What was your first job as a journalist?
ABC News Tokyo Bureau Temporary Researcher
Have you ever used a typewriter?
Oh yes.
How is social media changing news?
Utterly
Who's your favorite fictional journalist?
William Boot - 'feather-footed through the plashy fern passes the questing vole...'
What does it mean to be a journalist?
Unblinking curiosity and persistence.
What's the funniest news-related #hashtag you've seen?
I do remember chuckling at some, but none come to mind now.
How do you prefer to be pitched on stories?
Make it clear you understand See Through News is non-profit, so you understand its pro bono.
What tools and software do you use to do your job?
Final Cut Pro, Davinci Resolve, Mac Mini, Macbook pro
What's your favorite social network?
Reddit is baffling to use, but I like its business model.
Who do you wish followed you?
Our Silicon Valley Overlords, Media Moguls of all Stripes, Movers and Shakers.
Why did you become a journalist?
Because I failed to convince major Japanese corporations in 1991 to hire me as a freelance environmental consultant.
Did you work for your high school newspaper? If so, what did you do there?
Nope.
What story are you most proud of writing or working on?
The Mongolian Navy: all at sea. The original and still the best., despite its flaws.
What advice can you offer to aspiring journalists?
Be adaptable, show up on time, ask questions, know when to shut up.
When's the best time to pitch you?
Anytime. If it's inconvenient I'll tell you so, or won't respond.
What's the best pitch you ever got?
I can only remember the ones I've given, which vastly outnumber those I've got.
What's the worst pitch you ever got?
Anything that didn't understand that I had no money.
What's your favorite drink?
Water, in context.
When you're not at a computer, where are you most likely to be?
Growing veg
Aside from your own, what's your favorite publication to read?
Private Eye
What's the most common misperception about your beat?
I'm in it for the money.
