Who doesn’t like to be quoted in an article? Not many folks, but when you’re talking to big companies or consulting firms — they have gates and policies that make it tough to get a quote and fast.
I discovered that not many consulting firms will provide a quote on recent news because they haven’t done an analysis on the situation. Instead, they send the last paper they wrote, and these rarely have value to an article. Over time, I learned which firms can and can’t provide a quote for an article. Generally, you have better luck with the smaller firms.
Companies. Whew. These are tough. Some of them require reaching the right corporate communications person who, in turn, has to contact the company rep for quotes. Lots of phone tag happening here.
Professors are great resources as they provide much insight. Their respective universities rarely have many rules and hoops for reporters to work through. When I receive a story assignment, I search the following places for resources:
* companies affected by the story
* experts on the topic
* discussion groups and forums surrounding the topic
* blogs as they often point to people
* contacts
Many writers use ProfNet, but I’ve only used it once. I didn’t find it effective.
When I did the Keeping Kids on a Wireless Leash story, I searched for the online safety organizations plus I met WiredSafety.org‘s Parry Aftab on a previous story. I also contacted companies that offered such a product and consulting firms who have researched the mobile industry and the growth of family plans.
