I read the comments here and the non-political Wall Street Journal articles, and that's it. It's always nice to find people that actually want to have useful engagement and productive feedback.
Just wanted to say. Every point the Christian ‘journalist’ gave you is exactly why I like your work so much.i think it’s bloody amazing that you give your opinion and that you don’t hold Back. I love how passionate and obsessive you are. And yes the personalisation, I do feel like you are talking to me. Always excited when i recieve an email from webworm. I appreciate that you can be vulnerable and show that you are human by admitting you were seeking help yourself. It shows a level of empathy and emotional intelligence that’s very much necessary for this work. I appreciate and admire your work David. Keep being awesome. Maybe you need to send him some tips instead. :p
One thing journo and mentor John Campbell told me in NZ - as he tells many new recruits - is that when you do one of those "piece to cameras" (talking down the barrel of a camera to the audience etc) you just imagine you are talking to a single person.
Not a crowd, just 1 person at home on the couch.
That is how I think of this newsletter, always. An email to a friend.
I'm a subscriber who happens to be a Christian, and I feel absolutely affirmed and respected by your calling out of the megachurch 'Christians' who tarnish the rest of us. Keep up the good work.
Everything the "Christian journalist" wrote is why I love reading Webworm. When a new article shows up in my inbox to read, it feels like I'm having a coffee with a witty, articulate, and well-informed friend. Your writing is making a real change in the world, David, and I feel proud wearing my Webworm t-shirts and being a very small part of this beautiful community you've created. Please never stop sharing a bit of yourself with your readers. Much aroha ❤
Fuckin a. You made me blush. Thanks, Shannon. Someone just sent me a photo of them and their kids wearing the pink animals tees my nieces helped design - happy days.
When you get back to NZ you are probably going to find random people coming up to you and chatting to you like you are friends because we feel like we know you. You though will be thinking ' how the F do I know this person'.
Perhaps anonymous christian needs to understand that Most ‘helping’ professions provide support to their staff to help deal with/ process what they’re exposed to - entirely appropriate journalists do the same when the unbelievable becomes real. Keep on doing what you do David.
Thanks Avis. And good point - most workplaces, and some newsrooms - do just that. Webworm is just me - in the world asking questions, and at my desk furiously typing away.
Yes! Were s/he an actual journo, they would have known how much pastoral care was required for reporters, camera ops, outside broadcast staff (TVNZ), video editors, and all, after the Chch quakes, March 15, etc. One TVNZ ops manager I worked with was so badly affected after 2011 he can no longer work.
Hi David, I'm a long-time journalist, who happens not to be a Christian (which is not even relevant) and I applaud you for your revelations about Arise. No, you're not the NY Times, NZ Herald or Stuff, but your work is reminiscent of brilliant satirist John Oliver. Yet, you are absolutely you - a gutsy Kiwi, who can also be vulnerable. When you wrote that you needed support yourself for the first time working on a story, my estimation of you soared - and it was already high. You shared story after story from people hurt by Arise, and they made for distressing reading, so I can only imagine what it was like for you interviewing so many hurt humans. You're human too, which I think "happens to be a Christian" has lost sight of. Actually, I don't feel (and I could be wrong) that this person is even a regular Webworm reader, because if they were, they would know your irreverent, personal writing style. You put yourself on the line, week after week, like no other journalist from Aotearoa, and you do it your way. Thanks for helping to make sense of this weird world and helping others in pain.
Thank you. I think all letters should start with career, and then belief system. At parties, too! And meetings! I like it.
Thank you for saying. I don't see any point in doing this and having this medium without being honest about myself from time to time. I never want myself or my own ego to get in the way of what I write, but I am not going to hide who I am, either. Done that for enough of my life.
Apr 17, 2022·edited Apr 17, 2022Liked by David Farrier
Hi David, the first time I heard of you was when I read your pieces on the nut job wheel clamping antique dealer. That was a masterpiece. I keep imagining how you must have felt when you went in the store and were recognised. I can't wait to watch Clamped.
