Engineer, Consultant + Tech writer and journo in Windows, Android, IoT, etc.
Check muckrack.com/sayakboral
"Speaking TRUTH to POWER since 2006"
Interview
What was your first job as a journalist?
Scambaiting, a cybersecurity topic as an employee for Cyberoam (taken over by Sophos group) for a local newspaper called The Times of India.
Have you ever used a typewriter?
Yes, in the 90's.
How is social media changing news?
I am not against social media but I believe in responsible usage. The modern social media trends tend to create panic sometimes.
Who's your favorite fictional journalist?
Dan Brown, John Grisham, Stephen King
What does it mean to be a journalist?
Integrity, authenticity, courage.
What's the funniest news-related #hashtag you've seen?
#LOLCat would be one. I like watching cute kitten videos.
How do you prefer to be pitched on stories?
Face-to-face or chat.
What tools and software do you use to do your job?
Google Docs, Microsoft Word, Google Search, Bing Search, Meltwater, SEMRush,
What's your favorite social network?
LinkedIn
Who do you wish followed you?
Editors, Company media relation representatives
Why did you become a journalist?
I value authenticity in every news story I read. I am a Wikipedia editor. The quest for truth is deeply satisfying.
Did you work for your high school newspaper? If so, what did you do there?
Yes, and also for my college. Collecting stories and getting the news published was very important.
What story are you most proud of writing or working on?
I did a few stories on how to access The Dark Web responsibly, for Make Tech Easier. This allows unfamiliar users to use the dark web safely
What advice can you offer to aspiring journalists?
Follow the end of any lead you get.
When's the best time to pitch you?
Any time of the day is good enough. Please give enough time for me to respond. Thank you.
What's the best pitch you ever got?
Interviewing the top associates of Philips Global Corporation for an article piece on Connected Healthcare, published with IoT Tech Trends.
What's your favorite drink?
H20
When you're not at a computer, where are you most likely to be?
I like going for a walk, and visiting a beach when possible. I spend a few months every year by the sea.
Aside from your own, what's your favorite publication to read?
SlashGear, HowStuffWorks, Vice
What's the most common misperception about your beat?
Technology and lifestyle are two different beats. They are not.
Would you like to take the Muck Rack Interview?
Create a Muck Rack profile.