I receive requests to be interviewed all the time. Just this month, I am featured in MillionaireAsia. Big thank you to Noelle Lim and others in the editorial team!

Being interviewed sure is fun. I love to speak my mind. So I’d gladly accept interviews, taking them as a chance to share and build bridges.

But there is a limit. I took a journalism class in 2006, started writing for newspapers that same year, and accepted countless interviews to date.

No one has ever pushed my limit as far as certain journalists from some local newspapers..

They’ve gotten so bad lately, I don’t bother replying them.

I won’t deny some were good. While others were last minute Joes. (and they think I won’t know.) They sent me e-mails, quickly stated their name, said which paper they write for, that they need to interview me. Before I could blink, they dished out a list of questions, and asked me for photographs.

Firstly, I’m not comfortable responding to questions by e-mail because I want you to write it. I won’t do the job and you get paid.

Second, if you really need me, you would have some clue what NF is. You’d go straight and ask questions that would reveal more info you otherwise can’t get through research. Clearly, you have not done any preparation.

Third, you are asking me for an interview. I decide when to agree or reject. But you signed off urging me to reply as soon as possible, and I don’t remember you explaining why.

Fourth, as far as I know, The Star newspaper has some stupid policy of not crediting photographers. Cheryl took my photographs and painstakingly edited them pro bono. Do you think I would exploit my own friend while you get paid?

Fifth, no I am not some blogger desperate for attention. Thank you.

Journalists needs to learn media ethics. And I do not condone lazy bums.

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Last year, a writer for The Rage Pullout of The Star Newspaper sent me an e-mail, asking for permission to use a photograph of YC and me that Cheryl snapped. I asked her to credit Cheryl, but she said the newspaper doesn’t allow it.

I contemplated. And while I contemplated, she took the photograph and used it anyway, without giving credit.

I decided to give the thumbs up, only for YC’s sake. But BEFORE I could tell her, she already took it without informing me.

She later explained. But to me, that is unethical. Getting featured is nothing great if you are unethical.

Posted in In My Humble Opinion, Work & Studies |