“We are about to publish this story about you. Please send us a likeness of yourself we can use to illustrate it.”

If it were about a public figure which was written about frequently, I would use his publicity glossies for illustrations.

I once hosted a panel discussion at a professional conference on a a very controversial topic in my industry, which I was very partisan on. I invited both my supporters and my opponents on the issue. I mailed each a copy of my opening remarks so they could prepare.

Except for the press conference format, where anything goes, I don’t believe in gotcha journalism.

A long time ago I scored a “Doorman’s Umbrella,” which is huge, heavy, and has twice as many ribs as a regular one.

I’ve used it since college, which was the first place I lived where men could proudly carry an umbrella without being considered a complete poofter.

If it makes the subject look good or bad, believe it: that was the intent.

It’s easier to do than creative editing of soundbites, and harder to prove.