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