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How Does GeekWire Co-founder John Cook Get Good Sources?

On Geek at Sea, John Cook of GeekWire says access to the best sources comes from staying in the relationship after a fight. CEOs get angry about the tone of a story, or about coverage of a lawsuit or a layoff. He has been in the Seattle tech community long enough that some well-known executives who were furious with him, or with GeekWire, are now reliable sources. He credits his mother, a newspaper reporter, for the habit of not dropping the relationship. The people who are upset with you today, he says, can be the ones who tell you what is actually happening tomorrow.

Transcript

John Cook. Joys and challenging of starting GeekWire. ·

Geek at Sea

More from this episode

  1. What Is GeekWireGeekwire is a Seattle tech publication that covers the intersection of technology, culture, innovation and all things related to the geek world.
  2. Who Is John CookJohn Cook is the co-founder of GeekWire.com
  3. What Are the Pros and Cons of Remote Work for New ParentsJohn Cook loved the the flexibility of remote work while starting Geekwire, but he also admits it was a constant battle to not be distracted in front of his…
  4. What Are Some Tricks to Getting Quality Family Time When Working on a Demanding ScheduleFind time wherever you can. John Cook's wife, for example, handles their son's morning routine, while John works.
  5. How Does John Cook's Son Feel About a GeekWire Schedule?John Cook tells Geek at Sea that the strain at home shows up when GeekWire pulls him in too many directions to do all of it well.
  6. How Hard Was It for John in the Beginning Stages of GeekWire and Has That ChangedRight now, GeekWire has many new opportunities ahead, which has made the current season nearly as busy as it was in the beginning.
  7. With the Media Landscape Changing, How Is GeekWire RespondingFlexibility and moving fast are key in the new media world.
  8. How Can GeekWire Merge Traditional Journalism With the Digital MediaJohn and Todd (co-founders) come from traditional, news-driven journalistic backgrounds.
  9. What Happens When You Report About a Company and They Don't Like ItJohn says that if people aren't getting mad, it means they are not doing their job well enough.
  10. What Would John Teach His Son About Life Knowing How the World Is Today and How Is It ChangingGeekWire has an interesting perspective since they work on the front-lines of entrepreneurship.
  11. What Is a Key Priority of John's Regarding What He Would Like to Teach His SonJohn wants to instill a work ethic in a deep and meaningful way as his parents demonstrated for him.
  12. How Does John Cook of Geekwire See Work Shifting?John Cook sees dramatic shifts and anticipates that work will look much different in 20-30 years compared to now. Our society is becoming more entrepreneurial.
  13. What Are John's Thoughts on Health in the Midst of the Chaos of Busy SeasonsJohn remembers working non-stop and not eating had detrimental impacts during the 2 year period of starting GeekWire.
  14. What Are Some Learning Experiences Regarding ParentingStart earlier in the process. Don't let fear and the potential of change hold you back. Mix things up an do not become too comfortable.
  15. What Perspective Does John Cook of GeekWire Tell Listeners to Keep?On Geek at Sea, GeekWire co-founder John Cook says he is satisfied, and that he tries not to forget how unusual that is.
  16. Why Does GeekWire Co-founder John Cook Love the Media Business?Asked on Geek at Sea what he would do if GeekWire were sold, John Cook says he would slow down, spend more time with his family, and then get restless.
  17. What Is the Current State of the Free Press in Our SocietyJohn believes it is currently under attack and that it is critical to our democracy to have a free press that is respected and able to operate on its own.

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