Wait… should I be doing this update?

#updateofthebeast

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The people who hold Trump, Farage, Javier Milei and their copycats accountable cannot be part-time freelancers or bored TikTokers. The issues that journalism is supposed to shield us from are way too grand and their subjects way too powerful for individual users - or even ad-hoc online collectives - to be able to tackle on their own.

— The New Censorship by Ayala Panievsky 📚

Started reading: The New Censorship by Ayala Panievsky 📚

My notes from a fascinating but worrying talk between Emily Maitlis and my colleague Dr Ayala Panievsky about how populist politicians manipulate media to shift the conversation in their direction – and what journalists can do about it.

Worrying stuff, but with some hope.

Two women are engaged in conversation at a seated event, with books titled The New Censorship on a table between them.

24 years ago, I started blogging.

That’s nearly a quarter of a century.

It will be one of the defining activities of my life. And I’’d never have predicted that back in 2001.

Another rat ogre done and dusted, yesyes.

Basing time.

#warhammer

A detailed miniature figure of a fearsome, armored rat-like creature wielding a futuristic weapon stands on a painted base.A detailed miniature model of a mechanical, rat-like creature with intricate steampunk elements and a green cloak is mounted on a circular base.A detailed model of a mutant creature with mechanical elements and a large weapon stands in a dynamic pose against a blurred background.

IT BEGINS

A collection of small evergreen trees is arranged outdoors near a brick building, with various potted plants and gardening supplies in the background.

Weekend treat.

A plate containing poached eggs, sausages, bacon, and a toasted bagel.

It was a rainy Hallowe’en in old London Town last night.

2001: the year blogging changed the world – but it would be decades before we realised how much.

And I’m no longer as sure as I was that it was a good thing.