The last Data Delver I have on tap is Andy Boyle. If you're in the online journalism sphere on Twitter, you know this name, or at least, @andymboyle. But let's say you don't. If I introduce him as a reporter, that's not the full picture. A developer? That's not it either. Web-savvy journo? Still, nope Read More...
Programming note: This Data Delver series was a lot more regular before I actually became a "Data Delver." This is one of two interviews that's been sitting in my draft pile. I spoke to Cheryl Phillips back in March 2010, and the below interview should be interpreted in that context. Sorry for the delay, Cheryl, but better late than never (I hope Read More...
In journalism, we talk a lot about the concept of the "one-man band." The idea often refers to multi-platform journalism -- it means being able to deliver a story in print, video, audio or online format. You must be able to do it all, and do it all well. But in the CAR world, plenty of data teams remain a one-man band operation, but in a different sense Read More...
Using programming to enhance and improve journalism is often thought of as a new phenomenon -- the rise of the pro-jo, or programmer-journalist. But as anyone in the CAR community can tell you, using computers for reporting is far from a new idea. One of the pioneers of the movement, decades ago, was Phil Meyer Read More...
It's all very simple for me to sit in front of my computer and proclaim myself a data journalist, or a programmer-journalist for that matter. I've spent a lot of time discovering my love for creating data-driven applications. But for many CAR reporters, the role of Web developer has chosen them as the field has developed Read More...
CAR brings added benefit to stories throughout the paper, and it's essential in urban areas that have many facets to be explored through data. But before you can bring the CAR to a city like Phoenix, you've got to be confident in your abilities. That's why Matt Wynn, now Senior Data Reporter at the Arizona Republic, said he's still thankful for the opportunities he had working with data in Springfield, Mo Read More...
The nature of CAR is shifting each day, as data analyzers and Web developers alike prepare to converge on Phoenix later this week. But for those who've been in this for the long haul, the essence of the field remains what it always has been. That's the message ProPublica's Director of Computer-Assisted Reporting, Jennifer LaFleur, imparted to me during our interview Read More...
Using data as part of a package that drives user interest needs a strong team, and cross-collaboration between reporters, editors and web developers. At the Los Angeles Times, two key people who work to bring it all together are Web dev duo Ben Welsh and Ken Schwencke. It's their job to enhance and enrich the various reporting and projects done by reporters and make sure it's interesting and accessible to you on the Web Read More...
My next Data Delver: By day, he's an investigative reporter. By night, he's Superman! (Okay, he actually builds database applications with co-conspirator Matt Waite. But that's almost the same, right?) The CAR world, as I see it, has two different paths you can go down: continue to use data for reporting stories, or apply those skills to web development and presenting data Read More...
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