ABSTRACT
Since journalism is sometimes called history in a hurry, it’s easy for reporters to think that they don’t have time to stop and read, especially with all the information that comes streaming across their desks and computer screens. They may think they will move faster if they pick up the phone or go out and ask their questions in person. But if they want to get the most out of an interview, or want to scoop the competition, they will learn to turn to documents first. Veteran journalists know well that whatever time is invested in reading a document is likely to bring a big payoff later in the reporting process. In this chapter you will learn how to obtain documents and how to mine them for information—and why so many prize-winning journalists attribute their success to having what they refer to as a “documents state of mind.”
