Automatic Media Launches New Website

Posted on January 17, 2001

Automatic Media has launched the first new website in its network of literary and alternative culture websites, which includes the online magazines Feed and Suck. The new website, called Plastic, aims to be a live collaboration between editors and readers. Currently, Plastic's editors (as well as editors from other online publications) post short comments about current online articles and news stories. Plastic's readers can then engage in discussion about each article using interactive bulletin boards.

Plastic has launched with several main subject areas including film, games, humor, media, music, politics, technology, sex, television and work. Some of the sections feature commentary from editors of other media outlets. In the media section editors from Inside.com are selecting and commenting on media-related stories and in the technology section editors from Wired are selecting and commenting on technology news stories. Editors from other sources, including Spin, Gamers.com, Movieline and Nerve.com, are also active on the new website. Plastic plans to expand with new content and partners in the future.

Automatic Media was created in July of 2000 and is led by led by Lee deBoer, former president of HBO International and CEO of New Century Network. Lycos, Inc. has a 25% equity stake in the new company. Automatic Media received financial backing from financial backing from Advance Publications (through Advance.net), Terra Lycos Inc., Terra Lycos Ventures, and Paladin UK.