Forum Moderators: phranque
I'm running a website that covers a specific musical genre of which I've decided to start interviewing the artists. More so than anything else, I want to do this because many of my competitors already do, so I know it's feasible.
However, I'm somewhat puzzled of how the process works best and was hoping that maybe someone with some experience could give me some pointers.
- Is there a technique that's more common for these types of interviews? (questionnaire/phone/in person)
- I've seen that alot of people have back-and-forth conversations that they post to their sites, what are they using to record the conversations?
Any advice would be greatly appreciated.
More so than anything else, I want to do this because many of my competitors already do, so I know it's feasible.
That's not why I would decide to do it, but anyway...
Contact the artists you feel would be most eager to do an interview. (The hungrier ones, more outgoing ones, etc.) Get a few of them to agree with the idea in general. Mention that you know they've been interviewed several times, and ask them how they prefer to do it. Email, IM, phone, message board, etc?
You'll notice if a clear consensus emerges. If one doesn't, you'll eventually see what produces the best results for you. For voice interviews, I believe some people use software to convert that to text.
Just my few cents not being in this biz, good luck.
1. Offer all the options and let your guest choose the method they're more comfortable with. Great if you're really flexible, but otherwise could prove difficult or inconvenient for you at times.
2. Dictate how the interview is to be conducted and vary that method to suit your (or their) circumstances.
3. Present two options for the interview - both of which suit you and your circumstances (an age-old sales closing technique - "would you like it in blue or red, sir?").
Different methods of interviewing will produce different results. A written Q&A allows the interviewee time to reflect upon their answers (great for fact-based interviews). It does, however, mean that spontaneity is lost.
Unless approached with an amount of gravitas, telephone interviews will be ping-pong-like in style. Unlike the written format, they allow for humour to interject itself through witty asides, jokes, shared laughter, etc. Watch out for the "what did you say's" and the "can you repeat that's". Dead certs to kill all enthusiasm.
In face-to-face interviews you have the greatest flexibility and possibilities. The interviewer, through personality and style, can dictate the tone of the interview. It goes without saying (but I'll say it anyway) that the nature of the questions asked, and they way they're asked, will have a major impact!
Regardless of how the interview is done, the interviewee will (or should) ask to get a transcript (the version of the interview you're going to publish/broadcast).
Unless you're an investigative journalist and don't care whether you have any friends or not, you should always offer the transcript and allow your guest(s) a certain amount of liberty in making changes to bits of the interview that they don't like. How much leeway you give is entirely dependent on how tough an editor/producer you want to be - that's your call...
Syzygy
Doing interviews in person would probably not be very cost effective but I like the idea of giving them the choice of telephone or e-mail.
What equipment does someone use for a telephone interview? I imagine a speakerphone and a tape recorder would work but is there a better solution that maybe i'm not aware of?
Also, do you think it would be wise to ask them for a press kit and showcase their work, pictures, etc to go along with the interview or should I just link the reader directly to their website/myspace/etc?
What equipment does someone use for a telephone interview?
I can only suggest you try your favourite search engine for voice recorders and phone recorders.
Also, do you think it would be wise to ask them for a press kit and showcase their work, pictures, etc to go along with the interview or should I just link the reader directly to their website/myspace/etc?
A press kit (should the interviewee have one) will supply you with useful background information upon which you can, should you so desire it, base questions - that's all. Treat it the same as a CV/resume.
Offer the visitor a link to the interviewee's website, etc? That's always a useful idea.
Syzygy
