Off The Wire: News for the Canadian media freelancer April 25-May 1

May 01, 2017 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:

Magazine Grands Prix winners announced [Canadian Magazines]
Canada Council pushes back opening of online application portal to June 5 [Canadian Magazines]
Canada slips out of Top 20 in press freedom index [J-Source]
Nominees announced for Digital Publishing Awards [Canadian Magazines]
What has changed for women working in Canadian journalism? [J-Source]

From The U.S. and beyond:

Why freelancing ain't free (Nor should it be) [Freelancers Union]
10 foolproof tips to make your freelance writing proposal shine [The Write Life]
New report from the Index on Censorship paints a bleak picture for U.S. press freedom [Poynter]
Do you tell your clients you're on vacation? [Freelancers Union]
How to save time and create a ton of content from one idea [Mediabistro]

Recently on Story Board:

Media Mixer: Freelancer or employee?: Lise Lareau moderated a panel discussion about the distinction between one’s rights as an independent contractor versus as an employee in Ontario at Watson’s pub in downtown Toronto on April 25...
Events for freelancers in Halifax May 3: Halifax freelancers, students and media workers, mark your calendars for a couple of great networking and professional development events planned for Wednesday, May 3...
Ticket giveaway for National Magazine Awards gala on May 26 in Toronto: The 2017 National Magazine Awards nominations were announced last week and, as always, freelancers figure prominently among the nominees. And two of them are members of CMG Freelance...
CMG Freelance compiling a freelance contracts tip sheet: Let’s work together to find out where the good, bad, and ugly contracts are. The Canadian Media Guild is embarking on a new mission to do just this...

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.

Media Mixer: Freelancer or Employee?

April 28, 2017 Editor Advice adviceemployment lawmedia mixer

by Shelley Pascual[caption id="attachment_13381" align="alignright" width="329"] Lise Lareau, Tassia Poynter and Denise O'Connell at the media mixer in Toronto. Photo by Shelley Pascual[/caption]“We need these media mixers to get to know one another, support one another and more importantly, push each other to advance our interests…

Ticket giveaway for National Magazine Awards gala May 26 in Toronto

April 26, 2017 Editor News eventnational magazine awards

The 2017 National Magazine Awards nominations were announced last week and, as always, freelancers figure prominently among the nominees. And two of them are members of CMG Freelance. Congratulations to Alison Motluk, whose piece "A Journey to the Medical Netherworld" is nominated in the Personal Journalism category. And congratulations to…

CMG Freelance compiling a freelance contract tips sheet

April 25, 2017 Editor News cmg freelancefreelance contracts

When it comes to contracts, if you’re not sure what they mean, ask for help. Ask your colleagues. Ask the CMG. Use the ‘Lancer email list or the Story Board Facebook group to ask around for someone who has signed (or read but not signed) a contract for the place you’re hoping to work for.Let’s work together to find out where the good, bad,…

Events for freelancers in Halifax May 3

April 25, 2017 Editor Event cmg freelancecwa associate memberseventmedia mixer

Halifax freelancers, students and media workers, mark your calendars for a couple of great networking and professional development events planned for Wednesday, May 3.First of all, you're invited to a free information session and lunch from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at Dalhousie University Club Great Hall (1 Alumni Crescent). Speakers at the event…

Off The Wire: News for the Canadian media freelancer April 19-24

April 24, 2017 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: Union, Postmedia, strike deal to mitigate job losses at Vancouver Sun and Province [J-Source] Postmedia, union reach deal saving 21 out of 54 jobs…

Urban Worker Skillshare April 29 in Toronto

April 21, 2017 Editor Event cmg freelanceeventskillshareurban worker projectworkshop

If you're in the Toronto area, come and join CMG Freelance and the Urban Worker Project for a day-long workshop and after party for freelance and contract workers.It's happening on Saturday, April 29th from 9:30 to 6 p.m. at Story Arts Centre, Centennial College (951 Carlaw Avenue). It's an opportunity for freelancers to get together, network…

Media Mixer in Toronto April 25th

April 19, 2017 Editor Event cmg freelancecwa associate memberseventmedia mixer

Toronto freelancers, students and media workers, come out for an evening of networking and information on April 25th from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. at Watson’s (388 Richmond St W). This is a free event hosted by CMG Freelance, CWA Canada Associate Members and the Fairness in Factual TV campaign to explore the subject “Freelancer or Employee? Myths,…

Off The Wire: News for the Canadian media freelancer April 11-18

April 18, 2017 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: What the sale of 27 newspapers to the Chronicle Herald will mean for Atlantic Canada [J-Source] It's past time to protect the 'precariat' [Toronto…

Freelance Skillshare and Community Building Opportunities

April 13, 2017 Editor Advice advicecmg freelanceeventsfreelance financesfreelance lifeskillshareurban worker project

by Amanda Maxwell[caption id="attachment_13322" align="alignright" width="292"] Urban Worker Project co-founder Andrew Cash speaks at the Vancouver Skillshare event. Photo by Don Genova[/caption]Considering the freelance route, jumping from the nine-to-five into the freedom of midnight keyboard sessions in your PJs? Terrified but excited, and not…