Business 2.0 passes away

We are gathered here today in cyberspace to pay our respects to the dearly departed, Business 2.0 magazine.

The magazine's owner Time Inc. has decided to close the doors after almost 10 years reporting news about technology of the "new economy," which is to say they reported business the way it ought to be done. This month (Oct. 2007) marks the last issue.

If you are one of the folks scratching your head wondering why you've never heard about the magazine then I'm not surprised. They are closing down after all.

While most of the subject matter could be billed as information about young Internet start-up companies making waves, B2.0 covered much more than boring numbers and economic trends in the online world. Editorially, none of its staff seemed too interested in the business side of anything, which is exactly what made it work.

Because when you think about it, what is business news and why is it worth your valuable time?

The answer to the question is largely biased depending on who you're asking, but I would argue that the only reason to do a business story is to aim the spotlight at inspired people with an idea that happens to be worth lots of money. Forget market trends and predicting the future, which often crowds the pages of most newspaper sections. Business should be a reflection of humanity's desire to improve. For me, that's why Business 2.0 was always worth reading.

Editor Josh Quittner expressed his gratitude towards colleagues in the Oct. 2007 introduction:

"Had I known five years when I took this job that it would end here, I'd do it again in a heartbeat -- as would virtually all of my excellent staff."

Yet, for some good news in the wake of this tragic death, the letter also revealed Quittner and nine other former staffers have been hired by Fortune Magazine to head up a new technology news bureau in San Francisco.

It's good to know that even though the deadwood edition is no more, the spirit of new business will live on.

Farewell Business 2.0. You will be missed.
-TechGOnzo