iiinova — where your digital self keeps evolving

Jake Goldsmith @jgoldsmith.bsky.social · 27/09/2026

‘Captive Minds: A Study of Manipulation’ by Avishai Margalit & Assaf Sharon aligns with my pessimistic intuitions and prejudices about contemporary politics (and human nature). Perhaps I should read something less agreeable to me, but Margalit is one of our finest philosophers.

Captive Minds: A Study of Manipulation by Avishai Margalit and Assaf Sharon

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Jake Goldsmith @jgoldsmith.bsky.social · 24/09/2026

Just finished Anthony Scaramucci’s new book ‘All The Wrong Moves’. One could accuse him of “log-rolling”, given all the endorsements from his friends, but that matters less when the book is good.

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Jake Goldsmith @jgoldsmith.bsky.social · 18/09/2026

Reading the Literary Review in Private Eye and it says how, apparently, "British publishing has a strange disdain for essay collections", meaning books that should be essay collections are "stitched together from several separate essays." Strange indeed.

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Jake Goldsmith @jgoldsmith.bsky.social · 13/09/2026

I rarely read in public, mostly because I find it too distracting. Went to a coffee shop yesterday and was reading the latest TLS, and I felt like a “performative male” meme. That shit, all the talk around and about it, is silly.

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The Barbellion Prize @barbellionprize.bsky.social · 28/08/2026

The books pictured are all by writers who could have entered The Barbellion Prize, inc. The Journal of a Disappointed Man by the author this award is named after: W.N.P. Barbellion! LAST CHANCE TO ENTER SUBS CLOSE 1ST SEPT! TBP celebrates writing that reps experience of chronic illness & disability.

Spread of books by authors including Virginia Woolf, Hilary Mantel, James Joyce and WNP Barbellion.

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Vlad Vexler @vladvexler.bsky.social · 25/08/2026

The recent channel 4 doc denying ADHD - very lazy and stupid - is inadvertently part of a bigger trend to roll back minority rights. A big roll back of rights is on the cards for the 2030s. We are so in denial and so unprepared that a cold outside observer might say we deserve it to come our way.

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Vlad Vexler @vladvexler.bsky.social · 24/08/2026

Today it's 18 months since I last stood, even for second. Covid damaged my micro-vessels and even attempting verticalisation now creates an oxygen offloading crisis in my cells and tissues, and I suffocate. How do I feel about this?1/4

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Frances Ryan @francesryan.bsky.social · 20/08/2026

PRESS ACCESS - my free guide to disabled and marginalised journalists looking to break into the industry - is officially launched! Sign up for info, advice, and whatever gossip I thought it was a good idea at the time to share. Read the first article here: shorturl.at/ZHX5W

An illustration of me - a blonde white wheelchair user - sitting at a desk. There are little details of my work in the background: a rolled up Guardian newspaper, my books, and a Uni of Nottingham mug.

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Jake Goldsmith @jgoldsmith.bsky.social · 19/08/2026

Reading 'An American Journey' by Ethel Mannin (introduction by @joannapocock.bsky.social). Why does this appeal to me so much? I feel spiritually akin to Mannin. By 2026, it feels old hat and reheated to say America is big and frightening. But it really is...

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Vlad Vexler @vladvexler.bsky.social · 17/08/2026

A Chat today about how algorithms are breaking our economy of ethical sentiment: our ability to hold ambiguity, conflict and temporality in mind. Things basic to ethical decency. With mention of Bernard Williams, Gauguin, the importance of ritual, and a shark attack. youtu.be/iZs8JuMDZyU?...

youtu.be

The one mental skill you need to stay sane in our age

YouTube video by Vlad Vexler Chat

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The Barbellion Prize @barbellionprize.bsky.social · 22/07/2026

Huge thanks to comedian, author & all round legend, Robin Ince, for just giving W.N.P. Barbellion & The Barbellion Prize a shout out on his Instagram! Subs are open until 1st September for writers living with disability or chronic illness. Please support in anyway you can! 🙏 barbellionprize.org

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David Bolt @davidbolt13.bsky.social · 24/07/2026

The Barbellion Prize celebrates fiction and non-fiction that represents the experience of chronic illness and disability. It is a cross-genre award for literature published in the English language. Information about eligibility can be found: barbellionprize.org

barbellionprize.org

The Barbellion Prize | A prize recognising literary representation of chronically disabled lives.

