With that in mind, the sponsors opted to produce a series of feature stories about the impact of the economy on the lives of ordinary people. This will avoid unrealistic expectations about money and ensure that those who do participate are there to learn. After the first installment runs, the papers can schedule subsequent stories either daily or weekly, as publication permits. In searching for a project coordinator, the sponsoring organizations should seek an individual who is both a good journalist and a good people manager. The coordinator should be able to motivate reporters, instill pride and team spirit, and impart knowledge in a collegial, non-threatening fashion.
Flexibility is also important, as plans often change once a project gets under way.
The most successful coordinators give reporters enough freedom to do their jobs but can also step in and make executive decisions should a conflict arise or the project veer off track. Equally important is finding a coordinator with a good bedside man-ner. For example, coordinators should keep in mind that standard American journalistic tactics simply often don't apply in the absence of freedom of information laws or sunshine clauses requiring that gov-ernmental bodies meet in open session. It is also crucial that the coordinator be a person who will respect the re-porters' abilities and the constraints under which they operate. Journalists may face obstacles in their work that Western reporters cannot imagine.