Profnets of the Week

by jill ~ September 16, 2008

It’s time again to take a look at some of the strange/interesting queries from Profnet, a service that sends us journalist queries and calls for sources dozens of times throughout the day. Enjoy!

Slow news day?
HOME: Snow Shovel Enthusiasts — Woman’s World
I’m writing an article on the best snow shovels, as we’re looking ahead to winter issues in more ways than one. I need to interview snow shovelers who love their tools and each expert to fill one of five categories: best lightweight, best ergonomic to banish back pain, something indestructible, a super-speedy snow remover, and one to remove massive amounts of white stuff — perhaps something like the lauded “wovel.” Contact: XXXX, xxxxxx@bauerpublishing.com

This seems like a horrible idea:
FINANCE: Paying for College with Credit Cards — Freelancer
For a personal finance Web site, I’m writing a story about how some students and their parents pay college tuition and/or expenses with credit cards when loans don’t come through or they have a last-minute cash crunch. I’d love to speak with a financial aid officer, a certified college planner or other expert who can explain: a) why families resort to plastic; b) whether it’s a good idea; c) what they can do about the big bills now; and d) how they can avoid the problem next semester. I’d also be interested in speaking with parents or students who have charged tuition/college expenses themselves. Contact: XXXX, xx@xxxxx.com

Umm… are there really people out there that this does not apply to?
GENERAL: Are you a snooper? — Major National News Site
Have you ever succumbed to curiosity and opened someone’s medicine cabinet at a party (or any other time)? Snooped through drawers? Listened to their phone messages or read their email? Answered their cell phone? Who were you snooping on (friend, lover, relative) and why did you do it? What were the consequences, if any? How did it change your impression of/relationship with them? Please send a description of your story, with a phone number where I can reach you. As always, the more unusual/wacky the story, the better. No anonymous sources, please. Thanks so much! Name: xxx, Email: xxxxx@comcast.net