What was your first job as a journalist?
I took to the streets to broadcast events and show the challenges and outright abuse that protestors and activists were facing from police, after a series of highly publicized murders of unarmed victims by police around the country.
Have you ever used a typewriter?
At the end of its era, when they had memory and on-screen editability, I used one for times where I had to write words several times each.
How is social media changing news?
Social media lets anybody disseminate information. Sadly, this sees significant abuse by what may appear to some as legitimate news organizations, who have no problems with fabricating or simply inventing data to intentionally mislead their audience.
Who's your favorite fictional journalist?
Will McAvoy, played by Jeff Daniels in The Newsroom. Morbo The Annihilator, anchor of √2 News.
What does it mean to be a journalist?
It is our duty to present information that is well-researched, factual, and accurate.
How do you prefer to be pitched on stories?
via email or Signal
What tools and software do you use to do your job?
GNU/Linux, VS Code, Adderall (as prescribed), ShareX, PowerToys (FancyZones), Google Photoscan, Amazon Echo Frames, Discord, Signal, PIA VPN
What's your favorite social network?
Social media was a mistake. Group instant messaging platforms like AIM, IRC, Discord, and Signal have always been far more beneficial to me.
Who do you wish followed you?
Anybody that regularly enjoys the content I produce. That's who matters.
Why did you become a journalist?
I saw a void that perfectly matched my skillset. I felt compelled to fill it.
Did you work for your high school newspaper? If so, what did you do there?
no
What story are you most proud of writing or working on?
Cybersecurity vulnerabilities in over a dozen court and other govtech platforms.
What advice can you offer to aspiring journalists?
Find and start relationships with non-media people in your community who are involved in your area(s) of focus.
When's the best time to pitch you?
It doesn't matter. My sporadic sleep schedule has me responding to emails at all hours of day or night. Just flip a coin.
What's the best pitch you ever got?
A cybersecurity vulnerability in Monroe County, Florida's court records platform. It spiraled into a 6 month long journey.
What's the worst pitch you ever got?
Anything PR-related.
What's your favorite drink?
Dr. Pepper
When you're not at a computer, where are you most likely to be?
At my computer.
Aside from your own, what's your favorite publication to read?
The Washington Post
What's the most common misperception about your beat?
Many activists believe that anybody broadcasting protests is doing so for personal gain or is intending to cast them in a bad light. It's my view that the role of a journalist as an observer means that their presence should not influence the decision of whether or not a person takes some action. In the case of protests, this means allowing people to remain anonymous, by not capturing any identifiable traits.
