Tales and Songs from Weddings and Funerals

Knowledge really is power..

The j-school went on a field trip on Wednesday - the purpose was "Big stories in Small towns." It was quite amazing what you can learn in a small town. By doing a little leg work and getting members of the comunity to open up I easily gained access to a lot of information that simple research would not provide. This was great. It ment when I had to go for the 'tough' interview I was easily able to back the subject into a corner and force him to admit the truth to a lot of things. I really loved it - it's kind of like a game of cat and mouse.
You walk up to ther person who is shovelling the bull as fast as possible and wait patiently for your turn.
When there is a break you ask your frist show stopping question - keeping your cards close and your poker face straight. (Even though on the inside your heart is going a mile a minute and you want to dance with joy)
Wait for the colour to return to your interviees face - let them formulate a half true answer.
Wait,
Drop another piece of info that you know.
Wait - by now your subject knows that you know more than you are letting on - but they don't know how much more. They will give you a little more correct info.
Drop your last bit of info - and even if you are bluffing about knowing more - they will start to tell the entire truth, thus getting the conformation you need and information the public needs to hear.
It's great. Like poker but with an adrenaline rush...
But journalism has draw backs too - when stuff doesn't work for you, ie a computer program delets your news piece (twice) you realize why many journalists drink.

Well I'm off for the weekend (I'm not sure whether I am celebrating or drowning my sorrows). Have a great Thanksgiving Day everyone.

posted by Angela @ 3:08 p.m.