Jim Gorzelany
Verified
As seen in:
Forbes,
MSN,
MSN Canada,
MSN UK,
UOL,
Wirecutter,
Yahoo Canada,
Yahoo News Australia,
Yahoo News Malaysia,
Yahoo News UK,
Yahoo Finance
and
Covers:
autos, exotic cars, auto technology, auto consumer news, auto ownership
Interview
What was your first job as a journalist?
I wrote a weekly column covering the local community college (where I attended) for the suburban Chicago Life newspapers.
Have you ever used a typewriter?
Sadly, these old tired fingers used to punch the keys of a typewriter, back when electronic typesetting was in its infancy.
How is social media changing news?
I'm living it as a contributor to Forbes.com. I cover what I want, how and when and get paid based on how many people read my work.
Who's your favorite fictional journalist?
Clark Kent. I'd love to put on a pair of glasses and have everyone think I was someone else.
What does it mean to be a journalist?
You work your mind more than anything else, and nothing is automatic or routine.
What's the funniest news-related #hashtag you've seen?
I don't read hashtags. I don't even like hash.
How do you prefer to be pitched on stories?
I prefer email--it lets me take a quick look and respond accordingly.
What tools and software do you use to do your job?
The modern-day equivalent of an old Smith Corona typewriter, namely a Mac and Microsoft Word mostly.
What's your favorite social network?
Facebook, because I really, really like to see pictures of cats and peoples' babies.
Why did you become a journalist?
I didn't want to work in a factory or machine shop, for which my high school counselors thought I was destined.
Did you work for your high school newspaper? If so, what did you do there?
Yes, and actually I was a cartoonist.
What story are you most proud of writing or working on?
The next one.
What advice can you offer to aspiring journalists?
Become an undertaker instead.
Would you like to take the Muck Rack Interview?
Create a Muck Rack profile.