ths nfrmtn n CR's frms--vn whn CR wng t ts slwr rsrch prcss ds nt hv nfrmtn n th cr mdl n qstn yt, nd wn't fr nthr yr r s. (r nfrmtn vrgs tn mnths \"frshr\" thn thrs.)
My fr s tht th sm wll nw pply t Th Cnsmrst, nd yr wrtrs wll b dscrgd frm mntnng ny srcs f cnsmr nfrmtn thr thn CR. 'v bn lrnng tht whn md tlt's ntrsts cnflct wth th ntrsts f rdrs, th frmr slly wn.
@mkaresh:
You forgot the sock-puppet disclaimer. It's hardly surprising they don't allow employees of competing websites to shill on their forums.
Happy and relieved over here. Congrats, Consumerist!
As a paying subscriber to ConsumerReports.com, I couldn't be happier. I saw something that says the average CR.com paying subscriber is over 50, while Consumerists readers are vastly younger. I'm well under 50, so I guess I'm typical for Consumerist, exceptional for CR.
In truth, CR's content always seems a little bit off the cutting edge; I check out Consumerist much more often. I'm glad that my subscription dollars have, in some minimal way, helped make this deal possible, and it makes me more likely to remain a CR subscriber going forward.
![\"user-pic\"](\"http://consumerist.com/assets_c/userpics/userpic-134363-100x100.png\")
This is an excellent way to start 2009. Let's hope the rest of the year is as good as this beginning. I'm especially glad to see Chris and Carey back with work.
![\"user-pic\"](\"http://consumerist.com/assets_c/userpics/userpic-196278-100x100.png\")
Yay. was hoping someone would come through. Though they should really sell adds from other companies.
YAY! No more crap flash ads!
Congrats!
Yay Carey is back!
Something tells me that the humor and smart ass comments and swearing we've all come to know and love on this Blog are about to be cleaned away.
Consumers Union is a pretty straight-laced group.
Very happy that you all found a home. Hope it does not become a prison for you nor a paid hotel for us...
This is very, very, very good news. I have a great deal of respect for Consumers Union.
So, maybe you can help them understand smartphones better, because those recent reviews... ugh. Just sayin'.
![\"user-pic\"](\"http://consumerist.com/assets_c/userpics/userpic-97671-100x100.png\")
Yay Chris & Cary!
Congrats to the Consumerist for becoming immortal.
Welcome CU !
It is going to be a Happy... New year!
![\"user-pic\"](\"http://consumerist.com/assets_c/userpics/userpic-104651-100x100.png\")
yay! this is great news!
![\"user-pic\"](\"http://consumerist.com/assets_c/userpics/userpic-1797-100x100.png\")
Great news -- keep up all the great work!
![\"user-pic\"](\"http://consumerist.com/assets_c/userpics/userpic-298828-100x100.png\")
Excelsior!
![\"user-pic\"](\"http://consumerist.com/assets_c/userpics/userpic-132151-100x100.png\")
A few months ago I would've been saddened by the \"official\" consumerist departure from Gawker, but now it seems quite plainly that you're jumping a sinking ship. I'm happy you guys get to keep your integrity and gain back old friends! All around- win!
![\"user-pic\"](\"/mt-static/support/assets_c/userpics/userpic-243649-100x100.png\")
Congrats!! Seems like an excellent fit.
This sounds awesome for you guys! Congratulations!
![\"user-pic\"](\"http://consumerist.com/assets_c/userpics/userpic-90186-100x100.png\")
Congrats! Welcome back Chris and Carey!
My first thought on reading the headline was, \"If we're lucky and say please, might they bring Chris and Carey back next?
Then I click through and it turns out that the CU unicorn is already farting rainbows for us. Awesome!
![\"user-pic\"](\"http://consumerist.com/assets_c/userpics/userpic-366682-100x100.png\")
Well Merry Belated Christmas to all of you at The Consumerist, that's great news. Look forward to much better things from you guys in the new year!
![\"user-pic\"](\"http://consumerist.com/assets_c/userpics/userpic-324163-100x100.png\")
OH.MY.WORD.
This made my NYE. Welcome back Chris and Carey! This is truly awesome news!
![\"user-pic\"](\"http://consumerist.com/assets_c/userpics/userpic-82119-100x100.png\")
Sounds like a good deal to me! I'm quite pleased to hear this as I've always been a fan of the Consumer Reports web magazine myself. Gawkers loss...
Congrats to the consumerist, and a big welcome back to Chris and Carey!
Ben, any chance down the road we can hear who courted who?
