How to pick a good CAR project
Okay. You need to find a CAR story for the assignment and
you just can't think of anything you want to commit to in a big way. Here
are some steps you should take.
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Relax. Take a deep breath. Exhale. It's not going
to be that bad.
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Envision success. Think of yourself in May saying "hey,
that wasn't so bad. I learned quite a bit."
Now. Think about your interests. This is a fishing expedition.
You don't need to end up with a great story. You just need to
go through the process as if you had a great story. It's better to
go through the process with a story you're jazzed about. Look at a
number of resources. Think about it. Write down your best ideas.
Contact me and bounce them off me. Iterate until we both agree
you're on to something. DON'T think big. Let's do something
manageable. You don't need the Pulitzer quite yet.
Here are some resources.
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CAR Book you got in class. Read it. Don't think as big as they
did.
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New York City Data Directory. I now have 4 copies. You can pick
one up and borrow it.
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The Federal Database Finder (available at the AP. Call for an appointment).
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NICAR
Website. Has a list of data including record layouts....most of
which we can get easily.
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Local newspapers. Find a hot issue and think about what databases might
be available.
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Fedworld. A perusal
of the online world of government agencies might spark an idea.
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Ask around. Maybe someone else has a good idea. What the hell.
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The Drew call. It usually works like: "Drew....do you got a minute......I
need help."
Have a few ideas for next class meeting.
Drew