Snopes.com, a website that describes itself as the definitive Internet reference source for urban legends, folklore, myths, rumors
Launched in 1994 by founder David Mikkelson, Snopes.com considers itself the oldest and largest fact-checking website on the internet. The website claims to be regarded by journalists, folklorists, and laypersons as one of the world’s essential resources. Its personnel have notably made multiple appearances as guests on national news programs such as 20/20, ABC World News, CNN Sunday Morning, and NPR’s All Things Considered, and they and their work have been profiled in numerous news publications such as The New York Times, the Los Angeles Times, The Washington Post, The Wall Street Journal, and Reader’s Digest.
While sharing details about the situation, Team Snopes stated:
“Since our inception, we have always been a self-sustaining site that provides a free service to the online world: we’ve had no sponsors, no outside investors or funding, and no source of revenue other than that provided by online advertising. Unfortunately, we have been cut off from our historic source of advertising income.
“We had previously contracted with an outside vendor to provide certain services for Snopes.com. That contractual relationship ended earlier this year, but the vendor will not acknowledge the change in contractual status and continues to essentially hold the Snopes.com web site hostage. Although we maintain editorial control (for now), the vendor will not relinquish the site’s hosting to our control, so we cannot modify the site, develop it, or — most crucially — place advertising on it. The vendor continues to insert their own ads and has been withholding the advertising revenue from us.”
Although it’s legal team is fighting hard, Snopes’ team states that since they have been cut off from all revenue, they are facing the prospect of having no financial means to continue operating the popular website or other expenses, including the staff and legal fees:
“As misinformation has increasingly threatened democracies around the world (including our own), Snopes.com has stood in the forefront of fighting for truth and dispelling misinformation online. It is vital that these efforts continue, so we are asking the Snopes.com community to donate what they can. (Our suggested donation is $10, but if you can give more please consider doing so — every little bit helps.)
“We need our community now more than ever, as it is only through your support that Snopes.com can remain the community and resource we all know and love.”
Originally seeking $500,000, the site quickly secured its initial funding target within one day and is now nearing $535,000 thanks to more than 19,000 supporters.
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