In this episode, Shawn sits down with a legendary figure from the early days of digital culture, R.U. Sirius, exploring the radical roots and transformative potential of the Internet. Our guest shares insights from his experience with pioneering publications like Mondo 2000, reflecting on the early ideals of user empowerment and decentralization. We delve into the evolution of the Internet from a space of individual freedom to one dominated by corporate interests, discussing the shifts in power dynamics and the impact of commercialization on the digital landscape. With a mix of optimism and caution, this episode offers a thought-provoking look at the past, present, and future of digital culture and individual agency.

About RU Sirius

RU Sirius is a writer, musician, and counterculture pioneer who co-founded Mondo 2000, the 1980s–1990s magazine that shaped cyberpunk and tech optimism. A “left-libertarian” influenced by transhumanists Timothy Leary and Robert Anton Wilson, he’s explored technology’s liberating potential for decades. Based in San Francisco, RU writes for Mindplex.ai on AI and creativity, performs as The Smarter Kings of Delirium, and is co-authoring a Mondo 2000 history with Shira Chess for Strange Attractor Press.

Quotes to Remember

• “The original ideal was that everything on the internet can be easily copied and shared… it won’t be controlled and it won’t be monetized.” — RU Sirius
• “Competition was going to put more power into the hands of the hosts, the sites, and less into the hands of the participants.” — RU Sirius
• “If Mondo 2000 had one message, it was be like Laurie Anderson… use the tools as creatively as is possible.” — RU Sirius
• “Leaning into friendship can be a good thing to start doing [in a trolling world].” — RU Sirius

Resources & Links

• Mondo 2000 Archives: Explore cyberculture’s roots with digital scans at archive.org. https://archive.org/details/mondo2000magazine
• Mindplex.ai Articles: Read RU’s takes on AI and creativity at Mindplex.ai. https://magazine.mindplex.ai/search/R.U. Sirius
• Strange Attractor Press: Learn about RU’s forthcoming Mondo 2000 book. https://www.mondo2000.com/freaks-in-the-machine-mondo-2000-in-late-20th-century-tech-culture/
• RU Sirius on X: Follow RU for updates on his work and events. https://x.com/2000_mondo

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Music in this episode by More Ghost Than Man: https://moreghostthanman.bandcamp.com/