Arrington returns

As Mike reports on his Crunchnotes blog, he's agreed to rejoin the Gillmor Gang. I'm very glad for this turn of events, particularly in light of the large amount of exposure the show has gotten via Valleywag.

However, I am dismayed by Nick Douglas;' tactics in his investigation of Mike's alleged conflicts of interest, as detailed in a letter Mike was forwarded by someone who Douglas has contacted. The document speaks for itself, I'm afraid, and does a tremendous disservice to Nick Douglas himself. The language of the letter is reminiscent of a McCarthyite witchhunt--there's unfortunately no other way to read it.

I admire Nick's writing, and think he's one of the funniest and talented people in the community. But I also know Mike to be one of the smartest, and rigorously circumspect people in the Valley, and in fact would not count him as either a friend or even a one time guest on the Gillmor Gang, let alone a core member, if he was so stupid, venal, or self-destructive to do the kinds of things Nick is looking to "uncover" with these letters.

Frankly, I am much more concerned for the impact this will have on Nick's career, who is in my dealings with him to date, strikes me as an honest, fair person. But this crosses a line I hope he'll reconsider, and I said that to him directly in a phone conversation with him this afternoon. If that brings me the kind of examination he's foisting on Mike, so be it. I've got nothing to hide, and my bet is neither does Mike. Welcome back to the Gang, Mr. Arrington.