I’ve had quite a journey recently, and I feel it’s important to share my reflections and plans as I navigate through this ever-changing digital landscape. I’ve been grappling with technical issues, investing in better equipment, and rethinking my content strategy. The constant tinkering with tech has been a distraction, but I’ve decided to invest in a new lens to improve video quality and reduce the workload on my computer. This change should make my streams more professional.
A significant part of my absence has been due to a personal reevaluation of my goals. I initially set out to pursue stand-up comedy, but after attending several open mics, I realized that the lifestyle and the need for general audience approval didn’t align with my values. I enjoy writing jokes and the craft of comedy, but I don’t need the validation from a general audience. Instead, I want to focus on writing and infusing comedy into my work in a way that suits my strengths and interests.
My partner, Paul, was made redundant but quickly found a new job. This allowed us to take some time off, pay off some debts, and invest in a few things. This break gave me the opportunity to think deeply about my next steps. With the rise of AI and the challenges it brings to content creation, I’ve been contemplating how to adapt and continue to provide valuable content.
I’ve decided to focus more on tech and policy issues, particularly how to fix the internet and address the ethical and legal challenges posed by AI. I’ll be writing more and doing pre-recorded content to support my streams. The goal is to provide high-quality analysis and op-eds, similar to what you might find on Techdirt or 404 Media.
One of the challenges I face is the dominance of American voices in tech and policy discussions. As an Australian, I find that Americans often don’t take non-American perspectives seriously, which limits my reach. This is compounded by the fact that I discuss complex topics like tech and politics, which are already niche and require a certain level of expertise to engage with meaningfully.
I’ve also been dealing with the practicalities of making a living from this work. Freelance gigs are always an option, but they tend to consume more time and energy than they’re worth. Instead, I’m considering a “pay what you can” model for my courses and content, allowing those who can afford it to subsidize access for others.
My website is finally taking shape, and I’m working on integrating various platforms to streamline my content distribution. This includes automating posts to Medium, LinkedIn, and Substack, although Substack integration remains a challenge.
On a personal note, I’ve started taking Endep, a tricyclic antidepressant, to help with sleep issues that have plagued me for years. It’s been a game-changer, improving my mood and motivation significantly.
Looking ahead, I’ll be focusing on more structured content, including articles and videos, and possibly exploring a podcast format. I’m also keen to address the “tradwife” trend and how it intersects with feminist and socialist values, emphasizing that skills like cooking and self-care are not inherently conservative.
In summary, I’m not dead; I’m just recalibrating. I’ll be back with more focused, high-quality content that blends my interests in tech, policy, and comedy. Thank you for your patience and support as I navigate this journey.