Man, I didn't see such an *obvious* match coming.
![\"user-pic\"](\"http://consumerist.com/assets_c/userpics/userpic-75490-100x100.png\")
I have respected CR and subscribed for many years, I take this as a very positive thing. My best to you all!
![\"user-pic\"](\"http://consumerist.com/assets_c/userpics/userpic-99271-100x100.png\")
I was right!
I would imagine that a group like the Consumers Union would love to have a blog like Consumerist to attract customers to its premium offerings.
![\"user-pic\"](\"http://consumerist.com/assets_c/userpics/userpic-160874-100x100.png\")
Yay!!!! Consumerist was (and still is) one of my favorite sites, it was sadly ironic that the same economic downturn that had made it so relevant was also forcing it to pare down (and potentially die). Hopefully those days are over with this news.
I think Consumerist has found a good home in Consumers Union.
What great news for the new year! I think its a perfect fit for consumerist. Glad to see the Chris and Carey back!
![\"user-pic\"](\"http://consumerist.com/assets_c/userpics/userpic-446131-100x100.png\")
Excellent :)
![\"user-pic\"](\"http://consumerist.com/assets_c/userpics/userpic-6170-100x100.png\")
Consumerist Union, anyone?
Very exciting! Not sure if there could be a better owner for the site! And everyone is coming back! Good news all around...
![\"user-pic\"](\"http://consumerist.com/assets_c/userpics/userpic-116933-100x100.png\")
As a lifelong subscriber to Consumer Reports, and avid Consumerist \"consumer\" I can't honestly say this was the best Christmas Present ever!
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Nice work!
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@Consumerist-Moderator-Roz: Oh, awesome AWESOME. I was holding my breath for a deal just like this -- ought to be great for both parties!
How about that, 2008 is already off to a good start. No reason not to re-up that CR Online membership for another year.
Good on ya! Great move for you guys. Idiotic one for Denton. This is the worst time to unload such a valuable site.
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The feelgood story of 2008!
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Very happy news for the New Year! I'm assuming that Consumers Union didn't pay with a drawing of a spider.
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Welcome back Chris and Carey!
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Awesome!
Congratulations! Goodbye and good riddance to gawker's piles of crap, hello to our new consumer reports overlords. Hopefully they do nothing but make the site better.
Congrats! Already a subscriber of Consumers Report (and still in early 30s) so this is a good marriage, well as long as the site remains free anyway. hiring?
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Cheers! To the end of Incessant Gawker Cross-Posting!
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In other news, P&G and Comcast launch a hostile takeover of Consumer Reports. Consumerist shut down until further notice.
I have to admit, I don't think I could have come up with a better fit to acquire Consumerist. Congrats!
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Congratulations team! 2009 already looking up...
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wooohooooooooooooooo!
Congrats, ben, Chris, Carey, and the rest of the Consumerist team. I've long been a fan of the work of Consumers Union, which goes way beyond their excellent reports. Acquiring Consumerist is a very smart move on their part.
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Just dropping in to stack on more congrats and I'm happy that Consumerist is still rolling along!
Bravo, Consumers Union. I approve.
In fact, I just might get a subscription to Consumer Reports to show my gratitude. That is conditional, of course, on you not making Consumerist suck. See, there's a carrot, and a stick.
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now my Dad, the avid CR reader and home-archivist of, like, every issue ever, and I finally have something to talk about
That worked out about as well as could be hoped for.
Congratulations, Consumerist!
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YEAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA!
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H o o r a y !
The purchase by Consumers Union even impressed my new media shunning wife! That takes a lot!
Congrats. This should be interesting, CU is truly moving into the 21st century. And congrats to CU for making a bold move.
Congratulations!! I think its a win-win-win for Gawker, Consumers Union, and us readers.
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That's wonderful! The first thing I thought of was whether or not this meant you could bring back Chris and Carey. Congratulations, guys. Go have yourselves a beer.
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This is pretty sweet actually because I've always been a fan of both The Consumerist and Consumer Reports. Now they are the same and one.
My question: The Consumerist \"submitter group\" and the \"readership and commentator group\", both of which I consider myself a member of--will we get discounts on issues of Consumer Reports magazine subscriptions? ;-)
Well, I had to ask!
Awesomeness!! now can we work out a deal to get a free subscription to CR for consumerist commenters? (probably not)
Hey! Guys. Condensed view. It's gone. Why is it gone?
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Congratulations, and welcome back Chris and Carey!
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That's such great news!
So long as this site does stay the way it always has been...that's good.
