Comments on: Asking the Hard Question – Top 10 Interview Tips http://michellerafter.com/2008/02/05/asking-the-hard-question-top-10-interview-tips/#utm_source=feed&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=feed Freelancing in the Digital Age Fri, 19 Mar 2010 22:24:11 +0000 http://wordpress.org/?v=2.9.2 hourly 1 By: Once a source, always a source « WordCount – Freelancing in the Digital Age http://michellerafter.com/2008/02/05/asking-the-hard-question-top-10-interview-tips/comment-page-1/#comment-57 Once a source, always a source « WordCount – Freelancing in the Digital Age Fri, 19 Jun 2009 17:27:57 +0000 http://michellerafter.wordpress.com/?p=17#comment-57 [...] or talk anonymously is if the editor OK’d it or it the circumstances warranted. And asking tough questions is par for the [...] [...] or talk anonymously is if the editor OK’d it or it the circumstances warranted. And asking tough questions is par for the [...]

]]> By: Michelle Rafter http://michellerafter.com/2008/02/05/asking-the-hard-question-top-10-interview-tips/comment-page-1/#comment-56 Michelle Rafter Tue, 03 Mar 2009 20:06:18 +0000 http://michellerafter.wordpress.com/?p=17#comment-56 I must disagree. I don't think it's unethical to tell a source what you want to discuss in an interview, especially if it helps them gather materials or otherwise prepare. Does that mean I have to stick to the points or questions I send them in advance? Of course not. Nor do I advocate always sending questions in advance. And if it's a question of getting the interview because I submit some talking points, or not getting it because I won't, I'm happy to play along. And I've never had anyone refuse to answer questions because they weren't included up front. Michelle R. I must disagree. I don’t think it’s unethical to tell a source what you want to discuss in an interview, especially if it helps them gather materials or otherwise prepare. Does that mean I have to stick to the points or questions I send them in advance? Of course not. Nor do I advocate always sending questions in advance. And if it’s a question of getting the interview because I submit some talking points, or not getting it because I won’t, I’m happy to play along. And I’ve never had anyone refuse to answer questions because they weren’t included up front.

Michelle R.

]]> By: J http://michellerafter.com/2008/02/05/asking-the-hard-question-top-10-interview-tips/comment-page-1/#comment-55 J Tue, 03 Mar 2009 19:50:27 +0000 http://michellerafter.wordpress.com/?p=17#comment-55 As a journalist, I find the idea of you advocating giving sources questions in advance to be completely unethical. You should never allow a source or PR agent to pressure you into submitting questions, it's a form of prior review and it's weakening the journalism industry. You should be ashamed. As a journalist, I find the idea of you advocating giving sources questions in advance to be completely unethical. You should never allow a source or PR agent to pressure you into submitting questions, it’s a form of prior review and it’s weakening the journalism industry. You should be ashamed.

]]> By: thinkerpool.com: » 50 Ways for Writers to Find Article Ideas http://michellerafter.com/2008/02/05/asking-the-hard-question-top-10-interview-tips/comment-page-1/#comment-54 thinkerpool.com: » 50 Ways for Writers to Find Article Ideas Thu, 22 Jan 2009 17:46:49 +0000 http://michellerafter.wordpress.com/?p=17#comment-54 [...] your notes from interviews and see if any of the unused material sparks a new [...] [...] your notes from interviews and see if any of the unused material sparks a new [...]

]]> By: 50 Ways for Writers to Find Article Ideas - FreelanceSwitch - The Freelance Blog http://michellerafter.com/2008/02/05/asking-the-hard-question-top-10-interview-tips/comment-page-1/#comment-53 50 Ways for Writers to Find Article Ideas - FreelanceSwitch - The Freelance Blog Thu, 22 Jan 2009 17:00:28 +0000 http://michellerafter.wordpress.com/?p=17#comment-53 [...] your notes from interviews and see if any of the unused material sparks a new [...] [...] your notes from interviews and see if any of the unused material sparks a new [...]

]]> By: Interview Tips « Donny’s VOICES blog http://michellerafter.com/2008/02/05/asking-the-hard-question-top-10-interview-tips/comment-page-1/#comment-52 Interview Tips « Donny’s VOICES blog Tue, 25 Nov 2008 22:03:21 +0000 http://michellerafter.wordpress.com/?p=17#comment-52 [...] November 25, 2008 · No Comments [...] [...] November 25, 2008 · No Comments [...]

