WebMediaBrands CEO Alan Meckler
More On Light Reading
I am delighted that I received a number of comments about my post of 21 August. I even have one from Saunders. I have chosen not to respond in this blog to comments in the comments section ---I do, however, from time to time respond directly to commenters. In this case I re-stated directly to Saunders in an email that he was dishonest in his dealings with me. My feelings have been aired about the matter and now it is part of Internet history. Anyone reading about this tiny matter in years to come will find Saunders accusing me of "sour grapes" (I could care less that he cashed in nor could I care one iota about Light Reading) and me accusing Saunders of being dishonest. I would rather be tarred with sour grapes than being tarred with dishonesty.
Alan, wish the Light Reading guys well, or don't say anything. To write these bitter posts after these guys have busted their butts for five years to build their business is just plain immature and makes me question your judgment. Do you harbor these types of feelings for ex-employees who go on to success as well (after your thoughtful "advice")? How do you expect to build lasting relationships in business? I am not a huge Jupiter shareholder, but I am dumping my 10,000 shares of JUPM since I now question your ability to lead.
Oh please. It is clear that you have a bad case of sour grapes. On the other hand, your accusations of dishonesty lack credibility. After reading an exchange like this, I am sure future entrepreneurs will decide to avoid dealing with you.
Most of the people commenting here seem to be overlooking your use of this blog to essentially create a fossilized footprint on the matter in question.
Posting comments on the parties in a transaction or on the transaction itself is common practice on sites such as Ebay. You've simply scaled it upwards mightily.
Some might say, "well, Jupiter is a public company, you can't post comments like that." I disagree. I think making such a post is a modern check and balance against bad business dealings, whether they involve public companies or not.
And, I expect to see more of such posts from the business world, at-large, in the future; businesses, publicly or privately held, will be better off for it.
Alan, it obvious that you do care because you blogged on the Light Reading acquisition twice. I am a fan but I must admit psychologists could have a field day with your responses. Why would someone who is a self-made millionare a hundred times over feel it necessary to claim credit for someone else's success? And if Saunders and company really shafted you, why didn't you litigate a long time ago? I guess you're only human and trying to relive some old glories.