When I was in journalism school I heard an instructor once tell a group of students how to deceive the subject of an interview. If the person says something he really shouldn't have said or something he surely wouldn't want to see in print, don't write it down immediately, the instructor said. Because he'll see what you're doing and tell you "By the ay, that's off the record." It's far better, the instructor advised, just to wait a minute before lifting your pen.

That always struck me as spectacularly bad advice. For one it would make me feel cheap. For two, I'm not sure people are so stupid they can't figure out what you're doing. And three, it just doesn't seem ethical. You're a reporter. Presumably a good guy. Get out there and lead with your chin. If you take a few hits, that's part of the game. Don't try to trick people or hide behind you notebook's skirts. If he tells you it's off the record, you just tell him he's "got to be dreaming."