Skip To Main Content
Sammy Ekaran on Muck Rack

Sammy Ekaran

(He/Him)
  • Technical Writer and 3D Printing Journalist, Freelance
Kenya
Covers:  3D printing, Laser Engraving, and Laser Cutting, Edtech
Writing Content on 3D Modeling and 3D Printing Technology | Also, DIY Freelance Writer @MUO_official

Interview

What was your first job as a journalist?

I began my freelance journalism career after working as a technical writer for a 3D modeling software. I wrote articles, took photos, and even helped get the press releases of the company featured on various popular websites related to the company. I loved it and it confirmed that I would speciliaze in reporting on 3D printing in general.

Have you ever used a typewriter?

No, I haven't

How is social media changing news?

Social media platforms such as Facebook and Twitter are increasingly being used as sources of news. According to a recent Pew Research Center study, nearly two-thirds of Americans get at least some of their news from social media. This is up from just over half in 2012. This shift has had a number of consequences for the news industry. Perhaps most notably, it has led to a decline in the traditional business model for news organizations. As fewer people subscribe to newspapers or watch television news, advertising revenues have declined. This has forced many news organizations to reduce their staff or even close their doors entirely. In addition, social media has made it easier for false or misleading information to spread. With no editorial filter, anyone can post anything on social media. As a result, it can be difficult for users to tell what is real news and what is fake news. Despite these challenges, social media remains an important source of information for many people. As the landscape continues to change, it will be interesting to see how social media affects the future of news.

Who's your favorite fictional journalist?

My favorite fictional journalist is Lois Lane from the Superman comics. Lois is an intrepid reporter who never hesitates to put herself in danger to get a story. She's also fiercely independent and doesn't take kindly to being told what to do. I admire her dedication to her work, and her willingness to stand up for what she believes in. I think she's an excellent role model for aspiring journalists.

What does it mean to be a journalist?

A journalist is someone who collects, writes, and distributes news and other information. Journalists typically work for newspapers, magazines, websites, television broadcasters, or radio stations. While the job of a journalist may seem relatively straightforward, it can actually be quite complex. In order to be a successful journalist, one must be able to find reliable sources of information, verify the accuracy of facts, and write clear and concise articles. In addition, journalists must often work on tight deadlines and be able to handle pressure. These skills are not always easy to acquire, but they are essential for anyone who wants to pursue a career in journalism.

What's the funniest news-related #hashtag you've seen?

There have been a lot of funny news-related hashtags over the years, but one that stands out is #RIPtwitter. This hashtag was trending shortly after Elon Musk announced his plans to buy Twitter and make some changes. While some users were concerned about the future of Twitter, others saw the humor in the situation and started posting satirical tweets about the demise of Twitter. The whole didn't trend for long, but not before it had caused a lot of laughter among users. Here is an example of a funny tweet under that # https://twitter.com/wormusbormus/status/1518855699060637696

How do you prefer to be pitched on stories?

Through email

What tools and software do you use to do your job?

Google News- To get news on 3D printing technology as they emerge Adobe Photoshop- which I use to create stunning layouts for magazines, newspapers, and books. QuarkXPress-for creating sophisticated publications. MediaBin-For oganizing and tagging photos, videos, and other assets.

What's your favorite social network?

I have to say that my favorite social network is LinkedIn. I really appreciate the platform's focus on connecting professionals and promoting business networking. I also like that it tends to be used by a more mature audience, which leads to more civil discourse and interesting discussions. That said, I do understand that LinkedIn isn't for everyone. Some people prefer the more personal focus of Facebook or the shorter format of Twitter. And that's okay! For me, Linkedin works best for me as a Journalist

Who do you wish followed you?

John Walker, the founder of Autodesk.

Why did you become a journalist?

I became interested in 3D printing technology a few years ago and began writing about it for popular science and technology publications. I soon realized that there was a lot of misinformation and misunderstanding about this new technology, and I decided to become a journalist so that I could help educate the public about its potential. As a journalist, I strive to provide accurate and objective information about 3D printing technology and its applications. I hope that my work will help to promote this exciting new technology and make it more accessible to everyone.

Did you work for your high school newspaper? If so, what did you do there?

I didn't work on any newspaper on highschool

What story are you most proud of writing or working on?

3D printing is one of the most fascinating technologies that I have had the opportunity to work with. I remember the first time I saw a 3D printer in action, it was like something out of a science fiction movie. I was immediately intrigued and started doing research on the topic. 3D printing technology has come a long way in recent years, and it is now being used in a variety of industries, from aerospace to medicine. In my work as a journalist, I have had the opportunity to write about some amazing 3D printing projects. One story that I am particularly proud of is about a company that is using 3D printing to build homes for people in developing countries. The homes are designed to be earthquake-resistant and can be assembled in just a few days.

What advice can you offer to aspiring journalists?

There are a few pieces of advice that I would offer to aspiring journalists. First, it is important to be able to write clearly and concisely. A journalist needs to be able to communicate complex ideas in a way that is easy for the average reader to understand. Second, it is essential to be curious and learn as much as possible about the world around you. A good journalist is always asking questions and looking for stories that need to be told. Third, it is important to have thick skin and be able to take criticism. Not everyone is going to agree with what you write, but it is important to stand by your convictions and tell the truth as you see it. Finally, it is important to have patience and persevere even when the going gets tough. Journalism can be a demanding profession, but it can also be incredibly rewarding. If you have a passion for telling stories and making a difference in the world, then journalism may be the career for you.

When's the best time to pitch you?

From 6AM-1PM EAT

What's the best pitch you ever got?

I was recently approached by a company that specializes in 3D printing. They told me that they could print 60,000 parts in just 8 hours. I was impressed by their technology and their ability to mass-produce parts quickly and efficiently. I was able to learn more about their Magna 3D printer and how it worked and I was very impressed with what I saw and wrote a positive story about it which was published in makeuseof.com, one of the popular technology blogs on the internet.

What's the worst pitch you ever got?

I was recently approached by a company to invest in their new product: Internet marketing company selling weight management drugs. Now, I'm not particularly obese, but the idea of going around and suggesting the product to people didn't appeal to me. In addition, the company didn't seem to have a clear plan for marketing the product. As a result, I politely declined their offer. While it wasn't the most flattering pitch I've ever received, it's certainly one of the more memorable ones.

What's your favorite drink?

Coffee

When you're not at a computer, where are you most likely to be?

Near my 3D printer printing random staff

Aside from your own, what's your favorite publication to read?

What's the most common misperception about your beat?

One of the most common misperceptions about my beat is that it is boring. On the surface, it may seem like there is not a lot going on. However, if you take the time to look closer, you will find that there is a lot of hidden activity. For example, the other day I was observing a group of ants and they were industriously working away. It was only when I looked closely that I saw how organized they were and how hard they were working. I was also able to see how they communicated with each other and how they cooperated to achieve their goals. To most people, an ant colony may seem like an insignificant thing. However, to me, it is a fascinating example of how complex and interesting even the simplest things can be.

Would you like to take the Muck Rack Interview? Create a Muck Rack profile.