Special message to paid readers...

I have to apologize in advance because I feel like we haven’t done much for you paid readers. I figured at the very least, I could provide some exclusive commentary and some insights on how things wor

To our paid readers,

I have to apologize in advance because I feel like we haven’t done much for you paid readers. I figured at the very least, I could provide some exclusive commentary and some insights on how things work behind the scenes at The Rebel Yellow.

Although I’m the founder and CEO, I keep a strict policy of not interfering with editorial. Alan Van, our EIC, and I have worked together ever since my first startup. What started as an employer/employee relationship in 2011 has blossomed into a partnership of nearly 15 years.

Alan and I have an interesting relationship. Early on, we really went at it with each other—both of us are hotheaded and think we’re right all the time. But the fact that we continued on a partnership despite wanting to kill each other many times shows the deep respect we’ve built.

Despite how you might think we “lean” politically (I personally believe we need to acknowledge that everyone’s definition of “balance” is different—and that there are perceived biases in every newsroom—but that’s a conversation for another day), you’ll definitely find some slightly different viewpoints between Alan and me. But those differences have actually been the gasoline for some of our deepest, multi-hour conversations—and the foundation of a real friendship.