I originally became a fan of Josh through another lolcow — more accurately, a horrorcow — named Robert Leslie Robinson from Maine, who often talked about Josh. Over time, my opinions about both Josh and Robert have shifted. I’ve come to realize that many of their self-destructive tendencies are probably worsened by our very existence as spectators. You can hate on me for saying that, but I think it’s worth acknowledging.
Robert, for all his flaws — and I know Josh would’ve despised him, given that Robert is a lifetime registered sex offender — clearly had a deep love for Josh. It was complicated, but there was genuine compassion there, rooted in their shared lolcow status. Since Josh’s passing, Robert has been posting on Discord and YouTube about it. He’s already removed some of what he shared, but I’m linking one video here and hoping it stays up. I did archive it, but at the time I first posted this, the clip was barely two minutes old.
Watching it honestly made me rethink the way I interact with people online. Maybe “pozloading my negholep” really is harmful, and maybe we should give folks more space instead of endlessly piling on. Strange as it sounds, I’ve found myself seeing the humanity in people I once dismissed entirely.
In another video, Rob said:
“I hope he finds the peace in death that he could not find in life.” That line floored me. It literally made me cry. I never would’ve guessed that someone I once hated so deeply could say something so poignant. Whether he came up with it himself or not, it rang true.
Wherever King Cobra — Josh, however you knew him — is now, I hope he’s happy. I hope he’s free of all the physical and mental struggles he carried. And I like to think he’s up there rocking with Jesus, Ozzy, and Puff.
Much respect.
— Victoria
Robert's video:
