Off The Wire: News for the Canadian media freelancer Dec 24-30

December 30, 2013 Editor News newsoff the wire

Once a week, we gather stories about the media business, journalism, writing, publishing, and freelancing—with a Canadian focus—and share them in Off the Wire. Who needs a water cooler?

From Canada:

Press Gallery ethics: a reply to Preston Manning [Toronto Star]
12 tips for covering Rob Ford’s city hall [Globe and Mail] (via @LuigiBenetton)
Senate ethics -- what about Press Gallery ethics? [Globe and Mail] (via @sladurantaye)
J-Source hiring part-time business manager [J-Source]

From the U.S. and beyond:

The Pros and Cons of Online Interviews [The Freelance Strategist] (via @contently)
Call me an optimist, but the future of journalism isn't bleak [The Guardian] (via @mediagazer)
Nieman's most popular posts of 2013 [NiemanLab]
My Wishlist for Journalism in 2014 [The Guardian] (via @mediagazer)
The Year We Broke the Internet [Esquire] (via @CraigSilverman)
Digital journalism: Standout news stories of 2013 [Journalism.co.uk]
10 ways journalists can prepare for the new year [Journalism.co.uk]
Best Writing Music of 2013 [Mediabistro]

Spot a story you think we should include in next week's Off the Wire? Email the link to editor@thestoryboard.ca or tweet us at @storyboard_ca.

2013: The Year of the Angry Freelancer

December 19, 2013 Editor News 2013angry freelancertrouble spotsviral posts

by Rachel SandersBack in January I wrote a post called 2013: The Year of the Freelancer. The number of freelancers worldwide had grown hugely in 2012 and the freelance trend was showing no signs of stopping. Freelance work was making mainstream news, which seemed to indicate a big year ahead.Well it was a big year, all right. 2013 turned out to be…

The Born Freelancer’s 2013 Holiday Wish List

December 17, 2013 Editor Advice adviceborn freelancerfreelance contractsfreelance lifeliability insurance

This series of posts by the Born Freelancer shares personal experiences and thoughts on issues relevant to freelancers. Have something to add to the conversation? Your input is welcome in the comments. Of course we'd all like more work; better pay; understanding editors/producers; and enjoyably challenging assignments. It goes without…

Freelancers report delayed payments from Venture Publishing

December 13, 2013 Editor News alberta venturefreelance contractsgetting paidtrouble spotsventure publishing

** Update Dec 17/13: Chris Turner has reported that he received his overdue cheque from Venture Publishing this week. Some of the other freelancers that Story Board contacted are still waiting for payment. ** Venture Publishing has told at least one freelancer that it is behind in payments to its contributors, blaming poor summer ad sales…

The 5-Minute Freelancer Q&A #14 - Lyndsie Bourgon

December 11, 2013 Editor Advice 5-minute freelanceradvicefreelance lifefreelancer q&a

In this regular feature, Story Board asks Canadian writers to share a few details about their work habits and their strategies for navigating the ups and downs of freelance life. 1. What’s the most important thing you’ve done over the years for professional development?I took a feature writing course at Ryerson and that was really…

Off The Wire: News for the Canadian media freelancer Dec 3-9

December 09, 2013 Editor News newsoff the wire

Once a week, we gather stories about the media business, journalism, writing, publishing, and freelancing—with a Canadian focus—and share them in Off the Wire. Who needs a water cooler? From Canada: Ask a Mentor section to re-launch in January [J-Source] New CUP/CWA Canada partnership takes “harm reduction” approach to…

Freelance contracts: what to look for

December 06, 2013 Editor Advice advicecmgfreelance contractsgetting paid

There was a commotion on Twitter last week. A graphic designer named Juan Luis Garcia claimed he was asked to design some posters for Spike Lee’s new movie, Oldboy. After spending weeks on his designs, he says, the agency that hired him offered an “insultingly low rate” for the use of his posters. He was unable to negotiate a reasonable fee…

Chris Brookes on life as an independent radio producer

December 04, 2013 Editor Advice advicecbcchris brookesfreelance lifeinterviewradio

[caption id="attachment_7719" align="alignright" width="140"] Radio producer Chris Brookes[/caption]Chris Brookes’ radio documentaries have been broadcast all over the world. From the U.S. to Europe to Australia, the work of this Newfoundland-based producer has caught the ear of international audiences and won multiple awards.In September,…

Off The Wire: News for the Canadian media freelancer Nov 26-Dec 2

December 02, 2013 Editor News newoff the wire

Once a week, we gather stories about the media business, journalism, writing, publishing, and freelancing—with a Canadian focus—and share them in Off the Wire. Who needs a water cooler? From Canada: Why we should care when a community newspaper shuts down [J-Source] Diversity of media ownership literally non-existent in Canada [J-Source]…

Pay the Writers (and other ideas on the potential of the Internet)

November 28, 2013 Editor Advice compensationdigital writers conferenceemerging writers festival

by Andrea Hoff [caption id="attachment_7743" align="alignright" width="343"] MONA museum and the Digital Writers’ panel with Kelly-lee Hickey and Jennifer MillsDay One at the Emerging Writers’ Festival, Hobart Roadshow[/caption]The Internet is not only a place of connectivity, it is also a place that is constantly morphing and changing.…