What was your first job as a journalist?
I wrote for rock and poetry 'zines for a while, then began freelancing for alt-weeklies such as OC Weekly and Worcester Magazine.
Have you ever used a typewriter?
Oh, not since the '80s!
How is social media changing news?
Readers aren't receiving information in an ordered manner, so they keep coming into stories at different points.
Who's your favorite fictional journalist?
"Robbie" Robertson in the Spider-Man comics ... a no-nonsense, by the book journalist who understood things like ethics and deadlines!
What does it mean to be a journalist?
You paint a picture of the things that people need to know, and the things that make knowing that worthwhile.
What's the funniest news-related #hashtag you've seen?
I've been amused lately by .
How do you prefer to be pitched on stories?
I'm none-too-fussy, but I generally prefer to hear from people by email or Facebook ... I read WAY faster than most people talk!
What tools and software do you use to do your job?
I'm conversant in MediaWare and a bunch of layout programs no one uses anymore. I also know WordPress.
What's your favorite social network?
Facebook.
Who do you wish followed you?
Tom Waits, but I don't think he's on social media, so it would probably get awkward.
Why did you become a journalist?
I started writing music and book reviews for rock and poetry 'zines to earn beer money. Somehow that became a job ...
Did you work for your high school newspaper? If so, what did you do there?
I wrote some music articles for them.
What story are you most proud of writing or working on?
A long article about how Worcester's artists are reacting to the city's encroaching gentrification.
What advice can you offer to aspiring journalists?
This is not a sensible career. Do it anyway.
When's the best time to pitch you?
Whenever. I just prefer to read a pitch than actually talk to anyone.
What's the best pitch you ever got?
"Want to come do an Escape Room with the stars of the movie 'Scream'?" Yes. Yes I did.
What's the worst pitch you ever got?
A guy who called and insisted he should come to the office and play his music for me. I declined.
What's your favorite drink?
A Manhattan.
When you're not at a computer, where are you most likely to be?
Listening to a band.
Aside from your own, what's your favorite publication to read?
The Guardian.
What's the most common misperception about your beat?
That's it's fluffy.