Welcome back Chris and Carey. This site went downhill fast when you two were let go. I have missed the weekend updates and will definitely start reading Consumerist again everyday.
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Awesome! Now Jezebel needs new overlords and my blog reading list will remain unsullied.
DUDE, WHY NO CONDENSED VIEW?!!!!
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A great fit for a great site.
Can I keep my name?
Congrats! I wonder, though, how the CU's policy of not accepting advertising will allow for the sustainability of this blog... I can only hope for the best, though!
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Wait, will the Username still be connected to it's usage on the Gawker blogs?
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it's all good news now until consumer reports starts to restructure, add banners, pop ups, change blog team, page style, paid subscriptions, etc...
typical merger shpeal.
hopefully I am wrong and may the consumerist live a long life!
There is probably a way to be proactive about keeping the site free, which is subscribe to Consumer Reports. It really is a great magazine, but as Gizmodo pointed out, \"You probably only read Consumer Reports if a) you are at your grandparents house or b) you are a grandparent yourself.\"
That is true. BUT, all the young whippersnappers should drop a few dollars for a great mag and directly/indirectly funding a great site to boot.
Just for this, I will restart my subscription to CU. I allowed it to lapse the last time I moved (7 years ago).
Great news
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Some of the best news of 2008. :o)
Glad to see Consumer Reports / Consumers Union pick up Consumerist, and really happy that the old Consumerist crew will be on-the-job for the new year!
Go 2009!
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Congrats!!
Look at that, I wake up on January 1st, check Consumerist, and VIOLA! No more Gawker links! Yay!
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I found out by accident that I was instinaty a member here as soon as I became a member on (former?) Gawker media sister site Lifehacker.
Does this mean that Consumerist will no longer be part of the Gawker Media network?
I am sorry, but I do not think I've ever gotten any truly useful, actionable info from CR.
Certainly their consumer electronics info has been a joke for decades and the auto stuff is easily trumped by Edmunds. The household appliance stuff comes the closest to having value if you are easily intimidated by salesmen or PDF files.
As for services, finances and such, I really cannot recall anything CR that made a lasting impression on me, unlike the Consumerist tales of Circuit City, BofA etc.
And the previous poster who noted the age demo of CR is dead on -- my 70 yr-old father-in-law is a CR die-hard, so much he bought his last TWO cars based on the reported cubic sq. footage of the trunks. I kid you not.
I am not trying to troll and start a fight, just giving you my honest take on oh, 25 years, of picking up, scanning, and reading CR in supermarkets, libraries, doctor's offices, barbers etc. I've never once been remotely tempted to subscribe or visit their Web site. In contrast, I'll swing by Consumerist just about everyday.
I hope I am wrong, but I believe the CR/CU relationship with Consumerist will chance the latter for the worse.
Later,
JAT
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Happy Consumerist Belongs to he Consumer Union Day!
I am so happy the whole team (Meg, Ben, Chris and Carey) are back together. Chris and Carey, you were sorely missed! Meg and Ben did the best they could, but they just couldn't do it all.
I can already see a difference!
I gladly welcome our new CU overlords. :)
Hey! Look to the left.
<------
No G***ker crap. YAY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I just thought of something that may be a little off-topic but may also be helpful, but probably no one's reading this far down anyway.
Consumer Reports is a subscription-only site, but what many people don't realize is that CR is a part of the EBSCOHost database which is available through many public libraries' electronic resources for at-home access by library users - if you have a library card. I log on regularly with my New York Public Library card.
Absolutely, 100% kosher, paid for by our taxes :).
Congrats to the Consumerist team! And to their new overlords!
This is great news!! I think this will be a great fit for you guys!!
How long till they remove gawker account support?
Yeah I get those final notices as well. I find it so disapointing that consumer reports tries to scam its clients like that. Makes me want to cancel my subscription just because of these practices.
I don't seem to like this change one bit, I loved Consumerist with all its links and crossovers to other Gawker Media sites...
...what caused Gawker to sell off Consumerist, anyway?
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Congratulations Ben on selling out (both figuratively and literally) to the man.
@Elviswasntmyhero: that's not a fair assessment at all. it wasn't ben's decision to sell the consumerist - it was nick denton's. feel free to read this brief --> [gawker.com] & the subsequent links to articles about the sale.
& if the consumerist had to be bought by someone (or shutter its doors), what better company than one that is dedicated to informing consumers? perhaps you think it would be better if best buy or sears or comcast owned the site?
Wow this is FANTASTIC news. Ben told me on AIM that something was going to happen and that I would be very happy since i was sad how the consumerist was going and he delivered on that ten-fold.
