Comments on: A Better Way to Set Interviews? http://www.therenegadewriter.com/2008/04/30/a-better-way-to-set-interviews/ Living and loving the freelance life—on your own terms. Fri, 10 Feb 2012 18:46:01 +0000 hourly 1 By: Kayleen http://www.therenegadewriter.com/2008/04/30/a-better-way-to-set-interviews/comment-page-1/#comment-98587 Kayleen Thu, 01 May 2008 21:18:38 +0000 http://therenegadewriter.com/?p=485#comment-98587 My only caveat is to say to be ready to do the interview if you're lucky enough to get someone on the phone. Once I was in another room, expecting to get a voice mail, and then had to scramble to get to my laptop when the person answered. I've learned my lesson! My only caveat is to say to be ready to do the interview if you’re lucky enough to get someone on the phone. Once I was in another room, expecting to get a voice mail, and then had to scramble to get to my laptop when the person answered. I’ve learned my lesson!

]]> By: Harriet Weinstein http://www.therenegadewriter.com/2008/04/30/a-better-way-to-set-interviews/comment-page-1/#comment-98503 Harriet Weinstein Thu, 01 May 2008 02:14:46 +0000 http://therenegadewriter.com/?p=485#comment-98503 Attempted to send comments this afternoon from a computer in an office (not mine) and I had difficulty getting the email through. So, it's probably not a duplicate. I try to speak to a source immediately when I call because you never know when you will be able to speak to a contact, even if they schedule a telephone interview. Two problems: Your source may tell you he will speak with you, but only for 10 minutes or so because of a previously scheduled phone conversation, meeting etc. You have to decide whether to begin the conversation. If it lasts only 10 minutes, you are not in good shape. If the conversation runs longer, you probably have a good interview. Also, the source may not be able to give you information you need because it requires some research. That's OK, though, because you can arrange to call again. Harriet Weinstein Harriet Weinstein Attempted to send comments this afternoon from a computer in an office (not mine) and I had difficulty getting the email through. So, it’s probably not a duplicate.

I try to speak to a source immediately when I call because you never know when you will be able to speak to a contact, even if they schedule a telephone interview.

Two problems: Your source may tell you he will speak with you, but only for 10 minutes or so because of a previously scheduled phone conversation, meeting etc. You have to decide whether to begin the conversation. If it lasts only 10 minutes, you are not in good shape. If the conversation runs longer, you probably have a good interview.

Also, the source may not be able to give you information you need because it requires some research. That’s OK, though, because you can arrange to call again.

Harriet Weinstein

Harriet Weinstein

]]> By: Harriet Weinstein http://www.therenegadewriter.com/2008/04/30/a-better-way-to-set-interviews/comment-page-1/#comment-98502 Harriet Weinstein Thu, 01 May 2008 02:12:54 +0000 http://therenegadewriter.com/?p=485#comment-98502 Attempted to send comments this afternoon from a computer in an office (not mine) and I had difficulty getting the email through. So, it's probably not a duplicate. I try to speak to a source immediately when I call because you never know when you will be able to speak to a contact, even if they schedule a telephone interview. Two problems: Your source may tell you he will speak with you, but only for 10 minutes or so because of a previously scheduled phone conversation, meeting etc. You have to decide whether to begin the conversation. If it lasts only 10 minutes, you are not in good shape. If the conversation runs longer, you probably have a good interview. Also, the source may not be able to give you information you need because it requires some research. That's OK, though, because you can arrange to call again. Harriet Weinstein I never let anyone get off the phone once I start speaking to them. However, if the person says he only has five or ten minutes and speaks for only a short time, you're not in good shape But if they keep talking, you've got a good interview. Attempted to send comments this afternoon from a computer in an office (not mine) and I had difficulty getting the email through. So, it’s probably not a duplicate.

I try to speak to a source immediately when I call because you never know when you will be able to speak to a contact, even if they schedule a telephone interview.

Two problems: Your source may tell you he will speak with you, but only for 10 minutes or so because of a previously scheduled phone conversation, meeting etc. You have to decide whether to begin the conversation. If it lasts only 10 minutes, you are not in good shape. If the conversation runs longer, you probably have a good interview.

Also, the source may not be able to give you information you need because it requires some research. That’s OK, though, because you can arrange to call again.

Harriet Weinstein

I never let anyone get off the phone once I start speaking to them. However, if the person says he only has five or ten minutes and speaks for only a short time, you’re not in good shape But if they keep talking, you’ve got a good interview.

]]> By: Elaine Grant http://www.therenegadewriter.com/2008/04/30/a-better-way-to-set-interviews/comment-page-1/#comment-98454 Elaine Grant Wed, 30 Apr 2008 15:35:57 +0000 http://therenegadewriter.com/?p=485#comment-98454 Regarding waiting by the phone -- I do a fair number of scheduled interviews (since I write about business, I'm often interviewing CEOs and it's very hard to simply get them on the phone). I try very, very hard not to let sources call me; I want to be in control and call them. I hate waiting by the phone and do it only when it's unavoidable. Regarding waiting by the phone — I do a fair number of scheduled interviews (since I write about business, I’m often interviewing CEOs and it’s very hard to simply get them on the phone). I try very, very hard not to let sources call me; I want to be in control and call them. I hate waiting by the phone and do it only when it’s unavoidable.

]]> By: Kristen Kirk http://www.therenegadewriter.com/2008/04/30/a-better-way-to-set-interviews/comment-page-1/#comment-98451 Kristen Kirk Wed, 30 Apr 2008 15:07:32 +0000 http://therenegadewriter.com/?p=485#comment-98451 I'm with Eric -- I "attack" immediately if the person answers her phone and is willing to talk. If I get voice mail, I leave a message AND send an e-mail (with my questions) and ask if the person prefers to talk by phone or to use e-mail. I used to hate the idea of e-mail interviews and sharing my questions beforehand, but I'm finding many sources like to use e-mail. If, however, the piece I'm doing is controversial or at all "investigative" I do not share my questions. I like to gauge the person's uncomfortableness and immediate knowledge of my subject. I’m with Eric — I “attack” immediately if the person answers her phone and is willing to talk. If I get voice mail, I leave a message AND send an e-mail (with my questions) and ask if the person prefers to talk by phone or to use e-mail. I used to hate the idea of e-mail interviews and sharing my questions beforehand, but I’m finding many sources like to use e-mail. If, however, the piece I’m doing is controversial or at all “investigative” I do not share my questions. I like to gauge the person’s uncomfortableness and immediate knowledge of my subject.

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