I just read Manu Moreale’s recent update about the future of his series, “People & Blogs”, and it resonated deeply. While Manu explicitly asked readers not to email him now (a sentiment I completely understand), his reflections on the challenges of running an independent project deserve a public response - maybe not for him to read, but for all of us who consume and write online.

He spoke of the increasing administrative burden, the “ghosting” from potential guests, the sheer exhaustion of trying to keep a consistent and high-quality output, and the perceived lack of engagement and the nature of online support. He wrote:

“And nothing makes me angrier than seeing people popping up from nowhere to express their sadness when a project gets shut down. Because where the fuck were these people when the creators of these projects needed some help to keep the momentum going? And I’m talking about something as simple as sending a message to them to let them know you appreciate what they do. Sometimes that’s more than enough. And yet even that is so rare these days.”

This quote hits hard because it exposes a fundamental disconnect in our digital consumption habits. We consume, we enjoy, but often, we remain silent. We might think “oh, this is good”, but those thoughts rarely translate into active, visible support. Then, when a cool project announces its closure, a wave of retrospective grief appears.

Manu’s plea isn’t just about his series IMO; it’s a commentary on the ecosystem of independent creation, bacause building something worthwhile takes immense energy, and when that energy isn’t reciprocated in some form, even passionate people can burn out.

As consumers of independent blogs, podcasts, newsletters, and art, we have a collective responsibility. Sometimes, it’s not just about financial support (though that’s often crucial), but about the human connection. I love, for example, when people find time to write me a quick email, a thoughtful comment, or a share.

So, thank you, Manu, for articulating this challenge so honestly.