Sometimes reporting for a story is a bit like going on a wild goose chase. In my case, this month‘s “wild goose” is the military -- all branches, all levels.
I‘m not saying they haven‘t been helpful. I‘m not saying they haven‘t been kind. In fact, they‘ve been both, plus really friendly (lets face it, a lot of the stories they‘re contacted for aren‘t exactly feel-good pieces). However, I have made about 25 calls in the course of only three days. Here‘s how my reporting has gone:
Brrrring, brrring. [Phone ringing]
Military public affairs officer (MPAO): Hello sir/ma‘am. How may I help you.
Me: I‘m Jennipher Shaver with Club Industry‘s Fitness Business Pro magazine and was wondering if I could speak to someone about fitness opportunities and the rehabilitation process for wounded war veterans?
MPAO: That‘s a long title for a magazine.
Me: I know. Can you help me?
MPAO: That sounds like a [enter department or location] question. Please call [enter name] at [enter phone number].
Now repeat that scenario 25 times. Sigh.
Thankfully, my persistence has begun to pay off. I finally have a couple of interviews completed, and it looks like I should have some more information tomorrow. Patience is a virtue. --Jennipher