This interview has been edited for length and clarity.

The basics

What should people know about you and AI Journal?

Tom Allen of The AI Journal: Well, I’m someone who loves learning about AI and emerging technologies. That’s what led me to start The AI Journal. My background is in marketing, not engineering, though I worked for an engineering company. I’ve always been specific about that distinction. Coming from a digital marketing background, I had to quickly learn about AI and tech in my new role. That sparked my interest and led me to start a blog, which has since evolved into a much bigger platform. Over the next year, we’re planning to expand with new brands under the AI Journal umbrella. It’s been a great learning journey.

Did you study publishing or writing formally?

Tom Allen: No, not at all. I’m not a writer or a journalist, and I haven’t had any formal exposure to publishing. I don’t even read traditional news much—I prefer independent sources. When I started, it was purely a learning curve. I’ve been reaching out to people to improve our platform and learn as much as I can. My background is in marketing, and honestly, I’ve retained maybe 2% of what I learned at university. Starting AI Journal was more about exploring my passion and filling a knowledge gap.

 What motivated you to start creating content?

Tom Allen: There was a significant knowledge gap around AI, especially in 2019 when I began. I started a new marketing role at Lac Converters and needed to quickly learn about AI and its business impacts. As I read more, I realized how fascinating the world of AI is. I thought, “What better way to learn than to start a blog?” So, I created one with very loose guidelines and, frankly, a low-budget setup. It cost me about £20 to get started. Over time, it grew step by step. The goal has always been to make AI and emerging tech accessible and understandable for free. We now have over 500 contributors globally, partnerships with organizations like Business Wire and Decision, and a commitment to educating others.

How did your passion for AI develop?

Tom Allen: It happened naturally. I found AI incredibly interesting as I started learning about it. I’m not an expert, but I love exploring different viewpoints and seeing where the field is headed. It’s exciting to dive into something so dynamic.

Challenges and opportunities

Could you share some of the challenges you’ve faced along the way?

Tom Allen: Running a business is full of challenges. From figuring out how to create a valuable product to navigating media and communications, it’s a constant learning process. One major hurdle was leaving my full-time job to focus on AI Journal—a decision many might not consider wise. Another challenge is understanding the publishing world as someone without a background in it. Balancing business strategy with learning new skills has been tough but rewarding. It’s all about navigating these difficulties and feeling accomplished once you overcome them.

What do you enjoy most about publishing, and what’s the most frustrating part?

Tom Allen: I love seeing different opinions and perspectives. Bringing together contributors from diverse backgrounds and walks of life is incredibly fulfilling. We aim to remain unbiased, focusing on understanding topics rather than pushing agendas. However, it can be frustrating when people don’t fully understand who we are or the value we provide. Internal challenges, like resource constraints due to layoffs, have also slowed down some of our progress. But I’d rather face these issues now than when we’re ten times the size.

How do you manage contributors and source content?

Tom Allen: It’s straightforward. When I started the journal, I did it in my spare time, evenings, and weekends. The idea was to democratize access to publishing, allowing people to share their opinions freely. Contributors leverage our resources to reach an audience of half a million monthly visitors. This model encourages diverse viewpoints and learning. We’ve also drawn inspiration from books like Behind the Cloud by Marc Benioff, which emphasizes looking outside your industry for innovative ideas. It’s all about creating an open ecosystem for knowledge sharing.

What advice would you give to someone starting a digital publication?

Tom Allen: First, think about your content—where it will come from and who it will serve. Second, consider your revenue model. Diversify beyond just advertising, as it’s becoming harder to monetize. Third, focus on your audience. Get niche and specific to achieve higher engagement. Additionally, plan your expansion and team-building strategies. Use tools like SWOT analyses and strategic mind maps to evaluate your ideas. At the same time, don’t over-plan—start quickly and adapt as you go.

Choosing syndication

Lastly, what are the benefits of syndicating content with Newstex?

‍Tom Allen: While we’re early in our partnership, the potential is clear. Syndication helps us reach new audiences, gain valuable exposure, and collaborate with great partners. It’s a long-term relationship that compounds value over time. Investing in these partnerships is crucial, even if the benefits aren’t immediately financial. For us, it’s about mutual growth and expanding our impact.