http://www.mpdailyfix.com/how-to-protect-yourself-from-being-misquoted/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=how-to-protect-yourself-from-being-misquoted Opinions. Commentary. News. Sun, 12 Feb 2012 02:23:11 +0000 http://wordpress.org/?v=2.9.1 hourly 1 http://www.mpdailyfix.com/how-to-protect-yourself-from-being-misquoted/comment-page-1/#comment-27969 Gail Richards, AuthorSmart.com Wed, 13 Jun 2007 16:27:30 +0000 http://www.mpdailyfix.com/how-to-protect-yourself-from-being-misquoted/#comment-27969 I work with many aspiring authors... I observe that when many of them reach the marketing and publicity stage of publishing, it is highly intoxicating and affirming to be asked for an interview. I appreciate your advice on discernment and even "saying no." Also, I value Ann Hadley's suggestion about asking for the premise. The interview process really can work well for all involved when the interviewee takes some ownership in the process. I work with many aspiring authors… I observe that when many of them reach the marketing and publicity stage of publishing, it is highly intoxicating and affirming to be asked for an interview. I appreciate your advice on discernment and even “saying no.” Also, I value Ann Hadley’s suggestion about asking for the premise.
The interview process really can work well for all involved when the interviewee takes some ownership in the process.

]]> http://www.mpdailyfix.com/how-to-protect-yourself-from-being-misquoted/comment-page-1/#comment-27968 B.L. Ochman Tue, 22 May 2007 21:11:46 +0000 http://www.mpdailyfix.com/how-to-protect-yourself-from-being-misquoted/#comment-27968 Ann: Yes, that Rosen quote jumped out at me. I also understand it from both sides. So much of traditional "media training" tells people to basically do a monologue. I'm not so sure, Jim, that you'll be respected by journos if you respect them. Lots of writers, publications, editors have agendas. But i find the email interview not far from monologue. I agree that if you think there could be a real issue, you should go with email. Rule one is still "don't say anything really stupid" I had a client once tell a WSJ reporter (God only knows why) that he buys his underwear in Japan, and of course it ended up in the story, which was about the need for a partner when doing business in Japan. Ann: Yes, that Rosen quote jumped out at me. I also understand it from both sides.
So much of traditional “media training” tells people to basically do a monologue.
I’m not so sure, Jim, that you’ll be respected by journos if you respect them. Lots of writers, publications, editors have agendas.
But i find the email interview not far from monologue.
I agree that if you think there could be a real issue, you should go with email.
Rule one is still “don’t say anything really stupid”
I had a client once tell a WSJ reporter (God only knows why) that he buys his underwear in Japan, and of course it ended up in the story, which was about the need for a partner when doing business in Japan.

]]> http://www.mpdailyfix.com/how-to-protect-yourself-from-being-misquoted/comment-page-1/#comment-27967 Jim Kukral Tue, 22 May 2007 19:10:37 +0000 http://www.mpdailyfix.com/how-to-protect-yourself-from-being-misquoted/#comment-27967 If it's really an issue for you, you need to insist that you will only do email or recorded interviews. Jason Calacanis only does email interviews. Mark Cuban too mostly. If they get misquoted, they simply republish the full transcript of their conversation online. I think that's fine if you want to do it. But most journalists will respect you if you respect them. It's all part of the game I think. If it’s really an issue for you, you need to insist that you will only do email or recorded interviews.
Jason Calacanis only does email interviews. Mark Cuban too mostly. If they get misquoted, they simply republish the full transcript of their conversation online.
I think that’s fine if you want to do it. But most journalists will respect you if you respect them. It’s all part of the game I think.

]]> http://www.mpdailyfix.com/how-to-protect-yourself-from-being-misquoted/comment-page-1/#comment-27966 Ann Handley Tue, 22 May 2007 17:27:11 +0000 http://www.mpdailyfix.com/how-to-protect-yourself-from-being-misquoted/#comment-27966 This Rosen quote is awesome, BL: "I was not misquoted. I was used to make a point Rutenberg wanted to make before he talked to me." That being said... Having worked as a reporter in my past life, I understand this issue from both sides. The best piece of advice you offer here is this, in my mind: "Ask the reporter the premise to her/his story. They'll almost always tell you. That gives you a chance to say no, or to shape your comments to how they might be used." Doing so not only helps you be quoted, period... but it helps you begin a dialogue, not just a monologue, with the interviewer. This Rosen quote is awesome, BL: “I was not misquoted. I was used to make a point Rutenberg wanted to make before he talked to me.”
That being said…
Having worked as a reporter in my past life, I understand this issue from both sides. The best piece of advice you offer here is this, in my mind: “Ask the reporter the premise to her/his story. They’ll almost always tell you. That gives you a chance to say no, or to shape your comments to how they might be used.”
Doing so not only helps you be quoted, period… but it helps you begin a dialogue, not just a monologue, with the interviewer.

]]> http://www.mpdailyfix.com/how-to-protect-yourself-from-being-misquoted/comment-page-1/#comment-27965 Elaine Fogel Tue, 22 May 2007 16:29:47 +0000 http://www.mpdailyfix.com/how-to-protect-yourself-from-being-misquoted/#comment-27965 Great post, BL. I learned the hard way, earlier in my career, when I was interviewed on national television. They used only the first part of my on- camera quote as a soundbyte and it didn't come off as I had hoped. I quickly learned that the first statement out of my mouth may likely be the soundbyte they select, so I had to choose my words carefully. That's hard to do when you're in the moment, but it was a lesson well learned. Today, when I interview others, I often ask for e-mail quotes or I use a digital recorder to ensure I get it right. Great post, BL. I learned the hard way, earlier in my career, when I was interviewed on national television. They used only the first part of my on- camera quote as a soundbyte and it didn’t come off as I had hoped. I quickly learned that the first statement out of my mouth may likely be the soundbyte they select, so I had to choose my words carefully. That’s hard to do when you’re in the moment, but it was a lesson well learned.
Today, when I interview others, I often ask for e-mail quotes or I use a digital recorder to ensure I get it right.

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