The point of these recollections is to tell you what I think Webworm stands for (for me at least) and why I am a paying subscriber. Its because you use it as a platform to denounce bullies and expose grifters. And you do it from a place of reason and common sense.
Sure, I don't agree with everything you write but it always comes from a place of honesty and genuineness and humility.
Keep up the great work. I'd love to work with you on something one day - the idea of giving some bullies their comeuppance really appeals!
By the way, you probably already know, but a few mins sleuthing has uncovered your favourite antique dealers are shacked up together in Whanganui these days... If you didn't know DM me for dets.
As you say, David, your audience understands what you are trying to do. We get the laughs and we get the anger and know that in the case of Arise the anger is justified. The fact that you have shared your own history helps us put context around your work.
To me Webworm is a continuing narrative, and perhaps someone reading just one or two pieces could misinterpret you, but this is one of the advantages of subscribing. Your pieces are interrelated and not often standalone, which is why they are quite different from a newspaper column. I am impressed by your tenacity and think you are, in fact a fine journalist. Keep on "doing the research" - because you do it properly.
Thanks Annie. That is part of why I like this format - everything can kinda be linked. I can throw back to old stuff - or current stories can drive what comes next. I love that. Thanks for getting it! And being here!
If our Christian journalist had been more generous, they would have noted you're often in stories to provide context or tone, but ypu do not make yourself 'the story'. It's a balance that makes me want to read and read.
As for blood cars, I've heard that rhetoric a number of times when people wish to undermine or diminish eg climate change action. It's a terrific passive aggressive way to suggest that your actions do more harm than their inaction. Eg you're told the misery of the extraction of minerals for your car battery has killed thousands of children while they chomp on a banana picked via slave wages.
Anyway, please keep writing knowing that you're not creating blood cars, but filling up my unreligious soul and making the world slightly less safe for the truly wicked.
Are they comparing it to "blood diamonds"? I mean I know modern day slavery is still horrendously a thing, but not sure if it's comparable...
For anyone interested, after a quick google I found a 9 minute documentary on IMDB on this - "Blood Batteries : The Dark side of Electric Vehicles". I guess try to find vehicle companies that ensure a fair trade supply of components?
The reason this is the only newsletter I subscribe to is for your opinion on interesting / fringe areas. Of course, I'm not a journalist or a Christian, so know nothing of the ways of the world.
Glad to be a reader of Web worm, soooo glad! What a bloody cheek, telling you how to write your own newsletters to your own subscribers, and accusing you of not caring about the victims when it is abundantly clear that THAT is the reason for your investigations, AND the reason you sought some support as a result of your empathic response. So bloody patronising.... And therefore unsurprising that they signed off as a Christian journalist.
Hi David, I'm neither a Christian nor a journalist but for my 2 cents this newsletter is so wonderful precisely because it's so personal - not only so you have time and space to persue stories that the newspapers aren't, but also I think that personal touch is what makes people feel comfortable reaching out and trusting you with their stories. Those stories are what makes journalism like the Arise exposé possible in the first place. Keep up the good work, proud to support it.
Thanks, Rowan. I started this thing during lockdown in New Zealand, and it felt like a really good outlet for things that had been brewing in my brain. I am over the moon it's found readers. And nice readers! And that we've been able to laugh, and also get stuck into some fucking creeps.
Thanks for being here and "getting" it. Unlike Arise, you are welcome to leave anytime you get sick of me. I won't be submitting you to the gates of hell if you ever hit "unsubscribe"!
Me too. Love when I see it sitting in my email amongst the stuff that I don’t give a second thought to and will probably delete without opening. Thanks David for doing this service and to the people who comment and often make my morning
Apr 17, 2022·edited Apr 17, 2022Liked by David Farrier
Two things come to mind. Anonymous Journalist Who is a Also a Christian seems to be looking for a job as editor-in-chief.
Second, good to see this story getting traction. Disappointing to see a couple of pieces on Stuff mention the movements in the church but fail to mention your name or webworm.
