FAQ's

Welcome to the online home of Uplink, the bimonthly computer-assisted reporting newsletter published by Investigative Reporters and Editors and the National Institute for Computer-Assisted Reporting. NICAR a joint project of IRE and the Missouri School of Journalism.

Launched in 1991 as a print newsletter, Uplink was redesigned as an electronic newsletter (in PDF format) in January 2007. The new format provided features, such as interactivity, color graphics and instant delivery, that perfectly complimented Uplink content devoted to the use of technology in news reporting, The change prompted IRE and NICAR to take the next step and publish Uplink on NICAR’s Web site to facilitate even more timely updates and content.

Uplink features stories explaining how journalists successfully used data analysis for investigative projects, breaking news, and everyday beat coverage. It’s a forum for discussing the latest ways to map data for news stories or how to deliver innovative data packages online. Other important topics include changes in government data-access policies, and the recent transition of government agencies to providing data online, rather than in print format.

The columns in Uplink provide valuable pointers for database analysis, software and technology tips, plus success stories written by journalists new to CAR. The issues also include stories by Database Library staff about its data and resources, plus information on upcoming IRE conferences and other training opportunities.

Subscription price is $40 for IRE members, $60 for nonmembers. Institutional subscriptions are $70. Back issues of Uplink may be purchased for $10 each. An additional $10 user fee is charged to nonmembers. Check with the Resource Center at 573-882-3364 or rescntr@nicar.org for availability.

• Search past issues in the IRE Resource Center (IRE members only)

FAQ's for Uplink subscribers

Q. How often will the online version of Uplink be updated?

A. Uplink will update its feature stories on a rolling basis. New blog posts will be added weekly. The best way to keep up with new content is to subscribe to an RSS feed, available on the Uplink site.

Q. How do I access the site?

Full text of stories and archives are available to subscribers only.

During our relaunch preview period, Oct. 1-15, no login is necessary to view the site.

After Oct. 15, the content will be available to subscribers only. Access will require a valid username and password.

IRE members who have a current Uplink subscription will receive an e-mail with instructions for logging on to the new site. If you do not receive an e-mail by Oct. 15, please contact us.

Non-member individual and institutional subscribers
If you have an existing subscription, use your old Uplink login and password (assigned by IRE) for the new site. You will be prompted to update your username and password.
If you need help updating your access for the new site, please contact IRE.

New subscribers (IRE members and nonmembers)

New users must create a login and password to purchase a subscription online. (IRE members can use an existing password valid at http://data.nicar.org, if they already have one.) Subscriptions purchased online are effective as soon as the transaction is complete.

If you are subscribing by sending an order form or calling the IRE's office, IRE staff will contact you with instructions for setting up your Uplink access after your order has been processed.

Q. Can I get a PDF copy of Uplink?

A. IRE does not plan to continue creating a PDF version of Uplink. The issues that were produced as PDF’s are available for subscribers to download in the Uplink archive.

Q. Can I get a paper copy of Uplink?

A. The March-April 2007 issue will be the final edition to be printed and mailed to subscribers.

Q. Will the subscription price change?

A. The subscription price will remain the same. We also plan to add additional features, such as online updates and timely resources in between the bimonthly Spotlight story updates. (Note for new or renewing international subscribers: The electronic format eliminates the need for an international delivery surcharge. International readers now pay the standard subscription rates.)

Q. Can I renew or purchase an Uplink subscription on this site?

A. Absolutely. Subscriptions can be purchased here. You do not have to be an IRE member to subscribe to Uplink (although IRE members do get a discount).