#muckedup No. 2 recap: Twitter and interviewing
Our second #muckedup chat revolved around the topic of Twitter and interviewing.
Welcome to the second official #muckedup chat! Today we’ll be discussing the pros and cons of #journos interviewing on Twitter.#muckedup
— Muck Rack (@muckrack) May 16, 2012
The chat was inspired by a post from our founder, Greg Galant, which asked, “Is Twitter the best platform for journalists to communicate with sources?”
A big thank you to everyone who participated. You are what makes these chats fun and worthwhile!
It is our hope that #muckedup will evolve into a chat that bridges the gap between journalists and PR folks. We always want the conversation to be productive, honest and at times, even edgy.
We are always looking for more chat ideas so if you have any tips for future topics, email them to us at hello@muckrack.com.
You can find a full transcript of the chat here, but read on for the short(er) version!
Q1: Is Twitter the best platform for #journalists to communicate with sources? #muckedup
I would be surprised if someone said yes RT @muckrack Is Twitter the best platform for #journalists to communicate with sources? #muckedup
— Liz A. (@LizSnow) May 16, 2012
@muckrack Q1: it can be the best to quickly confirm or invalidate a rumour with a bunch of reliable sources. #muckedup
— Hedi⁂One (@HediOne) May 16, 2012
#MuckedUp A1: Twitter may be an easier way to contact and find sources, but nothing beats old-fashioned research to find the right ones
— Brian Moore (@redeyesportsguy) May 16, 2012
@muckrack Q1 Obviously less-than-ideal if you don’t want others, such as your competition, to know what you’re working on. #MuckedUp
— Sarah Millar (@sarah_millar) May 16, 2012
Q2 is for #PR pros. What would you recommend a client do if contacted by a #journalist over Twitter? #muckedup
@muckrack respond and ask to move the conversation to email or phone #muckedup
— Shilo Rea (@shilo_rea) May 16, 2012
A2 I’d recommend using Twitter for quick facts and quotes, but move the convo to email or phone afterward. #muckedup
— Danny Goodwin Jr. (@Danny_GoodwinJr) May 16, 2012
Q2: Respond with alt means of communication (email, phone). DON’T ignore request, offer a more suitable means to get info across. #muckedup
— Melissa Lee (@melissaslee) May 16, 2012
Q3 So, #journalists, what’s the most effective way to get a source to respond to you on Twitter? #muckedup
A3: I’d be much more tempted to help/respond if #journo clearly demonstrates knowledge about my client, not just asking for info. #MuckedUp
— Nicole Spears (@nSpears13) May 16, 2012
A3: I always provide my email address and phone number, so the convo can move off Twitter if the source is interested. #muckedup
— Ginger Christ (@ChristGinger) May 16, 2012
q3. i try to follow em on twitter so they’ll follow me back + i can dm them questions or i’ll try to find em on facebook to msg. #muckedup
— tracyswartz (@tracyswartz) May 16, 2012
Q3B: If you follow a source first, what do you do to ensure that your profile sounds legitimate and real? #muckedup
(Note: There was a bit of confusion around this question. We clarified, saying we meant how can you make your Twitter profile look as professional as possible.)
A3B: your twitter bio should include the cmpy you work for & link to more info whether that be your blog or #LinkedIn profile #muckedup
— Jessica Owens (@Jessicalowens) May 16, 2012
@muckrack If you don’t know how to make yourself come across as professional on SM, you shouldn’t use the tools professionally. #muckedup
— Sarah Millar (@sarah_millar) May 16, 2012
Q4: Twitter’s going to court to protect its users’ data. Does that motivate you to use it more/DM with sensitive/anonymous sources? #muckedup
A4 tough. but no. there is always human error involved. If there is any sensitivity it should be done over more secure connections #muckedup
— Jessica Owens (@Jessicalowens) May 16, 2012
A4: No way. There are much better ways to get that info privately OFF LINE after connecting via #Twitter. Don’t risk that trust! #muckedup
— Melissa Lee (@melissaslee) May 16, 2012
A4: I wouldn’t conduct any sensitive interview via Twiter. No chance. #muckedup
— Brian Moore (@redeyesportsguy) May 16, 2012
I would not want anything too sensitive over twitter - legally nothing has been decided yet. #muckedup
— Liz A. (@LizSnow) May 16, 2012
A4 When it comes to confidentiality, nothing will beat face-to-face conversation. Not Twitter, not even email.#muckedup
— Danny Goodwin Jr. (@Danny_GoodwinJr) May 16, 2012
Q5: What’s the best way to go from Twitter to offline? Is it always email and phone? What about in person? #muckedup
@muckrack A5 Scheduling in-person mtgs. via Twitter can be time consuming. I prefer to call/email to set up interviews.#muckedup
— Ginger Christ (@ChristGinger) May 16, 2012
@muckrack A5 I always invite to email and phone and you can go from there if you want to chat in person. #muckedup
— Sarah Millar (@sarah_millar) May 16, 2012
Were you at the this #muckedup chat? What were some of your takeaways? Will you be joining us in the future? Let us know either in the comments section below or on Twitter, @muckrack.
— EZ


