The Consumerist is a consumer affairs
blog owned by
Consumers Union and edited by a team led by co-executive editors Ben Popken and Meghann Marco. The blog's focus is on
consumerism and consumers' experiences and issues with
companies and
corporations, concentrating mostly on U.S. consumers. Some of the topics of its blog entries are originated by the editors, but most come from
reader-submitted tips and complaints.
Gawker Media established the blog in December 2005[2], with Joel Johnson as editor.[1] Johnson had previously edited Gizmodo for Gawker. The Consumerist was an idea from Gawker Media owner Nick Denton and managing editor Lockhart Steele; according to Johnson, "they knew they wanted a shopping blog—but not a shopping blog—and that they wanted to address the issues that consumers really find the most frustrating on a daily basis."
In creating The Consumerist he established its slogan and initial focus on readers complaints, "consumer-oriented news nuggets, funny pictures and shopping tips&_160;— all with the same snarky tone that characterizes Gawker properties like Wonkette and Defamer." [1] Johnson left Gawker in July 2006, citing a "disagreement about [his] role within the company."[3].
Gawker put the blog up for sale in November 2008, at the same time that it announced the closure of one of its other blogs, Valleywag. On December 30, 2008, the New York Times reported that The Consumerist had been purchased by Consumers Union, owner and publisher of Consumer Reports magazine.[4]
