Uses This

A collection of nerdy interviews asking people from all walks of life what they use to get the job done.

A picture of Aaron Edwards

Aaron Edwards

Writer, editor (Pop-Up Magazine)

Posted in editor, mac, writer

Who are you, and what do you do?

I'm Aaron Edwards, and I work on special projects at Pop-Up Magazine, a magazine that's experienced live and on a stage. I work with writers, radio producers, filmmakers, photographers, artists, and musicians to translate, adapt, and produce shows for audiences across the country. Before that, I was one of the founding editors of The Outline. I've written for The New York Times, built a news app at BuzzFeed News, and hosted a podcast.

What hardware do you use?

I use an extremely reliable 2012 MacBook Pro that I'm convinced I will own until I'm dead, an iPhone 8 Plus, a pair of Ncredible1 wireless headphones, a notebook from the Dollar Tree across the street, and any fine-point black gel ink pen I can get my hands on. When I'm working from home, I use an iHome iBT72 Bluetooth speaker to play music. I hate the gym, so in true stay-at-home-dad fashion I sometimes read drafts or listen to tape on an Exerpeutic Folding Magnetic Upright Bike. Emphasis on sometimes. Not always. Sometimes.

And what software?

The Google Suite is my go-to for all the basics: emails, writing, editing, scheduling, video conferencing, etc. Spotify for music, Tidal for Beyoncé. I stick to the Reminders app and Slack commands for actionable short-term tasks, and the Momentum Chrome extension for broader to-do lists. I have upwards of 30 news apps installed, but I only get news alerts from BuzzFeed News, The New York Times, and The Guardian.

What would be your dream setup?

I'd like to not feel encumbered by capitalism! A window and desk facing a lake would be nice, too.