A Journey Back: The Weblogs Inc. Network and Its Acquisition by AOL

Almost 10 years have passed since the dramatic sale of Weblogs Inc. to AOL, a pivotal moment that reshaped the landscape of online blogging and media. explores the numbers, the context, and the aftermath of this significant acquisition. We will delve into how many blogs were part of the Weblogs Inc. network at the time, and what happened to them post-acquisition. Let's take a stroll down memory lane!

How Many Blogs Were in the Weblogs Inc. Network?

When Weblogs Inc. was acquired by AOL in 2005, the network counted a substantial number of blogs. According to the founders, the network was home to almost 100 blogs. This figure might seem impressive, but it's important to note that not all of these blogs had been active. Some of the smaller, less established blogs were shuttered before the sale, reflecting a strategic decision to focus on a stronger, more robust lineup.

It would be amiss to forget that one of the blogs, which eventually became a part of my current startup, continued to operate as a labor of love, maintaining a break-even status even post-acquisition. This blog, which wasn't sold to AOL, represents a unique anomaly in the narrative of Weblogs Inc.'s transition.

The Pipeline of Blogs

The blog network itself was a diverse collection of voices. Among the blogs specializing in video games, there was a notable group of 15, including:

Joystiq XboxFanboy PlayStationFanboy WowInsider

These blogs catered to gamers and enthusiasts, blending news, reviews, and community engagement with a unique twist. Additionally, 20 more blogs focused on technology, including topics like Wi-Fi, WiMAX, and various tech-related subcategories. Some of the blogs that stood out within this group include:

Divester Cardsquad

These latter blogs, along with several others, unfortunately, were shut down. However, the remaining blogs in the network were retained, marking a strategic shift in AOL's blogging strategy.

The AOL Takeover

AOL decided to narrow down the focus of the acquired blogs. Rather than maintaining the entire roster, they chose to concentrate on a select group of 20 top performers. This focused and mergers strategy was designed to bolster the network's overall strength and relevance. The chosen blogs, including Engadget, Engadget HD, and Autoblog, were encouraged to thrive, while others were left to wither or were eventually merged or shut down.

Among the top 20 winners, some notable blogs were:

Engadget Engadget HD Engadget Wireless Autoblog Autoblog Green Joystiq TV TV Squad Gadling Cinematical

By doubling down on these publications, AOL aimed to create a more cohesive and competitive blogging network. This consolidation might have resulted in the eventual loss of some unique voices but it allowed the network to gain greater prominence and relevance in the ever-evolving tech and gaming landscapes.

Conclusion

The era of Weblogs Inc. under AOL marked a significant turning point in the blogging world. The journey from a diverse network of 100 blogs to a more focused and powerful set of 20 top performers told a story of adaptation and evolution in the digital media space. These changes not only influenced the trajectory of individual blogs but also shaped the broader landscape of online content creation and dissemination.