It’s definitely a skill. I’ve caught myself saying something juicy that was off on a tangent or a bit misleading. Usually I’ll realize it and ask the reporter not to use it and they’ll honor that.

But, yes, even reporters that you know want to write a story that will be interesting to readers. As a source, feel free to provide educational background but be really careful about speculating about things if you don’t want that speculation in print.

An on the record conversation isn’t the same as an informal background chat with the same person over drinks. And I’m a bit careful even then.