Here at NICAR and in the pages of Uplink, we tend to focus on computer-assisted reporting. It makes sense, given that the majority of journalists who are doing CAR are reporters. But reporting is only one part of the process, and the reporting side is no more important than the editing. So with this issue of Uplink we provide guidance for editing CAR stories and address some of the unique challenges these stories present.
Also, you'll find articles about how to start CAR in smaller newsrooms – something that's on the mind of many journalists in these days of fewer resources. Editors and news managers have specific needs for hands-on CAR training. That's why IRE and NICAR regularly offer a mini-Boot Camp for editors. Ten editors from newspaper, television and radio attended the last session. They learned how to make CAR successful in their newsrooms, negotiate for electronic records, and understand what their reporters are doing.
Next year's Editor Boot Camp is April 8-10 in Columbia, Mo. You'll find registration materials at www.ire.org/training/april05EditorCamp.html. If you're an editor or news manager who wants to understand more about CAR and allow it to blossom, this is essential training.