Hernán Casciari

Hernán Casciari is an Argentine writer, journalist, editor, and media professional, known for his accessible literary style and his innovative approach to content distribution and direct engagement with readers. He is the founder of Editorial Orsai and the driving force behind the Orsai Community, a self-managed publishing and audiovisual project that is unique in the Spanish-speaking world.

His literary career took off after he settled in Barcelona in 2000, where he began experimenting with online writing, anticipating the possibilities of the digital medium for fiction and nonfiction. His stories are characterized by emotive prose, a blend of humor and melancholy, and an ability to find the epic in everyday life. His work was published in major media outlets such as the newspaper *La Nación* in Argentina and *El País* in Spain, although he later distanced himself from the traditional press.

Casciari’s most iconic project is the Orsai Community, an initiative that began with *Orsai* magazine, which features feature articles and literature. This model is based on a self-managed, cooperative production structure, funded directly by contributions from thousands of producer-members, which eliminates intermediaries and allows for complete creative freedom. This approach revolutionized the publishing model, demonstrating the viability of an independent, high-quality cultural project.

In addition to his work as a publisher, Casciari is the author of several short story collections and novels, and his works have been adapted for film and theater, such as his novel *Más respeto que soy tu madre*. His work also extends to podcasts and radio, where he reads his stories live, creating an intimate connection with his audience. Hernán Casciari’s legacy is having demonstrated that literary quality can go hand in hand with financial independence and the building of a strong, committed community.