What was your first job as a journalist?
Just started out freelancing to be honest; trying my luck by pitching stories I'd looked into.
Have you ever used a typewriter?
Never for any other purpose than the novelty of using a typewriter in the 21st century.
How is social media changing news?
It's great in terms of getting on-the-ground breaking news much quicker, downside is though that a lot of unreliable sources filter through.
Who's your favorite fictional journalist?
Tintin.
What does it mean to be a journalist?
Integrity, cunning, and living between pay cheques.
What's the funniest news-related #hashtag you've seen?
Don't really follow them, but it was pretty funny when people started acting like Putin was a great guy when he let Snowden stay.
How do you prefer to be pitched on stories?
With facts and sources.
What tools and software do you use to do your job?
Pen, notepad, dictaphone, laptop, PGP, tails, phones, GPS, maps, phone cards.
What's your favorite social network?
Twitter is the only one I use. It's useful because you can keep up to date with news, contact potential sources, and share info quickly.
Who do you wish followed you?
Really don't mind.
Why did you become a journalist?
I've never been this consistently passionate about anything else.
Did you work for your high school newspaper? If so, what did you do there?
No, there wasn't one.
What story are you most proud of writing or working on?
My Swedish Extremism documentary and Silk Road drugs boss article.
What advice can you offer to aspiring journalists?
Work hard and don't always walk the line.
When's the best time to pitch you?
After coffee.