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Vlad Vexler @vladvexler.bsky.social · 03/07/2026

In a neoliberal culture people read and watch and listen like consumers. They judge books, articles, videos according to whether they give them what they already know and like. Everything becomes a service.

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The Barbellion Prize @barbellionprize.bsky.social · 26/06/2026

You can now read ‘Necessary Hypocritical Luddism’, a piece by our founder @jgoldsmith.bsky.social, from Summer issue 21 @exactingclam.bsky.social online! The Barbellion Prize is open for subs for books of prose literature that represent the experience of chronic illness & disability until Sept. 1st.

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The Barbellion Prize @barbellionprize.bsky.social · 26/06/2026

If you can help spread the word, offer any coverage or make a donation, please get in touch and/or visit our website: barbellionprize.org Read Jake’s piece in Exacting Clam here: www.exactingclam.com/issues/no-21...

barbellionprize.org

The Barbellion Prize | A prize recognising literary representation of chronically disabled lives.

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The Barbellion Prize @barbellionprize.bsky.social · 18/06/2026

If you would like to cover the prize in any way, and help us spread the word some more, please do get in touch. We would love to hear from you! Please visit barbellionprize.org for full details.

barbellionprize.org

The Barbellion Prize | A prize recognising literary representation of chronically disabled lives.

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Jake Goldsmith @jgoldsmith.bsky.social · 16/06/2026

Had a great time; was lovely to meet everyone (in the physical, non-digital realm). I look suitably grumpy in the photograph here but I can assure you I was highly focused and enjoying myself. Also, everyone must buy a copy of @guillermostitch.bsky.social's 'The Coast of Everything' double please

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Guillermo Stitch @guillermostitch.bsky.social · 16/06/2026

It was quite a room. Thanks to everyone who came.

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David Collard @davidcollard.bsky.social · 15/06/2026

Tonight's launch at The Wheatsheaf Tavern in Fitzrovia of Guillermo Stitch's 'The Coast of Everything.' You had to be there.

Aea Varfis-van Warmelo reading. In thr background from the left: Robin Allender, Simon Okotie, Jake Goldsmith and Benjamin Smullyan. Author to the fore.

C D Rose interrogates the author, and splendidly. Author adopts a poker face.

Comedy genius Johnny White Really-Really delivers a magnificent 15 minutes. All book launches should be this funny. Gav Clarke at the bar agrees.

Publisher Jacob Smullyan launches the launch. Author to fore, basking in the blaze of public attention.

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Jake Goldsmith @jgoldsmith.bsky.social · 12/06/2026

Birthday Book 🎂📚 Attention-Seeking Behaviour by @aeavvw.bsky.social has been lying in wait (in wrapping paper) for my birthday. Finally get to peak inside 📖

Jake, hiding behind a copy of Attention-Seeking Behaviour by Aea Varfis-Van Warmelo

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The Barbellion Prize @barbellionprize.bsky.social · 12/06/2026

Thank you Michael Caines for giving us a mention in @thetls.bsky.social! "A notable revival is the Barbellion prize-named for W.N.P. Barbellion, the diarist, who suffered from multiple sclerosis - which "celebrates & promotes writing that represents the experience of chronic illness & disability"…

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Exacting Clam @exactingclam.bsky.social · 02/06/2026

"And who among our current rulers, or saleable pundits, shows any prudence or fit memory?" @jgoldsmith.bsky.social on livable Luddism. Issue 21 of @exactingclam.bsky.social www.exactingclam.com/issues/no-21-s…

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David Collard @davidcollard.bsky.social · 02/06/2026

Busy fortnight: Thur 4th June 7pm (BST) online book launch with Aea Varfis-van Warmelo Thur 11th June www.bloomsdayfestival.ie/event/dada-d... Mon 15th June www.eventbrite.com/e/the-coast-... Tue 16th June Allender Calendar podcast (pre-recorded) Wed 17th June www.eventbrite.com/e/launch-for...

eventbrite.com

The Coast of Everything — Literary salon and comedy performance

An intimate evening of fiction, conversation and live comedy.

