Journalism in the modern era. What is it? I've got some ideas, and a lot of questions, but I certainly don't know the answer. It necessitates more than a story, more than an article, more than a photo, more than a Web page. I'm pretty certain of one thing, though: It's got to do with data, and probably to do with data-driven applications Read More...
When we think of computer-assisted reporting, large-scale investigative projects are often what first come to mind. There's no question of the value and impact such endeavors can have on society. But CAR has many other purposes, too. One is bringing evidence to and localizing breaking news, and helping people find out more about their communities Read More...
Random time-saving Excel tip. Want to condense a long column to only display unique entries? Go to the Data menu, select Filter and Advanced Filter. Voila, a check box labeled "Unique records only". Don't know why I never noticed this before. Or, you know, you could use Group By in SQL. But no need to import databases just for filtering.
Picture it: You've been given a new story assignment, and you have to leave for the interview in five minutes. You've got to have enough background to ask the right questions, but there's no time to do research. Somehow pulling that all-nighter on an English term paper in college seems like a cakewalk Read More...
Computer-assisted reporting is important because of its potential for reporting and analysis. Visualization is important to present the information to readers. They both fall under the responsibilities of Ted Mellnik, database editor at the Charlotte Observer. His passion for data is as clear from a conversation with him as it is from his work Read More...
"Figure out what you want to do, and get really good at it." That's been the overarching advice I've heard in the past few weeks, as I seek to understand where I might fit in the "new media" world. It all sounds fine, although the more I meet interesting people who've been looking at data analysis and web presentation for a long time, the more it becomes apparent that getting "really good at it" is a lifelong endeavor Read More...
For the past week, we've been hearing a lot of media coverage focusing on issues both encouraging and discouraging, looking with excitement at the beginning of a new decade. But what captured my attention most recently was the release of unemployment figures from the end of 2009. If you look at the glass as half full, it's got to go up from here sometime soon, and if you look it as half empty, we're not starting in a strong economic place Read More...
We've been data crunching a substantial database this week. The fact that I'm not sick of looking at cells and formulas means something, either this type of work is really a good fit for me, or I'm insane. Maybe both? My anguished cries over my dislike for Access have been heard 'round the newsroom loud and clear for the past three days Read More...
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