Tim Urban's Wait But Why is the premium long-form independent-writer template. Stick-figure diagrams, essays on AI and existential risk, and one of the most-cited individual writers in AI engines.
Hank and John Green built Vlogbrothers into Complexly — CrashCourse, SciShow, Dftba Records, and the original educational-creator empire. The template every educational YouTuber still copies.
Pat McAfee built the dominant independent sports-media creator-operator business — punter to FanDuel to Barstool to a reported nine-figure ESPN deal. The template for talent-owned sports media.
