Select Portfolio

This is some of my best reported work. I also create reviews and guide writing. You can find my full portfolio in my links page.

Archive of Our Own’s 15-year journey from blog post to fanfiction powerhouse

Over several months, I spoke to 11 of the creators of Archive of Our Own and the Organization for Transformative Works for this piece that situates it within its history and draws out the lessons of its creation that are relevant today.

The illustration was created by Alex Castro and the article was edited by Andrew Webster.

The art behind NASA’s scientific space photos

This piece was a first step into space journalism. I have a postgraduate qualification in Cultural Astronomy and applying that to making an accessible but detailed exploration into how these images are really made was a fantastic experience.

It was edited by Mary Beth Griggs.

The race to save Kirk and Spock’s fanfiction legacy

This piece was a deep dive into both the incomparable influence of Kirk/Spock on modern fandom culture and the efforts of Archive of Our Own in online preservation.

The illustration is by Kyle Smart and the article was edited by Matt Leone and Khee Hoon-Chan.

YouTube has AI creator tools, but creators are too busy battling AI to care

With the expansion of “AI” tools, I’ve reported several pieces about the pushback from various online communities. This one was different, rising from the question of why YouTube’s announced tools went so under the radar upon. It was edited by Nicole Clark.

After 100 games, indie collective Sokpop wants to make 100 more

When reporting on the internet and especially games, I like to look for alternative ways of creating, communicating, and connecting. Sokpop does that through its indie collective and unique art. This piece was edited by Andrew Webster.

Meet the YouTubers turning speedruns into incredible stories

A story about stories. This piece was edited by Christian Donlan.

The Lord of the Rings Fanfic That’s 10 Times Longer Than the Original

I think the reason I keep coming back to fanfiction reporting is because of the way it shapes communities online, like this one. This piece was edited by Marissa Martinelli.

Archivists are Trying to Chronicle Animal Crossing: New Horizons’ Unforgettable First Year

This piece examined game preservation and its focus on the experiential, particularly given the context of the pandemic. It was edited by Andrew Webster.

Comradery is developing a cooperative way to get paid online

This piece explored the potential for new payment platforms as part of the Verge’s ‘How Creators Get Paid Online’ special issue. It was edited by Andrew Webster.

As well as reporting like the above, I also work in reviews, criticism, and guides. I have a monthly column at Unwinnable magazine called Area of Effect which explores space in games.

You can find my full portfolio here.

Freelance Writer • jaymcastello [at] gmail.com • @jaymcastello

Select Portfolio