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Project Checklist

Michael J. Berens - The Seattle Times | @MJBerens1 | mberens@seattletimes.com

Here’s my 10-point checklist for enterprise projects – stories that I choose to do. There are some stories that are so important or timely that a checklist is irrelevant or misguided. But for discretionary projects – ideas that begin from scratch – I find this checklist a failsafe compass:

Is it new?

* Can I bring a new twist to a familiar topic? * Can I expose the truth of a popular belief?

Is there potential for change or reform?

* Is there a problem that needs corrected? * Is there a reasonable or commonsense solution?

Can the issue be quantified?

* Can I specifically track the core issue with documents or data? * Can I make specific findings?

Will readers care?

* Is the story relevant to readers – can I make them care? * What are the thematic nut graphs?

Are there on-the-record victims to bring the story to life?

* Can I give voice to the story? * Can I obtain visuals to go with the words?

Why this story, why now?

* Is this a topic that fits my region? * Are we the worst or perceived as the best?

Is the minimum story good enough?

If everything falls apart, what do I have?

Is there a unique source of new information? * Do I have a whistleblower or new source with unreported information?

* Do I have a cache of unique records or data, or a way to craft a new twist?

Can I describe the story in six words or less? * Example: Healthcare practitioners sexually prey on patients

* Example: Profiteers exploit and abuse the aged

Do I care? * Is this a topic that I believe is important? Follow your gut.