When bloggers Say No to a Simple Chat
When Wired magazine writer Fred Vogelstein set out to write a story
about a Silicon Valley blogger, Mike arrington, he figured he would do
what virtually every professional journalist does—interview key people,
either face to face or by telephone. It's the acid-tested methodology
of reporters everywhere. but in this case, simply by making the request
that newspaper and magazine scribes make thousands of times a day,
Vogelstein found himself in the middle of a controversy that's
challenging the utility, the accuracy and the very morality of the
real-time interview.
Here is what happened to Vogelstein when he sought his interviews.
First, blog entrepreneur Jason Calacanis told him he would not speak to
him, but answer questions only by e-mail, something Vogelstein wouldn't
agree to. Then, blogging pioneer Dave Winer told him he would not be
interviewed by phone. He suggested that Vogelstein e-mail questions
that he would then answer publicly on his blog, a solution for which
Vogelstein had even less enthusiasm.