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:

• Alberta Government Invests in the Province’s Magazine Industry [Magazines Canada]
• What it's like to earn a living freelance writing in Canada [J-Source]
• Alberta announces $650,000 funding increase for province's magazines [Canadian Magazines]
• ATIPs from A to Z [J-Source]

From The U.S. and beyond:

• 4 key questions freelancers should ask about payment [Freelancers Union]
• How to increase your income when freelance rates plateau [The Freelancer]
• 6 Tips To Avoid Plagiarism In Freelance Writing [Freelance Writing Jobs]
• Eek! Don't be afraid of these 13 freelance writing challenges [The Write Life]

Recently on Story Board:

• Montreal media mixer October 15: Montreal-area media workers, freelancers and students are invited to a free social night and networking event on Monday October 15 from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. at the Sun Life Building...
• Class Action Lawsuit a Big Step Toward Fairness for Factual & Reality TV Workers: The Canadian Media Guild / CWA Canada is welcoming a $35-million class action lawsuit filed by law firm Cavalluzzo on behalf of hundreds of reality and factual TV workers who have worked at Cineflix Canada, which produces such TV shows as Property Brothers and Mayday...

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.