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: 

• J-Source’s top 10 journalism stories of 2014 [J-Source]
• Glacier and Black Press newspaper deal reduces competition in Lower Mainland and Fraser Valley [Georgia Straight]
• Glacier, Black Press swap community newspapers [J-Source]
• Descant to cease publication after winter issue [Masthead]

 

From the U.S. and beyond:

• 8 ways to make the holidays less stressful [Freelancers Union]
• 4 Questions to Ask When Drafting Freelance Contracts [The Freelancer]
• Why You Need an Ultimate Archive of Your Work [The Freelancer]
• A new generation of correspondents hustles for work with the help of the web [Nieman Reports]
• How freelancers should create LinkedIn profiles [Forbes]
• Setting Your Own Corporate Milestone [Freelancers Union]
• Ask A Freelancer: What If an Editor Never Publishes My Article? [The Freelancer]
• 23 gifts for writers [The Write Life]
• A freelancers' gift guide [Freelancers Union]
• 5 Audio Tools That Will Help You Avoid Distractions While Working [The Freelancer]
• Predictions for Journalism in 2015 [Nieman Lab]
• How Unlocking Your Inner Teenager Can Help You Overcome Writer’s Block [The Freelancer]

 

Last week on Story Board:

• The holiday season, freelancer style: Whether you’ve got too much work to do during this busy month or not enough work coming in during the most expensive time of year, the holiday season can be a tough time for freelancers...

 

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.