Any advice on how to get opinions?

[Scott129]

Hi guys,

First time poster so I apologise if this is in the wrong section.

I'm currently undertaking a project for my university course and I'm literally at my wit's end trying to gather opinions for my articles. The basic premise of my project is that it's a blog looking at music in football (so traditional club songs and the like). In addition, I do a little fan's section towards the end of the article. So, for example, if I'm looking at a song for Nottingham Forest, I'll try and get the opinions of a few Forest fans, just to judge the general consensus.

The only problem is that I'm really struggling to gather these opinions. I'm currently doing it through online forums, signing up and just creating a thread asking for opinions. However, this is proving ineffective as no-one wants to share their name or location with me (necessary for my course - ethics and all that). I understand this as well, I probably wouldn't share my information with a complete stranger either.

Besides travelling up to the city and asking people in person, can anyone advise or give me any tips on how to go about gathering, not only their opinions, but also their general details?

I know it's a big ask but I imagine there's a lot more experienced journalists out there than me that have handled this sort of thing before.

Thanks in advance,

Scott

[Ak139uk]

Hi

I can relate to going on forums and trying to push some discussion. It can be handy to get opinions from people on a subject topic that might give ideas for other lines of questioning but it's a rarity for someone to agree to speak on-record.

Might be an idea to try and contact clubs' supporters groups and see if they can help or the clubs directly. Probably have more success in the former than the latter.

If you're going to be vox-popping (I think that's what you're referring to when you say getting opinions from in the city), then just a recording equipment or note taking to what folks are saying and names, ages, location etc.

[Scott129]

Hi

I can relate to going on forums and trying to push some discussion. It can be handy to get opinions from people on a subject topic that might give ideas for other lines of questioning but it's a rarity for someone to agree to speak on-record.

Might be an idea to try and contact clubs' supporters groups and see if they can help or the clubs directly. Probably have more success in the former than the latter.

If you're going to be vox-popping (I think that's what you're referring to when you say getting opinions from in the city), then just a recording equipment or note taking to what folks are saying and names, ages, location etc.

Hi mate, thanks for replying.

I don't even need a vox-pop to be honest, I just need a written quote. The "going up to the city" comment was more to illustrate that I don't have any contacts who are fans of that specific club. And besides going on to a forum, speaking to them and getting a quote in person seems like the only other alternative.

[Ak139uk]

If there's a specific club, for example Nottingham Forest, then you could pop into the town and am sure there'd be fans there who might provide a quote for you. Just avoid the ones who are drunk!

But besides that, clubs' fan groups might be an option. I'm sure they would help and provide an opinion.