Handlers
Handlers (also known as Managers or Enablers) is an umbrella term referring to individuals who exert significant control over Joshua Block, often while exploiting his circumstances and fanbase for financial or personal gains while claiming to be Josh's "friend". These individuals are typically present with Josh in person, maintaining close proximity to him. The term carries a strongly negative connotation within the community, as handlers are shown to lack genuine concern for Josh's well-being while capitalizing on his situation and image.
List of Handlers
The following is a list of people generally considered to be Joshua Block's handlers.
- Michael Quinn
- Mayor Flanagan
- Jason "Mr. Based" Itzler
- Jason's streams with Josh shifted from passively encouraging Josh's behaviors, to outright exploiting them for donations, clout, and other gains.
- Tony Bame
Other Uses
Analogous figures can be seen in the lives of lolcows, with varying dynamics. These individuals may exert similar levels of influence, often for personal gain. For instance, the closest equivalent Daniel Larson has is his "management", though with notably more destructive tendencies and almost never appearing in person. Alternatively, Chris Chan has "carpetbaggers", specifically "financial exploiters" and "clout chasers", both of which more accurately align with the intentions of Josh's handlers. Of course, these are just comparisons, and every lolcow is different.
More loosely, the label has occasionally been applied to individuals with good or neutral intentions (such as fans who encounter Josh during his travels or tour guests) who engage with him positively but inadvertently assume a caretaker role. This becomes evident when trolls interact with Josh or when he gets too drunk, forcing these individuals into a position of managing his interactions.