Who Is Richard Kyanka? The Visionary Behind Something Awful

Richard “Lowtax” Kyanka is best known as the creator of Something Awful, one of the most influential and notorious websites in internet history. Launched in 1999, Something Awful became a hub for internet humor, memes, and a wide range of digital subcultures, leaving an indelible mark on the early web. Kyanka’s creation didn’t just entertain, it shaped the internet as we know it today.

The Birth of Something Awful

In 1999, Richard Kyanka, a Missouri native, launched Something Awful as a personal blog to share comedic content. Over time, the site evolved into a sprawling collection of forums, articles, and multimedia, with a focus on absurdist humor, satire, and user-generated content. Its tagline, “The Internet Makes You Stupid,” encapsulated the irreverent tone of the website.

The site’s forums, often referred to as “SA Forums,” became a breeding ground for creativity, discussion, and sometimes controversy. With tens of thousands of active members at its peak, the forums were instrumental in the creation and popularization of memes, viral videos, and internet phenomena.

The Cultural Impact of Something Awful

1. Meme Culture

Something Awful was at the forefront of early meme culture. Many popular internet memes and trends were born or popularized within its forums, such as the “Photoshop Phriday” threads, where users competed to create the funniest or most absurd edited images.

2. Slender Man Creation

One of the most significant cultural exports from Something Awful was the creation of Slender Man in 2009. The character originated as part of a Photoshop contest on the site, where users were challenged to create paranormal images. Eric Knudsen, aka “Victor Surge,” submitted the now-iconic depiction of Slender Man, sparking an urban legend that spread far beyond the forums and influenced horror media worldwide.

3. Influence on Internet Subcultures

Something Awful served as an incubator for various internet subcultures, including early “Let’s Play” gaming videos, which originated on the site. These videos paved the way for platforms like YouTube to become hubs for gaming content. SA Forums also influenced the development of online communities like 4chan and Reddit, both of which drew inspiration from the freewheeling, user-driven discussions on Something Awful.

The Rise and Decline of Something Awful

At its height, Something Awful attracted over 10 million monthly page views and boasted a highly active community. The site generated revenue through membership fees, advertisements, and merchandise sales. Users paid a one-time fee of $10 to register for the forums, a unique model that helped maintain a sense of exclusivity and commitment among members. While exact revenue figures are scarce, the site’s popularity in the 2000s made it a lucrative venture for Kyanka.

However, the rise of social media platforms like Facebook, Twitter, and Reddit gradually overshadowed Something Awful. Its user base began to dwindle, and the forums became less active. By the 2010s, the site’s influence had significantly declined, though its legacy remained intact.

Criticism and Controversies

1. Toxic Culture Allegations

Over the years, Something Awful faced criticism for fostering a toxic and elitist culture. While the forums were known for their creativity, they were also infamous for trolling and harsh treatment of newcomers. Some users accused Kyanka of enabling or ignoring problematic behavior, which contributed to the site’s declining reputation.

2. Kyanka’s Personal Struggles

Richard Kyanka himself became a controversial figure. Known for his sharp humor and confrontational style, he often clashed with forum members and critics. In later years, Kyanka faced personal and financial challenges, including a public divorce and allegations of domestic abuse, which further tarnished his public image. Social media users were divided in their opinions, with some defending Kyanka’s legacy while others criticized his actions and management of the site.

3. Impact of Social Media Critics

As social media platforms grew, many former Something Awful users transitioned to newer spaces like Reddit. Critics on platforms like Twitter and Reddit often pointed out the site’s decline, attributing it to mismanagement and its inability to adapt to changing internet trends. Despite the criticism, some praised Kyanka for creating a community that had a profound impact on internet culture.

The Sad End of Richard Kyanka

On November 9, 2021, Richard Kyanka passed away at the age of 45. His death was ruled a suicide, and the news sent shockwaves through online communities, particularly among former Something Awful users. Many expressed sorrow over his passing, reflecting on the complex legacy he left behind. While his later years were marked by controversy and personal struggles, Kyanka’s contributions to internet culture were undeniable.

Legacy of Something Awful and Richard Kyanka

Richard Kyanka’s influence on the internet cannot be overstated. Something Awful shaped the way people create, share, and consume content online, setting the stage for the meme-driven, community-focused internet we know today. The site’s impact can be seen in modern platforms like Reddit, Twitter, and YouTube, all of which owe a debt to the early internet culture fostered by Something Awful.

Despite its decline, Something Awful remains a testament to the power of online communities and the unpredictable evolution of digital culture. Richard Kyanka’s creation is a reminder of the internet’s potential to inspire creativity, foster connection, and, sometimes, reflect the darker aspects of human nature.