For three and a half years, from 2008 to 2011, Urlesque was the definitive site covering the internet as its own culture. Then AOL shut it down and erased it from the web.

The rise and fall of Urlesque, the site that wanted to take memes mainstream

core/paragraph

Kira Deshler is a former assistant newsletter editor at the Daily Dot. Kira received a Master&#8217;s in Media Studies from UT Austin and has previously written for sites like Slash Film and Looper. She runs her own Substack newsletter, Paging Dr. Lesbian, and is a member of GALECA: The Society of LGBTQ Entertainment Critics.

Kira Deshler

Gwenpool, Gwen Stacy mashup has Marvel fans rolling their eyes

Neil Gaiman fans reevaluate identity, fandom following harrowing exposé

Comic fans sound off about Superman’s new look in upcoming film

‘Arcane’s’ CaitVi relationship has fans cheering for more

The band Twenty One Pilots surrounded by fan art. There is text in a Daily Dot newsletter web_crawlr font that says 'Decoding Fandom' in the bottom right corner.

For Twenty One Pilots fans, fan art is a means of expression, community-building

Katy Perry on helicopter holding light against close up of her. There is text that says Decoding Fandom in the bottom left corner.

The Katy Perry fandom can’t save her from flopping

Main Header Menu

Become a subscriber today to get unlimited access

Thanks for reading!

Register to continue

The Daily Dot

Rachel is a writer, reviewer, and critic within the entertainment industry with over four years of experience. She champions indie filmmaking and indie horror. Her work can be found at The Mary Sue and That Hollywood Show.

Rachel Tolleson

TikToker Recalls College Roommate’s Shocking Hygiene Habits

TikToker Shares What Her College Roommate Did That Made Her Stop Assuming Everyone Had the Same Hygiene Habits

Haley Van Horn is a writer and editor with nearly a decade of experience in lifestyle, entertainment, and culture stories. She has contributed to publications like PEOPLE and Parade, and her work is preserved in the Library of Congress.

Haley

Woman Shares How a Conversation Ended in Her Losing Her Job ‘This Is New Territory for Me'

TikToker Shares How Standing Up for Her Co-Worker at a Salon Ended With Her Getting Fired: ‘This Is New Territory for Me’

Akil is a Caribbean native who enjoys writing, reading, music, and fitness. He loves exploring new ideas, telling engaging stories, and making the most of every experience. When he’s not working, he enjoys living life to the fullest.

Akil Rashid

TikTok Mom Explains Why She Fired Her Son's Speech Therapist

TikToker Reveals Why She Fired Her Son’s Speech Therapist After Feeling Dismissed During Their Sessions: ‘Those Are Pointless Right Now’

TikToker Shares Friend’s Bizarre Bumble Date Story

TikToker Shares Friend’s Strange Bumble Date Story That Left Viewers Stunned: ‘I’m Like, Now I Know You’re Joking’

TikToker Says These are the REAL Reasons Why Men Cheat

TikTok Trauma Coach Says People Have Been Getting the Reasons Men Cheat Wrong for Years: ‘It’s Not What You Think’

Doctor Claims Tone is the Most Important Part of Parenting

The rise and fall of Urlesque, the site that wanted to take memes mainstream

Tagged:

Stay in touch

More Stories

TikToker Shares What Her College Roommate Did That Made Her Stop Assuming Everyone Had the Same Hygiene Habits

TikToker Shares How Standing Up for Her Co-Worker at a Salon Ended With Her Getting Fired: ‘This Is New Territory for Me’

TikToker Reveals Why She Fired Her Son’s Speech Therapist After Feeling Dismissed During Their Sessions: ‘Those Are Pointless Right Now’

TikToker Shares Friend’s Strange Bumble Date Story That Left Viewers Stunned: ‘I’m Like, Now I Know You’re Joking’

TikTok Trauma Coach Says People Have Been Getting the Reasons Men Cheat Wrong for Years: ‘It’s Not What You Think’

TikTok Doctor’s Simple Parenting Advice Sparks Debate as Parents Admit They Struggle With This One Thing: ‘Tone Is Everything’