Kotaku followed up with Valve after the announcement of Left 4 Dead 2 to get some insight into their strategy in handling the recently released Left 4 Dead and its community support.

A very vocal group began a L4D2 boycott in response to the announcement, feeling that, among other concerns, the growing community of the original L4D would be abandoned for the newer game. You can follow more of that story here.

Gabe Newell responded to the some of the outcry in a followup via Kotaku. Summarily: Have no fear. L4D2 changes ZERO valve plans for supporting the original L4D. Read the whole official response on Kotaku.