John Foley
(He/Him)
New York
Covers:
Databases, cloud, AI, agentic AI, business intelligence, modern data management
Doesn't Cover:
Consumer tech
Interview
Have you ever used a typewriter?
Electric, yes. And I made good use of correction tape, too!
How is social media changing news?
Extends a publication's reach, enabling feedback and interaction. It also compresses the news cycle.
What does it mean to be a journalist?
You must have a sincere interest and personal perspective to get good stories and tell them in ways that people care about.
How do you prefer to be pitched on stories?
I respond best to pitches that are tailored to me and to my publication and audience. Show that you understand what I care about.
What's your favorite social network?
Substack's Notes. Too many of the others have been overtaken by attention-seekers.
What advice can you offer to aspiring journalists?
You don't need to be an expert to cover a topic or beat as a journalist. Curiosity and critical thinking will go a long way.
When you're not at a computer, where are you most likely to be?
I'm very active, so at the gym or out for a run.
What's the most common misperception about your beat?
That databases must be explained in technical terms for technologists. In fact, business people are interested too.
Would you like to take the Muck Rack Interview?
Create a Muck Rack profile.