Where did you get this number?

A lot of us use various resources to get phone numbers (cell or home). I know I've traded numbers with writers across the country multiple times where one of us gives the other a number and someone usually says, "You didn't get this from me..."

A lot of times this leads to the question... "How did you get this number?"

I'm curious what people say... I have a pretty good one that I've used for a few years now...

 

The line that I know a lot of people are using is...

"A friend at ESPN gave it to me..."

 

"Um, I'm a reporter."

That always works for me.

 

Was working on something outside sports a few years ago. Guy didn't really want to be reached, was involved with something a lot of people wouldn't like. Says, "How did you get this number?" I say, "I checked the registration for your Web site and this number was on it." Pause. Long pause. Agrees to talk.

 

Usually I say, "I'm a reporter and I don't reveal my sources."
It comes off as a joke, but I'm also serious. I'm not going to burn someone who was kind enough to give me a phone number.

 

Men's room wall.

 

Men's roo ... dammit, John

"So, Mr. Subject, I was told you could provide a good time?"

 

Funnier than mine.

 

One I played the jedi mind trick with a guy...

"Someone who had it gave it to me..."

Shit actually worked...

 

Are we no longer telling people that we got their number when the AP sent them all out on the wire?

 

You still have that list, too? ;D

 

I think I have a copy somewhere.

We had it hanging on the wall in my college newsroom, though.