A couple of weeks ago, my husband and I were standing in a hardware store trying to figure out which contraption works best for storing a garden hose.

Another customer, standing near us, overheard our discussion and weighed in. It was clear he’d done his research. We laughed as we explored the ins and outs of hose winding. In the end, we went with his choice.

Walking out of the store, I couldn’t help but think of the typical newsroom. Stay with me, please, as there is a connection: In both places – in the aisles of a hardware store and in just about any place where reporters gather – you’re likely to benefit from the gift of someone else’s expertise. All you have to do is raise a question, and the opinions fly.