Should you review quotes with sources before you report a story? Some things to think about:

• Whether to read back portions or all of a story is a matter of journalistic technique and is best left to the judgment of the individual reporter.
• Reading back an entire story is not a common practice but it's neither discouraged nor frowned upon at the Mercury News. When writing about science, technology and other highly-technical subjects, it is almost always a good idea to read at least the technical parts back to an expert.
• Reading back quotes has to be handled carefully; while a worthwhile practice for fairness and accuracy, it can result in sources trying to improve quotes by doctoring them. If a quote is to be changed, it should be a fresh statement of the person's opinion, not a cosmetic altering to make a person look better. Nor should it be an opportunity for a scientist to insert jargon into a story or for a public official to suddenly go off the record.
• Statements made in public forums, speeches or public utterances by politicians or business leaders, etc., should not be read back or revised.
• The reporter should make it clear that ultimate control of the story remains with the reporter not with the source or subject of a story.
• Sources should be cautioned that the story may undergo further editing and changes.
• There are times when a person may be allowed to withdraw a comment. This applies, for example to naïve subjects who may realize, upon hearing their words, that they have said something that could get them fired, divorced, sued or whatever. We do not afford this opportunity, however, to sources or subjects who are experienced at dealing with the press.