Former Seattle P-I reporter Kery Murakami, the driving force behind the Seattle Post-Globe online news site, is dialing back his involvement with the site after landing a (paying) job doing communications for the Washington State Budget & Policy Center, a liberal economic and fiscal policy think tank in Seattle.

What this means for the already uncertain future of the Post Globe is unclear. Murakami says Post Globe, driven by volunteers drawn mostly from the ranks of former P-I reporters and editors, will continue operating. While the site has struggled to find a consistent readership and stable source of funding, Post Globe has also scored some journalistic scoops and won praise for its in-depth coverage of political battles this campaign season.

In an interview, Murakami said he would continue to be involved in the Post Globe in his spare time, but that others would be stepping up to take larger roles.

Former P-I online editor Don Smith will be taking on a leadership role at Post Globe, including running day to day operations. Asked if he expected the site to be around for a while, Murakami replied, "I hope so."