Slashdot, the "News For Nerds. Stuff That Matters." website has been acquired by Andover.net. Slashdot has achieved a cult symbol status among Linux users and hackers as it is a site dedicated to news about technology and associated issues. It is heavily pro-Linux. It also has a thriving online community.

Andover runs a number of websites and it has a staff of thirty five people. Twelve of them are advertising executives who acquire advertising for the sites. Slashdot had only one person aquiring advertising. The site started out two years ago and has grown into an internet phenomenon. As it grew, the amount of time that had to be invested spiralled and financial costs increased as well. It had become a 24/7 operation for founders Rob Malda (CmdrTaco) and Jeff Bates (Hemos).

 In a statement about the aquisition posted to the site, he outlined the options: "get cash from investors and hire a staff or find a company that we felt understood what we wanted to accomplish here, and use their money to hire help." They chose the latter option.

Editorially it will be the same Slashdot that we have all gotten used to. The aquisition by Andover.net means that there will be new hardware and more bandwidth available. Mirrored servers are now a possiblility. In the end it will result in "a faster and more stable" Slashdot.  Andover's involvement brings business and advertising expertise to the deal. The results should be interesting.