phildobbie.com

What are three top tips you can give PR pros for working with you most effectively?

1. Think of the story not the client.
2. Don’t shy away of confronting topics. It amazes me how some smaller companies are scared to add their thoughts on issues in the public forum, while the bigger companies are less risk-prone.
3. If I don’t answer the phone, email me!

What is the biggest mistake that PRs make when interacting with you?
Approaching me on a story idea, lining up the interviews then pulling out when they heard I might ask some obvious questions they didn’t want to answer.

Which of your stories are you most proud of?
This weeks, but only for this week! I’m proud of the caliber of people I’ve managed to get on Twisted Wire. I know a lot of senior people in the industry listen and Conroy and his former arch enemy Nick Minchin have both been on a couple of times.

What is one of the biggest stuff-ups you've made on the job and what did you learn?
Stuff ups! My problem is I don’t know I’ve made them!

What do you like and dislike about being a technology journalist?
I like being a part time technology journalist. The business side actually interests me more than the technology. I’m probably less of a gadget freak than anyone in this field.

Which tech journalist/s do you admire and why?
I admire Brian Haverty for passing my invoices onto the finance department over at CBS.

What does your kitbag of indispensable journalist tools contain?
A microphone, a phone, a contact list and the internet.

If you didn't write about technology, what beat would you like to cover instead?
I do a lot on business and I enjoy that. I’m a generalist which is my excuse for not knowing much about everything.

Why did you decide to become a journalist?
I came into journalism late in life. I’d worked in radio at the start of my career, but then got sidelined into marketing for the next 20 years. Then, a couple of years ago I was unceremoniously dumped by Engin and I realised I wasn’t enjoying the politics of corporate life. I was always questioning why things were being done a particular way. It seemed a natural opportunity to return to what I enjoy.

Where can you be found on the web? (Blogs, Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn, etc).
On BNET.com, on ZDNet.com.au, at twitter.com/phildobbie, and lots of other places. Plus my website phildobbie.com

Reveal a secret talent that you have.
Interviewing people who then go on to lose their job. It keeps happening. I’m the kiss of death.

If your house was on fire, what three items would you rescue (apart from family members)?
If it was an insurance fraud, just two really - the matches and the canister of petrol.

Who would you really like to interview and what would you ask them?
Right now I’d like to interview David Thodey after Telstra’s latest earning results. I’d ask “so David, now what?”

Have you written or are working on a book or novel and what is it about?
I’m glad you asked. Yes. It’s a comedy about the telecommunications industry, with all the murder, intrigue and politicking that that involves. I’m about half way through and determined to get it finished. All the characters are entirely fictional of course.

If I could replay a moment in my life over and over again, what would it be?
I’d love to go back to school knowing what I now know. I probably would have got laid more. Actually, take the word ‘more’ out of that sentence, it’s misleading.

What really makes your blood boil?
Alan Jones. Nothing personal. It’s just when he talks.

What song would you like played at your funeral and why?
Happy with the funeral march. I want everyone to be sad and cry a lot.

On the weekend, how do you like to unwind?
At the beach with the kids is my favourite thing. It’s not relaxing, but it’s what life is all about.

What is your all-time favourite tech device?
Probably the Foxtel IQ, although it keeps jumping and it didn’t record Torchwood the other week so it’s not as popular as it once was.

What is the best piece of advice anyone has ever given you?
Always remember people. I don’t know who told me that.

What has been your favourite junket and why?
I don’t really like junkets, they take up too much time. But if someone wants to pay for a holiday, although that might compromise the ethics of journalism a little mightn’t it!

What is the Best. Joke. Ever?
Not sure on that one. The worst jokes ever are on my satirical site http://abitoftheother.com

What's the second most fun thing you can do with your clothes off?
Have sex. Bet you wish you’d asked about the first one now don’t you!