You are correct -- Woodward spoke at the OU Gaylord School of Journalism and he told the students to never write a story when you are part of a story. He said you can work with the author but you are to never become the story you write.
My daughter was impressed with his candiness and his telling the journalism students that ethics count the most. He talked about his access at the White House for the book he wrote and how he appreciated everyone he came in contact with there.
Does anyone believe they can tell anyone the unvarnished truth?