High Noon: Off The Record

Patiently, Mom sighed. “Like this, one, two, three … .” Several hours of skating later, as we walked to the car, I complained that I still didn’t know much about the sport. Ever forthright, she agreed. “Actually, now, you probably know even less.” She paused and watched me scribble in my notebook. “Don’t you dare quote me!” she said. I may not have learned much about skating Monday, but Mom discovered you must say “Off the record” before you talk to a reporter, if you don’t want to see your words in print. I’d say it was an educational afternoon for both of us/ Cindy Hval , Washington Voices, Passport to Gold. More here .

Question: Have you ever used the term “off the record” when speaking to a media reporter? Did you ever get burned by a reporter who used “off the record” material? What does “off the record” mean to you?