Newsweek tech writer Lyons to head ReadWriteWeb

Newsweek tech editor Dan Lyons has been hired to be the editor in chief of technology blog ReadWriteWeb.

Paul Sawers of The Next Web writes, “In an interesting twist, Lyons has been writing for Newsweek as Technology Editor in recent times, and just last week it was announced that it was ceasing print later this year to focus on a single global digital edition. Lyons will now be jumping into a publication that has grown up with the Web, and we’re told that the site has been rebuilt with a ‘tablet first’ approach using Say Media’s proprietary publishing tools.

“So, did this Newsweek upheaval play any part in his decision to jump across? And why would he choose to join a relatively small online publication, given his editorial CV?

“‘Newsweek’s recent announcements had nothing to do with my decision to join ReadWrite as the new Editor-in-Chief,’ he told us. ‘In fact, I’d taken the position as ReadWrite’s Editor-in-Chief before the shift was announced. That said, I really believe that small, digital-only startup publications have a huge advantage over legacy brands, and I’m very happy – very, very happy – to be where I am.’

“In terms of how the hook-up came about, Lyons says he was looking to do something new and had even contemplated starting his own tech site, when this offer came up over the summer.”

Read more here.