Let me give you some of the background. Once again, it's decision time. As a data person you could learn it. If a criterion you cannot meet keeps coming up in your interviews, you've got to learn it or shift your career sights to another target. The same question and note-taking procedure can be followed as long as your Contact has set aside enough time to provide the information you're looking for.
People tend to make their information more concise over the phone.
The conversation may be shorter and not as relaxed, but you'll probably learn a lot more. Most important, a phone conversation can take place during or after office hours. It isn't unusual for the Contact to ask to be called at home during the evening or over the weekend. If it's OK, I'll call you first thing on Thursday to set a time for our phone conversation. I appreciate it.