Data Delver: MaryJo Webster, Pioneer Press

February 20th, 2010

One of the virtues of continuing to be a graduate student while pursuing my CAR journey has been the freedom to look at problems academically.  One issue I’ve been wrestling with is where we need to use more data.  I’ve come to the conclusion that it needs to be used more often in reporting.  That can be simple additions of a sentence to some breaking news stories, or using at as the basis for a long-term investigation.  But does it only belong to a subset of beats? (I argue yes.)  Should it be used in every story?  (I argue no.)  Should it be considered for every story (I think I argue yes.)

My recent interview with MaryJo Webster, of the St. Paul Pioneer Press, was very clarifying as I’ve been struggling with this issue.  She’s used CAR for sports, politics and local news, and emphasized the importance of drive and perseverance. (more…)

Many Eyes: “Catalyzing the community around data”

February 18th, 2010

Before I get going, thanks to all of you who've been reading and/or sending me feedback!  And a hearty welcome to any new readers who've found their way over via Innovative Interactivity, #wjchat or any other method.  I'm so glad you're joining me on my data journalism quest (read: obsession!).  If you have any topics you'd like to see explored, or tips and advice, just let me know Read More...

Data Delver: Lisa Pickoff-White, California Watch

February 15th, 2010

While talking to data reporters from around the country, it’s become apparent to me that the best work is done when the staff is supportive.  Some newspapers are doing great work, and some are struggling.  Which led me to wonder how the investigative organizations are doing, new and encouraging experimentation to draw eyes and inform readers Read More...

Visualizing networking: When it doesn’t work

February 15th, 2010

So much in journalism and in life, we strive for perfection in our work. The best story idea, the best presentation.  We strive for perfection as individuals, we compete to be the best, get to the scene before someone else, write tighter, edit faster.  But sometimes, it’s just as important to recognize when something just didn’t work Read More...

Visual confections are more than mere presentation

February 15th, 2010

Data visualization.  It's one of those terms that can mean so many things.  I say I'm doing an independent study on data visualization this quarter.  That's true.  But a better description would be "data visualizations for journalism."  I've talked about this with people before, a lot of pieces are gorgeous, and they do convey information, but they don't tell a story that informs the viewer in a useful way Read More...

Data Delver: Mo Tamman, Wall Street Journal

February 13th, 2010

I think in the modern era, CAR merits consideration across all beats. Perhaps that's part of why I didn't discover it for so long, it never occurred to me to search for a specialty that looked at data, because I just assumed that was the way to do journalism. But if I were pressed to think of beats that are most naturally paired with CAR, I'd name politics first, and business second Read More...

Data Delver: David Donald, Center for Public Integrity

February 13th, 2010

What is it we love about computer-assisted reporting? Why is the NICAR-L list full of people eager and willing to diagnose problem queries and discuss the merits of mapping software? What draws people to it?  The first time I saw a Python script perform batch geocoding, as numbers spun out of a Terminal console quicker than I could read them, my eyes glazed over with wonder, and I think my mouth dropped open a little Read More...

Data Delver: William Hartnett, Palm Beach Post

February 12th, 2010

There's a fine line between loving your work, and falling into a deep obsession.  I don't pretend to understand the distinction, what some call an obsession, I call it loving learning and seeing a project through.  I think it's very easy to become sucked in to something, when it's something that matters Read More...

Data Delver: Gregory Korte, Cincinnati Enquirer

February 12th, 2010

I believe all beats would benefit from considering data in their reporting, but some beats demand data analysis on a regular basis.  The nature of CAR is changing -- many industry folk have told me that the term "CAR" now encompasses reporters, data analysts and web developers.  It's certainly a wide field Read More...

Exploring Drupal — open source tool of the day

February 12th, 2010

As part of an ongoing quest to learn as much about programming and technical tools as I strive to learn about the beats I cover, I jumped at the opportunity to attend a Drupal training this evening. I didn't know this before today, but there is a robust Drupal user group here in Chicago, appropriately named the Chicago Drupal Meet Up Group Read More...