SamuZai
Richard Lewis
Richard Lewis

patreon


On Independence & Aspirations

Hello friends,

Many of you will know me and followed my work for years. Some will be new. Such are the times. Anyway, I've been reporting and streaming for years and trying to balance all of that with a bunch of other jobs that means I have for years neglected a community that has always been incredibly supportive of my work. This year I'm no longer going to do that.

It's probably crazy to walk away through a job and go independent at a time when people are being laid off left and right but I have always backed myself and the community that supports me and now won't be any different. Without being too specific creative differences and the nagging feeling that I'm always building something for someone else have left me mostly exhausted in 2022. The type of work I was doing took time but in a world desperate for immediate attention and clicks that's just not a luxury you have.

There's also the matter of fun. Yeah, content creation is actually meant to be enjoyable. I like streaming and I can barely commit to it. I miss the old shows we used to do, the manic energy of Trash Talk, the debunking of media narratives in Enemy Of The People, the irreverance of I Hate It Here... There's never enough time when you serve too many masters.

But this year I've been inspired by many of my friends and colleagues who took the plunge and decided to operate indepently and start truly building a brand for themselves. I think this old dog still has a few tricks left in him, even after coming up on nineteen years in a space where most people last twelve months.

I don't know what the future looks like but I know I'll have more time, I know I'll be happier, I know I'll be building something I should have started on years ago. I hoep you'll join me.

My pledge to the regulars and dedicated support network. More streaming, for real this time, more content in general and the return of regular shows. Trash Talk will return in some form this year and I'm hoping Sam can similarly free up enough of his time to make I Hate It Here a regular thing. it's in writing now. I'll keep the promise.

Thanks to you all.

Richard

Comments

Glad you have other methods for your community to support you. I wonder what kind of positive buffer having that tangible data of people lifting you up in an ocean of haters will be, where as before you may have been clinging to a fraying rope from a ship! Idk if that makes sense. . . but its provocative!

More than happy to chip in. Hundreds of hours listened, it's the least anyone can do! I'd highly recommend looking at other patreon though and seeing what they do and why it sticks. Most of the time I feel people unsubscribe because they feel like they are paying for existing free content. The yard podcasts does a great job and making the sub worth it. Keep it up Rich πŸ€—

Ivanovich

Just saw the news on Twitter (not a regular there). Instant support, happy to finally support you directly since I'm terrible with catching stream times. Wish you all the best Richard!

Came back from Holiday and saw the news. Subscribed as fast as I could! All the best Rich and hope this support helps and you'll do a lot of amazing articles, videos and more!

Best of luck Richard!

My first RL experience was the infamous Friberg magic hex. Been following everything you've done since. Can't wait to see what's next

Always hoped you'd have this for me to pay for content, never gonna catch a stream live unfortunately. You'll do great!

I'm happy to finally be able to support you as a uni student who has grown up following your work. I hope you'll be able to spend your time on work that is meaningful to you and brings you some joy and we'll be here supporting you along the way

Rhordan Stephens

It's about damn time

Mega Awesome Man

Been a fan of your work for over a decade, so easy sub here. looking forward to seeing the groundbreaking work you'll be able to cover without being tied down to a publication.


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