Gareth Branwyn, American journalist and critic

Gareth Branwyn: A Visionary Voice in Technology and Culture

Gareth Branwyn, born Kevin Maloof on January 21, 1958, is a distinguished American writer, editor, and insightful media critic. He is widely recognized for his profound contributions to the discourse surrounding technology, Do-It-Yourself (DIY) media, and cyberculture. Adopting his well-known pseudonym early in his career, Branwyn became an influential commentator, charting the evolving landscape of digital life and its cultural ramifications.

A Pioneer in Digital Media and Cyberculture

Branwyn's extensive career is marked by his influential coverage across a spectrum of prominent publications. He lent his discerning eye and analytical prowess to leading outlets such as:

Beyond his prolific writing, Branwyn held pivotal editorial roles at foundational institutions within cyberculture:

Demonstrating his entrepreneurial spirit and commitment to the DIY ethos, Branwyn founded the personal technology website, Street Tech. There, he playfully adopted the title "Cyborg-in-Chief," reflecting his fascination with the intersection of humanity and technology and his hands-on approach to exploring new media.

His leadership continued as the former Editorial Director for MAKE Magazine, a cornerstone of the burgeoning maker movement. In this role, he was instrumental in overseeing all content, guiding the publication's mission to inspire innovation, creativity, and the practical application of technology.

Literary Works and Collaborative Projects

In April 2013, Gareth Branwyn transitioned back to freelance writing to embark on his highly anticipated "lazy memoir," titled Borg Like Me. This aptly named book, a playful nod to his "Cyborg-in-Chief" persona and the iconic Star Trek Borg, offered a unique, often anecdotal, and less formal reflection on his life and career amidst the rise of cyberculture. The project itself embodied the DIY spirit he champions, as it was successfully crowdfunded via Kickstarter, allowing him to directly engage with his audience and secure independent funding. Borg Like Me was self-published through Branwyn's own imprint, Sparks of Fire Press, and officially released on September 2, 2014.

Further cementing his ties to literary and cultural commentary, Branwyn joined a distinguished collective in April 2014 as a regular contributor to Wink Books. This daily review site, curated by influential figures like Kevin Kelly, Mark Frauenfelder (with whom Branwyn shares a long history, particularly from their Boing Boing days), and Carla Sinclair, focuses on "remarkable books that belong on paper"—a testament to the enduring value of physical media in a digital age.

Branwyn's bibliography is diverse, reflecting his wide-ranging interests and foresight:

In a notable collaboration that underscored his deep involvement in 1990s cyberculture, Branwyn, alongside Mark Frauenfelder, was also part of the creative team behind Billy Idol's controversial 1993 album, Cyberpunk. While met with mixed reviews and some criticism from the cyberpunk purists for its mainstream appropriation of the genre, the album nonetheless played a role in bringing cyberculture to a broader audience, demonstrating Branwyn's influential ties within the movement.

Predating many of these larger projects, in the early 1990s, Branwyn independently published Going Gaga, a small-format alternative art and culture zine. This publication served as an early showcase for his distinct perspective and commitment to independent media, laying the groundwork for the column of the same name he would later write for Boing Boing.

Personal Life

Gareth Branwyn was previously married to the late Pam Bricker, a highly respected DC-area jazz singer and vocalist for the acclaimed electronic music group Thievery Corporation. Pam Bricker's contributions to music were significant, and her passing in 2005 due to suicide was a profound loss to the artistic community. Together, they had a son, Blake Maloof, who is now an adult.

In September 2021, Branwyn married his long-time girlfriend, Angela White, a renowned fine artist and arts educator. The couple currently resides in Benicia, California, continuing Branwyn's journey through life with a partner who shares a deep connection to the arts and creative expression.

Frequently Asked Questions About Gareth Branwyn

Is Gareth Branwyn his real name?
No, Gareth Branwyn is the pseudonym of Kevin Maloof, who adopted the name for his professional work in writing, editing, and media criticism.
What is Borg Like Me?
Borg Like Me is Gareth Branwyn's "lazy memoir," a uniquely personal and often anecdotal reflection on his life and career, particularly within the contexts of technology and cyberculture. It was crowdfunded via Kickstarter and self-published.
What was Gareth Branwyn's role at MAKE Magazine?
He served as the Editorial Director for MAKE Magazine, where he was responsible for overseeing all content and played a key role in shaping the publication's voice and direction within the maker movement.
Why is Mosaic Quick Tour a significant work?
Mosaic Quick Tour: Accessing and Navigating the World Wide Web is particularly significant because it was one of the very first books ever written to guide users on how to access and navigate the World Wide Web, using the then-pioneering Mosaic web browser. This highlights Branwyn's early and crucial engagement with the internet's public emergence.
What is "Going Gaga"?
"Going Gaga" was both a small-format alternative art and culture zine published by Branwyn in the early 1990s and later, a column he wrote for the Boing Boing print zine, reflecting his unique take on culture and technology.