Monday Buzz: Lessons From the Fall of Grantland

It’s mind-blowing how, despite the vast landscape of the internet, organizations fight tooth and nail to remain relevant and up to speed so they can stay in the public eye.

Started in 2011 by sportswriter Bill Simmons and owned by ESPN, the long-form journalism site Grantland was a place where sports enthusiasts could find stories that dug deeper into the context behind events.

A mix of articles, podcasts, and other kinds of content, including pop culture, Simmons’ creation attracted an audience more diverse than that of your average sports site. Sometimes, though, it comes down to the financials, and ESPN, having recently laid off a huge chunk of its staff  (opens in a new tab), was more focused on those than ever, according to Grantland interim Editor-in-Chief Chris Connelly, who replaced Simmons after the company opted not to renew his contract, as The New York Times reported  (opens in a new tab).

“My feeling is, for what it is worth, we found ourselves up against new economic realities that maybe had not been foreseen when I took the job,” Connelly said in an interview with Sports Illustrated  (opens in a new tab). “When you are doing a site that you understand is not making money, you kind of understand when times get challenging or there is a new economic climate, you will be scrutinized very closely.”

When designing a successful website, great leadership can be as important as the content itself. And that, in the end, is where Grantland may have faltered.

When Simmons left, four of the site’s editors joined him on his new venture, according to Deadspin  (opens in a new tab). What’s more, Connelly failed to win over the staff that remained.

Grantland‘s demise despite its critical acclaim offers a learning opportunity for organizations looking to expand their online presence. Ultimately, the fundamentals—including strong leadership and financial strength—still matter.

Tweet of the Day

Nurturing employees to greatness: 4 things great #leaders  (opens in a new tab) do @Coach_TLee https://t.co/QVgBWwjLup  (opens in a new tab) pic.twitter.com/TVpxkk3HaW  (opens in a new tab)

— Emergenetics International (@Emergenetics_) November 2, 2015  (opens in a new tab)

Having a strong figure at the helm is important for any organization, but what makes someone a great leader? Emergenetics takes a look at four essential activities that top-notch leaders engage in  (opens in a new tab).

Other Good Reads

Is your nonprofit having trouble finding donors online? You aren’t alone. A new study shows  (opens in a new tab) why nonprofits have struggled to drive donations through social media.

The theme of evolution has always been “adapt to survive,” and associations are no exception. Forbes contributor Jacob Morgan explores  (opens in a new tab) how organizations can keep up with the changing times.

Today is national Deviled Egg Day, and the North Carolina farmers are celebrating. No need to make a deal with the devil for a great recipe; the North Carolina Egg Association  (opens in a new tab) has a webpage dedicated to the holiday  (opens in a new tab) featuring recipes and nutrition facts.

(Grantland screenshot)