ReadWrite
ReadWrite is a technology news and analysis publication founded in 2003 as ReadWriteWeb.
Last updated August 24, 2026
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Overview
ReadWrite is an online technology publication that began in 2003 under the name ReadWriteWeb, commonly abbreviated as RWW. Founded by Richard MacManus, it initially focused on Web 2.0, emerging internet technologies, software, online services, and the development of the modern web. Its editorial model combined technology news with product reviews, analysis, commentary, and explanatory coverage aimed at readers interested in the direction of the internet industry. The publication became part of the expanding technology-media ecosystem during the late 2000s, when Web 2.0 concepts, social platforms, cloud services, and developer-oriented products were becoming important subjects for both specialist and mainstream audiences. Around September or October 2008, content from ReadWriteWeb began being syndicated online by the technology section of The New York Times, increasing the visibility of the publication's reporting and analysis. ReadWriteWeb also developed international channels, including editions associated with France, Spain, Brazil, and China, reflecting the global nature of its subject matter and readership. In 2011, ReadWriteWeb was acquired by SAY Media. The publication later undertook a significant editorial and brand transition. On October 22, 2012, it redesigned its website, adopted the shorter ReadWrite name, and appointed Daniel Lyons as editor-in-chief. Lyons departed in March 2013 and was succeeded by Owen Thomas. These changes accompanied the site's continuing effort to position itself within a rapidly changing technology-news market. SAY Media sold ReadWrite to Wearable World in February 2015. In June of that year, the company announced a crowdfunding campaign, indicating an effort to involve its audience and pursue additional support during a period of change in digital publishing. The site subsequently experienced another substantial shift in editorial identity. In 2017, it was rebranded as a casino-expert-advice blog, a direction that differed from its earlier technology-news role. Brad Anderson, identified as the current editor-in-chief in the available reference material, later changed the publication back toward coverage of cryptocurrency, artificial intelligence, and technology. ReadWrite therefore represents both a technology-media brand and a case study in the volatility of online publishing. Its history includes an early Web 2.0 focus, international expansion, syndication, ownership changes, leadership turnover, crowdfunding, and later experimentation with different editorial niches. Its current positioning centers on technology-related subjects, particularly cryptocurrency and artificial intelligence, while retaining the broader technology-news identity associated with the ReadWrite name.
History
ReadWrite was launched in 2003 by Richard MacManus as ReadWriteWeb, a publication focused on the emerging Web 2.0 movement and the broader development of internet technologies. Its early coverage addressed online services, software, platforms, social technologies, and the changing relationship between users and the web. The site combined reporting with reviews and analysis, establishing a position between a specialist technology journal and a general technology-news outlet. During the late 2000s, ReadWriteWeb gained visibility as Web 2.0 became a major subject in the technology industry. Around September or October 2008, the technology section of The New York Times began syndicating ReadWriteWeb material online. The publication also operated or supported international channels associated with France, Spain, Brazil, and China, demonstrating an effort to serve audiences beyond its original market and to cover the internet as an international industry. SAY Media acquired ReadWriteWeb in 2011. The ownership change was followed by a prominent reworking of the publication's presentation and leadership. On October 22, 2012, the site was redesigned and shortened its public name from ReadWriteWeb to ReadWrite. Daniel Lyons became editor-in-chief, but left the role on March 20, 2013. Owen Thomas then took over as editor-in-chief. In February 2015, SAY Media sold ReadWrite to Wearable World. Several months later, in June 2015, the company announced a crowdfunding campaign. The campaign formed part of the publication's efforts to obtain support in a difficult and competitive digital-media environment, although the available reference material does not provide financial results or a detailed outcome. ReadWrite later moved through a substantial editorial repositioning. In 2017, the website was rebranded as a casino-expert-advice blog, a departure from the technology-news identity with which it had originally been associated. Brad Anderson, identified in the available reference material as the current editor-in-chief, subsequently redirected the site toward cryptocurrency, artificial intelligence, and technology. This shift restored a stronger connection to the brand's original technology orientation while adding newer subject areas that had become prominent in digital culture and business. The brand's history is consequently marked by repeated changes in ownership, editorial leadership, naming, audience strategy, and subject focus. Despite these transitions, the ReadWrite name remains associated with online technology publishing, including news, reviews, analysis, and coverage of emerging digital technologies.
