Karl Dorksen-Smart
Verified
As seen in:
The Outerhaven
Covers:
Video Games, Pop Culture, Movies, TV Shows, Comic Books, Pro Wrestling
Doesn't Cover:
Politics
Wannabe Twitch Streamer. Interests include #Wrestling, #VideoGames, #Cooking, and more. Same username on BlueSky
Interview
What was your first job as a journalist?
I started as a fill-in host for Wild Talk Radio as a part of their Wrestle Talk Radio podcast.
Have you ever used a typewriter?
Yes, I'm old enough to have used a typewriter.
Who's your favorite fictional journalist?
Clark Kent, who doesn't like Superman?
What does it mean to be a journalist?
To be honest with the people. They come to you for advice & to make decisions. Don't be afraid to call something bad, even if it is pitched
How do you prefer to be pitched on stories?
Be honest, get right to the point, explain how I can benefit, and also how I can help you. Then we can be friendly and have fun.
What tools and software do you use to do your job?
WordPress mainly, but also Microsoft Office for writing, Adobe Premiere Pro & Adobe Photoshop for video work
What's your favorite social network?
I keep my social networks for business, so I don't have a favorite.
Who do you wish followed you?
More company accounts, like Bethesda, Xbox, etc
Why did you become a journalist?
I love writing and I have opinions. The two meshed well and opened up doors to new experiences.
Did you work for your high school newspaper? If so, what did you do there?
There are no high school newspapers in Australia. But I did co-Author a copy-machine magazine for video game reviews.
What story are you most proud of writing or working on?
An article called "Ghostbusters (2016) is going to fail, but not for that reason" : https://www.theouterhaven.net/2016/03/ghostbusters-2016-going-fail/
What advice can you offer to aspiring journalists?
Be personable, make friends in the industry, and always carry a professional style business card.
When's the best time to pitch you?
Usually in my morning time (Eastern Australia) as I have the day to decide and return the pitch.
What's the best pitch you ever got?
The best pitch I ever got was from Alienware for PAX Australia.
What's the worst pitch you ever got?
I've had a few. Mostly people pushing Kickstarter with no information and no follow-ups.
When you're not at a computer, where are you most likely to be?
Either at home with the wife, or out working production for Pro Wrestling shows.
Aside from your own, what's your favorite publication to read?
I'm a fan of the old magazine styles. Former publications like Gamepro & Hyper helped me learn a review style that's also personal.
What's the most common misperception about your beat?
That we are free promotion machines. We do give honest feedback, not just parrot press releases/review guides.
Would you like to take the Muck Rack Interview?
Create a Muck Rack profile.