Adam Gertsacov
As seen in:
The New York Times
Covers:
Parenting, travel, theatre, circus, technology, culture (film and television), art, date nights, religion, philosophy, digital media. children, creativity, education, Chicago
Interview
What was your first job as a journalist?
I wrote advertising articles for the East Side Monthly.
Have you ever used a typewriter?
Yes, in college my freshman and sophomore years. In my junior year, I bought a MacPlus. (I'm old!)
How is social media changing news?
The cycle of news is faster and faster, and it's a lot harder to scoop people. And the rise of the citizen journalist.
Who's your favorite fictional journalist?
Peter Parker, freelance news photographer (and everybody's favorite neighborhood Spiderman)
What does it mean to be a journalist?
There's an old quote that journalism is telling truthful stories that the subject is not willing to tell. I'm not looking for muck to rake,.
What's the funniest news-related #hashtag you've seen?
How do you prefer to be pitched on stories?
Email. And of course, not adverse to a press junket... :O)
What tools and software do you use to do your job?
Iphone and laptop, mostly. And index cards for complex stories.
What's your favorite social network?
I don't know if it's my FAVORITE, but right now, Facebook is the most useful.
Who do you wish followed you?
Prefer not to answer. They might be reading!
Did you work for your high school newspaper? If so, what did you do there?
I was the on radio school reporter for JB 105 (the local pop radio station) I also wrote for the literary magazine.
What story are you most proud of writing or working on?
Prefer Not to Answer. But thank you for asking!
What advice can you offer to aspiring journalists?
Don't be afraid to write the truth, even if it's inconvenient. Think about your source's agenda. And triplecheck the facts!
When's the best time to pitch you?
Via email. In the mornings, around 10. I read all the pitches all the time, but only respond to those I'm interested in.
What's the best pitch you ever got?
Prefer Not to Answer. But Thank you for asking.
What's the worst pitch you ever got?
Prefer not to answer. But thank you for asking!
What's your favorite drink?
Write now it's Mocha Super Coffee-- coffee with mct oil in it. I also drink a lot of water.
When you're not at a computer, where are you most likely to be?
On the phone, or at the gym, or in the car, driving my son to his next activity.
Aside from your own, what's your favorite publication to read?
I watch Last Week with John Oliver, which is pithy, funny, and always insightful. Also like A Closer Look with Seth Meyers.
What's the most common misperception about your beat?
Prefer Not to Answer. But thank you for asking!
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