Technology Review has posted the findings of their investigation into the work of contributor Michele Delio. Their initial report was published in April, but today they released appendices which document previously undisclosed details.
At the request of Technology Review, Inc., Susan Rasky agreed to oversee the fact checking of 10 articles by Michelle Delio that TR published online between December 16, 2004, and March 7, 2005. After conducting their own review, the editors at Technology Review had concerns regarding some of the sources and quotations in these articles.
Click here to see the report findings. What follows below is a point-by-point synopsis of eight stories — three which were fully verified and five that were not. There were two other stories that contained quantifiable errors. Click here to read Appendix B: The Future Shock and here to read Appendix C: The Invisible Fighter. Click here to read Appendix D: Delio's responses to the report.
Delio, in Appendices D, Question #5, admitted that she fabricated a quote.
5. For the Future Shock story, when did you interview Joe Korsmo? Mr.Korsmo says you didn't interview him for the article. He says he didn't speak with you until after your article was published when he contacted you. Do you want to comment?
I made a stupid mistake here. I roughed out a quote based on a sheaf of material I read on Joe's art project. It was basically a placeholder that I could write around. I called and emailed his gallery several times to get his contact info and never got a reply.
I evidently didn't take out the quote or during the edit process maybe I hit 'accept change' rather than 'reject change' in MS word. I was sure I'd pulled it.But the quote ran. I didn't even realize it was there until I received an email from Joe saying in part: "was this quote taken from me at the gallery? I wasn't aware you were doing a story. I don't really mind in this case, because I probably would've said the quote anyway." I explained and he replied "it's perfectly fine that I was quoted in there, I was just wondering if the quote came from anywhere in particular. I think it's a great article, by the way."
Link. Previously on BB: Wired News statement on contributor Michelle Delio
