In the near future, Gawker Media will move "beyond the blog" by way of full site redesigns, which will provide a new framework for advertising products, including a prioritization of video and allow for a resurgence of "the scoop."

Over the past several years we have seen how breaking news scoops and in-depth features drive traffic spikes, but those stories can also become lost in the traditional format that most blogs currently use. New York Times' Nick Bilton likens our transformation to the progress and evolution of the newspaper over the past century when "editors figured out that readers didn't want more news, but instead wanted a more concise culling of news."

Early last week, founder Nick Denton directly addressed our readers in a manifesto about the upcoming redesign, heralding the 2011 template as "the most significant change in the Gawker model since the launch of Gizmodo and Gawker in 2002." The once separate worlds of internet, television and magazines are merging and much of the redesign is propelled by implementing the best aspects from each medium. The new layout will accentuate multiple media formats and our user interface will not only allow for more editorial freedom, but provide new ways to gracefully blend advertising into our publications.

It was also announced last week that Gawker Media's Head of Sales and Marketing, Chris Batty, would be leaving the company at the end of December to start a new advertising venture. Our Director of Sales, Michael Cascio, will be leaving the company as well. We will miss them both greatly and wish them both the best in their future pursuits.