You have probably encountered the problem of the PDF; the data and information are there, but locked in the PDF leaving you unable to filter, sort and work with the data in other ways. This file format can frustrate the savviest of journalists, but there are services available to help. IRE has partnered with Cometdocs.com, an online file conversion and storage tool to better help journalists with PDF files.

A big "Thank You" to all who participated in another successful membership drive!

The results of the drawing are:

• 1st Place – Kate Perry, The Florida Times-Union
  3 Hotel nights and registration for the 2013 IRE Conference in San Antonio
•  2nd Place - Abby Rapoport, KNXV-Phoenix
  Two years of free IRE Membership 
•  3rd Place – Lori Jane Gliha, Prospect Magazine
  $50 toward books at the IRE Bookstore

Lawyers have continuing legal education. Doctors have continuing medical education. What do journalists have? IRE!

While the underlying ethic of investigative journalism does not change, technology and the media are changing faster than ever. So stick with us. We will help each other.

IRE is holding a membership drive throughout April, and everyone who either signs up or renews is eligible for prizes, including free hotel and registration for either the IRE or CAR conference.

We are asking you to take these simple steps:

1.  Renew your membership (regardless of when it expires). Maybe consider re-upping for three years. It ...

We are now accepting applications for candidates for the IRE Board of Directors. Below you'll find an article written for the current IRE Journal by Board member Sarah Cohen explaining more about what it means to serve on IRE's Board, and details on how to file. If you have questions, you can contact me at mark@ire.org. If you're interested in running, make sure you get your name to John by May 3 to make sure you're on the first absentee ballots.  Submit your declaration of candidacy to IRE membership coordinator John Green at jgreen ...

Monday April 30, is the deadline to join IRE or renew your membership and you'll be entered in a drawing for one of three prizes:

* Three hotel nights and free registration for the IRE Conference in Boston, June 14-17

* Two additional years of IRE membership at no cost

* $50 in merchandise from IRE's store (can be used online or at the conference)

You'll get access to our library of more than 3,000 tipsheets, 25,000 investigative stories, the IRE Journal and new online features we'll be unveiling in the coming months that will provide more ...