Matthew Newton: With the traditional journalism model in perpetual upheaval, and brand-influenced content a pervasive and creeping reality, Thought Catalog seems to exist in a strange and sometimes controversial limbo between the two. Does the site have any guiding principles, or is that part still a work-in-progress?

Chris Lavergne: This is a layered question and I’m only going to be able to scratch the surface. On the most basic level, we are an experimental media website dedicated to providing great content. What defines “great content” is and probably always will be an open question and work-in-progress, but right now one of the things we are consistently striving for is to find a balance between commercial success and quality work. The two aren’t necessarily mutually exclusive, but there is definitely a tension. What is happening now with Buzzfeed is a perfect example of this gray area. Here you have a site steeped in viral, user-generated content now attempting to complement it with real reporting. Getting this balance right might be the new paradigm.

We also have if not guiding principles then certainly preoccupations. Getting our design and technology right is definitely at the top of the list. And we strive to be very writer centric.