Dec. 19--One of Chicago's pioneering blogs, Gapers Block, is going on indefinite hiatus beginning Jan. 1.
In a letter posted to readers Friday, Editor and Publisher Andrew Huff said the site would remain accessible but with no new contributions for the foreseeable future.
"The site will remain up in archive form while we evaluate our options, which may include a redesign or sale," Huff said. "Thank you for your readership and contributions over the past 12-plus years."
Founded in 2003, Huff's site featured Chicago-focused postings on news, events, arts, food, music and other topics that drew a loyal following. Huff cited a number of factors behind the decision, including the conflicting demands of taking over his family's health care communications firm, and the inability of the site to generate enough advertising income to pay an outside editor.
Huff was the primary contributor to the site, which was staffed mostly by volunteers.
"At this point, I think Gapers Block's model is just out of date," Huff said. "The site structure is out of step with the way online media functions, and while we provide a fantastic platform for local journalism, our audience is shrinking, and our opportunities for revenue are too."
rchannick@tribpub.com
