The harshest of lights shines on the question of care in the age of neo-liberalism and globalisation: who gets it, who needs it, who does it, who controls it. Reflecting on the care phenomenon of 2020/21, the publication CARE(LESS) reflects on omissions in ON CARE (MA BIBLIOTHÈQUE, 2020) a book conceived before the pandemic. Contributors were asked to consider what is lack of care and what lacks in care.

Using the writing forms of correspondence fiction and auto fiction as textual practices of care, 'Careless Reply' reflects on acts of care, toward research and towards other researchers. It looks to unpick the complexities of caring too much to the detriment of others that need our care, not caring enough when it counts and the difficulties in finding a settled place in care through research practice.