Bad Astronomy

Made a few comments on my blog today about newspaper articles on recent solar activity. Dont forget and look out tonight, Im away from observatory so cant give real time data.

DaveG

Hi Dave,

Thanks for clearing that up. I must say that I was surprised when I read back a few of interviews I done over the phone to reporters. Either they misunderstood some of what I told them or they didn’t listen and wrote what they thought sounded good.

Talking to a few other people in the last 2 weeks, I was amazed at how often this happens. It could really put one off taking to the media at times but I always try to remember that I have to do my best to get astronomy to as many people as possible. It can be very stressful though when your name appears beside stuff you know isn’t right.

Kind regards,
Brendan

Donegal Skies wrote: Hi Dave,

Thanks for clearing that up. I must say that I was surprised when I read back a few of interviews I done over the phone to reporters. Either they misunderstood some of what I told them or they didn’t listen and wrote what they thought sounded good.

Talking to a few other people in the last 2 weeks, I was amazed at how often this happens. It could really put one off taking to the media at times but I always try to remember that I have to do my best to get astronomy to as many people as possible. It can be very stressful though when your name appears beside stuff you know isn’t right.

Kind regards,
Brendan

Hi Brendan, here is my tupence worth, as someone who encounteres the media on a daily basis in the course of my work, I find that unless you provide them with a written statement, errors will occur.

By all means do a verbal interview, but follow it up with a written statement. I almost guarantee you that the journo will copy and paste your written statement into their peice, remember they're working to tight deadlines. Specialist subjects like astronomy will always be misunderstood and or misquoted as the person writing the article will have little or no insight into the actual subject matter.

Cheers and continued success.

Thanks for the very sound advice Pat.

I had done this before but it was more on the request of the Journalist. It always worked well now that I think on it. The sheer volume of inquires over the last two would have made this very difficult but I'll need to pick and choose more if this level of interest occurs again.

Thanks again,

Brendan

As you now appear to be the jurnos favourite "go to guy" for the Northern Lights. Could I suggest that might prepare a template for future press statements? The main part of the template can contain the usual bits 'n peices associated with the subject, along with some photos. You would also leave room for a blank section which would include relevant details that you feel would be worthwhile at the time of issue.

Basically you'd have 60% to 70% done in advance

If you want to give me a shout anytime I'd be only too happy to lend any assistance that I can.

That’s a great idea. Thanks Pat. Hopefully the sun will settle down for a few days (never thought I would say that!) so I can get a chance to do that. I already have my Aurora Alert email template that could form the basis of this.