Web publishing pioneer Denton practically invented snark for a generation of digital-content consumers, originally focusing on the New York media, but eventually outgrowing the topic. Recently, Denton stepped down as Gawker president in a memo to staff that emphasized a rejection of a hellbent pursuit of traffic and a renewed emphasis on editorial content: "We will return to our mission: more linebackers with fictional dying girlfriends; less pandering to the Facebook masses." Denton married his partner, actor Derrence Washington, last May.
