Veteran IoT Journalist Announces Departure from Weekly Newsletter and Podcast, Citing Burnout and Evolving Industry Landscape
Stacey on IoT, a prominent voice in the Internet of Things (IoT) space for nearly a decade, has announced a significant shift in her professional output, stepping back from her widely read weekly newsletter and the accompanying podcast. The announcement, made via her final newsletter published on August 18, 2023, marks the end of an era for many following the rapidly evolving world of connected devices. While not a complete severing of ties with the industry, the move signals a period of reflection and a reevaluation of her engagement with the field.
Originally launched in 2016, Stacey on IoT emerged from the author’s departure from a senior editor role at Fortune. The initiative was born from a desire to delve deeper into the complex technological and societal implications of embedding computing power into everyday objects. This decision, initially met with skepticism by some, ultimately resonated with a substantial audience, cultivating a dedicated following that contributed to the platform’s sustainability through readership and sponsorship.
"Thousands of y’all joined me, and without you and our sponsors I would never have been able to make this work," the author stated in the farewell newsletter, expressing profound gratitude for the community’s engagement. "I am exceedingly lucky to have been able to do this, and it’s all thanks to you giving me your time and your stories."
The decision to step back is attributed to a growing sense of burnout and a developing cynicism regarding the current trajectory of the IoT industry. After more than two decades dedicated to covering daily and immediate news cycles, the author expresses a need for a pause to engage with the broader, long-term implications of technological advancements, rather than focusing on the relentless pace of new product launches and innovations.
A Decade of Observation: The Shifting Tides of the IoT Landscape
The author’s journey into the IoT space began in earnest around 2012, with an early focus on the burgeoning smart home market. Even at that nascent stage, a critical perspective was evident, recognizing that the integration of connected devices introduced not only convenience but also potential risks related to government or corporate surveillance. This prescience has been borne out by subsequent industry developments.
The business models underpinning connected devices have frequently oscillated between the imposition of pricey subscription fees and what the author describes as "rampant data grabs." This observation is supported by numerous reports and analyses of the IoT market. For instance, a 2022 report by Statista indicated that the global IoT market was projected to reach $547.8 billion in 2022, with revenue expected to grow annually by 14.16%, leading to a projected market volume of $755.10 billion by 2027. A significant portion of this revenue is derived from service-based models and the monetization of user data.
Beyond the home environment, the author notes the increasing use of new technologies for employee monitoring. These systems are often optimized for efficiency and productivity, pushing workers to their limits with a primary focus on the bottom line. This trend has been a subject of considerable debate, with concerns raised about worker privacy and well-being.
The recent emphasis on Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) initiatives by corporations has also been a point of contemplation. While businesses are investing in technology for carbon reduction and efficiency, the author expresses a concern that these efforts may be insufficient or, in some cases, serve as a form of "greenwashing" for activities that are fundamentally unsustainable or ethically questionable. This sentiment echoes broader criticisms of corporate sustainability claims, where the actual impact of technological solutions is often scrutinized for its genuine contribution versus its public relations value.
The Path Forward: A Break for Rejuvenation and Focused Engagement
Despite the expressed cynicism, the author maintains a fundamental belief in the potential of technology to solve problems and in the individuals striving to innovate. The decision to step back is framed as a necessary measure to combat burnout and to regain the enthusiasm for identifying and amplifying truly impactful ideas.
"But I’m burned out, and increasingly cynical when it comes to new startups or research," the author candidly stated. "That prevents me from getting excited about the truly good ideas out there."
The period of stepping back is intended to allow for a rejuvenation of passion and perspective. The author hopes to once again find stories that ignite a desire to explain and share with a wider audience. During this hiatus, personal projects are underway, including a consulting role with Consumer Reports’ Innovation Lab. This role will specifically focus on cybersecurity and privacy issues pertaining to connected devices, areas that have been a consistent concern throughout the author’s career.
This continued engagement with Consumer Reports signifies a commitment to addressing critical issues within the IoT ecosystem. Consumer Reports, a non-profit consumer advocacy organization, has a long history of investigating product safety, privacy, and security, making it a natural fit for this specialized focus. The organization has previously published reports and conducted studies on the vulnerabilities of smart home devices and the privacy implications of data collection by connected products.
Maintaining Connection and Future Outlook
While the weekly newsletter and podcast are concluding, the author emphasizes that this is not a definitive goodbye. Continued engagement is planned through posting on the social platform Bluesky and the possibility of occasional newsletters for particularly impactful topics. Furthermore, the author anticipates contributing occasional blog posts to the Consumer Reports Innovation Lab and potentially freelancing for other publications.
The author expresses an ongoing eagerness to hear from the community about their experiences with connected devices. This collaborative approach aims to foster a dialogue on how to collectively improve the safety, security, and overall user experience of these technologies. The invitation to stay in touch via email remains open, underscoring a desire for continued interaction and shared learning.
The shift marks a transition from a consistent, high-frequency content creation model to a more deliberate and focused approach. This allows for a deeper dive into complex issues, potentially leading to more impactful contributions to the discourse surrounding technology and its societal influence. The author’s nearly decade-long tenure in dissecting the intricacies of IoT has provided a unique vantage point, and this period of recalibration is likely to inform future insights and analyses.
The original newsletter, published on August 18, 2023, also featured a photograph of the author and Kevin at their podcasting booth at CES 2020. This visual reminder of past endeavors underscores the journey undertaken and the experiences shared with the audience. The transition, while marking an end to a specific format, opens avenues for new forms of engagement and a renewed perspective on the ever-evolving landscape of the Internet of Things. The commitment to addressing critical issues like cybersecurity and privacy, particularly through collaborations with organizations like Consumer Reports, suggests that the author’s influential voice in the tech industry will continue, albeit in a different capacity.
