uni-twit

Speaking as a hiring manager, while I haven't ended the interview when candidates ask how they compare to other candidates, I don't answer the question. My hiring process requires consensus amongst all interviewers, and I prefer not giving false impressions that might encourage the candidate to drop other offers (thinking that s/he will receive an offer from us) or take another position (thinking that s/he's not in the running).

The interview is the time to ask about the job, the environment and the firm, not for instant feedback on how you did.

What artists are you listening to these days? What record was last on your turntable?

My current favorites are Shilpa Ray, who plays harmonium and recently toured England and Europe; Robyn Hitchcock, who is actively touring (and living in) the US right now with comedian Eugene Mirman and Aussie country singer Emma Swift ; and Lydia Loveless, a country singer who I learned about at a panel series curated by Richard Hell a few years ago.

Last record on the player: Bowie at the Beeb. Fascinating to this American the cultural influence John Peel wielded.

Love your Twitter commentary and am looking forward to your continued new work and revisited old work. Thanks for doing this ama.

Do you live "under the poverty line" by choice?

If not, why don't you ask for a raise?

If so, then why do you choose to, and how does this affect how you do your job?

You wrote the greatest episode of Star Trek. "The Inner Light" is the best single story I have ever seen on screen. It is reminiscent of the best of Asimov or Clarke; either would be envious of such a touching, personal, introspective, wondrous story. Whatever your goals really were, this is what you got. You made the single best contribution to what people think of when they think of Star Trek.

'Inner Light' is easily amongst my top 3 favorite TV episodes ever. Profound, deep and emotional.