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:

• Media and rights groups win right to intervene in Vice-RCMP fight [Globe and Mail]
• Black Press launches a new Vancouver Island wide daily newspaper [J-Source]
• Edmonton media outlet Taproot is working on an innovative model for paid reporting work [J-Source]
• Journalism internships should be paid fairly and offer personal mentoring [J-Source]
• Roster of international judges named to augment Magawards judging [Canadian Magazines]
• Algonquin students offered opportunities but no pay [J-Source]

From The U.S. and beyond:

• Freelance Isn't Free Becomes Law in NYC [National Writers Union]
• Freelance Isn't Free and the future of freelancing [Freelancers Union]
• Freelancers Rejoice: A historic NYC law helps freelancers demand payment [Bitch Media]
• Fostering a Grassroots Approach to International Reporting [Nieman Reports]
• An Evernote Guide for Writers: 5 Ways to Use it for All Your Projects [The Write Life]
• What Editors Really Want From Writers [Mediabistro]
• Program lifts aspiring writers from poverty, infuses media with fresh voices [CJR]
• How to Become a Better Writer: 4 Ways to Deal With Criticism [The Write Life]
• 5 Helpful Reporting Tips from The New Yorker Festival [The Freelancer]

Recently on Story Board:

• New York City Freelance Isn't Free Act passes: In a landmark victory, New York City Council has voted to protect freelancers against client nonpayment. The Freelance Isn’t Free bill was spearheaded by the Freelancers Union and passed today after a year-long campaign...
• Vancouver members: Enter to win a ticket the the Green Jobs BC Conference media workshop: Interested in learning how to report on the green economy? Enter to win one of four tickets to the media workshop at the upcoming Green Jobs BC conference...
• Top Five Benefits of Writing in a Coffee Bar: When it comes to the benefits of working in coffee shops, J.K. Rowling says “You don’t have to make your own coffee, and you don’t have to feel like you’re in solitary confinement.”

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.