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Computer-assisted reporting enables journalists to produce detailed, fact-rich stories but also increases the speed at which errors can be made; this issue explores common CAR mistakes and strategies for data integrity checks.

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Uplink update

To err is human; to forgive, divine; and to print a correction, humiliating.

While computer-assisted reporting allows us to write industrial-strength stories loaded with facts and details, it also lets us make eye-popping errors at light speed.

In this issue of Uplink, reporters share their own CAR mistakes in hopes of preventing the rest of us from repeating their errors. Plus, NICAR's Brant Houston and the AP's Drew Sullivan share tips on performing integrity checks that may head off data catastrophes.

Also in this issue, Penny Loeb describes how U.S. News and World Report used train data to examine railroad safety problems around the country, NICAR's Andy Lehren reveals how reporters exploited FAA data after the ValuJet DC-9 crash, and David Milliron of Gannett News Service shares some handy Web sites.