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Why I Left My Prestigious Job to Make YouTube Videos

Summary

Joanna Stern's introductory video for her new independent YouTube channel "New Things" after 12 years at The Wall Street Journal. Covers her reasons for leaving, her new book "I Am Not a Robot," and her approach to tech journalism.

Key Takeaways

Background

  • 20 years covering consumer tech, 12 years at WSJ
  • Quit to start independent YouTube channel for more humor and personality
  • Author of book "I Am Not A Robot" about a year spent using AI in all parts of life

Guiding Philosophy

  • "Who is tech for?" — Her answer: humans
  • Deliberate choice to have logo drawn by human hand (Jason Snyder) in 2026
  • Focus on human voice, human point of view, human out-in-the-world reporting
  • Technology today feels like it's made "by a very small group of people, for another very small group of people"

Casey Neistat's Advice

  • "You have to do what's true to you"
  • "Be human's not enough. You have to only be you"
  • Consumer detectors for authenticity are more refined than ever — slightest hint of inauthenticity and people scroll past

Business Model

  • Newsletter subscriptions + YouTube sponsorships
  • Sponsorships clearly labeled, zero influence on editorial coverage
  • Full standards published at thenewthings.com/standards