I've been a huge fan of Nate Silver since forever, and I must say, I really regret his "acquirement" by NY Times. When it was his own website, it was a much more user-friendly experience.
For instance, though I have an NYT account, every other page view I get redirected to a login prompt if I don't press Esc fast enough (this page has expired? WTF?). It also made him more of an independent, though he is (falsely) discounted on many counts by other parts of media, his affiliation with NYT is yet another facet for them to criticize.
Disagree with this. NYT brought a much better user experience and much nicer data presentation, and leant him a feeling of legitimacy too. There's a reason the NYT has the reputation it does.
The old page contains more information yet looks friendlier. The nytimes style is more streamlined, but it became too sanitized. The content became sanitized too; Nate Silver could be more himself when it was his blog. He gave personal accounts, he was more honest, etc.
I think the answer here is that it was better for Nate to join NYT- I imagine he was compensated well for the move. We can complain about it, but.. well, it isn't in our hands.
For instance, though I have an NYT account, every other page view I get redirected to a login prompt if I don't press Esc fast enough (this page has expired? WTF?). It also made him more of an independent, though he is (falsely) discounted on many counts by other parts of media, his affiliation with NYT is yet another facet for them to criticize.