I realised to my horror that my story about the hypothetical scientist with the cracking science story might have given some of you the impression that I think the press office at University of Exeter not doing its job.
Please let me assure you that all my dealings with our press office have been very satisfactory. (Sarah and her team are great.)
But I am sure that press officers will agree that there are some stories can't really be covered in a news story or a press release - longer stories which cover the background and present scientific arguments in more detail. We used to call these "features". Is this term still used? Are such stories still written or are they deemed too complex for today's readers and audiences?
I was moved to write the email because know of a scientific discussion going on at the moment. (My research is just a small part of it.) I think it would make a cracking "feature" - but I may be a wacko.
If anyone wants to find out about it, email me.
Lesley Newson
________________________________________
From: psci-com: on public engagement with science [[log in to unmask]] On Behalf Of Michael Kenward [[log in to unmask]]
Sent: 13 January 2010 21:16
To: [log in to unmask]
Subject: Re: [PSCI-COM] So if you have a cracking science story ...
-----Original Message-----
Because of the complexity (and danger of ruffling feathers) the story needs
to be told carefully. It can't be put in a quick press release. So going
to the university press office is not an option.
---End Quoted (and cut) Message---
Why is this not an option?
University press offices aren't quite the same thing as Max Clifford. That
can do depth and difficult.
I would not dismiss them.
If the scientists goes it alone they run a greater risk of being shafted
than if they talk to the press office.
MK
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