We've now seen a number of people request to speak off the record, so what we're reading is clearly not what will be submitted. Is it what Howard hopes to publish somewhere, or is he writing for the drawer?

@Carycomic: I'll be amused if Stargate is referenced, or if Wessex Daniel Jackson is mentioned (look him up).

Damn, someone's getting bold. I bet a sharper reprimand is coming down the pipe. Would he have gotten more information by taking an approach with more praise, or by pressing her? And I can't wait to get the details of what goes on at home.

It's been a few weeks, so did he ever follow up on Shelby's tips?

At this point, I'm instinctively assuming that a kind, reasonable interview subject is hiding something. However, Claire being Claire, and the introduction being what it is, this is an instance where it really will be as good as it sounds.

I think it's possible that there will be a few more nice people, but I expect some really nasty people by the end, and the author of Julia can write about a real piece of work.

@Ackbar: Stop being so mean to poor Jacksmith. Think of his feelings.

You're doing well with the style so far. This could get very interesting. You're going to have lots of opportunities to explore the moral and social issues of this technology.

It's following the pattern I thought it would: it starts relatively innocent but slowly gets darker. Here I saw a stronger indication that the giantess is hiding something, with Shelby blurting out something she wasn't supposed to say. It's also good that you left open the possibility of Shelby calling Howard later.

I like the way this was handled. There were situations where we could have seen the stern "say nice things" looks in previous chapters, but instead we have two people who seem to have a great relationship. Even then, the end of the chapter made it more interesting by hinting that, even though they get along well, there's still something going on.

What's his sampling method? Are the subjects chosen completely at random, or are they specifically chosen based on some criteria?

only to uncover darker revelations about the business he’ll soon wish had stayed buried.

@Carycomic: I'm thnking the exact same thing. We may find out that the higher-ups know exactly what's going on, and think it's just peachy.

@Xkcd: I was thinking something similar at first, but the issue is increasingly acknowledged as the story goes on.

As for this chapter, she comes across at first as a believer in tough love, but within reason. At the end, though, it becomes clear that we're in for something pretty dark (especially with the cowering bit), and I bet that when he does get his one on one interview, Lillian is going to look pretty nasty.

Also, what effect has this had on Ruby's personality and behaviour toward shrunken people? It seems like she's been affected like Lillian.

This is an excellent example of a gentle giantess story. Sherri is very kind toward Jerry, and together they have a fun date.

The hints about Betty suggest that you're setting up for something...

I bet Betty is about to cause a turning point in Paul's character arc, before giving him back. Paul's arc has been about dealing with his dwindling power, and he's almost hit bottom. He will be transformed, or broken.