[meteorite-list] The age of Mifflin. ?470 million years? Really?

From: Richard Kowalski <damoclid_at_meteoritecentral.com>
Date: Thu, 14 Apr 2011 22:42:04 -0700 (PDT)
Message-ID: <922112.26665.qm_at_web113605.mail.gq1.yahoo.com>

--- On Thu, 4/14/11, Sterling K. Webb <sterling_k_webb at sbcglobal.net> wrote:


...

> Sorta like what you would say to a five-year-old.
> Always a good idea to talk to reporters like they
> were five-year-olds. Don't try to make them
> handle too much.


Actually this is true, but not just for the reporters. but the intended audience too.

I've often been asked during various interviews seemingly simple questions about complex issues. Of course the answer has to be precise, involved and extended, to answer correctly, but they want a soundbite that has some punch to it. Something I'm loath to do. Even explanations I've felt are too simple are often too detailed and involved for the reporter or producer.

A friend who is a local TV new personality once told me that they aim at the typical American 8 to 10 year old's education and vocabulary. I've found that when speaking with the general media, this is unfortunately just about right on target.

--
Richard Kowalski
Full Moon Photography
IMCA #1081

Received on Fri 15 Apr 2011 01:42:04 AM PDT