What was your first job as a journalist?
Man-on-the-street interviews for the Kansas City Star following the Columbine attack
Have you ever used a typewriter?
Yes, I have.
How is social media changing news?
Greater opportunities for sourcing, disseminating breaking news and moving the narrative ahead before print deadline.
What does it mean to be a journalist?
It's an honor and privilege to serve your fellow man in seeking out not just the truth but also meaningfulness to our lives and communities.
How do you prefer to be pitched on stories?
Anything but phone.
What tools and software do you use to do your job?
Adobe CS 6, OpenOffice, Chrome, Skype, Tweetdeck.
What's your favorite social network?
The one I don't have to be one for professional purposes
Why did you become a journalist?
To indulge my natural inclination toward being a know-it-all, and hopefully do some good along the way.
Did you work for your high school newspaper? If so, what did you do there?
I launched my high school paper's website back in the 90s. I also edited and pasted up articles back before desktop publishing was a thing.
What story are you most proud of writing or working on?
Every second I spent at Aurora Sentinel/Sentinel Colorado felt like I was part of the dream team. All of those years, I'm proud of them.
What advice can you offer to aspiring journalists?
The rest of society is working hard. You'll need to work harder to tell their stories.
When's the best time to pitch you?
No sooner than 12 hours after my last weekly deadline (noon on Tuesday).
What's the best pitch you ever got?
Many stand out, and they all share one common trait: Somebody really smart who was intent on sharing for the common good was behind it.
What's your favorite drink?
Oban 18-year single malt
Aside from your own, what's your favorite publication to read?
Anything Kaleb Horton writes.
