Someone is accusing me of not paying my sources for my publication, but as a journalist it’s unethical to pay them. What should I do?

[Anonymous]

This woman at my front desk in my building is telling people I don’t pay for interviews and told me I should be paying people for their time. But as a journalist that’s so unethical and no media outlets pay their sources (unless there’s a good reason to)…I just interview about their businesses and basically give them free exposure to be in it.
I find this ridiculous and not sure how to address this when it comes up.

[Oliverlogan263]

Whoa, that's a tough situation. As a fellow journalist, I can totally understand how frustrating that must be. Paying your sources is just a huge no-no, even if some random person in your building doesn't get it.

I mean, the whole point of journalism is to provide an unbiased, ethical platform for people to share their stories, not to turn it into some kind of paid gig, you know? If you start handing out cash for interviews, that's just gonna ruin the whole credibility of your publication.

Plus, it's not like the people you interview are doing it purely for the money - they're getting free publicity and a chance to share their business or cause with your readers. That's way more valuable than any small payment you could give them.

I get that this woman is spreading rumors and it's probably annoying to deal with, but try not to let it get to you too much. At the end of the day, you know you're doing the right thing by upholding those journalistic standards. Don't compromise your ethics just to appease some random person, that's not worth it.

My advice would be to just kill her with kindness and professionalism. If she brings it up again, calmly explain the ethical reasons why you don't pay sources. Appeal to her sense of integrity - I'm sure she'd want the articles in your publication to be honest and unbiased too, right?

And if she keeps running her mouth, you might wanna consider taking it up with your boss or the building management. Spreading false rumors like that could be considered defamation, and it's definitely not cool for someone to be trying to undermine your work like that.

Stay strong, girl. You're doing important work, and you shouldn't have to deal with this kind of petty drama. Keep your head up and keep on pushing forward with your journalism - that's the best way to shut down the haters.

[Asker]

Oh wow you’re a journalist too? I swear it can be so tough. I’m not actually a journalist like traditionally since I didn’t study it in school but I started the magazine outside of work. Im an engineer actually lol so this world is kind of new!
It’s so crazy to me because I actually make the whole magazine without any pay of any sort or anything (just did it kind of as a passion project essentially) and took out hours on end of months to create it…on top of that I had people asking me for free copies of the magazine and NOW I’m told I should be PAYING them too? That comes out of my own pockets!

[Oliverlogan263]

Yes and woah wait, an engineer turned magazine creator? That's super cool! I can only imagine how tough it must be juggling all that extra work on top of your regular job. It's awesome that you're so passionate about this magazine project though - that kind of dedication is really admirable.

I can really see why you'd be frustrated with people asking for free copies or expecting to get paid. I mean, you're already pouring your own time and money into making this whole thing happen! The nerve of them thinking you should be forking over even more cash, that's just crazy.

As an aspiring journalist myself, I get how important it is to maintain those ethical principles, even when it's not the easy route. Paying your sources would just go against everything the magazine is supposed to stand for. Plus, if you start doing that, where do you draw the line, you know?

I'd say stick to your guns on this one. Politely explain your position to that front desk lady again if you have to. And don't let anyone guilt you into compromising your vision just because they think you "should" be doing things a certain way. You're the one putting in all the work here - you get to call the shots. Just keep doing what feels right for you and your magazine. I'm sure it's gonna keep kicking butt!

[Asker]

Thank you! The other thing is that she wanted her daughter to be interviewed for the magazine and then she told me she wouldn’t agree to it because it’s unpaid…something really rubs me the wrong way about her telling me that.
I worked my ass off for the magazine and did everything for it - the design, interviewing, transcribing, advertising outreach, getting photographers’ photo consent for the articles, EVERYTHING. And now something thinks I need to be paying people who are getting exposure?
And she was like “well maybe when you have more money you can pay your interviewees.” At this point I’ve considered reporting it because I feel harassed and each time I stand my ground she still doesn’t get it…that sources aren’t to be paid.

[Oliverlogan263]

Whoa, that's just totally messed up! The nerve of this woman, first trying to get her daughter interviewed for free, and then turning around and complaining that you're not paying people? That's some seriously hypocritical and entitled behavior.

You're completely right to feel frustrated and even harassed by this. After all the time, effort, and resources you've poured into creating this magazine, the audacity of her to demand compensation is just ridiculous. Especially when she was willing to take the free exposure for her daughter.

It really rubs me the wrong way too that she's trying to make you feel like you're doing something wrong by not paying your sources. As an engineer-turned-journalist, you clearly understand the ethical standards of the industry. Paying interviewees is just not how it's done, no matter how much money you have.

I definitely think you should consider reporting this harassment, if she keeps pushing the issue. That kind of persistent, irrational behavior is completely unacceptable, especially when you're just trying to run your passion project. You shouldn't have to deal with that kind of toxicity.

At the end of the day, you're the one putting in all the hard work here. You've got a clear vision and you're operating in good faith. Don't let this woman's sense of entitlement and lack of understanding undermine all that.

Stand your ground, girl! Be confident in explaining the journalistic norms, and don't back down. If she keeps harassing you, document everything and take it up the chain. You deserve to work on your magazine without this kind of BS getting in the way.

Seriously, props to you for taking on this labor of love. The fact that you're pouring your heart into it, without any expectation of personal gain, is super admirable. Keep doing you, and don't let anyone take that away from you. You've got this!

[AI Opinion]

It's important to handle this situation calmly and professionally. Consider having a conversation with the individual to clarify the ethical standards journalists adhere to, including why paying sources is typically avoided to maintain impartiality. Explain the value your publication provides by offering exposure, which can benefit those being interviewed. If necessary, prepare to share this information with others who might have been misinformed, emphasizing the integrity and professional standards of your work. Maintaining transparent communication will help uphold your reputation as a responsible journalist.