What was your first job as a journalist?
Mindlessly rewriting technical articles for a content aggregator platform.
Have you ever used a typewriter?
Nope, but I was pretty good with a stenotype writer back in the day.
How is social media changing news?
Ultimately it's a devaluation of legitimate reporting and research. There, I said it.
Who's your favorite fictional journalist?
The eavesdropping journalist Sharon from Seinfeld.
What does it mean to be a journalist?
To avoid writing as a 'big J' Journalist, my research and writings should inform everyday readers, not satisfy other journalists & media.
What's the funniest news-related #hashtag you've seen?
'#' - May 30, 2020
How do you prefer to be pitched on stories?
Very short and sweet. I hate wasting others' time, and I consider my time somewhat valuable as well. I'll follow up with you.
What tools and software do you use to do your job?
Google docs, sheets, Gsuite, and the internet.
What's your favorite social network?
GeoCities
Who do you wish followed you?
My 3 month old baby girl, but I'm optimistic she will in the future.
Why did you become a journalist?
I thoroughly enjoy researching a topic or entity from the bottom up, thrice over.
Did you work for your high school newspaper? If so, what did you do there?
No, but I was a contributor to a popular anonymous weekly report that poked jokes and speculate on school rumors.
What story are you most proud of writing or working on?
An investigative series on a local conman that swindled university educators, resulting in a 2 year long defamation battle- a badge of honor.
What advice can you offer to aspiring journalists?
Don't be afraid to turn down a story that's not of interest to you.
When's the best time to pitch you?
2pm-7pm EST, weekdays only.
What's the best pitch you ever got?
No single 'best' pitch, but any pitch that is natural and relevant will always peak my interest.
What's the worst pitch you ever got?
Any pitch that begins with "hi Dear".
What's your favorite drink?
A strong IPA sour.
When you're not at a computer, where are you most likely to be?
In my living room, but still near a computer.
Aside from your own, what's your favorite publication to read?
Bellingcat, Portswigger, The Economist.
What's the most common misperception about your beat?
Ethical investigative reporting and journalism isn't surveillance or a privacy violation.
