Sources and Quoting

So now that we've nailed down what an editor/reporter looks for in a story - timeliness, proximity, conflict, impact, novelty, and prominence - let's talk a little about the relationship with sources.

One scholar has called it a "dance;" others like to think of it as a give and take; still others believe it's primarily adversarial.

But basics first: think about who'll you'll need to talk to craft the story you envision. For example, if you're writing a game story, you'll probably need to talk with, at the very least, the coach for both teams, and at least one or two players from each team - winners and losers.

Try not to think of this as a simple act of accumulation; it used to drive me crazy when my reporters would talk about "getting my quotes." Quotes are supposed to add color, humanity, and most of all credibility to a story. They complement the information you've provided as the reporter - extend it, amplify it.

Remember to always run your quotes, after your interviews, through the "Bland-O-Meter." The highest possible reading is 10 - these are quotes that just lie there - like the "I'm here to help the ballclub" quotes we've talked about in class. You want the quote - ideally, anyway - to reach out and smack the reader in the face.

As in:

"I don't know what to tell you - I screwed up. What a horrible decision. I cost us the game," said Bishop.

Again, you're looking for an extension, or amplification, of what you've written - or a score of 1, the least bland quote you can find.

This doesn't mean you'll be able to find compelling, knee-buckling quotes every time. Sometimes folks are unwilling to speak to you; you'll also get canned quotes more than once. But you have to be ready with a follow-up question in the latter situation; you can't let a talking point or canned quote go unchallenged. That's when it's time to break out the trusty "What does that mean/Can you help me understand..." tool from the toolbox.

Player: We left it all out on the field today
Journalist: Help me understand what you mean..

Coach: We just didn't play Armadillo volleyball today..
Journalist: What does that mean? Can you be more specific?

Even though your reader probably expects a certain number of bland quotes, they also want to feel as though they were at the game/meet/match/race. Transport them there.

More to come.