The mistake you DON'T want to make

Have you ever thought writing was easy, slow-paced, and required no participation with the outside world?

That's not the case when you're writing for a newspaper. You have to know about your community, pick out a suitable writing topic, research, pitch it to the editor, interview people, verify facts, actually write it, and submit the final draft...sometimes that can all take place within a few days.

One thing I learned recently about interviews is this; always, ALWAYS get parental consent before interviewing a minor. Even if you're a minor, the parents must consent to their children being interviewed.

I interviewed an acquaintance about her trip to a court over missing school, and then I remembered that rule. I told her to make sure being interviewed was alright with her parents. She said they'd have no problem with it.

About a week later, when the editor wanted the story and I'd set up an interview with her school's Principal, I gave her an update about what was happening and asked if she had asked for permission from her parents. After a little talking, it was obvious she hadn't even told her parents about the interview. Not only that, but she was acting as though I'd kept her in the dark all along about what was happening.

I called the story off. I didn't get in trouble (the story wasn't published), but the idea of having a furious parent waving my newspaper article in my face and threatening to sue sends chills down my spine.

Short and sweet of this episode is simple; make sure you ask a minor's parents if it's alright for you interview their child, and then go ahead.