Secret: Editors don't write the news stories. Readers do. An army of reporters that often scoops the mainstream media. Example: When Netscape decided to give away its browser source code, Slashdot scooped. When AOL decided to drop Internet Explorer (March 11, 2002), RobLimo was first on the scene (SourceForge).

Other secret: Users can post comments on each item, either under a user account or as an "Anonymous Coward." The result of that simple formula has been a unique blend of information, entertainment, and community.

What does the name mean?: "/." is a fragment of a Unix incantation and the prefix you need to invoke a hidden file in your home directory.

Sources:
--Andrew Brown, (Sept. 20, 1999), "Pet project," New Statesman v128 (i4454): 50 Pet project.
--Lev Grossman, (Sept 18, 2000) "The Land of 1,000 Voices," Time 156, (i12): 51.
--James C. Luh, (April 19, 1999), "How Does a Web-Geek Site Handle Success?", Internet World 5 (115): 16

 

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