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It is with mixed emotions that Wolverine Farm Publishing announces the death of Matter Daily. A short but spirited foray into the art—the science?—the capitalism?—of online journalism, Matter Daily tumbled out of this world on April 18th, 2011, barely two years into her existence. A paper note was found taped to the one working computer in the Matter office. It read:
To my editors and to my world wide audience:
Don’t be sad about my passing. I appreciate the time I had in the digital sun. I never really meant to stick around very long, I was merely a stepping stone for something better. From the day I came online I knew I would never start a fire in a woodstove; I knew I would never end up at the bottom of a cat litter box; I knew I would never wrap myself around a present only to be ripped to shreds. Websites simply cannot compete with actual newspapers, and I am fine with that. The thing is, you have no idea how excited I am to rest my weary departments and search engine. You have no idea how crowded the internet is, or how depressing it is to watch all those websites that never get searched for, never get clicked, never do anything. I for one am happy to move on. Take care of my archives. –Matter Daily
At the Monday morning meeting marking her official demise Daily’s editorial staff solemnly remarked to a small crowd of mourners, “Well, we tried” and “who the hell named her ‘Daily’ anyway?”
Officials do not suspect foul play citing the continued efforts of Wolverine Farm Publishing’s staff to cover local issues and rouse rabble.
Matter Daily was best known for her love of children and future generations, her distrust of most anyone in fine clothes, and her ultra-local approach to partially covering Fort Collins news and culture. Matter Daily’s brief and joyous run was made possible by the National Endowment for the Arts, New Belgium Brewing, and fueled by delicious Bean Cycle Coffee.
Matter Daily is survived by Matterhorn, a quarterly print publication, Matter Journal, an annual journal of literature and art, the forthcoming website www.wolverinefarm.org, and 327 chicken & pitchfork stickers, which will undoubtedly find favor with collectors.
As in life, Matter Daily will be missed.
Donations being acceped for the Matter Daily memorial fund.
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