Disclaimer: I helped negotiate the sale of The Blog Herald between BlogMedia Inc, now ProBlogging Inc and Duncan Riley. I also brokered the sale of The Blog Herald to its current new owners who wish to remain private.

The Blog Herald sale was something that was in the works for a few weeks, and it comes at a great time for the ProBlogging Inc team. I personally have good faith in the historical value of that site. However, I’m a little suprised at what appears to be the initial desire for the management of The Blog Herald to remain private.

At one point in time I was in negotiations with The Blog Herald to take over management of The Blog Herald. It was during these negotiations that I decided to start this new site. I’m already really glad I did.

I’m very happy for the new management team and I look forward to seeing what they do with the site. It’s my deepest hope that they continue a high quality style, and treat its readers and bloggers with great care. In my own personal observation they have to be very careful on this ground.

However , I’m disappointed with their lack of transparency regarding the new ownership of the site. I think the blogosphere relies on the transparency of ownership and interests to be able to make a judgement on its reporting. Nearly every time I try to make disclaimers regarding any conflicts of interest that I might have. This will not be possible with a private/non disclosed ownership arrangement.

I wish them the best of luck moving forward. And will be cautiously watching the future development of the site.