Interview Etiquette: Balancing Transparency and Confidentiality

When approached for an interview or featured in a magazine, the amount and nature of information shared can be a delicate balance between transparency and personal confidentiality. Each individual must weigh the benefits and risks to determine what to share and what to keep private.

Personal Confidentiality and Professional Boundaries

For me, it's crucial to adhere to a strict line between my professional identity and personal life. I would only agree to an interview or feature on topics that align with my professional work, such as the latest book. There's no need to reveal or delve into personal information that could potentially harm my reputation. From the age of 26, much of my personal history is public knowledge, but prior to that, I prefer to keep it under wraps.

Transparency and Professional Impact

Transparency is important, but not at the cost of personal privacy. I do believe in making a lot of information available to the public. However, family members, such as my mother, might not share the same enthusiasm. She doesn't want to be famous or have her life pried into. Therefore, it's essential to respect their wishes.

In terms of the interview, I recommend focusing on the positive impact of my work, rather than personal tragedies or successes. My contributions to knowledge, particularly in areas like perpetual motion machines, are far more significant. A focus on these accomplishments can provide a more balanced and accurate representation of my work.

It would be a pity to spend too much time on my childhood or my criminal record, or even my time as a mental patient. Instead, highlight my bold, rational, and ambitious contributions to every known field. It's important to remember that my productivity started between 2013 and 2017, and while it may be too early for a full biography, it's certainly not too early for preliminary research and forming opinions.

Respecting Online Presence

These days, it's expected that the interviewee will have done their homework and researched the subject. While I appreciate the thoroughness, I've been careful to ensure that my online presence reflects positively, especially regarding my friends and family. I prefer to maintain a more personal dialogue offline, except for playful interactions on social media.

During an interview, I would expect to share information that highlights my professional work and contributions to society. This includes my successes, innovations, and any relevant biographical details that can paint a clear picture of my professional journey.