MomsLikeMe.com was a relatively early move by Gannett Company to get into social media, with more than 80 local websites – most tied to Gannett newspapers or television stations. But now the company has decided that it is not where it wants to be in the current marketplace and the sites will all shut down on Friday (10/14).
“Dear MLM User,” the MomsLikeMe staff announced Monday (10/10) on the websites. “There’s no easy way to share this news with you, but all of the MomsLikeMe sites will be shutting down on Friday, October 14, 2011. We have been very pleased to be a gathering place for moms, but the market has evolved substantially since we launched three years ago, and there are many new and different ways for you to connect and engage.”
In a FAQ posted on the sites which attempted to anticipate questions from members, Gannett said they could download any photos, conversations and other materials they wished to retrieve. No new accounts are being opened and individual accounts can no longer be canceled, since all will be canceled as of Friday.
Users were assured that the site managers they’ve gotten used to interacting with online won’t be heading to the unemployment lines. “The vast majority of our MomsLikeMe local site managers will continue working for Gannett at the local newspaper or TV station at which they are currently employed,” the FAQ stated.
As for why MomsLikeMe is being shut down: “This was a business decision made at the corporate level. Gannett is investing in many new digital initiatives across our local media organizations and companywide that we are confident will provide you and others with even more exciting and relevant news and information.”
