Next month will mark 30 years since my first article was published in a small zine-type newspaper at Rutgers University. I was immediately hooked on reporting and writing, and have had the pleasure of spending these decades working in various roles in media.
We’re at a cultural inflection point in the media (and elsewhere). It reminds me of the transition of print to online journalism—though, in many ways, the stakes are higher.
Back then, there was a boom, a bust, more boom, and a big bust. Just this year, Buzzfeed, VICE, Protocol, and Coindesk have made extensive cuts to their staff. I’ve been laid off from two media roles this year. Thankfully, the Conspirituality podcast has kept me busy, and sane, even if the content is anything but.
This year has also sparked curiosity about new opportunities. I presented at the WHO, then gave the keynote address at the 2023 Oregon Library Association's Annual Conference. In both circumstances, people asked: How do we identify and combat online misinformation?
Trickle-Down Wellness has been a fun, occasionally updated project. But I want to explore the questions above more thoroughly. To do so, I could use your help.
re:frame investigates science and media literacy in the digital age. Every Monday, paid subscribers will receive a deep dive on one important story; on Friday, a round-up of that week’s essential news covering stories in science, media, and health. Free subscribers will continue to get occasional public posts.
While criticism is necessary in all digital (and real-world) spaces, I want to highlight solutions: people, communities, and organizations doing amazing work.
While it’s easy to get overwhelmed by all the noise, there’s plenty of signal. I’ll still be working on Conspirituality as hard as ever, but I want to broaden that work to really understand what science and media literacy does for our society, and planet.
Misinformation travels faster and more broadly than ever. We need new skills and methods to make sense of who we are and what we’re doing here. In doing so, we have an opportunity to create a world we want to live in.
Thank you for your support.
Derek
I'm excited about your new direction, especially the planned focus on solutions. I consume a lot of news, and I'm at that mid-50s age where I realize I don't have an endless number of years left! And while I admit to reveling in a good gripe, I want to do something productive with the news I choose to read. I've been wanting to find writing about solutions!
My larger goal, for what it's worth, is to spend less time passively consuming digital media, and more time taking action on important issues and doing fulfilling, meaningful (dare I say fun!) activities. I hope to milk as much joy and purpose as I can out of the rest of my life.
I think folks like me will really appreciate your focus.