What's happening to Valleywag?

I think the simple answer is that Valleywag's primary domain is now valleywag.gawker.com instead of valleywag.com. Here's a screenshot from the same tool that shows the new primary domain trending upwards: http://i.imgur.com/dLpcEZP.png

I wouldn't say this drop in unique linking domains says a whole lot about the fall of valleywag - what domains dropped off, and at what rate? Is it just because of a certain story thread acquiring huge waves of links across other gawker networks or other blogs responding to topics and linking in the course of discussion?

My guess would be that gawker pushed some of their partners/syndicates toward other more profitable Gawker properties once VW got rolling and it was clear how much traffic/revenue they could expect from the current valleywag style & audience.

Were other gawker properties launched at the time of this drop?

The present Valleywag is a mere shadow of the original one. My gut says they have extremely strict editorial restrictions from their bosses at Gawker.com.

Very insightful article.

No, wait: THE OPPOSITE. WTF is this? Have a take or don't bother.