Interviewees Part 2 - The Advice-Givers

Many interviewees aren't like the "long wait" ones I shared last week. They are quick to respond - and quick to tell you how to write your article. These interviewees typically start phone converstions or emails with "I thought it would be great..." or "Do you know what would work really well with what I'm going to say..." or "You need to show your readers..."

These people annoy me more than the long wait interviewees, and they probably are harder for a new writer to handle as well. If someone doesn't call back after 14 attempts, you don't feel badly about writing "Representative Wells did not return phone calls seeking comment." She didn't return the calls; you are reporting the facts.

When Representative Wells insists you also interview Mr. Jones, a sixth-grade teacher in her district whose experience would be great for the article, new writers have a harder time deciding how to deal with that information, especially if there's no way Mr. Jones is making it into the article.

How do you deal with Know-It-All interviewees? Here are some options.

1. Politely say "thank you for that tip." You don't have to say more. If pressed to promise, just say you will take it into consideration as you are putting together the article. While the interviewee has certain power in your relationship, you are in control of the article.

2. Remind yourself of your control repeatedly if needed. The article is yours. Beyond quoting and paraphrasing accurately, you don't owe anything to the interviewee. If you don't want to talk to a recommended source, you don't have to offer up an explanation.

3. Take what the interviewee said into consideration. I once interviewed a man for a features piece on Pearl Harbor. He immediately said, "you should talk to a friend of mine." Why? That friend was a soldier on the USS Arizona. He was on deck during the attack. He met his adorable wife, who was a military nurse, while he was recovering. I did that interview, and the result was an amazing story! Sometimes interviewees' suggestions are good, and you should use them if they enhance your work.