This may sound like an unusual question, but are there any
"professional interviewers" available (I don't know if that is what
you call them), where if you pay them a fee and give them the
questions, they will go and conduct the interview with the expert for
you? The reason why I ask is because I am looking for experts in a
specialized topic (martial arts for health/exercise - I posted another
question for this earlier) to get an interview, but, being that
conducting interviews is not my "strength", and I am usually busy with
other things, I was wondering if "such people" exist, and if so, do
these interviewers usually have some background in the topic I want
them to do the interview, or do I have to go over with them details
about the topic and "train" them? Also, how much do these people
charge? Is it expensive?

---

Request for Question Clarification by politicalguru-ga on 07 Jul 2004 00:52 PDT

What kind of interview are we talking about? For scientific research?
For market research? A journalistic interview?

---

Clarification of Question by dho1115-ga on 07 Jul 2004 01:45 PDT

Sorry to mention this. This will be an interview for either a report
or a newsletter I plan to write soon. I also plan to have a website up
and I may put the interview in audio format on the website for
visitors to download. I hope this helps.

---

Clarification of Question by dho1115-ga on 07 Jul 2004 09:41 PDT

Thank-you so much for the prompt response. I am located in Chicago, IL
(United States of course). I hope this helps.

dho1115-ga:

Given your clarification, your most likely source of "professional
interviewers" would be your local journalism school. You would be able
to provide a journalism student with your required questions, and they
would be able to conduct the interview for you either as part of a
course requirement (if you are lucky) or for a small fee (to help them
build up their CV). If you can give us some idea what part of the
world you are located in, a Researcher may be able to direct you to
the journalism schools in your area for you to inquire with.

Regards,

aht-ga
Google Answers Researcher

I know a free-lance TV producer/interviewer who also happens to
practice martial arts and has for many years.  I don't know where you
are -- he's based in NY.  I could refer him to you, if there's a way
that's allowed here.  What people charge really depends on how much
time it takes, how much research is involved -- you'd have to discuss
with him.  With all the hungry, talented out-of-work
writers/journalists out there, you shouldn't have to "train" anybody
and should be able to find a professional.  You could also post a
query about fees on one of the discussion forums on MEDIA BISTRO, the
popular journalist/writer's website:  http://www.mediabistro.com
At the top of the page, click on Forums and "Bulletin Boards."

So sorry for the belated reply -- I only saw your comment above just now.
I'd be happy to mention your search to my friend the martial arts guy
& producer.  How can he contact you?  Google says we aren't allowed to
post personal info here. . . well, unless you want it seen by the
world, I guess.  So, I'm not sure how to proceed.

Dear dho1115-ga

If you are interested in one of the best martial arts writers
in the industry, you may want to speak to Emil Farkas, the author
of several books, incluiding The Martial Arts Encyclopedia.
http://www.martialinfo.com/contacts/more_info.asp?contact_id=14093

You can see one of his interviews here, with Kenji Tomiki:
http://www.shorin-ryukarate.com/Aikido.html

I was surprised to find an e-mail address for him at the bottom of the article
since I never knew him to use a computer. But, it HAS been a while
since I saw him.  Google does not like us to post e-mail addresses,
but you'll find his at the bottom of the article.

You can reach him at his dojo:

Beverly Hills Karate Academy
http://www.switchboard.com/bin/cgirlookup.dll?SR=&MEM=1&LNK=32%3A36&at=310&e=275&n=2661&type=BOTH

He already knows most of the major people in the industry. 

Good luck on your project

Best wishes,

TaxMama-ga