So far: Nine states, 4,224 miles, 23 sessions, 378 people (see schedule)

Minneapolis, Minn. — You don’t have to be The New York Times to do incredible database journalism. Just check out the St. Cloud Times, a 27,000-circulation daily in Minnesota.

Dave Aiekens

I was wowed by the paper’s journalists who focus on computer-assisted reporting and watchdog investigations. Not to mention Dave Aeikens, SPJ’s president last year, who is an FOI guru and dogged reporter. They are gathering data and providing it for people on their Web site. You’ll find building permits, restaurant inspections, pool inspections, and much more. Check it out.

Tip No. 16: Appoint someone in your newsroom to be the “watchdog reporter” or “database cheerleader.” I think it’s even better to appoint an assistant city editor position for that duty because the person would have a little clout over the reporters. Then have that person work with each reporter in producing a stellar document-or-data-based project each year. If you have 12 reporters then that would be one great Sunday project each month. Shoot for two per reporter per year the following year (two a month published). Sometimes we need a cheerleader in the newsroom to keep people fired up, because the daily grind can wipe people out!

Minneapolis SPJ pro chapter President Scott Theisen talks with the group.

After chatting with folks in St. Cloud, I drove to Minneapolis for a session with the SPJ pro chapter. Thanks to Scott Theisen, chapter president, for organizing the session, along with Sarah Bauer, president-elect. We had a great discussion. I appreciate some of the folks encouraging me to focus on examples of document-based stories anyone can do in their neighborhoods – not just an investigative team from a metro. That is so true. Great stories come in all shapes and sizes.

Wednesday: I get up early and drive to Lansing, Mich., for a session with the Mid-Michigan Pro Chapter.

So far: Nine states, 4,131 miles, 21 sessions, 343 people (see schedule)

Marshall, Minn. — It’s my hope this access tour ignites a thousand points of lights. So far 343 down, and 657 to go.

A picture of the sky today in Minnesota. Gray and dumping rain all day. Let there be light!

It’s dark out there – secrecy shrouds and obfuscates government operations. Just like the clouds and heavy rains that kept the Minneosta skies gray today. We need more light in this country.

So I’m hoping I’ll have a chance to talk to more than 1,000 people during this trip. So far, a third of the way there, it looks like we’re on track to accomplish that. Then, I hope those 1,000 people tell others and spread a little sunshine around.

I had a chance to talk with news reporters from the Sioux Falls (S.D.) Argus Leader and the Marshall (Minn.) Independent. Education reporter Jodelle Greiner from the Independent brought up a great tip for dealing with school officials:

Tip No. 15: Explain to officials that they are better off being up front about problems and handing over records rather than fighting to keep them secret to hide embarrassing facts. The cover-up is always worse than the crime. Also, when officials hide records reporters work harder to get them, and editors perceive the story more important (Page One play, here we come). So if you can explain that to officials, and remind them that it’s better to “get in front of a story” and provide information quickly and openly, then the pain will be over faster.

Here’s an e-mail I got today from a Spokane, Wash., journalist:

Just wanted to drop you a line to tell you thanks for the great FOI training session last week. I’ve heard very positive remarks from many of those who attended, so it’s safe to say you were a hit. I’m glad you’re doing this road trip — it’s exactly what newsrooms like ours need, and what SPJ should be devoting its time and money to.

Thanks for the comment! I’m starting to think this is one way to reach a lot of people with a high-impact training experience. In addition to online training and conferences, this might be a great way to spread knowledge. But still 30 days to go. Check back with me in June!

Tuesday: I’ll talk with the St. Cloud newspaper staff then travel to Minneapolis for a session with the SPJ pro chapter.