What was your first job as a journalist?
I started as a founder of my high school paper. I was first paid as a writer for a student life magazine called Chalk.
Have you ever used a typewriter?
Most definitely. I own several, partly for aesthetics, and partly for my doomsday prepping. Read any Kaczynski?
How is social media changing news?
It's faster, shorter and farther-reaching. Opinions, half-truths and lies are the same. News needs more defense now.
Who's your favorite fictional journalist?
Spider Jerusalem
What does it mean to be a journalist?
To document the world, as it happens. To make important information interesting. To let people know what is happening.
What's the funniest news-related #hashtag you've seen?
How do you prefer to be pitched on stories?
Frequently, with details and explicit expectations.
What tools and software do you use to do your job?
My iPhone, to write notes, record interviews, take photos/video, schedule meetings, find addresses, do everything. Also, Google Chrome.
What's your favorite social network?
I want to like Google+ best, and it looks like its getting stronger. But most of my time goes to Facebook. I tweet a bit.
Who do you wish followed you?
George Saunders, John Boehner, Jesus Christ
Why did you become a journalist?
I wanted to both be a writer and afford to stay alive, if barely. Also, ideals: truth, justice, fighting abuse of power, pen is mightier, etc
Did you work for your high school newspaper? If so, what did you do there?
We founded the paper, my class. I wrote articles, features, media reviews, columns. I also watched internet cartoons.
What story are you most proud of writing or working on?
Schools 2.0, after I heard the article cited by the school board in their debate on buying tablets for schools. It passed by one.
What advice can you offer to aspiring journalists?
Pay attention. Stick around. Do everything. Keep both an open mind and a tuned up bullshit detector.