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Exacting Clam @exactingclam.bsky.social · 01/06/2026

Issue 21 of Exacting Clam is officially out today and just as stunning on the inside as it is on the front and back covers. The new digital-only subscription which will soon deliver the entirety of back issues online. www.exactingclam.com

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David Collard @davidcollard.bsky.social · 25/05/2026

This just in.

The front ocver of Exacting Clam (Summer 2026) with an image called 'Literary Quandary' by John Patrick Higgins showing Charles Dickens having a bowl of muesli and a bottle of sherry for breakfast.

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David Collard @davidcollard.bsky.social · 20/05/2026

Launch events for Guillermo Stitch's colossal novel 'The Coast of Everything' kick off in London on Monday 15th June at The Wheatsheaf pub in Rathbone Place. Joining the author will be myself, Johnny White Really-Really and C. D. Rose. Free, but you need to book: www.eventbrite.com/e/the-coast-...

The cover of 'The Coast of Everything' by Guillermo Stitch published by Sagging Meniscus Press on 16th June (yes, Bloomsday). https://www.saggingmeniscus.com/catalog/the_coast_of_everything/

Clockwise from top left: Johnny White Really-Really, DC, Guillermo Stitch and C. D. Rose. All will take part in the launch of Guillermo's novel 'The Coast of Everything' at The Wheatsheaf pub in London on Monday 15th June.

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Jake Goldsmith @jgoldsmith.bsky.social · 21/05/2026

My essay ‘Necessarily Hypocritical Luddism’ is in the latest issue of Exacting Clam. (also included in my essay collection ‘In Extremis’, published by Sagging Meniscus Press) www.exactingclam.com/issues/no-21... @exactingclam.bsky.social

exactingclam.com

Necessarily Hypocritical Luddism | Exacting Clam

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The Barbellion Prize @barbellionprize.bsky.social · 14/05/2026

Thanks to Martin Doyle for including us in his Friday round-up in The Irish Times! @irishtimes.com “What links Virginia Woolf, Christy Brown, and Hilary Mantel? Beyond their brilliance, each could have been a contender for The Barbellion Prize…

Image is a screenshot of the short article in The Irish Times. The same text is included in the body of the post throughout this thread.

Image is a screenshot of the short article in The Irish Times. The same text is included in the body of this post throughout this thread.

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The Barbellion Prize @barbellionprize.bsky.social · 07/05/2026

Thanks to Fiona O'Connor for her piece on the return of The Barbellion Prize in The Morning Star online! “Founded by writer Jake Goldsmith & relaunched this year following a hiatus, the prize has built a reputation for promoting talented writing.” Read here: morningstaronline.co.uk/article/good...

Morning Star headline ‘Good news for disabled writers’ and picture of WNP Barbellion.

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Jake Goldsmith @jgoldsmith.bsky.social · 05/05/2026

Submissions are now open for the 2026 prize, until 1st September 2026.

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The Barbellion Prize @barbellionprize.bsky.social · 30/04/2026

Read more about the past winners over at The Barbellion Prize website, where you can also read our Terms and Conditions for the 2026 prize and, if you can, make a donation. Submissions are now open until 1st September 2026. We are a small charitable organisation and rely…

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The Barbellion Prize @barbellionprize.bsky.social · 30/04/2026

The Barbellion Prize PAST WINNERS! 🏆🏆🏆 2020: Riva Lehrer Golem Girl: A Memoir (One World/Virago Press) 2021: What Willow Says @lynnbuckle.bsky.social (@epoquepress.bsky.social) 2022: @lettymchugh.bsky.social Book of Hours: An Almanac for The Seasons of The Soul (Self-published w/support from DAO)

Image of the three past winners' books on a red background. Letty McHugh's Book of Hours, which looks like a white quilt, Golem Girl by Riva Lehrer, which has a woman wearing a red polo neck sweater (we can't see the face) on it, What Willow Says by Lynn Buckle, which is cream with the inside of a tree trunk/tree rings as the main image.

