John Jarvis
Boca Raton
Copy editor/journalist. Texas Aggie and SIU Saluki. Born and raised in South Texas, but I don't live there anymore.
Interview
What was your first job as a journalist?
Pasteup worker. It helped me to see how what we do in the newsroom affects the "other side."
Have you ever used a typewriter?
Yes.
How is social media changing news?
By delivering information about breaking events faster than ever before, even though initial reports may not always be accurate.
Who's your favorite fictional journalist?
Joe Bradley
What does it mean to be a journalist?
Cover newsworthy events accurately, and disseminate the gathered information to members of the public that want or need that information.
What's the funniest news-related #hashtag you've seen?
Since I'm still new to Twitter, I can't answer that question yet.
How do you prefer to be pitched on stories?
I'm a copy editor, not a writer, so I'm not usually the one doing the writing on stories.
What tools and software do you use to do your job?
Word-processing software, plus WordPress and Constant Contact for Web updates of online pubs.
What's your favorite social network?
Facebook
Who do you wish followed you?
Anyone who knows me and likes my work.
Why did you become a journalist?
A job should be fun. This one is -- at least to me.
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?
Any story where I started with a preconceived notion of what it should say, then allowed the narrative to follow its preferred path instead.
What advice can you offer to aspiring journalists?
Be accurate and honest, and call 'em as you see 'em. Don't be afraid to challenge your bosses, but pick your battles wisely.
Would you like to take the Muck Rack Interview?
Create a Muck Rack profile.