
Tedium
Tedium is a twice-weekly newsletter that dives deep into the obscure and overlooked corners of the internet and history. It focuses on long-form stories that explore unusual topics and forgotten details, often those that wouldn't normally go viral. The newsletter is known for its offbeat and detailed approach, mining the "long tail" of content to bring readers fascinating and unexpected insights.
The newsletter is created by Ernie Smith, who started Tedium in 2015 after moving on from his previous site. He aims to highlight stories that need context and storytelling to show their importance, often with obtuse headlines and a unique navigation style that encourages readers to take a chance on oddball articles. Tedium has been featured on outlets like NPR's Planet Money, Vice's Motherboard, and Atlas Obscura.
Tedium's style is casual and engaging, with a focus on deep research and storytelling. It covers a wide range of topics including vintage technology, media history, and cultural oddities. The newsletter is designed for readers who enjoy strange and unusual descriptions of common things, explained in extreme depth. Subscribers get a mix of long-form articles and quirky takes delivered twice a week, making it a unique addition to anyone's inbox looking for something different from typical newsletters.
Why Subscribe
- You get deep dives into unusual and overlooked topics that you won't find in mainstream media.
- The twice-weekly format keeps you engaged without overwhelming your inbox.
- Ernie Smith's unique storytelling style makes complex or boring subjects interesting and fun to read.
- The newsletter has a loyal following and has been featured on respected outlets, showing its quality and trustworthiness.
- It offers a fresh perspective by focusing on the long tail of content rather than viral trends.
- Subscribers get access to well-researched, long-form articles that provide context and depth rarely found elsewhere.
FAQ
What kind of topics does Tedium cover?
Tedium covers offbeat and obscure topics, focusing on long-form stories about unusual history, vintage technology, and cultural oddities that often get overlooked.
How often will I receive the Tedium newsletter?
You will get Tedium twice a week, delivering fresh and interesting stories without flooding your inbox.
Is Tedium a free newsletter?
Yes, Tedium is free to subscribe to and read, though it offers sponsorship opportunities for advertisers.
Who creates Tedium?
Tedium is created by Ernie Smith, who has been running the newsletter since 2015 with a focus on deep research and storytelling.
Can I sponsor or advertise in Tedium?
Yes, Tedium offers various sponsorship options including text-only, short-form, and long-form ads both in the newsletter and on its website.
Details
Categories
Fun
Frequency
Twice a week
Subscription Type
Free
Subscribers Range
10k-15k
Language
English
Last updated
10-12-2025
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