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Topic: "Quick" Quotes?
| Author | Message |
| paula_vergara | Posted – 10/11/2007 1:19:43 PM | show profile Hi, I'm wondering about the etiquette involved in getting quotes from sources. If I have a completed article with 1-2 sources, and and editor says that he/she really would like to have 2 more sources, and my deadline is in 3 days, what do I do? What I would LIKE to do is to simply send an email to a new source, asking for 1 quote to backup statement x in my article. This really isn't an "interview" but is an attempt at getting a quick quote. from a reputable source. Is this commom practice among writers to request 1 or even 2 quotes from a source instead of going through the long interview process? Is it better to just ask 1-2 questions instead of sending them the blurb that you want a quote for? Thanks. |
| Thabit | Posted – 10/11/2007 2:49:51 PM | show profile Generally, I don't go to sources asking for a quote specifically. If it's by email, I'll state that I either need a comment on xyz (so narrow it down, ask just the one question) or a brief phone interview. Depends also on what you're covering, certain sources may be ok with asking for a quote, but if you're dealing with people who aren't super media savvy or are used to getting people doing features on them it may sound a bit mechanical... Also, never underestimate the interesting story ideas a source may give you en passant, there are really few ways to cut corners unless you know them well enough to ring them & say, "give me something on this." hth |
| dribbledrive1 | Posted – 10/11/2007 2:59:32 PM | show profile Yes, this is common. Email the sources and tell them you have nearly completed the article but would like their perspective on a couple of points. Then ask three questions: 1. 2. 3. Which are designed to fit into your piece. For some lesser publications, I've also found quotes people made in reports or in other articles, rewrote them slightly, and emailed them to the source, asking if they were OK to use. Everyone always says yes. It's kind of a lazy man's way to research, but sometimes for some pieces that's all that you really need or want to do. I was going to say, I wouldn't do this if I was writing a piece for the New Yorker, but you'd be shocked how many writers/reporters for big, big, big magazines do this type of thing all the time. |
| paula_vergara | Posted – 10/11/2007 6:12:58 PM | show profile Thanks. Your insights are very helpful. I am by no means lazy, but if I am up against a deadline, its good to know how to get quick answers from sources in a way that doesn't look like I'm digging for a quick quote. |
| dribbledrive1 | Posted – 10/12/2007 12:54:27 AM | show profile Hey, I readily admit I am sometimes lazy, especially if it's an article I don't care that much about and the fee isn't anything special. Sometimes people want to buy a Rolls Royce, and sometimes they want a Kia. --Thanks. Your insights are very helpful. I am by no means lazy, but if I am up against a deadline, its good to know how to get quick answers from sources in a way that doesn't look like I'm digging for a quick quote.-- |
