Something is not so nifty at Shift

November 1, 2000 - In July 2000, employees bought Shift from Normal Networks. It's reported that freelance writers have still not been paid from the former owner's days in charge.

Ouch. Obviously the "free" part of freelance went to somebody's head. Now the title is stumbling for cash to stay afloat; the employee-owners have laid themselves off and are working for free.

It's too bad. The title was getting set to launch an U.S. edition last month, in an effort to double total circulation which was at 70,000.

Rumor has it that Hachette Filipacchi Magazines was being recruited to assist the title's pursuit of international presence. If the hunt for a new sponsor doesn't work, the likelihood is that the magazine, and its web site, with shut down completely.

This has a "Beware" sign written all over it.