Nino Ricci gives the Globe a thrashing

March 23, 2011 Editor Journalism freelance contractsfreelancer ratesgetting paidglobe and mailnewspaperstrouble spots

In an open letter to the Globe posted on his own site, author Nino Ricci feigns concern for the paper's financial situation while castigating them for failing to pay him for a travel story published six months ago.

Ricci, award-winning novelist and former president of PEN Canada, states in his letter that after the paper let him charge travel expenses to his own credit card and after his repeated appeals about payment, he has yet to receive even a satisfactory reply from the Globe.

The letter goes on to detail Ricci's financial pressures, outling the paycheque to paycheque, line-of-credit reality that so many freelancers face.

(If you're curious, this is the piece Ricci wrote last October. It appeared in the special relaunch issue of the Globe, which, as Ricci notes in his letter, everyone had hoped would improve the paper's outlook.)

German freelancers say “Ja” to minimum pay rates

March 08, 2011 Editor News collective actioneuropefreelance contractsfreelance unionsfreelancer ratesgetting paidsuccess stories

Freelance journalists may be the lone wolves of the media world, but many are starting to form packs, too. Look at Germany: freelancers there are biting back against “all rights” contracts and establishing fair pay models, after a pair of German journalists’ unions concluded an agreement with nine of the country's biggest newspaper…

Freelance class action cheques hit the mail - should we be celebrating?

March 07, 2011 Editor Journalism compensationdigital rightsgetting paidglobe and mailrobertson casethomson reuters

Freelance writers across Canada were raising their glasses to Heather Robertson over the weekend, after cheques started hitting the mail boxes of claimants in the former Globe and Mail freelancer's class action lawsuit against the Thomson Reuters Corporation and others.Robertson v. Thomson, the 2006 decision of the Supreme Court of Canada, found…

Union representing Globe staff files grievance

February 23, 2011 Editor News chatelaineglobe and mailsongtrouble spots

As reported previously, editors at the Globe and Mail asked staff—and freelancers, though it's not clear how many—not to write for Toronto Life and Chatelaine, claiming that they are competing publications (though we suspect it may have more to do with this).Now a rep from SONG, the union that represents Globe staff, has confirmed that as of…

New Globe and Mail policy affects freelancers

February 15, 2011 Editor Journalism canadian writers groupchatelainefreelance contractsglobe and mailmagazinessouthern ontario newsmedia guildtoronto lifetrouble spots

John Stackhouse, executive editor at the Globe and Mail, has reportedly told Globe staffers they can no longer freelance for Toronto Life and Chatelaine because the magazines are now considered “competitors.” What’s more, the same policy applies may soon apply to freelancers who contribute to the paper, most of whom don’t earn enough…

Another freelance class action suit settled

January 18, 2011 Editor News digitalgetting paidrobertson caserogers publishingtoronto star

A tentative settlement worth approximately $5.5 million was reached on behalf of freelancers with a group of publishers including the Toronto Star Newspapers and Rogers Publishing. The Ontario Superior Court of Justice will consider the tentative settlement in April.Many Canadian freelance writers have heard of Robertson v. Thomson, a 2006…

Unlocking the mysteries of the Robertson settlement payouts

December 02, 2010 Editor News magazinesrobertson casethe globe and mail

A number of magazine veterans have been scratching their heads about the reports circulating that former Globe and Mail freelancers are receiving the maximum allowable payout – $55,000 – from the Heather Robertson settlement with Thomson Reuters Canada, CTVglobemedia, and the Gale Group. The veterans are wondering how their many…

What do you do when you’re stiffed?

November 30, 2010 Editor News advicecanadian media guildfreelance contractsgetting paidnegotiations

A small group of freelancers recently had this experience. They were engaged by a Toronto-based publisher to provide material for some specialized periodicals. The terms of the contract were clear and unequivocal. The price and deadline were set. Payment was due 30 days after publication date.Wait a minute. After publication date, not after…

What do you say when they ask if you’ll work for free?

November 23, 2010 Editor Advice advicebroadcastingfreelancer ratesgetting paid

We’re hearing that a certain national TV broadcaster – not the CBC – has been inviting people onto national news programs in return for … no payment.Sometimes, it may make sense for you to appear on a program without getting paid for it. If you’ve written a book and you figure going on national television to flog your book is as good a…

Tips for negotiating a contract with an engager

November 22, 2010 Editor Advice advicegetting paidnegotiations

GET IT IN BLACK AND WHITE: Always sign a contract before you begin work. Document your negotiations and the promises of your editors. It will help ensure you get paid properly in case there are any disputes.SHOW ME THE MONEY! If you are an experienced freelancer, avoid working for the minimum rates wherever possible. Your fee should reflect your…