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

From around the web:

• National Observer Staff File To Unionize with CMG / CWA Canada [CWA Canada]
• Judge says mischief charge against journalist who covered Muskrat Falls protest can proceed [Globe and Mail]
• Improve your craft by teaching writing [The Writer Magazine]
• I Lost My Life to Airbnb [Narratively]
• Independent Writers Sue California to Protect Rights of Freelancers [ASJA]
• Say What? A Non-Scientific Comparison of Automated Transcription Services [Open Notebook]
• How To Network As a Journalist When You Really, Really Hate It [Journo Resources]
• Networking for introverts [The Writer Magazine]

Recently on Story Board:

• Taking time off when you're a freelancer: Rest is necessary to fuel creativity and avoid burnout. So how does a freelancer take breaks without losing money, clients or opportunities? Here are a few ideas...

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.