When we first began to cover the many close relationships between flauntrepreneur Scott Jones's ChaCha search engine and Indiana University, the Indiana Herald-Times was one of the few local newspapers to closely question the relationship. Steve Hinnefeld of the Herald-Times was even following Valleywag's coverage, and came to similar conclusions: Although nothing legally wrong occurred, IU officials' failure to disclose their ChaCha ties was suspicious. However, since then the newspaper has provided the issue little attention. Why?

CHRIS MOHNEY — Thanks for letting me muck up the place this past month. It's been fun, and though I'm not either of the Nicks who've been hanging out here lately, readers were receptive enough to my presence not to roast me outright. It's been more of a slow burn, lobster-style, cooking me steadily before I even realized I was done. No idea whose tender flesh you'll be feasting on next week — you think I'm in that loop? — but I'm sure it will be succulent. To the alarmingly high number of people I offended here in such a short time, I can honestly say, I already forgot your names. So no hard feelings, and enjoy your weekend.

UPDATE: I'm told Nick Denton will be back on the beam for next week, just in case you're keeping score.

So here we go again. As you may have heard, I'll be vacating this particular establishment to work on [redacted]. In the past six months and change, I've had the pleasure of laboring alongside an impressive crew of talented Gawkerites, old and new. Staff turnover and a site redesign slowed us down at times, but all such obstacles were overcome via absurdly hard work and saintly patience from the site team. We've vastly expanded Gawker's content, creating a host of new features that are universally beloved by all readers. I was lucky enough to oversee the introduction of several great columns and columnists who are thoroughly ensconced here, and I hope that tradition continues. The commenter population has expanded dramatically and vocally, despite our occasional efforts at population control. And traffic has increased to steady daily highs, such that this January should sport Gawker's best numbers in its history — all without the gift of another Gawker Stalker map, celebrity baby, or other traffic spike. Numbers aren't nearly as fun as people, though.

So yes, a few developments here at Gawker. Let's chat.