Rumor confirmed: Rake publisher buys MNSpeak

"Tom Bartel (publisher of The Rake) and his son, Matt, are the new owners of this site," writes Rex Sorgatz at MNSpeak.com, confirming the gossip relayed here last week. "This site needs more resources, and these guys are committed to making it happen. Basically, I really trust them." A press release from Loquamur, LLC., the company controlled by Rake publisher Tom Bartel, confirms the news: "Matt, a senior economics major at Carleton College in Northfield, MN, will take over as the site's primary caretaker, while Mr. Sorgatz will continue in an advisory role." Here's the Rake press release...

LOQUAMUR, LLC PURCHASES MNSPEAK.COM

Loquamur, LLC., a Minnesota corporation controlled by Tom Bartel, Publisher of the Rake Magazine, and son Matt Bartel, has purchased the assets of MNSpeak.com from MNSpeak founder Rex Sorgatz. Mr. Sorgatz sold the site after accepting a position with the Microsoft Corporation in Seattle.

"We've been fans of MNSpeak since the beginning and we admire the work Rex has done. When it became available, we jumped at the chance to continue what Rex started," said Tom Bartel.

"I was happy to find buyers like the Bartels who will continue with an approach that's been successful so far. We have a lot of loyal readers who I think will be happy with the future direction of the site," added Mr. Sorgatz.

Matt, a senior economics major at Carleton College in Northfield, MN, will take over as the site's primary caretaker, while Mr. Sorgatz will continue in an advisory role. Said Matt, "I have some big shoes to fill after Rex leaves, but the driving force behind the site has always been the users. As long as people in the Twin Cities are interested in local discussion, the site will continue to provide them with a forum."

Mr. Sorgatz plans to start a similar site in Seattle called SeattleSpeak.com.

Loquamur means "let's talk" in Latin.