Help! How should I handle this story?

[James Marinero]

I've recently been talking to an old soldier who saw some shameful happenings in the British Army over 50 years ago. Sorry, I cannot disclose any more than that.

I believe that it has news potential. I have no reason to doubt the facts as they have been related to me, but I would obviously need to verify them as far as possible before taking the news route.

The alternative is to turn them into a short story (if I had the time and appetite there is probably a short book in there, but I have neither right now).

I'd appreciate the advice of members on this. I need to get things moving as the old soldier is not in the best of health, but his mind and memory are still very sharp.

Thanks

 

[Katie-Ellen]

Research/record now, verify, augment, write, edit and publish/broadcast at leisure; assuming the story is not time critical.

 

[Alistair Roberts]

Katie has the right answer of-course, and the more you can record the better. Later you can decide what to do with it, when hopefully you are in a better position to deal with it.

 

[Carol Rose]

What Katie said.

 

[James Marinero]

Research/record now, verify, augment, write, edit and publish/broadcast at leisure; assuming the story is not time critical.

No, it's not time critical (except that I'm aging too)! I've already interviewed him once. I sat down yesterday and drafted 2,000 words which has shown up a few areas that I need to flesh out with him.

Thanks all.

 

[tabby3]

I agree with the others. Unless you have some official standing where you could cause an investigation to ensue, your only alternative is to publish an account of the event.

 

[EPHahn]

Can you record the meetings for future reference?

 

[James Marinero]

Can you record the meetings for future reference?

I certainly aim to try.

 

[AgentPete]

If you’re going to use it as a hook (sorry for the crude marketing speak) for possible future coverage, e.g. to support a book / novel / whatever, you’re definitely going to have to document this.

 

[James Marinero]

If you’re going to use it as a hook (sorry for the crude marketing speak) for possible future coverage, e.g. to support a book / novel / whatever, you’re definitely going to have to document this.

I've got notes from an interview, plan to follow up with another interview (recorded if subject amenable).