Read "When Bloggers Say No to a Simple Chat," Steven Levy's Technology column in Newsweek, June 11, 2007.
Fred Vogelstein set out to interview blog entrepreneur Jason Calacanis by phone or in person for a story for Wired magazine. "Calacanis told him he would not speak to him, but answer questions only by e-mail, something Vogelstein wouldn't agree to." Then, in response to a similar request, blogging pioneer Dave Winer told Vogelstein he would not be interviewed by phone. Winer suggested that Vogelstein e-mail questions that he would then answer publicly on his blog. Vogelstein would not conduct the interviews via email. "Both Calacanis and Winer trumpeted their turndowns on their well-read blogs. Apparently they hit a nerve, because the issue redounded all over the blogosphere. The main subject of the story, (Silicon Valley blogger, Mike) Arrington, lamented on his blog that the Wired story was blown and would probably be killed."
If verbal interviews are often preferred by print reporters, email interviews are often preferred by the interviewee. Which is better?
I suspect the answer depends on what you aim for in journalism. The face to face interview gives the reporter clues from voice and mannerisms as to the effects of his questions. It also is more likely to result in some statement from the interviewee that the reporter can use to interest the readers. On the other hand, the email interview seems to me more likely to get thoughtful responses, with checked information. Moreover, the emails themselves provide a record of the exact questions and answers.
I suspect, however, that the difference may be in large part due to difference in culture between online and print media. I have been interviewed several times online by Internet media, especially SciDev.Net. I have been interviewed by phone several times by print media. The most challenging experience was answering a phone and discovering I was on the air for a radio interview (without prior warning). I prefer email interviews!
Sunday, June 17, 2007
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2 comments:
I guess it is also about availability: phone interviews require synchronous appointments, which means checking agendas and knowing you'll be a slave to this appointment until it is gone.
With e-mail, you can answer the interview wherever and whenever, specially in those time gaps where you would be wondering what to do (i.e. a plane flight).
I agree with Ismael that there is a great advantage in the asynchronous communication possible with email.
I read recently that people are increasingly preferring to send text messages rather than talk over the phone, using an almost synchronous mode.
I can exchange many messages per hour via email and still have time to consider what I write in each email. For me the improved quality of the slightly slower responses more than makes up for the delay as compared with live telephone question and answer.
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