]]> By: Keeping sources on the subject in short phone interviews « WordCount/by Michelle Vranizan Rafter http://michellerafter.com/2008/02/05/asking-the-hard-question-top-10-interview-tips/comment-page-1/#comment-51 Keeping sources on the subject in short phone interviews « WordCount/by Michelle Vranizan Rafter Wed, 13 Aug 2008 18:25:05 +0000 http://michellerafter.wordpress.com/?p=17#comment-51 [...] If you’re looking for more help with interviews, here’s some suggestions for good questions to ask in an interview. [...] [...] If you’re looking for more help with interviews, here’s some suggestions for good questions to ask in an interview. [...]

]]> By: Michelle Rafter http://michellerafter.com/2008/02/05/asking-the-hard-question-top-10-interview-tips/comment-page-1/#comment-50 Michelle Rafter Thu, 03 Jul 2008 19:08:00 +0000 http://michellerafter.wordpress.com/?p=17#comment-50 Susan: Here's one suggestion - at some point in the interview say, "There are a few facts about you I have to confirm: the exact spelling of your name, your hometown..." and then include biographical, work experience or other fact-type questions you need to confirm. And at the end just say "And what's your age?" or "And you're how old?" very matter of factly, like it's just one more item you're ticking off of a list. I'd suggest doing this at the end of an interview so you've hopefully softened the person up a little and they don't mind revealing personal details. If you save it for last, don't forget! Even if you don't normally write out questions in advance, write that one down, especially if you know your editor wants it. If a subject objects, just say what you said in your question: "I know some people don't like discussing it, but my editor wants the information so I have to ask." If they decline, at least try to get something: 20-something, 30-something, not quite retirement age, post retirement age, etc. Michelle R. Susan:

Here’s one suggestion – at some point in the interview say, “There are a few facts about you I have to confirm: the exact spelling of your name, your hometown…” and then include biographical, work experience or other fact-type questions you need to confirm. And at the end just say “And what’s your age?” or “And you’re how old?” very matter of factly, like it’s just one more item you’re ticking off of a list. I’d suggest doing this at the end of an interview so you’ve hopefully softened the person up a little and they don’t mind revealing personal details. If you save it for last, don’t forget! Even if you don’t normally write out questions in advance, write that one down, especially if you know your editor wants it.

If a subject objects, just say what you said in your question: “I know some people don’t like discussing it, but my editor wants the information so I have to ask.” If they decline, at least try to get something: 20-something, 30-something, not quite retirement age, post retirement age, etc.

Michelle R.

]]> By: Susan Johnston http://michellerafter.com/2008/02/05/asking-the-hard-question-top-10-interview-tips/comment-page-1/#comment-49 Susan Johnston Thu, 03 Jul 2008 18:53:29 +0000 http://michellerafter.wordpress.com/?p=17#comment-49 I always feel a bit uncomfortable asking a source his or her age. I know that this is just part of the process of gathering information and some of my publications require me to include it in the article. But I also know that this is a sensitive subject for some. Any tips on bringing it up in an interview? I always feel a bit uncomfortable asking a source his or her age. I know that this is just part of the process of gathering information and some of my publications require me to include it in the article. But I also know that this is a sensitive subject for some. Any tips on bringing it up in an interview?

]]> By: WordCount blog: 2008 Q2 report « WordCount/by Michelle Vranizan Rafter http://michellerafter.com/2008/02/05/asking-the-hard-question-top-10-interview-tips/comment-page-1/#comment-48 WordCount blog: 2008 Q2 report « WordCount/by Michelle Vranizan Rafter Tue, 01 Jul 2008 17:11:34 +0000 http://michellerafter.wordpress.com/?p=17#comment-48 [...] a podcast. Earlier this week, I announced that I’d sold the rights to a WordCount post about conducting tough interviews. The essay will be included in The New Writer’s Handbook 2008, an anthology set to be [...] [...] a podcast. Earlier this week, I announced that I’d sold the rights to a WordCount post about conducting tough interviews. The essay will be included in The New Writer’s Handbook 2008, an anthology set to be [...]

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