‘Bit of fun’
What was in reporters’ pockets in 1920, according to Ernest Hemingway
This week the Toronto Star launched a micro-site dedicated to a reporter who wrote for them nearly a century ago. His name was Ernest Hemingway. Maybe you’ve heard of him? The Hemingway Papers includes contemporary reports about Hemingway’s time at the Star — including how it shaped his writing style and what he thought of [...]
Fun, retro-style video from CMG drives home reasons to join a union
For those not yet convinced, this video commissioned by the Canadian Media Guild/CWA Canada cheekily illustrates a few good reasons to join a union. Produced by MyFilm Productions, with music by Incompetech, the narrative centres on “Jenny,” who is excited to start her new job, only to discover that she was hired to replace a [...]
2011, in errors
Craig Silverman of Regret the Error, a blog that Poynter recently acquired, has published his annual roundup of notable media errors. It provides many reminders about the importance of careful reporting and editing, as well as laughs (with a dash of schadenfreude). Taking the prize for typo of the year is the “Osama/Obama” mixup, which [...]
Count coffee as a food group? Yep, you’re a journalist
Your Monday laugh comes courtesy of Chris Ortiz, creator/editor of Stuff Journalists Like. While judges in Oregon might disagree with his 20-item “Checklist for being a ‘real’ journalist,” we think it hits the nail on the head. Some of our favourite “signs”: Corrected a loved one’s grammar in a greeting card Forgotten what it’s like [...]
Do you whistle while you work?
One of the perks of working from home is having more control over your work environment. Sure, there may be other people sharing your space, and the next-door neighbour’s barking dog might be a bother from time to time, but for the most part, you are the master of your work space. Want to work [...]
In praise of praise
Working independently has its benefits, but consistently receiving encouragement and thanks is not one of them. Editors don’t always take—or have—the time to give positive feedback and, when dealing with freelancers, some employers think putting a cheque in the mail is praise enough. Some days, it isn’t. “Is there an app for that? No, but [...]
Writers and Editors Voice Support for Occupy Movement
OccupyWriters.com is providing a platform for authors and editors who want to lend their names, and their work, to the Occupy Movement. As of today, more than 900 names are listed on the site under the statement: “We, the undersigned writers and all who will join us, support Occupy Wall Street and the Occupy Movement [...]
The view from over here
Do journalists working in various media really perceive each other like the above image suggests? Of course, David Cohn, who made the chart, is having a bit of fun with the stereotypes about people who work in print versus broadcast versus online versus data journalism. But, joking aside, it seems worthwhile to ask how deeply [...]
F*ck you. Pay me. Mike Monteiro’s advice for getting paid as a freelancer
If you’ve ever had trouble collecting payment from a client, this video is for you. Mike Monteiro, co-founder of Mule Design Studio gives his provocative (and sometimes profane) tips for protecting yourself as an independent contractor.
WANTED: Freelance writer (or best offer)
Is this what the publishing world has come to that companies in search of freelance writers must resort to Craigslist?
