A new feature bringing you highlights from the mediabistro.com discussion boards. This week:

D_S: "To write a profile, do you really need to interview the subject in person? What if I don't want to travel? Is it possible to write such pieces based on phone or even e-mail interviews?"

candylilacs: "Email is never to be used as an interview technique. You can't hear intonation, don't understand who that person is and your quotes will be drier than the Mojave in May."

Check out (or add to) the conversation here: Doing profiles

Also: Subject line when pitching

For plenty of other hot topics, go here: Parents magazine