Anyone know this person??

I received a phone call yesterday evening from a man identifying himself as Justin Martin, saying he writes for Fortune Small Business and is going to do a story on Paul Frame. He said he had gotten my phone number from someone on F/C who had directed him to me because of my past affiliation with both FoDallas and FoHouston. He says that he was previously a staff writer for Fortune magazine and did a biography of Alan Greenspan for Fortune.

I questioned this gentleman about the content and purpose of the article. I have a strong sense of loyalty for past clients and respect their confidentiality. He says the article will be objective but is not aimed at damaging his character. I question this line of questioning remembering the financial trouble Mr. Frame came into a couple of years back. I am hesitant to speak anymore with Mr. Martin. However, if he only wanted to discuss Mr. Frames love of Ferrari and how respected he was in the Ferrari world, I might share just a little but being careful not to say the wrong things.

Can you be any help here????

Do any of you have any idea who this person is and if he is really a writer for Fortune Small Business? I am very curious as to who gave him my home phone number and suggested he speak with me.........

 

You answered your own question.

 

I just did a Google search for Justin Martin / Fortune Magazine / Alan Greenspan. Apparently he is for real as he wrote the book "The Man About Money" on the life of Greenspan. It is reviewed online and the reviewer says that he exposed the human side of Greenspan but kind of came up short overall. I guess he is for real. Maybe I will question him further to attempt to get him to disclose more about his intentions in writing about Paul Frame....

 

If he does work for Fortune, call the front desk and ask to speak to him.

 

I am planning on doing that on Monday. Thanks for the suggestion.. I wanted to do it today but scheduling got in the way and it is not a major priortity to me right now.

 

I suggest you handle all questions and responses in writing. Oral interviews can quickly deteriorate into accusation sessions and you might say something you will regret later. Naturally, that will be the quote that makes it into the article. Insisting on writing will give you time to think through your answers and make sure that nothing that could reflect negatively on you makes it into the article.

If any of the questions are too inflamatory, you can just tell him you want to respect Mr. Frame's privacy on that issue and suggest he ask Mr. Frame directly.

 

"No comment" is always your best bet. ESPECIALLY in hindsight! You'll be glad you did.

 

Not worth it.

I seriously doubt all he wants to speak about is Frame's love of ferraris, as you said he's already made mention of his finances.

If i were i your position i'd not say another word to him.

 

Some guy posted on the Paul Frame thread about wanting to do an article. I didn't check it again but I'm assuming it's the same guy. Most likely the article will focus on the guy's demise somewhat(why else would anyone read it?) so not unless you had it out for Frame, I don't see any value in contributing. You could ask the guy to e-mail questions and then you could respond back the same way if you felt the need.

 

Trusting anyone in the media is a "ginormous" mistake.