Off The Wire: News for the Canadian media freelancer Dec 15-21

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:

• Toronto Star editor on why they decided to close comments [J-Source]
• PWAC chat recap: How to survive as a freelance writer [PWAC Toronto]
• Toronto Star closes commenting on thestar.com [Toronto Star]
• Why staff at Vice Canada are trying to unionize [J-Source]
• Why we are unionizing at Vice Canada [CMG]

From The U.S. and beyond:

• 8 Ways to Strengthen Your Freelance Writing Business Over the Holidays [The Write Life]
• 5 skills you need to ensure your survival in the future of work [Freelancers Union]
• 5 Strategies for Finding Any Editor’s Email [The Freelancer]
• 7 Backhanded Compliments Freelancers are Sick of Hearing [Bustle]
• Another chilling year of killings and attacks on journalists [The Guardian]

Last week on Story Board:

• CMG launches union drive at Vice Canada: Young media workers have no problem understanding the benefits of unionization, say the organizers behind Vice Canada’s union drive...
• The Born Freelancer says all I want for Christmas… is a USB microphone: The working freelancer needs a good, reliable microphone. For radio or podcasting that’s obvious. But even print freelancers should record all interviews in best quality possible...
• "Freelance Isn't Free" bill aims to improve working conditions for New York freelancers: A New York city councilman introduced a bill last week that would require employers to use written contracts with freelancers and pay their invoices within 30 days...

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.