Jul 24

If You’re Wondering How I’m Doing

Category: Asides

AOL is making across the board budget cuts on its blogging properties, we’re hearing from multiple sources. The cuts range up to 25% of each properties total budget, which falls mostly on personnel costs – bloggers are simply being told to take a couple of weeks off for now, and there may or may not be work for them later in August.

One area that seems to be immune from the cuts: The Tech Network (including Engadget), which continues to grow like a weed and drives substantial revenue.

Employees across AOL are being asked to cut down on expenses as much as possible, even minor ones. One person complains that they’re cutting things like free bagels, and are being asked to limit travel as much as possible. Are more big layoffs coming across AOL as it gears up for a sale to Yahoo or another suitor? We’re looking into it.

8 comments

8 Comments so far

  1. TickledBlue July 24th, 2008 11:17 pm

    Sounds rough. I’ve survived at least 5 similar situations myself, it’s never pleasant… well unless you hate the place your working and you have a huge severance pay coming your way if you’re ‘let go’ – then it can be OK. Assuming you’re not in that situation I hope things work out well for you.

  2. oMonarca July 25th, 2008 2:34 am

    Ouch! That sucks. I sure hope that things get turned around and you end up better than you are right now!

  3. darrenl July 25th, 2008 5:46 am

    …call 38 Studios, they are looking for a game designer.

    Sucks though man…but we’ll drink away those tears on monday ;)

  4. Michael July 25th, 2008 5:48 am

    They’re looking for an experienced game designer, though. ;)

  5. Snafzg July 25th, 2008 6:59 am

    It might be “below” your level of expertise but Mythic is hiring CSRs right now (would likely require a relocation). Since they mostly hire internally, it might be a good way to get your foot in the door. I believe Josh Drescher and Jeff Hickman both started in lower-level CSR positions and look where they are now.

  6. Jason July 26th, 2008 9:46 am

    As one of the “Top 50 Gaming Journalists of All Time,” you should have no problem finding something.

    Or you could always start that crusade of yours to save the masses of MMO playing humanity.

    I await your sign so we may join you in your quest.

    Your loyal disciple,

    Jason (resident drunken idiot of Channel Massive)

  7. Ogrebears July 26th, 2008 10:41 pm

    That sucks man.

  8. Rick July 29th, 2008 9:07 am

    Hang in there, Michael. Keep writing, keep working, and good things will come to you. You have a lot of talent, plus a great work ethic, and someone’s going to be lucky to have you working for them. They just don’t know it yet :)