My story on Chicago's CryptoParty scene appeared on the cover of the Chicago Reader last week. Thanks for reading, folks. It's a long piece, so if you get through it, kudos to you. And bravo if you somehow manage to not get lost as you go, with all the techno-terminology. We tried to make it as friendly … Continue reading Tales from the crypt(-oparty)
NSA
eBay entrepreneur could make the powerful and corrupt shiver
If the stories are saying what I think they are, one of the biggest barriers to doing important journalism—heavy security protecting your sources and research—will soon be less about cobbling together your own ragtag system and more about buying into a proven solution. Let's just hope they open the source code. I'm excited about Greenwald … Continue reading eBay entrepreneur could make the powerful and corrupt shiver
Business cards
I'm excited about my new business cards, created with design help by my friend Matt Albacete. Here's the back: My name is set in different versions of the typeface ZXX, all designed by a former NSA staffer to thwart optical character recognition. And yes, it's purely for show. But the security suggestions aren't. With some … Continue reading Business cards
Information anarchy as naiveté?
Below I've copied an excerpt from an Esquire piece mostly about Deric Lostutter, the primary Anonymous member behind "hive justice" actions in Steubenville. I may not agree with the columnist's every sentiment. But he implies a good question: what steps need to be taken before whistleblower-type reporting—easier than ever these days—sees the light of day? … Continue reading Information anarchy as naiveté?
Smart commentary
One of my favorite journalists—one I hope to meet some day—Mort Rosenblum. Photo thanks to the International Journalism Festival, whose chroniclers used a Creative Commons license. I read Rosenblum's book shortly after its release a few years back. What a great piece of wisdom. Wisdom: that's what journalism (and by necessity, journalists!) needs these days. … Continue reading Smart commentary
Brandon Smith 