#JSticks Tweet Chat 6/8/09: TOPIC #1

TOPIC #1

As journalists, there’s a fine line you must walk with your sources. Whether celeb or not. How far do you go to get your story? How far do you go to get your source to open up to you? Is there a certain level of manipulation involved in the process? If so, how do you make sure you don’t cross the line, ethically?

Journalisticks: It’s important to not sell your soul to the devil in order to get a story. make no promises to sources and don’t discuss post invu. Sometimes journos are so in AWE of their subject that get caught up and are no longer objective. This is especially true with celebs.

russellnichols: I just think it’s important to be honest up front. let them know the angle and then do what you do.

aliyasking: it’s easy to cross the line. I’ve done it many times, I will be honest. I often end up crying w/my subject.

Maurice_Garland: sometimes “celebs” hit me after an interview worried about something they might have said

Love_Is_Dope: I have communicated with celeb subjects and handlers after a story was done. Nothing shady though…

rashaunh: good questions… esp if you’re a entertainment journo. there’s a fine line between being a writer and a groupie.

C0URTNEYL0VE: celebs should have media training, you can manipulate celebs & politicians a little more than ordinary sources to get the story

aliyasking: I once interviewed a source over the course of a year. I tried to keep a distance. But when he got locked up, He called ME.

aliyasking: When I interviewed Faith for VIBE, she drank at dinner. I did not. Not a drop. She called me “Sober Sally.” But I think when she was looking for a collaborator for her book, she remembered how professional I’d been….

lyneka: I think vacationing with a celebrity or having a friendship with a celebrity you’re interviewing is too close for a reporter.

bmockaveli: it’s not improper to have a friendship with a celeb/source, you just gotta know when 2 put hat on/off, when 2 rescue self

aliyasking: Here’s an example of crossing a line. I once interviewed a singer we’ll call “Jane.” The story was supposed to be a cover for a mag. We bonded during the interview. VERY similar lives. Wrote the story. It was killed. She continued to call me occasionally. We were friendly. But not friends. Occasional texting. Updating on marriages, births. Etc. Then, I had to write a story on her ex. Ouch! And he wanted to talk a LOT of stuff about her. Although it was unethical.. I called and told her about the story…

rashaunh: I think what’s worse is friending the subject for favors or future exclusives. But that’s what the majors do.

bmockaveli: It doesn’t behoove any of us 2 friend celebs/sources tho. Eventually you’ll print something that kills friendship

ShaynaD: I’ve heard journalists say they hang w/celebs so they can “relate to their lives” better. Not sure I agree

ToureX: If you have a couple of substantive stories with someone you’ll probably become friends/buddies. That’s really helpful when you go to do another w them. They feel comfortable w you & you can be more aggressive. But don’t be fooled: they’re never your friend. You’re a writer. They smile at you, and seduce you, as part of business.