In all honesty, it sounds more like this is just an excuse to step away and pursue other ventures. I doubt he's making big money from the site and is probably bringing in most of his income through speaking engagements and shows. With the current economy where it is, everything he is involved with is going to take a major hit. It just doesn't seem normal for a guy to give up his career because he came across a jerk at a convention.
I don't understand The Reader getting nominated for Best Picture. I liked it but again, not in the same league as Dark Knight or WALL-E. I guess it shows that releasing a movie at the beginning of the year means you have a much smaller shot at winning an Oscar.
The Reader is the big shocker in Best Picture. It got some good reviews, but nothing great (60% at Rotten Tomatoes). Just another sign that the voters are out of touch with the average movie fan.