Rumors were flying earlier that my company, Primedia Business, has been sold. Rumors are just that as of now. According to our company spokespeople—we're still officially on the block. I'll let you know if and when I hear otherwise.
Am I a little nervous about the possibility of getting sold yet again (our group has been bounced around a few times already)? Yes and no. I'm not too worried about massive layoffs, the usual first round of things that happen after an acquisition. At least not in our magazine group, because if we got any leaner, I'd have to teach my dogs how to use the computer. Then again, I've been wrong before. Frankly, I've been too busy lately to worry about it. There would be adjustments, for sure, and new ways of doing things, but hey, we're flexible. We'd be fine. And if I get laid off, well, we'll figure out a way to get my stepdaughter through college and keep kibble in the dogs' bowls. I've been there before, and undoubtedly will be there again. Hopefully, though, not soon! I love this job, this industry, the people I've met, my bosses, my colleagues—even my workload, most of the time.
I'm hoping that whoever buys us is as dedicated to our online products as Primedia Business has been, because I do see the Web as the future of publishing in a lot of ways. Not that print will ever disappear, but we're all learning differently these days, and I don't see that going away. I hope they embrace our group's culture and way of doing business, and encourage us to keep trying new things and finding new ways to help you guys do your jobs better. I also hope they agree with my blogging philosophy. If not, well, I've already told you my feelings on that.
So stay tuned, and here's hoping this blog doesn't end up being one that describes my daily job hunt along with meetings industry stuff! (OK, so maybe I'm a little worried.)