In an effort to save its seemingly sinking brand, PlanetOut appointed Out EIC Aaron Hicklin as the company’s Editorial Director. In addition to working with other editors under the media umbrella, Hicklin will “play an integral role in the development of the digital media aspects of Gay.com 2.0 and will serve as the creative visionary behind the re-launch of PlanetOut.com,” says an internal email.
Hicklin couldn’t be more excited, squealing via email:
I’m delighted to be given the opportunity to work with the editorial teams in the Planetout family in pursuit of a more integrated and comprehensive editorial strategy. It’s a big task, but we have some tremendously talented and resourceful people working for our print and online properties, and I’m looking forward to meeting with them all in the next month and listening to their suggestions and ideas as we continue to build on our already considerable achievements.
In “the next month”?! Oh, right – it’s a planet. Hope Hicklin packs a lunch!
Here’s the entire aforementioned email from CEO Karen Magee. It’s a truly remarkable read.
How about we take this to the next level?
Our newsletter is like a refreshing cocktail (or mocktail) of LGBTQ+ entertainment and pop culture, served up with a side of eye-candy.
Dear Colleagues,
It gives me great pleasure to announce the appointment of Aaron Hicklin
as Editorial Director for PlanetOut Inc. At the same time that Aaron
assumes responsibility for all of the online and magazine content
created across our company, he plans to continue in his role as the
Editor in Chief of Out.In this newly created position, Aaron will work closely with the
Editors in Chief of each of our magazines, and our digital editorial
team, to ensure that we are maximizing our editorial resources and
talent across all of our properties. He will play an integral role in
the development of the digital media aspects of GAY.COM 2.0 and will
serve as the creative visionary behind the re-launch of PlanetOut.com.All of you know Aaron as the immensely talented editor who, along with
his terrific team at Out, has completely redesigned and re-launched
that magazine over the course of the last 18 months. What you may not
know is that Aaron previously served as the Editor in Chief of
BlackBook magazine and as the Executive Editor of Gear magazine. Aaron
transitioned into the US magazine market from his position as the
Features Editor for Scotland on Sunday, prior to which he began his
career as a contributing writer for The List (Edinburgh) and The
Independent (London).Please join me in congratulating Aaron on his new role.
Karen
Jack Jett
I like Aaron Hicklin. I just wish that publications that cater to the GLBTQ community would explore the diversity within our own ranks and not feel the need to put pretty straight boys on the cover.
In addition, I say this not just because I am old, tired, jaded and bitter, but because many of my friends are too. Can these publications give a shout out our way from time to time. Where is the gay love for middle age and seniors?
Charley
I like Aaron Hicklin. Glad they are getting a gay man at helm. GLBT again, rather than LGBT. Give those gay editorial dykes an inch, they will take a yard as bright as they are.
hells kitchen guy
Aaron is smart and has a lot of class. Go hate on him if you want, but facts is facts.
Know it all
Are they kidding. They have had 5 years and $70 million and now they are coming up with this. So he is becoming captain of a sinking ship. They are selling the company. What is the point now.
Helena Russell
Hicklin is being set up to be the fall boy and his ego is just inflated enough that he thinks he’s truly the solution. Perfect patsy. What a joke!
yalesing
I like Aaron Hicklin also. it’a pleasure to see a gay man at helm. GLBT again, rather than LGBT. Give those gay editorial dykes an inch, they will take a yard as bright as they are.i am a gay and my profile is on gaysinglehunt.com where i look for gay partner
Wiggles
so, more infotainment, 10-page underwear photo shoots, and str8 celebs blathering abut the challenge of being gay on their useless web sites, too?
Oh, joy. glad I never paid for this crap.
Tony Mills
What about gettin’ some roman catholics on board, have they all been fired from LPI to make way for the Jewish contingent: it makes ya think is LPI gone Hollyvoooood…give me another portion of that cheescake….mmmmeeeee
DrSmith
Is OUT still around?