... a bit of a stretch. Also, Robert Downey Jr. was impossible to insure after arrests and drug abuse, so even if directors wanted to work with him, they couldn't afford to.

professional-wrestling analogy alert.

Denton vs. Biddle is indeed kayfabe, and possibly a sign of things to come: blogging as professional wrestling.

— David Auerbach (@AuerbachKeller) February 17, 2015

At least Nick Denton is aware of the fact that Gawker, and Biddle himself, are brands. Perhaps he also realises that Gawker's brand is toxic to other brands. Sam Biddle failed up (was promoted) after tweeting "bring back bullying", something he already did when he shone a bright spotlight on Justine Sacco's tweet which started the #hasjustinelandedyet trend. Nick has also surpassed the junior college ideas of marketing & branding as it fits in the economic model, and graduated to the Cayman island tax avoidance strategy and "interns are free labour" greedy capitalist ideal. Basically, they're not one to talk. Gawker's brand is hypocrisy. If Nick really disagreed with Sam Biddle's move as part of the face of Gawker, he as a boss could just can his ass, not write essay-like comments on why their opinion differs. This is all part of the same branding. This is their entertaining PR. I'm positive it'll hoodwink some, as it has done so often before. Brands not interested in encouraging this kind of media landscape can consider where they advertise.