I'm not sure why ex-Gawker people are "exactly the kind of independent voice you'd think people would want to read." I certainly wouldn't describe them that way.
I was thinking more along the lines of Substack, but with a larger dose of "influencer" personality-driven brands.
Ex-Gawker meaning people who were tiring of trying to write proper articles while also toeing the gossip blog line. The concept is no different than any other person that writes for a publication but wants editorial independence.
I was thinking more along the lines of Substack, but with a larger dose of "influencer" personality-driven brands.