[iamshs]

It is very interesting business idea. No original research/thought/idea/journalism of their own. Scout common websites (reddit on top), find tidbits, use other people's work (their idea, photos etc.) and post lists. Get your blogger to dilute the content to pander to the most of web so that the virality factor increases, and the author should use "interesting" language. This formula gets you pageviews, and you are on your way to explosive growth.

[sharkweek]

OK let me start by saying... I really despise buzzfeed -- I think it's a waste of space on the web and notorious for stealing content and just re-flavoring it. I have created a little self-righteous boycott of the site where I refuse to click on anything from their domain. A man has got to have a code...

HOWEVER -- I think it would be REALLY fun to write for them -- I think the challenge of trying to figure out what's hot on the internet and what has people's attention and then trying to get as much traffic as possible would be a ridiculously fun daily challenge.

Would I ever actually consider doing it? Not a chance in hell

[iamshs]

Oh definitely, it is a challenge to figure out how to gauge readers interests and more importantly to generate constant readership. But getting content by vetting internet forums, and regurgitating stuff is also not a taxing task. Let's see:

What is author's contribution in this article? http://www.buzzfeed.com/samir/drug-addict-robs-a-store-and-a...

Or this one:

http://www.buzzfeed.com/regajha/diesels-new-ad-campaign-feat...

Ha a post contributed by a community member:

http://www.buzzfeed.com/emilys123/15-signs-you-did-a-musical...

Or the cliched magazine cover story:

http://www.buzzfeed.com/jessicamisener/23-cringeworthy-magaz...

Or let's see what is hot on imgur: http://www.buzzfeed.com/bennyjohnson/obama-asks-the-hill-to-...

But looks like brain does some research:

http://www.buzzfeed.com/briangalindo/15-celebrities-you-neve...

[busterarm]

> Get your blogger to dilute the content to pander to the most of web so that the virality factor increases, and the author should use "interesting" language. This formula gets you pageviews, and you are on your way to explosive growth.

It's a long-established business model that works. Just look at food grain.