Only say “over” or “under,” or “more than” or “nearly,” with round numbers. Otherwise you just sound silly.
Read moreNo, It's Not Harder To Get Into The NYC Marathon Than An Ivy League School
There are lots of correct ways to describe this data. The Journal didn’t choose any of them.
Read more600 Billion Trillion M&Ms, And The Power of Concrete Examples
The best way to explain an abstract number? Encourage your readers to imagine something concrete and familiar.
Read moreCausation Is Really Powerful — And Really Hard To Prove
You can’t just present two facts that sound logical together and call it causation.
Read moreNever trust an "up to"
When someone says “up to,” you can be pretty sure they’re the ones who are up to something.
Read moreDon't just describe your data; explain it
Yes, data stories must be correct and reliable. But they have to be meaningful as well.
Read moreCheck and double-check and triple-check your data
One day soon you’ll be glad you did.
Read moreShiny Bunk Nuggets
It’s amazing how much online “wisdom” is actually complete garbage.
Read moreThree Clues Someone’s Lying About Data
When people tell you they’re making up numbers, believe them. Here are three clear indicators.
Read moreHorseshoes, hand grenades, and Data Stories
Every day I encounter data stories that are both technically correct and wildly inaccurate.
Read moreWhy your exciting data headline is probably wrong (And how to fix it)
Make sure your data copy is faithful by verifying the sample and the statement.
Read moreThe Good Data Project featured by Fast Company
Fast Company has featured our piece ‘Stop using data you can’t source.’
Read moreAbsurd sources create absurd claims
If a data source just doesn’t look right, don’t repeat it.
Read moreFacts don't last forever
Lots of things used to be true. But even good data doesn’t last forever.
Read moreStop using data you can't source
If you can’t find a number’s source, you cannot use it. Otherwise you’ll end up looking like a goldfish.
Read moreMake sure your data actually supports your data story
We know it’s obvious, but: Only use data that relates to your topic, and only make statements the data can support.
Read moreThe Data Story Mandate
Everyone has told a data story at some point. But almost no one has been trained how. The Data Story Mandate can help.
Read moreThe Good Data Masterclass
Want lots of detail on best practices for creating, depicting, and explaining data? Look no further.
Read moreIntroducing the Good Data Project
I can’t think of anything more important than data. Good data tells stories that illuminate the world around us. Bad data confuses and obscures.
Unfortunately there’s a lot more bad data in the world than good.
Read more