Libraries Once Held The Only Readily Accessible Information for Most People

I became a writer before the internet existed, so I remember how hard it could be to dig up information on almost anything you wanted to write about. I wrote a lot of freelance articles, and to find an expert, I usually had to go to the library first. There, I’d browse through a Directory of Associations–and there seems to be an association for everything–so I could find the appropriate professional organization for whatever I wanted to discuss. I’d get the phone number, contact the group, and find someone suitable to interview.

Nowadays, of course, writers can meet this simple need by a quick search on the internet. This is a great way to find people, of course, but it may or may not always be the way to find the best people.Here’s why I say this:

First, some experts who are truly leaders in their field or very well known may be almost impossible for the average freelancer to access: An interview with Steven Hawking for a small educational magazine will probably be impossible. Second, some people who are out there to promote their business (and there’s nothing wrong with that) will be glad to speak to you; however, they can become a “go-to” expert simply because they’re available. You get only their perspective, and readers can get tired of seeing the same person constantly interviewed. (A lot of other writers will also be using them.) Third, you may find someone on the internet who has the initiative/funds/contacts to set up a web site, use a publicist, and so on, who isn’t actually the best person to speak with on your topic–he or she is just the one you can find.

These points are enough, but there are likely several other valid reasons to not always rely on the internet to source people–or your facts. In my next post, I’ll talk about what you may want to consider, instead.