Earlier this week I posted about my perceived lack of an open-data ethic in Texas government.

Then I read a “manifesto” by Chris Amico, a journalist and Web developer who distilled his thoughts on the issue this way: 

  • Where it’s hidden, make it available.
  • Where it’s available, make it usable.
  • Where it’s usable, make it meaningful.
  • Share.

I couldn’t say it any better. I encourage anyone in media or government to read his post.

It’s not too late to have a “Hackathon” here in Austin.

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Matt Stiles covered government and politics for the Tribune, with a focus on data journalism, from 2009 to 2011. He oversaw and developed the Tribune’s library of web applications and interactive graphics....