Stuff actually was the best at crediting - and Newshub had me on to talk about it which was good. Those that don't credit - it may be a case of lawyers advising them not to (they don't know my sources, whereas I do) - or simply there is a thing in NZ where stories are often swiped and not credited. Herald by far the worst offenders at doing this.
To be clear I don't think that was the case with One News. They had their own investigation going slowly - but I imagine they were waiting on more witnesses. Then when Arise put that press release out - they could move on it.
Of course Webworm = no press release, but it takes up precious seconds on air to explain that stuff.
The main thing is the story is out there. The annoying thing is when news outlets parrot claims from Arise - like the "fact" problems were just taking pace in the Ministry School - which is utter bollocks.
Apr 17, 2022·edited Apr 17, 2022Liked by David Farrier
Current (Stuff) piece links back to webworm "Journalist David Farrier recently reported on the negative experiences of several Arise Ministry School interns, who claimed they had to pay $2500 a year to work four days a week for the church's leaders." with link to original Hillsong article.
Have never been prouder to be a subscriber.
Yes, this series prompted me to sign on and support with $. Investigative work requires significant investment of time and external resources.
Thanks for being here, David. Nicest comments second on the internet. Not even lying. Kind, smart, diverse crowd.
Literally the only comment section I read 😍
Here here! Best comment section on the internet 🙂
I read the comments here and the non-political Wall Street Journal articles, and that's it. It's always nice to find people that actually want to have useful engagement and productive feedback.
Thanks, Laz. Proud to have you here. Would not have the time or resources to do this job without you.
Seconded
Just wanted to say. Every point the Christian ‘journalist’ gave you is exactly why I like your work so much.i think it’s bloody amazing that you give your opinion and that you don’t hold Back. I love how passionate and obsessive you are. And yes the personalisation, I do feel like you are talking to me. Always excited when i recieve an email from webworm. I appreciate that you can be vulnerable and show that you are human by admitting you were seeking help yourself. It shows a level of empathy and emotional intelligence that’s very much necessary for this work. I appreciate and admire your work David. Keep being awesome. Maybe you need to send him some tips instead. :p
Thank you, Awesome. Awesome name.
One thing journo and mentor John Campbell told me in NZ - as he tells many new recruits - is that when you do one of those "piece to cameras" (talking down the barrel of a camera to the audience etc) you just imagine you are talking to a single person.
Not a crowd, just 1 person at home on the couch.
That is how I think of this newsletter, always. An email to a friend.
Nailed it
Love JC, looking forward to his next gig.
💯💯💯💯💯
I'm a subscriber who happens to be a Christian, and I feel absolutely affirmed and respected by your calling out of the megachurch 'Christians' who tarnish the rest of us. Keep up the good work.
I love this Helen. It's so nice to have you here. Christians all welcome here - there are some great ones.
Everything the "Christian journalist" wrote is why I love reading Webworm. When a new article shows up in my inbox to read, it feels like I'm having a coffee with a witty, articulate, and well-informed friend. Your writing is making a real change in the world, David, and I feel proud wearing my Webworm t-shirts and being a very small part of this beautiful community you've created. Please never stop sharing a bit of yourself with your readers. Much aroha ❤
Fuckin a. You made me blush. Thanks, Shannon. Someone just sent me a photo of them and their kids wearing the pink animals tees my nieces helped design - happy days.
When you get back to NZ you are probably going to find random people coming up to you and chatting to you like you are friends because we feel like we know you. You though will be thinking ' how the F do I know this person'.
Perhaps anonymous christian needs to understand that Most ‘helping’ professions provide support to their staff to help deal with/ process what they’re exposed to - entirely appropriate journalists do the same when the unbelievable becomes real. Keep on doing what you do David.
Thanks Avis. And good point - most workplaces, and some newsrooms - do just that. Webworm is just me - in the world asking questions, and at my desk furiously typing away.
Thanks for getting it.
Yes! Were s/he an actual journo, they would have known how much pastoral care was required for reporters, camera ops, outside broadcast staff (TVNZ), video editors, and all, after the Chch quakes, March 15, etc. One TVNZ ops manager I worked with was so badly affected after 2011 he can no longer work.
