Gonzo journalism is a distinctive approach to reporting where factual detachment takes a backseat to intense personal storytelling. Unlike conventional journalism, which aims to maintain an objective standpoint, gonzo journalism invites the writer into the narrative, often as the central character. This style emphasizes the author's experiences, emotions, and personal viewpoint, using vivid first-person narration. Hunter S. Thompson is the architect of gonzo journalism, which he showcased in a piece about the Kentucky Derby in 1970. The power of his writing lies in its energetic delivery, blended with social commentary and a hint of self-mockery. Gonzo pieces are notable for their candor, humour, exaggeration, and at times, coarse language. The style favors authenticity and individuality over the polished, impartial output traditionally prized by newspapers. Thompson, a figurehead in the New Journalism movement, famously remarked that sharing the raw truth of his experiences over a decade could have landed many, including himself, in jail. His statement underscores the perilous nature of absolute truth in professional reporting. The term "gonzo" itself was coined by Bill Cardoso, editor of The Boston Globe magazine, in 1970. Cardoso used it to describe the vibrant quality of Thompson's writing, highlighting it as a seminal example of gonzo journalism. Curiously, the term "gonzo" has roots in South Boston Irish slang, where it characterized the last person remaining after a lengthy drinking session.

Black comedy is a type of comedic expression that takes light-hearted approaches to themes that are usually regarded as serious, sensitive, or taboo. It serves as a means for writers and comedians to delve into contentious topics, causing their audience to experience a mix of discomfort, introspection, and entertainment. This genre is not new; it can trace its roots back to the work of authors in ancient Greece such as Aristophanes. One historical figure noted for using this style of humor is cartoonist Charles Addams, who illustrated scenes with a morbid twist, such as a child adorning his room with various hazard signs. This form of comedy is distinct from blue comedy—which dwells on topics like nudity, sex, and body functions—and sheer obscenity. While black comedy encompasses a wide range of grave subjects, gallows humor is specifically related to death and dying. In the realm of literature, black comedy can sometimes align with the grotesque. Different from other forms of comedy, its humor typically comes from a place of skepticism or cynicism, often concerning mortality. The term "black humor" was first defined by André Breton, a Surrealist theorist, in 1935. Breton introduced the concept in his book "Anthology of Black Humor" in 1940, attributing the origins of black humor and gallows humor to Jonathan Swift, highlighting Swift's use of such comedy in his satirical writings like "A Modest Proposal" and others. Breton's interpretation of Swift's work underscored the emergence of a comedic subgenre where dark subjects elicit laughter through a bleak and questioning viewpoint.

Crowdfunding is a modern method of raising funds for various projects or ventures by gathering small amounts of money from many people, typically through the internet. Since its rise in popularity, crowdfunding has become an essential aspect of alternative financing, amassing over $34 billion globally by 2015. This innovative method relies on three main parties: the individual or group with the idea, the supporters willing to fund it, and an online platform that connects them. This form of fundraising has supported a diverse range of endeavors, from creative and artistic projects to medical costs, travel, and socially-driven entrepreneurship. However, the idea that crowdfunding greatly contributes to sustainable ventures has not been strongly supported by evidence. Furthermore, some criticism has arisen regarding its use for questionable health treatments, particularly those related to cancer that are expensive and lack scientific backing. Historically, the concept of collecting small contributions from the masses to fund endeavors is not new. Past ventures, like book publishing, operated on a similar model, where the writer would secure funding through subscribers who pledged to buy the book upon completion. Even though this method, known as the subscription business model, is slightly different from crowdfunding because it involves actual financial transactions only after the product is ready, it still built investor confidence necessary for the project. Notably, even funding military efforts, like war bonds during conflicts, aligns closely with the crowdfunding philosophy. For instance, the mercantile community of London once saved the Bank of England using a method akin to crowdfunding.