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Writers

David Segal

Crime

A Billion-Dollar Scandal Turns the ‘King of Manuscripts’ Into the ‘Madoff of France’

Inside a literary Ponzi scheme.

David Segal New York Times Feb 2020 Permalink

Crime Tech

Eagle Scout. Idealist. Drug Trafficker?

To his friends and family, Ross Ulbricht was a compassionate, warm soul known for random acts of kindness. To the F.B.I., he was Dread Pirate Roberts, the mastermind behind the Silk Road who was willing to order hits to protect his black market operation.

David Segal New York Times Jan 2014 20min Permalink

Business Crime Tech

Mugged by a Mug Shot Online

On the online mug shot industry, which posts mug shots of anyone arrested (regardless of conviction) and charges $30 to $400 to have the photo removed.

David Segal New York Times Oct 2013 10min Permalink

Business

Apple’s Retail Army, Long on Loyalty but Short on Pay

A look at Apple stores, where jobs are high stress, with low pay and little opportunity for advancement.

David Segal New York Times Jun 2012 15min Permalink

The Dirty Little Secrets of Search

How J.C. Penney gamed Google and became the top result for searches on everything from “area rugs” to “skinny jeans.”

David Segal New York Times Feb 2011 Permalink

In Pursuit of the Perfect Brainstorm

It’s now routine for corporations to outsource the task of generating new ideas. A look at the consulting firms who meet that need.

David Segal New York Times Magazine Dec 2010 Permalink

Business

A Bully Finds a Pulpit on the Web

DecorMyEyes is a online eyewear store with an unusual business plan; the owner harasses and intimidates customers who complain in order to get negative reviews posted across the web, in turn making his website more visible to Google searchers.

David Segal New York Times Nov 2010 Permalink