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Q&A with Dave Pell

Managing editor of the Internet

I'm Dave Pell, the managing editor of the Internet. Each day I open up about 75 browser tabs and compile and share a list of the ten most fascinating news items of the day. I write blurbs about each story and then link off to the source article. it's basically a modern day column, with links (and coffee). I've been writing about technology and news since the early days of the web. I'm also an active Internet investor.

How did you get started?

I've always been passionate about writing. I used to write up long pieces of content, and then print them out, bind them with a custom cover, and then send them out via snail mail. I was essentially blogging before web came along. So the online publish (button) was the most empowering and inspirational invention of my lifetime. I've been making sites and investing in startups for several years. But my passion has always been writing, and my favorite writing has always been NextDraft. I love counterpunching and riffing off the news.

What software and hardware do you use for your work?

I am a proud Apple fanboy. I've never used or even considered any other hardward choice. These days, I'm rocking a top end Macbook Air. In terms of software, I'm pretty old school. I use Safari as my browser because the Reading List functionality fits perfectly with my news gathering system. I do all of my writing in BBEdit. When it comes to publishing, I have a custom Wordpress install running on Wordpress VIP. I press publish once, and my content is pushed to a blog, a newsletter, and an app.

What is your ideal work environment?

I have an office in SOMA. About a year ago I got a stand up desk. Not long after that, I got a couch in my office. So these days, I generally find stories sitting down, and write standing up. My ideal work environment is rounded out by some KEF headphones and an old school scroll mouse.

Top-5 your favorite resources

I'd say my must reads every day are the New York Times, Reveal from Center for Investigative Reporting, The New Yorker, The Atlantic, and Wired.

Who are the people you admire most?

My parents, at least one of whom reads NextDraft.