Our first two interviews were planned for today. As we are still waiting for the order for the HHB to go through we're borrowing one from Martyn. Still not exactly confident of the equipment and recording levels - the Beyer is oddly low - but we do need to get to started.
I think Bambo has a much better feel for the two people, Heather and Derek, so it is also hard to know exactly how the aide will pan out. The model we've derived is essentially semi-structured with 3 sections that we'll ask everyone and 1 section that is specific. I suspect that it will have some redundant stuff as I suspect that some of the interviewees will answer based on their own agenda but as long as we have coverage then we can be flexible. The idea, as I've framed it, is for the following.
1) to elicit basic information and look for interesting narratives about how they became involved with TQ. This should generate follow up questions for later.
2) Similar to 1 except focused on TQ and trying to get an overview of TQ that we can compare/contrast.
3) Interrogate various key terms. I've been particularly struck by the conversations about interactivity I've encountered and Bambo likewise about the role of 'fun.'
4) Specific to the individual and their role.
5) A dream question and space to ask miscellaneous follow-ups.
After the interviews. Went better than I expected. The technique of the "technician" getting to ask questions at the end but not interrupt worked well and allows us both to participate without swamping the subject.
All in all I feel positive if somewhat drained. Interviewing is tiring at best of times but having to spend 75 minutes consciously making no back channel noise while still being conversationally active was very hard. Both Bambo and I felt the strain there. Trying to keep in mind that we want completely broadcastable interviews is going to be hard.
Bambo and I switched roles between interviews. Good for keeping us both involved and engaged but I am worried about trying to keep sound levels accurate. I think that if just one of us focused on that that it would be easier but even then I doubt that we can keep things perfect. Handling sound is one of those compromise areas. No way that we can make it broadcast standad but we do need to keep it as consistent as possible.