Since Passionfruit first launched as a Daily Dot newsletter in August 2021, we’ve always kept our eye on what the Dot calls “viral labor stories”—aka, content that blows up online and provides a window into the lives of working-class people.
As this hot labor summer turns into fall, we’re happy to say we’re honing deeper than ever before on our mission to provide labor coverage on the creator economy. Media coverage on the creator industry is too often geared towards an audience of venture capitalists, business owners, marketers, and millionaires—not the creative laborers who make this brilliant internet ecosystem possible. We want to change that.
While we take a break this Labor Day to celebrate our hard work and achievements this year, we wanted to share with you a few of our favorite stories about creator labor from Passionfruit. Whether it’s unpacking toxic #hustle culture, throwing shade at bad media bosses, explaining the latest guild and union moves, or helping you pick up a picket sign—we’re here to keep this hot labor summer blazing year-round.
Happy Labor Day!
– Grace Stanley, Features and Newsletter Editor
Grab Your Picket Signs
What Creators Can Learn From the Writers’ Strike
A weekly column exploring the lessons creators can pull from the ongoing Writers Strike.
By Lon Harris
‘League of Legends’ Pros Walkout in a Historic Moment for Esports
Pro players are refusing to play at the start of the season to protest Riot Games.
By Steven Asarch
Marvel VFX Artists Join Hot Labor Summer
Should everyone just go on strike? Let’s discuss.
By Lon Harris
Dhar Mann Actors Protest ‘Culture of Fear’ Underpinning YouTube Empire
Four actors spoke with Passionfruit about their protests against the working conditions of YouTube giant Dhar Mann Studios.
By Charlotte Colombo
Dispatch from the Publisher at VidCon 2023: Creators Offered to Algorithm Altar
Elf Bars, egos, and the attention lottery.
By James Del
How To Protest 101
- Everything You Need to Know About the 2023 Writers’ and Actors’ Strike
- How to Influence Without Scabbing: A Confusing Guide to the SAG-AFTRA Strike
- What Is the Reddit Blackout, and Why Should I Care?
- Here’s Everything We Know About the New Creators Guild
Our Most Striking Newsletters
The Creator Labor Economy is Broken: Pay Your Mods Anyway
Our goal is to make Passionfruit the destination for anyone working in the creator labor market. Now, why creator labor and not the creator economy?
By Drew Grant
An Ode to the Creative Dreams Crushed by Hollywood Bosses
Is anyone else feeling the crushing boot of techno-capitalism on their necks more than usual this work week?
By Grace Stanley
July 3rd and the Creators’ Dilemma
With the July 4th holiday falling on a Tuesday, we’re facing the Creators’ Dilemma: Do we take Monday off and call it a very long weekend, or work that extra day and show we’re #hustling?
By Drew Grant
Get Your Head in the Clouds
Making a world with better working conditions for creators requires some imagination.
By Grace Stanley
And ‘Creator of the Year’ Goes to…
Put on your best black tie attire, because we’re talking about a little indie creator awards show produced by Penske Media Corporation.
By Grace Stanley
Three Strikes: The Consequence of a Self-Imposed Creator Shutdown
SAG is on strike. WGA has been striking for months now (welcome to the party, y’all). Even Southern California’s hotel unions are on strike.
By Drew Grant
We’re committed to covering the labor issues you care about most. What stories would you like to see in the upcoming year?
Email [email protected] to share your ideas—anonymous tips are welcomed.
