The Other Face(s) Of Be Dope
Known primarily as a news, commentary and entertainment site focusing on BeOS and BeIA technology issues, this is actually a public front for an organization that built its fortune in a surprising manner: by not writing stories for the United States government.
"While attempting to arrange some CIA interviews for research on some early stories, we were contacted by the White House," explained Be Dope CEO Mike Popovic in an exclusive interview. "After a series of negotiations, we learned there is much more money to be made not writing stories for the government, much as some farmers make more by not growing wheat for the government."
Through contacts made while not writing about them, Popovic also managed to include Be Dope in other lucrative and/or shady government work/covert actions.
"Believe me, it is hard work, waking up every day and not writing about some of this stuff," shared Popovic. "But with the acquisition of AOL Time Warner, the work is finally paying off."
The Right Time
Reportedly, Popovic had his eye both on AOL and several media companies, but was wary of the lengthy FTC investigation that would no doubt ensue if he tried to acquire certain combinations of properties.
"So when I heard about the AOL - Time Warner merger, I was elated," said Popovic. "I figured I'd let them handle the FTC, then just acquire all their properties at once from the combined company. This really cut down on the amount of paperwork I'd have to deal with."
FTC Has Some Concerns
The new merger will still require FTC approval, but according to the FTC, talks with Be Dope officials have proceeded smoothly so far.
"Most of the 'heavy-lifting' work has been taken care of already with the first merger," confirmed the FTC. "And since Be Dope has agreed to suspend publication of the Be Dope news service/website (BDN), effective immediately after lunch today, we really aren't anticipating any showstoppers."
"We've had a good three years, and a lot of fun," said Popovic. "However, there is a time for all projects to come to and end, and this feels like the right time. We're extremely grateful to all the kind words and feedback we've received from our followers over the years, and wish them the best in the years to come."
Although no new stories will be written, the Be Dope site will remain online as a historical document. Sections such as "The Quotable JLG", "The Be Dope Icon Tarot", and the "Be Haiku Generator" may continue to receive updates, or possibly be spun-off and associated with another website or brand.
Don't Expect Big Changes
According to Popovic, we shouldn't expect any sweeping changes in the new AOL Time Warner Be Dope organization.
"Besides changing the name of the company to 'AOL Time Warner Be Dope', the average consumer should expect business as usual. Although Steve Case will be off on his island, Jerry Levin will remain as Chief Executive Officer of AOL Time Warner Be Dope," affirmed Popovic.
Popovic, meanwhile, will take on the newly-created role of "Eccentric and Somewhat Interfering Guy Everyone Has to Listen To."
"I love to both inform and entertain, and I hardly ever get them mixed up anymore," declared Popovic.
"I plan to be involved, offering my suggestions for both the various media side of things - movies, television, news, music - as well as my technical expertise on the internet connectivity side of things. Obviously, I have some BeOS/BeIA solutions that I think will help things along a bit."
Critic Concerns Irrelevant
Critics believe that the unprecedented concentration of media power represented by the merger is bad news for consumer choice. Seeking to placate consumers and regulatory bodies, Popovic pledged earlier today to "crush all such concerns with an iron fist."
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