Although we have done plenty of structured and semi-structured interviews, we thrive on, and almost always prefer and recommend open-ended interviews. When we go into the field without a set-in-stone regimen, we allow our generous participants to say what they want. This method grabs at more urgent truths—both the tip of the tongue stuff, and the deep stuff that comes out after they realize we are really interested in their take on things. The freedom to let people tell their stories in their own words is what makes our jobs so much fun.
