http://chronicle.com/free/2009/02/10973n.htm?utm_source=at&utm_medium=en
The Chronicle of Higher Education is reporting that JuicyCampus, which had established gossip sites for about 500 college campuses where anonymous posters came very close to libel suits, is shutting down. The company that runs the site is blaming the economic downturn for its demise, although many college students were pleased to hear the news.
The site ran forums like “Is Lawson a virgin?” and “The sluttiest girls in each sorority,” listing student names in many cases. Apparently, venture capital ran dry and ad revenue was falling off sharply during the current recession. The site was live for a little over a year.
In an e-mail interview, Mr. Ivester told the Chronicle that legal threats against the site had nothing to do with his decision. “Absolutely not,” said Mr. Ivester. “We were able to successfully navigate all legal challenges, and JuicyCampus remains confident that all of our services and policies are well within the law.”
