I was a broadcast journalist for more than 15 years and quickly became an expert on every story by - this is so simple - by getting on the telephone and calling the experts and asking questions in advance of the story being done.

First, go to Radio Shack and invest in a telephone taping device.

Call your local Construction Union Hall and ask to speak with the Business Agent or President. Tell them you are writing about construction careers for your website and they won't stop talking, believe me.

Ask the person you are about to interview if they mind if you tape the conversation. Almost everyone says - "Yes".

This works for any and all topics. You can become a niche expert in a matter of minutes because the person you interview will not give you a lot of useless information. They will give you the best and the worst points to write about.

Hope this helps.
Jim