It would be an exaggeration to say I was pistol-whipped into attending a Missouri Institute for Computer-Assisted Reporting seminar in January.
But not much. That may have been an advantage, however, in our efforts to start up a computer-assisted reporting program here at The Dallas Morning News. Although we have yet to produce a single story - or download a single database - I think our program is going to be successful. Here's why:
A visit here last year by Elliot Jaspin laid the groundwork. It created such enthusiasm throughout the reporting staff that databases and computers became a routine topic of discussion. There was no need to sell the program to the grunts. Elliot's enthusiasm caught the attention of several key editors. But, like other newspapers, the Dallas Morning News has always had trouble matching its computer capabilities with the needs of the staff. Management wanted an evaluation. I was the skeptic. And after a week at MICAR, my evaluation was simple: this stuff can work.
But there is more to it than that. I am convinced that computer-assisted reporting is not just a program, but rather a research and reporting technology that should be with us for a long time. And to that end, I have recommended a comprehensive infusion of computer-assisted reporting into the heart of the newsroom using a two-pronged approach based on a $15,000 budget.
The first is a centralized, research and maintenance function. Our newsroom library will be responsible for the logging and storage of the tapes, the maintenance of any large-scale databases and the research and development of new and useful computer-based tools. They were already doing that. This will be just one more (very powerful) tool. The library already had several computers: two large capacity 386s and a 486 on order. We have added a 1600/6250 tape drive, NineTrack Express and two copies of XDB. We are awaiting a 670 mb, 8mb RAM computer from a local "brewery."
The second, and the hardest, is the creative reporting function. The enthusiasm is there, but the development of database skills throughout the newsroom is likely to be slow. We have decided to teach XDB through the development of small-scale computer-assisted reporting projects chosen very selectively. Reporters learn by doing - and such projects will give them both incentive and results.
There have been problems. For instance, our newsrooms have been converting to MacIntosh based PCs. In light of what we have learned from MICAR, we have had to reevaluate that program. For many reasons, I favor an integration of Apple and IBM.
But solving those problems has made our program more inclusive, and probably stronger in the bargain. We have pulled expertise from virtually every department to make things right. And when things go wrong, as surely we can expect, I think we can now expect widespread assistance and support.
Starting, you know, can be such sweet sorrow. We'll keep you posted.