_Question._ What is the object of an interviewer?
_Answer._ To show the merit of his work at the expense of the
interviewed.
_Q._ Is there any choice in selecting a subject?
_A._ Very little, all that is necessary is that the name at the head
of the article shall be fairly familiar to the general reader.
_Q._ Need the interviewer record the history of the interviewed?
_A._ No; unless matter grows short and the exploits of the hero are
required for padding.
_Q._ But have not those exploits made the hero famous?
_A._ Yes, and consequently they have become "old matter." To be
interesting, details, if frivolous, must be up to date.
_Q._ Which would be the better copy--an account of the subject's most
successful campaign, or a description of his wardrobe?
_A._ Undoubtedly the latter. The exploits will certainly have been
described a score of times, but a list of coats, hats and neckties
will probably have the charm of novelty.
_Q._ Then you would not value your subject's diary?
_A._ Not if it merely recorded his public life. In such a case it
would be distinctly less interesting than his butcher's book.
_Q._ Are the surroundings of a hero of moment?
_A._ Certainly, if they are little known. The back yard of the
greatest poet becomes a spot full of interest if it has hitherto
escaped description.
_Q._ Then a poet's staircase is more memorable than his stanzas?
_A._ Certainly; and the warrior's umbrella-stand than the record of his
battles--a philosopher's overcoat than the tale of his scientific
discoveries.
_Q._ If the interviewed has a dog or a cat, is it advisable to refer
to the fact?
_A._ Assuredly, and such a reference should run to the length of half
a dozen pages, and possibly a couple of illustrations.
_Q._ But surely the interviewed must sacrifice a fair amount of time
to the interviewer?
_A._ Quite so; but the obligation is mutual.
_Q._ And yet it is only the interviewer gets a reward?
_A._ In money. But then the interviewed has his advertisement.
_Q._ Is such an advertisement very valuable?
_A._ If the account is published at the commencement of the season it
may convert the subject into a Society lion.
_Q._ And what are the advantages enjoyed by such a creature?
_A._ Invitations to dinners, dances, and at homes, from
all-but-perfect strangers--for a while.
_Q._ And what follow?
_A._ Reaction and forgetfulness.
_Q._ It seems that to be interviewed is not permanently beneficial to
the subject?
_A._ Of course not; but that is a matter of small importance to the
interviewer.
_Q._ Then what advantage does the latter obtain at the cost of the
former?
_A._ That is a question that can best be answered by reference to the
ledgers of the publishers.
_Q._ Why should not the interviewed turn the tables upon their
visitors and become the interviewers?
_A._ Because an interviewer is seldom of sufficient importance to
undergo the operation.
_Q._ Is there any other reason?
_A._ Certainly; and a most important one. If the interviewer became
the interviewed, from the latter's point of view it wouldn't pay.
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