Lolcows: The Internet's Never-Ending Tragedy - Hardcover

Inhaltsangabe

“The internet doesn’t just watch people fail—it turns their collapse into entertainment.”

Don't know what a lolcow is? Welcome to a new and unique genre of internet entertainment. Lolcows: The Internet’s Never-Ending Tragedy is the first book to explore this uniquely modern phenomenon in depth.

A lolcow is someone endlessly baited or tricked into responding to trolls thereby “milking” them for amusing reactions. Once targeted, escape is rare.

Behind the memes and mockery lies a darker truth: audience manipulation, emotional breakdowns, public humiliations, drug use, shameless grifting, lies, and often financial ruin—played out in real time before a global audience.

These are not fictional villains or scripted characters. They are real people whose rise and fall mirrors classic tragedy, amplified by the internet’s endless memory and appetite for spectacle.

Each lolcow provides a tragic rise and fall story, but also an opportunity to learn. This book will explore the lessons in lolcows and how they can serve as examples for us.

Inside, you’ll discover:

• How lolcows are created—and why they can’t break the cycle

• The traits and behaviors that make someone vulnerable

• The role of trolls, audiences, and platforms in sustaining the phenomenon

• Six in-depth case studies spanning multiple internet eras and genres:

1. DarkSydePhil aka Philip Burnell - Burnell has been called “the internet cockroach” for his longevity, persistence, and behavior. An early pioneer of the video game genre, his career spiraled out of control due to his angry reactions to trolls. His lies, e-begging, and manipulation have made him an internet outcast.
2. WingsofRedemption aka Jordie Jordan - Jordan was once a respected video game commentator. Despite his early success, his lack of conception around being a public figure led to him getting repeatedly trolled. His reactions to trolling has created a cottage industry of people dedicated to watching him fail.
3. Boogie2988 aka Steven Williams - Williams was once called the “Mister Rogers of the Internet”. He was an early Youtuber who went viral for his angry Francis character and vulnerable storytelling. He was the ultimate underdog. However, it wasn’t long till his true self was revealed. His wholesome image hid a mountain of lies and manipulations.
4. Rekieta Law aka Nick Rekieta - Rekieta was a pioneer of the “Law Tube” genre on Youtube. His colorful commentary on legal issues and cases built an audience of millions all over the world. His wholesome small town lawyer image was shattered by revelations of his other life. His legal issues surrounding child neglect, drug possession, and losing his license to practice made him the subject of the Law Tube genre he helped to create.
5. Ian Johma aka iDubbbz - Johma ran a successful comedy channel that also offered social commentary. He was known for his wit and edgy humor. He collaborated with the biggest Youtubers of his era. After a series of controversies, lashing out at his fans, and an unsuccessful stint as a boxing promoter, he has become the very creator his used to lampoon.
6. Jeremy Hambly aka TheQuartering - Hambly rose to prominence making content calling out the politicization of popular culture. He was able to translate complaining about movies, celebrities, and corporations into millions of views. However, his channels quickly turned into a content factory of slop with diminishing returns.

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