A new question you should ask reporters

Add a new question to your checklist when you're interviewed by reporters--or risk an unpleasant surprise in the world of Web 2.0.

Ask "Is this just for your personal use?" when a reporter asks to record your telephone interview. As publications add podcasts to their websites, this question increasingly makes sense. It'll prevent you from being surprised by your voice on a podcast. A good reporter won't spring a podcast on you by surprise. But it can't hurt to confirm the purpose of a recording.

So far I've only recorded interviews to help when I can't take notes fast enough. Sometimes I'll replay parts of the recording to check facts or quotes. However, I wouldn't be surprised if some day I record a podcast for one of my trade publication or corporate clients. I've already been interviewed for a podcast by Russ Thornton and Lawain McNeil of AdvisorBlogger. It felt funny being the person who answered questions, but I had fun.

_________________
Susan B. Weiner, CFA
Check out my website at www.InvestmentWriting.com or sign up for my free monthly e-newsletter.
Copyright 2009 by Susan B. Weiner All rights reserved