Numbers are confusing for the average reader. They want a simple and easily understandable version of the numbers presented in the story.
Above is a graphic from the Chicago Tribune. The title of the graphic reads "$9.8 billion of bond money spend since 2000." However, when you add up the individual parts of the bond money, they total to $9.9 billion.
Numbers that don't add to what the reporter is reporting are troublesome for readers. Which number is trustworthy? Did the reporter do their job correctly? How much is our government actually spending?
Although a small error in addition, this miscalculation can leave readers second guessing the entire piece.
The full article for this story can be on the front page and Page 16 in the Nov. 3 issue of the Chicago Tribune.
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