What is Webworm?

Hi,

While I work a lot in documentary (Tickled, Dark Tourist and Mister Organ) and podcasting (Flightless Bird), my main focus is Webworm.

Webworm is the place I come back to my primary joys — writing, and investigative journalism.

When you sign up, my work comes directly to your inbox.

Me, to you.

Photo credit: Shayan Asgharnia

Webworm is where I broke stories about the systemic abuse going on New Zealand’s biggest megachurch Arise, about billion dollar toy company Zuru successfully obtaining anonymous details of its detractors, and about celebrity IT-brand Lonely descending into QAnon chaos.

I also write extensively on conspiracy theory culture spanning the globe, and the systematic problems found in megachurches and Evangelical Christianity (which often combines with conspiracy culture).

You can find some of my favourite Webworms over the last three years here.

Me recording, with my favourite tee shirt on
Photo credit: Rob Holysz

All of my most important work — the stuff that is of public interest — is free. This is incredibly important to me. A paywall should never be in the way between readers and important stories.

That said — Webworm is powered by paying subscribers, so if it doesn’t cause you any financial hardship, consider paying for it monthly or annually.

Paying readers empower my work by giving me the time and resources to do what I do — which includes accessing legal advice when I need it (and I do, trust me).

In return for their generosity, paying Webworm subscribers get access to my more personal writing — like my struggle with memory and quest to find my Serbian stock-model twin, and guest columns like the monthly Totally Normal.

You also get behind-the-scenes pieces about my documentary work (like ‘Dark Tourist Season Two: what could have been’ and ‘Tickled 2: This Time It’s War’).

A scene from my 2023 film Mister Organ.
I look on as a man prepares to get Tickled)
A scene from my 2016 film, Tickled.

I also host AMAs where we can chat things out — and you get access to exclusive Webworm clothing I release throughout the year. 

Sometimes my newsletters for paying members get extra weird, like my conversation with a cannibal, or when I explain why a Canadian killer started writing to me from prison

Finally, as a paying member you also get to take part in the thriving Webworm community. The comments section here is the smartest and most polite place I’ve ever found online, populated by a diverse range of people from around the planet.

A paid membership is $69.69 (USD) for one year, or $6.99 (USD) a month. Only pay for Webworm if it doesn’t cause you any kind of financial hardship.

Talk soon,

David.

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People

Journalist and documentary maker