Good thread about talking to the media if you're a #SARSCoV2 #COVID19 scientist! I would like to add some of my own random thoughts - both to researchers AND to journalists... https://twitter.com/EpiEllie/status/1253447006380531712

First researchers:
1. Set your own limits. You don't have to say yes to everything. Pick what you really want to do & what you really know. Don't be bullied into commenting on something you don't feel comfortable with - or for an agency you aren't ok with.

2. Always ask if you can see the quotes (not everyone will, but plenty do) - but get them back quickly! This step can be late in the writing process so turn them around ASAP if you ask for them. Don't be afraid to correct anything that's wrong. They're you're words!

3. When scheduling an interview, just pick a time. It's faster! Don't say 'oh I'm free Tuesday morning or Wednesday afternoon' - just say 'I've pencilled you in for 10am Tuesday, let me know if that won't work!' It saves a lot of time - trust me!

4. If you don't keep a calendar, start keeping one! Respect reporters time by being ready! Put all your 'pencilled' appointments in straight away - you can always edit later if needed. I always put in name of person & agency so I can easily find in my email before the interview!

5. Pro-tip - add to the title of the calendar 'VIDEO' if it's video. This way you at least have 10 mins warning to ensure you're not in pajamas if you're about to be recorded

Now journalists:
1. Please always tell me these things: who you work for, what you want to talk about, what your deadline is *and what time zone you are in*
I cannot propose a time if I don't know when your daytime is!

2. I know some deadlines are super tight - but in general I'll be able to do more if you can give me 2-3 days notice. *Please* tell me this when you email - my email is constant triage right now but if I know the timeline I've a much better chance of getting back to you by then!

3. Urgency on your end cannot make me move faster on my end, unfortunately. I do my best, but work comes first - if I'm full I can't help. That's why 2-3 days is best - I can schedule! But particularly for interesting requests or if I have a minute, I will help if I can!

4. Please prepare as much as you can! It makes such a difference to our conversation. I really enjoy talking to journalists & I love when they ask me questions I've never answered! On the other hand it's much less fun when I feel like even you don't know what you want out of it!