What was your first job as a journalist?
The first paid article was with the Guardian. Longest running job was writing about the Crystal Coast. Most productive was ReadWrite.
Have you ever used a typewriter?
Absolutely, I gave away my Adler in 1984, when I went to work for Apple. I had two years on an Apple II+ doing newsletters for Angus Assoc.
How is social media changing news?
It has cheapened it and speeded up the cycle. I learned at the foot of an editor when lead type was set by hand.
Who's your favorite fictional journalist?
Of all the fictional characters utters the news, my favorite was Dan Lyons who played Fake Steve Jobs. Also enjoy Stephen Colbert.
What does it mean to be a journalist?
To provide a fair and honest appraisal of the facts while trying to eliminate the biases that you bring to the table.
What's the funniest news-related #hashtag you've seen?
though with is a close second
How do you prefer to be pitched on stories?
An email
What tools and software do you use to do your job?
I write most stories in Draft, an online Markup tool. I also use Nisus Writer Pro on the Mac for longer pieces. Word on Windows also.
What's your favorite social network?
Probably Twitter, I learn more new things there.
Who do you wish followed you?
David Pogue
Why did you become a journalist?
Writing is therapeutic and as a youth, I looked up to the editor of our paper who taught me that writing honors people if you do it right.
Did you work for your high school newspaper? If so, what did you do there?
Yes, I worked for the McCallie Tornado, just wrote a few columns and sold some ads.
What story are you most proud of writing or working on?
My Descent into HOA Hell. It was very personal and cathartic.
What advice can you offer to aspiring journalists?
Use a tool like Draft for your efforts so you can go back and keep revising them as you get better and better.
When's the best time to pitch you?
Before noon, after I have had time to survey the morning news from the Washington Post, NYT, the Guardian & Canadian sites. My mind is open.
What's the best pitch you ever got?
Do you want to just sell computers or to help change the world?
What's the worst pitch you ever got?
Why don't you just quit writing about this HOA. Just go home and enjoy some fishing. We have some things we need to do.
What's your favorite drink?
Used to be Glenfiddich, then a good Malbec. Now is tending to Diet decaffeinated Pepsi or Diet decaffeinated Ginger ale w/crushed ice.
When you're not at a computer, where are you most likely to be?
Walking the marsh or beaches, kayaking, or taking pictures in all of the above.
Aside from your own, what's your favorite publication to read?
I like articles both from the Atlantic and the New Yorker. I knew James Fallows in college.
What's the most common misperception about your beat?
That I am a disgruntled former Apple employee.
