A matter of opinion

“Remember, this is just my opinion — other travel writers may think differently.”

I try to say that, or something approximate, every time I give a training course at a PR agency, and sometimes see looks of disappointment afterwards. There’s a wish, I think, to just get THE answer, rather than one person’s preference, when it comes to questions like “do journalists like group press trips?” “Is it better to attach the press release or paste it?”  “Should I chase up an idea?”

But THE answer doesn’t exist, because we are all frustratingly different, including us travel journalists.

That extends to this column. Sometimes, my thoughts can surprise or even offend, but they are only ever my opinion, and reflective of my preferences. My word is hardly gospel (I wish!) – that’s always vital to remember. But, what I will say is that in considering my views, I constantly speak to fellow travel journalists and try to establish if a) I’m being a diva or b) quite a few others feel similarly. Even in that instance, though, it’s not necessarily a majority view.

I also always try to be constructive. In this case, the constructive advice might be to think, first of all, if there’s a journalist you really want to befriend above all the rest. If so, then it’s well worth trying to establish their preferences and foibles, because they matter most. Otherwise, you might simply consider some of the things I suggest weekly, trying them on for size, and ignore others. Your judgement is worth just as much as mine.

Please always feel free to write and tell me if you think I’ve got it wrong, or overlooked a crucial point. I’ll really, really appreciate it, even when being disagreed with. You can even send a reproof if it’s merited. For me, just like you, this is a learning process.