Proceeds from sales of the Egotist were donated to various charities, in particular towards the establishment of the Adelaide Hospital. Charles Smith produced the newspaper largely to promote land sales at Port Lincoln - Smith was managing director of the Adelaide and Port Lincoln Trading Company, and had obtained a special survey at Port Lincoln. Joseph Barnett was the publisher, and Archibald Macdougall was the printer.

Smith spoke out in support of the Aboriginal population at a time when there was much tension between the Aboriginal and European communities. He was perhaps the earliest advocate of gun licences, and opposed moves to close the Botanical Gardens on Sundays due to religious objections.

There were many humorous as well as serious articles in the newspaper.