Happy Easter to the deranged bitches
Hhahahahahah
This will never get old. Can't wait for these tees. Just waiting to make sure Little Yellow Bird is okay with working with swearing!
Hi David, I'm a long-time journalist, who happens not to be a Christian (which is not even relevant) and I applaud you for your revelations about Arise. No, you're not the NY Times, NZ Herald or Stuff, but your work is reminiscent of brilliant satirist John Oliver. Yet, you are absolutely you - a gutsy Kiwi, who can also be vulnerable. When you wrote that you needed support yourself for the first time working on a story, my estimation of you soared - and it was already high. You shared story after story from people hurt by Arise, and they made for distressing reading, so I can only imagine what it was like for you interviewing so many hurt humans. You're human too, which I think "happens to be a Christian" has lost sight of. Actually, I don't feel (and I could be wrong) that this person is even a regular Webworm reader, because if they were, they would know your irreverent, personal writing style. You put yourself on the line, week after week, like no other journalist from Aotearoa, and you do it your way. Thanks for helping to make sense of this weird world and helping others in pain.
Thank you. I think all letters should start with career, and then belief system. At parties, too! And meetings! I like it.
Thank you for saying. I don't see any point in doing this and having this medium without being honest about myself from time to time. I never want myself or my own ego to get in the way of what I write, but I am not going to hide who I am, either. Done that for enough of my life.
Thanks for being here. And being kind.
Webworm is a treasure to be protected at all costs ❤️
"I am not going to hide who I am, either. Done that for enough of my life"
AMEN!
Tautoko!
Not sure if seeking support for yourself means therapy, but normalising therapy is very cool and to be encouraged.
Totally agree. I have some sessions. Therapy is a privilege if you can get it - and can be incredibly helpful.
Love a good thez sesh!
Hi David, the first time I heard of you was when I read your pieces on the nut job wheel clamping antique dealer. That was a masterpiece. I keep imagining how you must have felt when you went in the store and were recognised. I can't wait to watch Clamped.
The point of these recollections is to tell you what I think Webworm stands for (for me at least) and why I am a paying subscriber. Its because you use it as a platform to denounce bullies and expose grifters. And you do it from a place of reason and common sense.
Sure, I don't agree with everything you write but it always comes from a place of honesty and genuineness and humility.
Keep up the great work. I'd love to work with you on something one day - the idea of giving some bullies their comeuppance really appeals!
Cheers
Graham
Thanks Graham. Yeah - I think that is the core of what drives me: Exposing bullies. I fucking hate bullies.
Clamped is wrapped. Currently looking for a home for it, so you can watch it. It's deeply unusual. Can't wait for you to see it.
By the way, you probably already know, but a few mins sleuthing has uncovered your favourite antique dealers are shacked up together in Whanganui these days... If you didn't know DM me for dets.
On it :)
Haha love this juicy goss, Graham. Great lead.
As you say, David, your audience understands what you are trying to do. We get the laughs and we get the anger and know that in the case of Arise the anger is justified. The fact that you have shared your own history helps us put context around your work.
To me Webworm is a continuing narrative, and perhaps someone reading just one or two pieces could misinterpret you, but this is one of the advantages of subscribing. Your pieces are interrelated and not often standalone, which is why they are quite different from a newspaper column. I am impressed by your tenacity and think you are, in fact a fine journalist. Keep on "doing the research" - because you do it properly.
Thanks Annie. That is part of why I like this format - everything can kinda be linked. I can throw back to old stuff - or current stories can drive what comes next. I love that. Thanks for getting it! And being here!
If our Christian journalist had been more generous, they would have noted you're often in stories to provide context or tone, but ypu do not make yourself 'the story'. It's a balance that makes me want to read and read.
As for blood cars, I've heard that rhetoric a number of times when people wish to undermine or diminish eg climate change action. It's a terrific passive aggressive way to suggest that your actions do more harm than their inaction. Eg you're told the misery of the extraction of minerals for your car battery has killed thousands of children while they chomp on a banana picked via slave wages.
