Interesting

WASHINGTON -- Microsoft Corp. sold its popular Slate online magazine Tuesday to The Washington Post Co., a move that makes Slate's political commentary and quirky feature articles more broadly available across the Internet.

Terms of the deal were not disclosed, though Slate editor Jacob Weisberg said the amount was "a very respectable, impressive price."

Microsoft has said Slate, with roughly 6 million readers monthly, breaks even financially but isn't consistently profitable.

Microsoft has sought a buyer since the summer. Under the sales agreement, visitors to Microsoft's MSN Web site will continue to be directed to Slate.

I'm not sure what to make of this. I mean, I get why the WaPo wants to get into the internet/blog business. But Slate? Nobody reads it. The only reason they have traffic is because Microsoft directs you there from all of its other sites.

It's as if the WaPo knew they had to make a move - which they do - but decided to acquire the one online journal that is most like them. That's a typical move from a large organization - and one that won't pay off.