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June 12, 2005
Blogging 101 - The Interview
By QBlog in Blogging 101
Blogging can be hard work. After a few years of regular posting every good blogger is going to run out of things to say from time to time. That's when you turn to the interview and let other people say something instead.
Who To Interview?
Blog interviews are easy. The hard part is getting one set up and that all starts with deciding who to interview. You need to create a list (that's what I did) of people you'd like to interview. If you're not sure who to put on that list just think of people that you find interesting and that you would like to know better.
Your list should be realistic. Sure, shoot for the stars but don't expect Tom Cruise to be your first interview. Maybe try for Tom Coates instead.
Also, keep your blog audience in mind. If you write about rap music your readers may not be interested in an interview with Bill Dance.
The List
You should arrange your list into three categories:
- Likely to say yes
- Likely to say no
- Not likely to respond to the request
The first people you should contact are those who are unlikely to respond. Then, when they don't respond you can slam the stuck-up assholes in your next blog post. Instant content!
The Interview
I've done all kinds of interviews and by far the easiest are email interviews. They're easy because they write themselves. The problem with them is that they often read like a script and lack the spontaneity of real-time interviews.
Instant message interviews have the benefit of being real-time so you can quickly ask follow-up questions and they don't read like they're scripted. It's easier to capture that conversational tone with IM than with email.
The phone interview is very difficult but can produce the best results. I recommend recording the conversation if possible. After the interview, go back and transcribe the recording to be sure that you have all the quotes correct.
If you can do it, a face-to-face interview is fun but can be extremely difficult though the hard work usually pays off with quality content. Again, if possible record the interview to ensure accuracy. If recording isn't an option then take lots and lots of notes. Ask questions to be sure you get your quotes correct.
I recommend that bloggers new to interviewing do a few email interviews before attempting anything else.
The Benefits
The best thing about blog interviews, besides not having to think of an awesome post, is that many good interviews can lead to friendships with some really great people. Some interviews I've done have resulted in lasting friendships. Doing an interview is really a great way to get to know someone while providing some interesting content for your blog readers.
And yes, I'm available for interviews. ;o)
Blogging 101 publishes every Sunday and provides blogging tips, advice and tutorials for blog newbies and veterans alike.