[meteorite-list] NYT story

From: Richard Kowalski <damoclid_at_meteoritecentral.com>
Date: Tue, 5 Apr 2011 11:53:29 -0700 (PDT)
Message-ID: <340986.57113.qm_at_web113611.mail.gq1.yahoo.com>

Thanks Carl.
Kinda what I suspected. The latest film crew I "entertained" at the telescope seemed nice enough, until after we finished up and were heading home when Sara my fiancee complained about how they were treating her. I was completely unaware of what was going on off camera.

I told her that if any crew or reporter treats her that way again she is to tell me immediately and we'll end the interview right then and there.

The program has already aired in the UK but I haven't heard a peep yet about it airing in the US. However I did get a copy from a colleague who also appeared on the program. To say collectively those of us on the program were less than pleased about how we all were personally portrayed in this production is an understatement.

One thing to keep in mind is ALL reporters have a bias. They ALL arrive at your doorstep or ring you up on the phone with a specific story in mind. If the story is to be that collecting meteorites are illegal and that hunters are thieves and criminals, that is the story, no matter what you tell them.

My advise is if someone asks you for an interview, or even just some comments, ask them for more details. What is the story about? What is the angle? and why are you asking ME?

The last production left such a bitter taste in my mouth that I'll be happy never to do another one ever. I chuckle when some bash part of the media as if the media they watch, read or listen to is unbiased or not mainstream. Of course they are, but actually saying that doesn't play as well to their audience. Most aren't too bad, but they are all biased in some way and by various degrees. As I mentioned in yesterday's post, sometimes the facts get in the way of a good story.

As I mentioned above, my suggestion to anyone contacted by anyone in the media, especially if you "trust" that outlet, ask them a lot of questions before they start the interview. If you feel any discomfort or doubt, thank them and decline to give them an interview. If you have already started the interview, let them know that you are uncomfortable with the direction their questions are taking. If it continues, don't hesitate to end the interview.

For what it's worth...

--
Richard Kowalski
Full Moon Photography
IMCA #1081

Received on Tue 05 Apr 2011 02:53:29 PM PDT