This article discusses the difficulty and complexity of investigative reporting. There is no shortage of material in this day and age for long-term projects and investigative pieces. The key is arriving at a manageable thesis and establishing a reasonable human crux around which to work the story or series. And then there are the sources, of course. Depending on the type of project one is pursuing, sources may be ready and willing to cooperate, or they may choose to not give the time of day. That is where networking, social skills and graces and all the other things they never teach at journalism school come into play. Perhaps most importantly, reporters must establish trust with their sources. Perhaps one key to establishing trust is saying the following: This story will help the respective town, city, county, state or country in which it is being written. In most cases, for most professional reporters, assembling sources is the least of their worries--if the stories or project are really worth pursuing. The real work comes in arranging information in a coherent manner. How a reporter assemble weeks, months, or even years of research in a way that does not intimidate or overwhelm the reader depends on the quality design team and editorial cooperation. No one can do it alone--that is the first rule of research reporting. A writer needs his sources, his photos, his graphics, his background. But in the end, there is no better feeling than finishing an investigation, writing it up and watching it run with the knowledge that you knocked it out of the park.