ben soriano
- Content Editor, Tech-Pro, LLC
- Editor and Writer, MANAGING MENTAL HEALTH IN THE SILICON VALLEY
Silicon Valley
Covers:
Tech. Economics. Politics. Art.
Doesn't Cover:
Obituaries (including my own).
animal
Interview
What was your first job as a journalist?
Opinion columnist for the Californian, writing 900 words on issues affecting poor farm worker families of the Alisal.
Have you ever used a typewriter?
yes
How is social media changing news?
SM has muted the *truth* authorities, in a world untrained to pan golden fact from fool's gold. The world must jumpstart critical thinking.
Who's your favorite fictional journalist?
the narrator of Mario Vargas Llosa's, "The Real Life of Alejandro Mayta"
What does it mean to be a journalist?
It means working creatively, patiently and intelligently to explore the layers of meaning and understanding about a subject.
How do you prefer to be pitched on stories?
I have no preferences, although i appreciate the details in writing. I love a good conversation to feel out the desires and request.
What tools and software do you use to do your job?
Google apps, iPhone, Moleskins, Rev Recorder, iMovie, Splice, Quik, Speak & Translate, skip tracing, project management tools.
What's your favorite social network?
facebook
Who do you wish followed you?
If you're following me, then you're following those I follow, who seek truth and social justice in the US and globally.
Why did you become a journalist?
Because it takes power to change the world, and power comes in two forms: money and voice. Lacking the former, I use what's God-given.
Did you work for your high school newspaper? If so, what did you do there?
I was the photo journalist.
What story are you most proud of writing or working on?
I wrote a point-counterpoint column against an AltRight member. I most enjoyed exposing the flaws and prejudice of this racist movement.
What advice can you offer to aspiring journalists?
Listen to your inner voice of skepticism and drown out the noise. Then, fearlessly guide your subject toward the language of truth.
When's the best time to pitch you?
I accept pitches any time of day. Contact me to set up a time.
What's the best pitch you ever got?
"Here's a graphic comparing today's housing bubble with the bubble of 2007. Give me 600 words." I turned it into a headline story.
What's your favorite drink?
I owned a nightlife venue in SJ. Scotch was my straight and Manhattans/ Martinis. Now? Mineral h2o.
When you're not at a computer, where are you most likely to be?
running in the mountains or on assignment.
Aside from your own, what's your favorite publication to read?
The New Yorker
Would you like to take the Muck Rack Interview?
Create a Muck Rack profile.