As an independent journalist and content creator in Mexico who looks up to all these creators: thank you! This piece allowed me to understand the video ecosystem so much better and think of new ways in which we, young journalists, can develop around it.
Thank you for taking the time to document this story. An incredible labour of love—the world is richer & someone is dreamier but also more clear-eyed about what it takes to do great work + the importance of a Scenius. 🙏
This was so good, thank you! I’ve long wondered about the Vox videos essays and how they became such a thing. It was a thrill to read the story here! So inspiring!
Thank you for connecting all these dots Simon, it’s an explainer in and of itself… as @Gordon notes above. Also wild to think I was also at the 2013 Foocamp and met Ezra then. Mostly remember playing Werewolf with everyone 🐺 and talking about how in the future robots will read you the news 😅
Super informative read, thank you! I’m writing deep-dive content myself and considering the feasibility of turning my written posts into videos, so it’s very very insightful to see how these creators started out.
This is an absolutely fascinating post mortem of an industry I used to work in. I animated on the last season of “Explained” on Netflix, which imo was at the time probably the most prestigious job for explainer-type animators. The job was genuinely incredible—the work was super interesting, and my coworkers were across-the-board talented, curious, smart, and experimental. There was very little ego and grandstanding. It was all about communication and storytelling. But then…the show wasn’t renewed. And, following suit, the rest of video journalism collapsed. I unknowingly graduated into this explainer bubble and assumed the postgrad knowledge I acquired would remain relevant for decades to come. And I’m upset at how the journalistic pivot to video utterly failed to follow through despite popular and critical acclaim. This article covers the most popular faces of Vox, but where did all the other talent go? (We’re dispersed across tech, freelance, and entirely new industries!!! 🥲)
Vox, during its prime, was a really cool news organization. It truly revolutionized online journalism, especially through its video platform. The publication was consistently rich, well-sourced, and thought-provoking. So many of their pieces answered questions I hadn't even thought to ask. It's great to see Harris, Joss, and Cleo thriving in their own lanes.
As an independent journalist and content creator in Mexico who looks up to all these creators: thank you! This piece allowed me to understand the video ecosystem so much better and think of new ways in which we, young journalists, can develop around it.
I am unimpressed with Johnny Harris. His videos on Ukraine and Russia have been at best lacking.
"YouTuber Johnny Harris’ lens on Eastern Europe is distorted and irresponsible"
https://kyivindependent.com/youtuber-johnny-harris-lens-on-eastern-europe-is-distorted-and-irresponsible/
"Why Johnny Harris’s video about 'Nato Expansion' got backlash"
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=egu_w9F2NOY
This is great... super insightful analysis into a trend that probably deserves an explainer video of its own!
Fantastic piece thanks for writing it. I used to work with Joe and his team on publishing and distribution. Incredible talents; even better people!
Thank you for taking the time to document this story. An incredible labour of love—the world is richer & someone is dreamier but also more clear-eyed about what it takes to do great work + the importance of a Scenius. 🙏
Simon, I’m glad to see that you’re back to long-form reporting. And you haven’t lost a step!
This was so good, thank you! I’ve long wondered about the Vox videos essays and how they became such a thing. It was a thrill to read the story here! So inspiring!
Thank you for connecting all these dots Simon, it’s an explainer in and of itself… as @Gordon notes above. Also wild to think I was also at the 2013 Foocamp and met Ezra then. Mostly remember playing Werewolf with everyone 🐺 and talking about how in the future robots will read you the news 😅
Enjoyed reading this. It's really in depth. Thank you.
Super informative read, thank you! I’m writing deep-dive content myself and considering the feasibility of turning my written posts into videos, so it’s very very insightful to see how these creators started out.
Terrific article. 'Trust' and 'hunger' seem to go a long way.
Yeah, Johnny Harris’ VOA type laundering being considered a good journalism is some mess.
This is an absolutely fascinating post mortem of an industry I used to work in. I animated on the last season of “Explained” on Netflix, which imo was at the time probably the most prestigious job for explainer-type animators. The job was genuinely incredible—the work was super interesting, and my coworkers were across-the-board talented, curious, smart, and experimental. There was very little ego and grandstanding. It was all about communication and storytelling. But then…the show wasn’t renewed. And, following suit, the rest of video journalism collapsed. I unknowingly graduated into this explainer bubble and assumed the postgrad knowledge I acquired would remain relevant for decades to come. And I’m upset at how the journalistic pivot to video utterly failed to follow through despite popular and critical acclaim. This article covers the most popular faces of Vox, but where did all the other talent go? (We’re dispersed across tech, freelance, and entirely new industries!!! 🥲)
Vox, during its prime, was a really cool news organization. It truly revolutionized online journalism, especially through its video platform. The publication was consistently rich, well-sourced, and thought-provoking. So many of their pieces answered questions I hadn't even thought to ask. It's great to see Harris, Joss, and Cleo thriving in their own lanes.
Where's his stupid hat
This is an amazing substack. I love the content coming out of vox and Harris’ work.