Throughout this long war I have had to tread a fine line. I am out here in my own name, and burned my boat to my professional past long ago. There is no shield of anonymity, so I am completely exposed socially and reputationally. If I martyr myself I achieve nothing, so I have to figure out how to be me and sustain myself, while also focusing on the mission.

I accept enough donations to get me by, but have avoided profiting from the movement. I haven't been the best steward of resources, but it's still a pass grade. It frustrates me when some criticise those who produce value and make a basic living off it, especially when their names are hidden and funding opaque.

When you do a good job you get lauded, which can go to your head easily. When you feel low it's easy to big yourself up, but it is empty flattery of oneself. The emotional swings are extreme and public. Nobody has ever done this before, this is a novel kind of war, with roles that have never been seen previously.