Photo Courtesy of Twitter
According to the Web site's bio: Flora is a Chicago-based journalist and web developer who has written for Slate Magazine and the Carnegie Corporation. Prior to founding Windy Citizen he edited the Chicago Methods Reporter. He lives in Old Town with an ever-rotating cast of characters discovered on Craigslist.
His bio on newsinitiative.com is a bit more personal: Brad Flora is an Illinois-based freelance writer, producer, photographer and web developer. He speaks four languages, plays three instruments and spends way too much time online.
WindyCitizen has a unique aspect, like Digg.com, this social media tool allows its users to "bump" stories up or down based on votes and popularity. This creates a user-friendly and interactive site.
Flora, local funny guy and "Journalist-turned-hacker" according to his Twitter account, has great advice for journalists whether living in the online world or not:
Stephanie Bork: How long has it taken you/what obstacles have you overcome to reach your job at Windy Citizen?
Brad Flora: I created my own job with Windy Citizen. I've been working full-time on it for 18 months.
SB: Were you always interested in online journalism and what prompted the idea for such an interesting and unique site?
BF: I become interesting in creating online communities after a message board for summer campers that I started become popular. That got me thinking about how news organizations could be doing more interesting things online to bring people together. That was five years ago now I think.
SB: How do you feel about convergence reporting?
BF: I'm not too familiar with the concept. Is it the idea that everything's multimedia? I think that's pretty obvious. You use the tools and medium that will work best to tell your story.
SB: Do you believe there is an actual future for online journalism and the blogosphere/Twitter/social media?
BF: Of course there's a future. but how big will it be? Techcrunch.com started as a one man blog and now sponsors several events, employs about 20 writers and runs the conversation in tech. This will happen in other niches eventually.
SB: Is there one interview or article you are most proud of?
SB: Is there one interview or article you are most proud of?
BF: Google for "Sarah palin naked portrait Brad Flora"
SB: What are the differences between writing a story for print and for online? Which is easier for you?
BF: You have to worry more about length when writing for print.
SB: Are there any specific people or events you can cite as inspiration for where you are today?
BF: Kevin Rose, the founder of Digg, told me this was a terrible idea.
SB: What other reporting or editorial works do you write for?
BF: Slate.com, on occasion.
SB: How do you, as a journalist, use Twitter and social media?
BF: To promote what we're doing on Windy Citizen
SB: Do you have any advice for a young journalist who is interested in broadcast, print, and online journalism?
BF: Be aggressive and audacious. No one wants to see you succeed. You have to make your own career and take what you want to get where you want to go. Good luck.
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