Dr. Em Friedman

I’m a tenured professor who studies storytelling outside the rules of mass media. Along the way I became a leader in the study of the history and future of playing roleplaying games for audiences -- mostly what is called Actual Play. I'm at work on the first single-authored book on the subject, and have written about the form for places like Polygon and the LA Review of Books, have co-edited scholarly work on the subject, and have been quoted by places from The Washington Post to CNBC to Rascal's manifesto New Tabletop Games Journalism. I bring to my work on modern media a wealth of experience studying everything from never-published manuscripts from during the age of print (1750-1900), indie games inspired by Jane Austen & her time, and even the history of smell. Along the way I have learned a lot about my own profession, creative professions of all kinds, the Internet, “nerd fame,” & how all of those impact our sense of friendships & community. It's some of the most satisfying -- and hardest -- work I've ever done. Almost all of my public scholarship is just that -- public, and free. But I find a need a spot for stuff that needs a little more cooking before it sees a broad public. Free subscribers will be the first to see work in progress, hear about new developments in my books, and other exciting aspects of my work (and maybe some of the weird boring parts). In addition to that perpetual free tier, those who choose to join with a paid subscription make it possible for me to plan more ambitious projects in future.