Off the Wire: News for the Canadian media freelancer April 30-May 6

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 Canada:

• Distrust in media is on the decline, journalists tell survey [J-Source]
• BIPOC Writers Connect: Mentorship, Networking, Training [TWUC]
• Announcing the 2019 NMA nominees [Magazine Awards]
• Good News, Bad News: A snapshot of conditions at small-market newspapers in Canada [National NewsMedia Council]
• Shutting down social media does not reduce violence, but rather fuels it [J-Source]

From The U.S. and beyond:

• New to freelancing? Here's how to stick to a budget [Freelancers Union]
• Down and Out in the Gig Economy [New Republic]
• The Gig Economy is Global Now. Here’s How to Navigate It. [The Freelancer]
• Why are journalism contests so expensive to enter? [Nieman Reports]
• The 7 Essential Elements of Your Freelance Website [Bloglovin]
• Money + Misdirection: the shadow of "charge what you're worth" pricing culture [Medium]
• Journalists as characters: Using first person narration to drive stories [Open Notebook]
• How to convince a potential client to sign off on your proposal [Freelancers Union]

Recently on Story Board:

• Webinar -- Declutter Your Data: Breakfast Lesson webinar if you’re on the west coast!) called Declutter Your Digital Data on Wednesday, May 22nd at 12 noon ET (9am PT) and author Angela Crocker will teach you how to declutter your digital life...

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.