Rake Stops Print Publication, Will Remain Online

The Rake announced today that it will cease print publication, lay off 15 of its 16 employees (keeping Cristina Cordova to run the web op) and presumably continue as a sort of local Huffington Post (assuming they can keep some of the blogging names on board -- Britt Robson, Jeremy Iggers, Anne Bauer, et al.).

Just prior to the announcement, there was a small dustup in the comments at Brad Zellar's Rake blog (Yo, Ivanhoe!) about David Brauer's MinnPost coverage of The Rake being for sale. MNspeak also has lots of comments on the news.

This is sad news for the Twin Cities media community, although having one less outlet probably won't make much difference (and The Rake was known to be near the bottom of the pay scale for writers). And it's sad news for a friend of mine, a (now former) Rake employee who received a whopping four days of severance pay.

Ultimately, though, quality will out. My friend is talented and will find new and better work. The better writers at the Rake will find lots of opportunities to have their unique voices heard. And maybe Melinda Jacobs can buy what's left of the Rake and turn it into her own vanity publishing mini-empire. Now if only she could find an editor ...

Steve Perry: So Long, Daily Mole. Hello, MNMon!

Steve Perry, as rumored, has shut down the Daily Mole and will be joining the MN Monitor. Sounds like a good move for him, and a nice addition to MNMon. Also, Dude Weather has moved to The Rake.

10,000 Arts Party at Northrup This Thursday, Feb. 7

Feb 07, 2008 from 7 pm to 10 pm

All the World's a Stage at Northrop, University of Minnesota!

A performance extravaganza, on stage and off:

• 2008 Voltage: Fashion Amplified Preview
  
• Music by MC/VL
• 7 Deadly Sins by the University Opera Theatre
• 7 Corners Quartet jazz ensemble
• Scott Mateo Davis: flamenco guitar
• Authur Murray Dance Center

Meet the artists featured in the new issue of 10,000 Arts: Minnesota's Creative Quarterly! Also, sample fine complimentary foods, spirits, wine, and beer (plus cash bar).

General admission is free.

We are no longer taking V.I.P. reservations.

Northrop Auditorium

University of Minnesota

84 Church Street S.E.

Minneapolis, MN 55455

For parking suggestions, visit www1.umn.edu/pts.

Co-hosted by The Rake and mnartists.org. Sponsored by Explore Minnesota, Simon Delivers, Bacardi, Newcastle Brown Ale, and Artisan Vineyards, with support from West Bank Arts District, and Voltage.