Anyway, please keep writing knowing that you're not creating blood cars, but filling up my unreligious soul and making the world slightly less safe for the truly wicked.
Ohhhhhh is that what is it! Genuinely glad I know. What a term! I had so many images in my mind!
Love this summary Rob. And of course lets not talk about oil pipelines destroying lives everywhere while we're discussing blood cars.
Are they comparing it to "blood diamonds"? I mean I know modern day slavery is still horrendously a thing, but not sure if it's comparable...
For anyone interested, after a quick google I found a 9 minute documentary on IMDB on this - "Blood Batteries : The Dark side of Electric Vehicles". I guess try to find vehicle companies that ensure a fair trade supply of components?
https://www.imdb.com/title/tt19483156/
The reason this is the only newsletter I subscribe to is for your opinion on interesting / fringe areas. Of course, I'm not a journalist or a Christian, so know nothing of the ways of the world.
Thanks so much, AD. Heheh, this made me lol.
Glad to be a reader of Web worm, soooo glad! What a bloody cheek, telling you how to write your own newsletters to your own subscribers, and accusing you of not caring about the victims when it is abundantly clear that THAT is the reason for your investigations, AND the reason you sought some support as a result of your empathic response. So bloody patronising.... And therefore unsurprising that they signed off as a Christian journalist.
Patronising is the kiwi way, at times. Not always - but certainly when you write anything publicly :)
Hi David, I'm neither a Christian nor a journalist but for my 2 cents this newsletter is so wonderful precisely because it's so personal - not only so you have time and space to persue stories that the newspapers aren't, but also I think that personal touch is what makes people feel comfortable reaching out and trusting you with their stories. Those stories are what makes journalism like the Arise exposé possible in the first place. Keep up the good work, proud to support it.
Thanks, Rowan. I started this thing during lockdown in New Zealand, and it felt like a really good outlet for things that had been brewing in my brain. I am over the moon it's found readers. And nice readers! And that we've been able to laugh, and also get stuck into some fucking creeps.
Thanks for being here and "getting" it. Unlike Arise, you are welcome to leave anytime you get sick of me. I won't be submitting you to the gates of hell if you ever hit "unsubscribe"!
I’m sitting here reading all the comments and I just realized that I’ve been nodding my head the whole time 😄 I love this community!
Me too. Love when I see it sitting in my email amongst the stuff that I don’t give a second thought to and will probably delete without opening. Thanks David for doing this service and to the people who comment and often make my morning
Two things come to mind. Anonymous Journalist Who is a Also a Christian seems to be looking for a job as editor-in-chief.
Second, good to see this story getting traction. Disappointing to see a couple of pieces on Stuff mention the movements in the church but fail to mention your name or webworm.
But that's how Stuff rolls.
Stuff actually was the best at crediting - and Newshub had me on to talk about it which was good. Those that don't credit - it may be a case of lawyers advising them not to (they don't know my sources, whereas I do) - or simply there is a thing in NZ where stories are often swiped and not credited. Herald by far the worst offenders at doing this.
To be clear I don't think that was the case with One News. They had their own investigation going slowly - but I imagine they were waiting on more witnesses. Then when Arise put that press release out - they could move on it.
Of course Webworm = no press release, but it takes up precious seconds on air to explain that stuff.
The main thing is the story is out there. The annoying thing is when news outlets parrot claims from Arise - like the "fact" problems were just taking pace in the Ministry School - which is utter bollocks.
But - overall - good!
Current (Stuff) piece links back to webworm "Journalist David Farrier recently reported on the negative experiences of several Arise Ministry School interns, who claimed they had to pay $2500 a year to work four days a week for the church's leaders." with link to original Hillsong article.
I am worm who also happens to be anonymous and let me tell you, ,
IT WAS YOU!
I'm hoping it turns out to be Anna Wilding
OMG I just lolled so hard I spat my wine
LOL. Not unhinged enough.