Paul Ford

Paul Ford is a writer, programmer, and entrepreneur whose career spans technology, digital media, and literary craft. Ford launched Ftrain.com, one of the earliest blogs, establishing himself as a distinctive voice on the internet. He has written for Harper's Magazine and is a regular contributor to Wired. His work has also appeared in The New Yorker, The New York Times Magazine, MIT Technology Review, and NPR. Ford has consulted on and managed digital and editorial strategies for organizations including Harper's Magazine, where he served as an editor, as well as Condé Nast, Credit Suisse, Bloomberg, Thomson Reuters, and VICE Media.

Ford is known for the article "What Is Code?" published in Bloomberg Businessweek, a comprehensive essay that explores the meaning, practice, culture, and business of software. The piece, recognized as the longest article published in the magazine, explains programming to a broad audience and earned Ford the National Magazine Award for writing an entire issue of Bloomberg Businessweek dedicated to programming. The essay is regarded as a significant contribution to technology journalism for its accessible explanation of complex technical concepts.

Ford co-founded Postlight, a New York-based digital product studio specializing in web and mobile application development, where he served as CEO. He guided Postlight's growth to a 100-person firm prior to its acquisition by NTT Data. After the acquisition, Ford served as executive vice president of digital strategy at NTT Data, overseeing the integration of Postlight's team and operations. He has also advised the White House Office of Digital Strategy.

Ford later co-founded Aboard, an AI-driven productivity startup, continuing his work at the intersection of technology development and communication. He is the author of "The Secret Lives of Web Pages." Ford is recognized as a writer and commentator for national outlets such as Wired and The New York Times, and his work is frequently included in anthologies. Through essays on software and leadership in digital product development, Ford is a prominent voice in technology and culture.