Longform

  • Podcast
  • Best Of
    • 2021
    • 2020
    • 2019
    • 2018
    • 2017
    • 2016
    • 2015
    • 2014
    • 2013
    • 2012
  • Archive

    • Sections
    • Publications
    • Writers
    • Tags
  • Random Article
  • Contact

    • podcast@longform.org

Writers

Lauren Smiley

Business

He Thought He Could Outfox the Gig Economy. He Was Wrong

Jeffrey Fang was a ride-hailing legend, a top earner with relentless hustle. Then his minivan was carjacked—with his kids in the back seat.

Lauren Smiley Wired Jun 2021 35min Permalink

Crime Tech

The Porch Pirate of Potrero Hill Can’t Believe It Came to This

When a longtime resident started stealing her neighbors’ Amazon packages, she entered a vortex of smart cameras, Nextdoor rants, and cellphone surveillance.

Lauren Smiley The Atlantic Nov 2019 35min Permalink

Crime

A Brutal Murder, a Wearable Witness, and an Unlikely Suspect

Can Karen Navarra’s Fitbit explain her murder?

Lauren Smiley Wired Sep 2019 30min Permalink

Tech

The Mission to Build the Ultimate Burger Bot

Alex Vardakostas has been on a decade-long quest to build a robot that can prepare the perfect cheeseburger. It could also put his family out of work.

Lauren Smiley Wired Jun 2018 15min Permalink

Crime Tech

A Murder Shatters the Dreams of Immigrant Tech Workers

The life and death of Srinivas Kuchibhotla.

Lauren Smiley Wired Jun 2017 25min Permalink

Business Tech

The Shut-In Economy

There are two roles to play in the new world of on-demand everything: royalty or servant.

Lauren Smiley Matter Mar 2015 10min Permalink

Arts Business

Sympathy for the Landlord

Renting in one of the most expensive American cities.

Lauren Smiley San Francisco Aug 2013 20min Permalink

Crime Sex

A Girl, Her Pimp, and Her Parents

A family turns to murder to save one of their own.

Lauren Smiley San Francisco Jul 2013 25min Permalink