Think Big, Start Small. And then... stop?

Is this another example of economy vs. environment?

I have had my issues with their business model, but as it was there have always felt BBC Green to represent a perfectly good source of complementary info (though some have been concerned about the stances taken on various issues, which were, unsurprisingly, reflective of the overall corporate agenda). Shame they ignored all my efforts to raise reuse as a worthy topic.

But it was odd, and a little sad, to get this in my inbox just now.

Hello JunkkMan,

After nine months of brightening your inbox with weekly green news and advice, I am sorry to announce that this will be our last newsletter. From today, we won't be adding any more stories or features to BBC Green.

I hope you have enjoyed reading, using and interacting with the site. Building an environmental and sustainable living website from scratch was an ambitious project, and I would like to thank all of the BBC Green team who helped to make it happen.

I am also very grateful for the many kind and supportive messages we have received since our launch in March. We even enjoyed the few critical emails from die-hard climate change sceptics.

On a personal note, I have been amazed by just how many of you are looking for positive and practical ways to lead a greener life. We have really enjoyed hearing about and following your experiences, especially those of you who have used our Action Plan.

I hope that we have helped in some small way to inform and inspire you, and that BBC Green will continue to help you to make the right choices for you and the environment.

Very best wishes,

Paul Allen,
Editor, BBC Green

The one thing not explained is why*, and having a quick scope on the website I remain none the wiser. Maybe it just there will be no more email updates, but it's hard to see how that would make much difference.

It seems to be saying that what's up is all there is, and will be, and that will remain. However there will be no more need for additions, or interactivity, and hence staff.

Anyway, as I rush to try and get off the latest Junkk newsletter, packed with all manner of useful tidbits, I guess this is one less complementitor (my main beef was that when you are competing for ad revenue, having a funded entity courtesy of the licence fee was a bit frustrating), though the field is still pretty packed already.

I guess we just have to make sure we keep being useful, second useful, and entertaining enough to always find new stuff to share and offer plenty of reasons for folk to keep on coming back.
10/12/08

*Guardian - BBC Worldwide drops environment site - '..the corporation's commercial arm, has quietly ditched a controversial website ... following criticism from commercial competitors that it is overstepping its remit and distorting the markets in which it operates.'

Press Gazette - NEW - Rivals welcome closure of BBC Green 'passion site'