What was your first job as a journalist?
I worked in the composing department of the Lancaster Newspapers. I laid out and pasted up the paper. Also, I was a paperboy in 1982.
Have you ever used a typewriter?
Yes. I had several when I was younger and even took a late-20th Century one to college and used it all the way through.
How is social media changing news?
Some have mastered social media to the point that others are unfamiliar with their actual work. They are just known for social media.
Who's your favorite fictional journalist?
Peter Parker.
What's your favorite social network?
They are all pretty much the same. Except for Facebook. Facebook is horrible.
Who do you wish followed you?
Who cares?
Why did you become a journalist?
Good question. Why does a teacher become a teacher, or a priest a priest?
Did you work for your high school newspaper? If so, what did you do there?
I was a reporter and then a columnist for the high school paper called The Vidette.
What story are you most proud of writing or working on?
Every story is the most important story you will ever write. Or, you are only as good as your last story.
What advice can you offer to aspiring journalists?
To steal from Nike: Just do it. Write, read, shoot your own photos. Everything is at your fingertips. Do it.
When's the best time to pitch you?
Any time and on any day.
What's your favorite drink?
Water or iced tea.
When you're not at a computer, where are you most likely to be?
Running.