Welcome back Chris and Carey, i look forward to seeing your posts again
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Woo Hoo Does this mean no more \"Jezebel\" cross posts?
Thanks for keeping the same infrastructure. I feel like when Wonkette transitioned, it did not go quite as smoothly at first.
I know I'm late to the party but let me just say \"YAY!\" Gawker's sale of The Consumerist was one of my biggest \"bummer\" moments of 2008 but it just became one of (what will probably be) my happiest consumer moments of 2009. Woot!
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Come on! How much?
Let us know how much our \"sticky eyeballs\" are worth!
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Awesome!!! I actually engage in CU's e-mail campaigns so I'm familiar. This might be enough to get me to actually subscribe or donate the $ they always ask for.
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Congrats! That's wonderful news.
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I, for one, welcome our new Consumers Union overlords.
@Consumerist-Moderator-Roz: I, for one, do not welcome our loss of condensed view.
@Consumerist-Moderator-Roz: Sweet!
I was really worried about you guys for a bit.
@Consumerist-Moderator-Roz: Here, here! Break out the bubbly!
I predict the following:
I can imagine the discussions that went on at CR prior to the purchase. They saw the low ad revenue and saw a bargain, snapped it up. The have a plan to crank up ad revenue by appealing to an audience that are a bit richer than the current 20-somethings audience:
> stories will be held up/killed as a result of fact-checking (An older audience doesn’t like wasting their time on what turns out to be B.S.)
> staff will be required to stop writing articles containing f-bombs/profanity (An older audience doesn’t like the “edginess” of rude and insulting language)
> staff will be required to stop submitting stories based solely on sensationalism (not common, but I've seen a few – an older audience wants fact, not emotion)
In short, the blog will be subject to some of the more traditional journalistic guidelines and rules. As a result, the blog will lose its 20-somethings audience. In the end, the Consumerist blog will end up being an adjunct to the pay-for-access CR website, perhaps accessible from the a free link
There is just too large a chasm between the wild-west free-wheeling style of the consumerist as compared to the more subjective, staid, \"establishment\" tone of CR for them to co-exist as-is. It may take a while, but Consumerist will be assimilated
@Consumerist-Moderator-Roz: Would've been funnier if they'd promoted you so you could order us all to KNEEL BEFORE ROZ!
@Consumerist-Moderator-Roz:
@Consumerist-Moderator-Roz: Flippin sweet!
@Consumerist-Moderator-Roz: All hail someone more awesome than Gawker! Way to cut and run.
@Consumerist-Moderator-Roz: Congratulations! And welcome back, Chris and Carey!
Thanks for the good news, guys.
@Consumerist-Moderator-Roz:
As do I. The empire shall continue unfettered.
@Consumerist-Moderator-Roz: I join others in congratulating you, it's an excellent marriage that will retain your independence. And I'm glad to see the others rejoining the fold as well. Great news!
@Consumerist-Moderator-Roz:
+1
It is great to hear Chris and Carey are back!
This is a wondrous outcome, I feared that this place might fall off the map.
IMO this blog will be better off in the long run for all the issues that have occurred recently, their work naturally dovetails with that of CU.
@Consumerist-Moderator-Roz:
Perfect buyer for the site, followed by the perfect quote by the moderator. Joy ensues.
@Consumerist-Moderator-Roz: Wonderful news!! And a big Welcome Back to Chris and Carey! I'm so glad they're keeping together the original Winning Team!
@Consumerist-Moderator-Roz: Amen! And welcome back, our lost little lambkins! We missed you!
@Consumerist-Moderator-Roz: Roz wins! Consumerist wins! Everyone wins!
@Consumerist-Moderator-Roz: I don't think there is a better fit out there. Congratulations! And welcome back Chris and Carey! :) Hugs and joy all around!
@Consumerist-Moderator-Roz: I, for two, welcome our OTHER new overlord. Meg Marco.
BOW DOWN PEONS
@Consumerist-Moderator-Roz: Will I still be able to login to Giz and such using my current Gawker Media Network account?
@Consumerist-Moderator-Roz:
Me too! Hard to imagine a better owner for Consumerist. Should we expect CR/CU to contribute content?
@Consumerist-Moderator-Roz: Hilarious. Came to say the same if no one had yet. I was beaten by miles. Cheers to the new guys. Try not to change too much.
@Consumerist-Moderator-Roz: [scienceguild.org]
@Consumerist-Moderator-Roz: Awesome, I was thinking the same thing!