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The Barbellion Prize @barbellionprize.bsky.social · 09/04/2026

Meet the judges of the 2026 Barbellion Prize! Read about Letty McHugh, Penny Pepper & David Bolt in this thread. The Barbellion Prize is now open for submissions of fiction and non-fiction which celebrate and promote writing that represents the experience of chronic illness and disability.

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The Barbellion Prize @barbellionprize.bsky.social · 06/04/2026

Submissions for the 2026 Barbellion Prize are open! The Barbellion Prize celebrates & promotes writing that represents the experience of chronic illness & disability. Subs open 2nd April-1st September, 2026. Judges: Penny Pepper, Dr David Bolt & Letty McHugh. Full details: barbellionprize.org

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Vik Shirley @vikshirley.bsky.social · 02/04/2026

Please follow this brilliant prize: @thebarbellionprize.bsky.social 🎉🎉🎉 Thrilled to be working with them @disruptedblue.bsky.social We have a few teething problems getting the Bluesky set up, but please do follow and spread the word in the meantime. Submissions are open! Thank you! 💙 🙏

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Disrupted Blue Indie Press Publicity @disruptedblue.bsky.social · 02/04/2026

Submissions for the 2026 Barbellion Prize are now open! 🎉 The Barbellion Prize celebrates and promotes writing that represents the experience of chronic illness and disability. Submission are open from today 2nd April - 1st September, 2026. @thebarbellionprize.bsky.social barbellionprize.org

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David Collard @davidcollard.bsky.social · 02/04/2026

Big news! The 2026 Barbellion Prize opens for new submissions today. Full details on Instagram: www.instagram.com/p/DWoHpNLCGhW/ Free entry for eligible authors and publishers. Spread the word...

instagram.com

Instagram

Create an account or log in to Instagram - Share what you're into with the people who get you.

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Vlad Vexler @vladvexler.bsky.social · 13/03/2026

Trumpism will collapse. It is too tied up with the infantilised deformation of a single man’s personality. But Trumpism going away does not make it an abberation. In reality, Trumpism is a warm up act for the more serious authoritarianism to come in the 2030s.

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Vlad Vexler @vladvexler.bsky.social · 11/03/2026

New video just dropped on my main YouTube channel - The Real Reason Trump Will Lose His War With Iran

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Exacting Clam @exactingclam.bsky.social · 03/03/2026

"One envies other lives for the subterranean reason that makes all life so difficult: death." @jgoldsmith.bsky.social on 'Envying Artists'. Issue 20, out now. Pick up or gift a digital subscription at a much lower price. www.exactingclam.com/issues/no-20-s…

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Jake Goldsmith @jgoldsmith.bsky.social · 04/03/2026

Really enjoyed Greyhound by @joannapocock.bsky.social. I'd been wanting to read it for some time and wasn't disappointed. America fascinates and disgusts me, and some descriptions (Amarillo stinks of shit, radioactive waste in Utah, etc) didn't help my appetite. Going to read Blue Highways next!

Greyhound by Joanna Pocock, among other books 📚

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Vlad Vexler @vladvexler.bsky.social · 03/03/2026

Time to stop the Trump sane-washing. Iran is a strategically meaningless war. This is Trump- driven by a narcissistic personality disorder, amplified by neuro-diverse traits that heighten impulsivity & fixation on a single idea- chasing a “war president” adrenaline rush without a coherent objective.

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Exacting Clam @exactingclam.bsky.social · 01/03/2026

Big news! Not only is Issue 20 out today, but from here on in you can create your own account on the website, where all issues will soon be available in their entirety. Some already are. Plus digital-only subscriptions at a much, much lower price! www.exactingclam.com/subscribe

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