An Essay on a Lost Digital World

The internet wasn’t always what it is today. There was a time when it felt raw, messy, and full of potential—a place where creativity thrived, connections were authentic, and discovery was infinite.

I Miss the Internet is a single-essay zine capturing the essence of that earlier internet. It’s a reflection on what we’ve gained, what we’ve lost, and what it means to mourn a digital space that once felt alive in a way today’s internet doesn’t.

What’s Inside?

• A Deep Dive into Internet Nostalgia: One powerful essay that explores the magic of the early internet and why its absence is felt so deeply today.

• Personal Reflections: Honest thoughts on what it means to miss something that’s still technically here—but no longer feels the same.

• Unfiltered Design: A zine that reflects the spirit of the old internet—unpolished, personal, and real.

Who Is This Zine For?

This zine is for anyone who’s looked at the current state of the internet and thought, this isn’t what I signed up for. It’s for those who miss the forums, the weird personal websites, and the sense of freedom that existed before algorithms took over.

About the Author

I’m Joan Westenberg, a writer and creator who grew up alongside the internet. This zine is a way of channeling my nostalgia into something tangible—a chance to honor what the internet once was and reflect on what it could have been.

Order Your Copy

If you miss the internet the way it used to be, this zine is for you. I Miss the Internet is available now.

Let’s remember what made the web so magical.