Mar 19, 2009
What would you say to a source who asks to see your copy before it goes online? (Twitter answers)
That was the question I posed to the Twittersphere earlier today. And here are the very helpful answers:
paulbradshaw: What would you say to a source who asks to see your copy before it goes online? (Beyond ‘no’) Student question.
about 9 hours ago
smallworldmedia: I’d ask what their specific concerns were and talk them through.
about 9 hours ago
mark_marshall: – I’d have no problem with giving them the finished piece – but no edits, obviously.
about 9 hours ago
brunoboutot: “say to a source”: standard answer (proven to work) : I’ll show you your quotes I use
about 9 hours ago
_SarahMorris_: if they are paying you yes… or giving you something in return for coverage … otherwise there’s no real obligation
about 9 hours ago
KeirSimmons: I’d say sorry we don’t do that – and explain that we have an duty to the audience not to let people vet what we are writing.
about 9 hours ago
KeirSimmons: Many journalists do agree to it though – sadly.
about 9 hours ago
SamShepherd: ask them what their concern is, see if you can reassure them
about 9 hours ago
thatwoman_soho: If we R doing a Soho Player profile – and you didn’t pay to be on the cover or profile – we are rarely asked & we wld say no.
about 9 hours ago
KickTime: you could avoid inaccuracy in the article if you said yes. Or what–Be still my heart if a reporter got the facts wrong?
about 8 hours ago
davidhiggerson: i’d offer to read it to them but make sure they knew you weren’t seeking copy approval?
about 8 hours ago
nickincumbria: I don’t mind showing people what I’ve written but make clear that final decision is mine. Useful for complex issues.
about 8 hours ago
eblackburne: Generally no – but I will read their quotes back to them. If it’s the only way of getting a very good story I might allow it
about 6 hours ago
2 Comments, Comment or Ping
Fiona Cullinan
I’m actually happy to show copy but I don’t because no one can resist tweaking. So I usually say we don’t do that because (a) the subs will be in touch for fact checking, (b) if we started to do that for every bit of copy then it stuffs up the production process, (c) I’m only using the quotes as supplied in the interview so don’t worry.
The other question they then ask is, can you send me a copy of the article. *sigh*
Mar 20th, 2009
Kate
What do people think about emailing someone your transcription of their quotes?
I often get asked this, and can understand why.
And what if the person then wants to amend their quotes?
Mar 24th, 2009
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