- 2017
Editorial repositioning
[1]The site is rebranded as a casino-advice blog before later returning toward cryptocurrency, artificial intelligence, and technology coverage.
- 2015
Sale to Wearable World
[1]Wearable World acquires ReadWrite from SAY Media in February.
- 2015
Crowdfunding campaign announced
[1]ReadWrite announces a crowdfunding campaign in June.
- 2012
Brand redesign and renaming
[1]The site is redesigned and adopts the shorter ReadWrite name.
- 2011
Acquisition by SAY Media
[1]SAY Media acquires ReadWriteWeb.
- 2008
New York Times syndication begins
[1]Around September or October, The New York Times technology section begins syndicating ReadWriteWeb content online.
- 2003
ReadWriteWeb launches
[1]Richard MacManus launches the Web technology publication originally known as ReadWriteWeb, or RWW.
Products and positioning
An online technology publication covering internet trends, digital products, emerging technologies, cryptocurrency, and artificial intelligence through news, reviews, and analysis.
Technology media · 2003
ReadWrite online publication
ReadWrite's principal offering is its digital publication, which publishes technology news, reviews, analysis, and commentary. Its subject matter has changed over time, from Web 2.0 and internet technologies to broader technology coverage and later emphasis on cryptocurrency and artificial intelligence.
International digital media
International ReadWrite channels
During its earlier development, ReadWriteWeb maintained international channels associated with France, Spain, Brazil, and China. These channels reflected an effort to adapt the publication's technology coverage for audiences in different markets.
Marketing campaigns
- 2015ReadWrite crowdfunding campaign
International
ReadWrite announced a crowdfunding campaign in June 2015 after its sale to Wearable World. The initiative sought audience or community support for the publication during a period of ownership and business transition.
Brand decisions
2017
Shift in editorial focusStrategyBackground
The website had moved away from its original technology-publication identity and had been presented as a casino-expert-advice blog.
Action taken
Brad Anderson later redirected the site toward cryptocurrency, artificial intelligence, and technology coverage.
Aftermath
The shift reconnected the brand with technology subjects while adding newer areas of digital-interest coverage.
2015
Sale from SAY Media to Wearable WorldM&ABackground
ReadWrite changed ownership as its digital-media business developed within a competitive online publishing market.
Action taken
SAY Media sold ReadWrite to Wearable World in February 2015.
Aftermath
ReadWrite announced a crowdfunding campaign several months later, in June 2015.
2012
Rebrand from ReadWriteWeb to ReadWriteStrategyBackground
The publication sought a shorter, more flexible identity while continuing its coverage of web and technology subjects.
Action taken
ReadWrite redesigned its website on October 22, 2012, and adopted the ReadWrite name.
Aftermath
The rebrand coincided with the appointment of Daniel Lyons as editor-in-chief and preceded further editorial leadership changes.
Recent events
- 2015
SAY Media sold ReadWrite to Wearable World[1]
M&A
Wearable World acquired ReadWrite from SAY Media in February 2015.
- 2015
ReadWrite announced a crowdfunding campaign[1]
Campaign
In June 2015, the company announced a crowdfunding campaign as part of its efforts to support the publication.
- 2013
Daniel Lyons left ReadWrite[1]
Leadership change
Daniel Lyons departed the publication on March 20, 2013, after serving as editor-in-chief; Owen Thomas succeeded him.
- 2012
ReadWriteWeb relaunched as ReadWrite[1]
Product generation · Leadership change
The publication redesigned its website, adopted the ReadWrite name, and appointed Daniel Lyons as editor-in-chief.
- 2011
ReadWriteWeb was acquired by SAY Media[1]
M&A
SAY Media acquired ReadWriteWeb as the publication developed within the digital technology-media sector.
- 2008
The New York Times technology section began syndicating ReadWriteWeb content[1]
Other
Around September or October 2008, the technology section of The New York Times began distributing ReadWriteWeb content online, broadening the publication's reach.
ReadWrite shifted its editorial focus toward cryptocurrency and artificial intelligence[1]
Other
After a period in which the site had been presented as a casino-advice blog, editor-in-chief Brad Anderson redirected the publication toward cryptocurrency, artificial intelligence, and broader technology coverage.
Sources2 sources
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