How are you getting through the journalism collapse?

Editor's Note: A few weeks ago I started an occasional series here telling the survival stories of freelancers in this journalism collapse. It is the best way to get through it, I believe, by doing it together. You can read about my experience below. If you would like to share your story please e-mail me as little as 200 words or as many as 800 at amybgreen@earthlink.net.

By Amy Green

I have decided to declare war on the recession.

Like most conflicts, this one is born of anger. An editor asked me last week whether I have any experience interviewing. Yes, I do, I said. I explained I have worked as a journalist for more than 10 years. I am a former employee of The Associated Press, the world's largest news organization. I've been on the cover of PEOPLE, the front of The New York Times' National section, and my work also has appeared in Newsweek and The Christian Science Monitor.

Great, the editor said. Then he offered me a horrible pay rate.

Today the written word is so devalued writers virtually are expected to do it for free. Editors feel no shame in this, which makes their behavior even more bizarre. Imagine visiting a doctor's office and saying to the doctor, "I cannot offer any payment for your service, but you'll be gaining valuable exposure and experience." And imagine saying this with a look so pleasant and calm it is clear you do it every day and feel as though it is entirely natural.

That's because for so many writers it is. The tragedy is so many writers go ahead and do the work for free, depressing prices for everyone.

I hear so much talk today about "branding" yourself through the Internet, on sites such as Twitter, Facebook and LinkedIn. And as any conscientious freelancer would I have assembled a nice little online presence for myself through all these sites. But after suffering through article after article about the right and wrong ways to Twitter I wonder, how real is any of this? Are we all only building fake storefronts for ourselves, only to give ourselves away for free once we lure a customer inside? How do we measure success today? Is a writer who blogs and appears on The Huffington Post considered as successful as one who quietly earns $40,000 a year?

For all these reasons I have decided to declare war on the recession.

"This is America," I told Wade after hanging up with the editor. "I created my freelance business. I have run it for seven years. Every shred of success I've had has been all because of me. It is my business, and I am not letting anyone take it away from me."

Wade said I sounded like a woman possessed, and perhaps I was. I sat down at my desk and began calling and e-mailing editors. I called and e-mailed every editor who has neglected to return a message during the past two months. When an assistant asked whether she could take a message I very politely said, "I am a journalist with experience for The New York Times, PEOPLE and Newsweek. Can I just talk to the editor?"

She put me through. I left a message. The next day I called again, and miraculously the editor picked up. He sounded busy and annoyed but promised to look at my clips. A few hours later he e-mailed to say my clips looked good and here is a contract.

"I told you so," I yelled at the computer screen. Since then I've landed two more assignments, I have an editor interested in a third, and a fourth editor e-mailed today to say she wants to work with me. All are for publications that pay reasonably.

I no longer am taking no for an answer. As long as I keep getting them, the war will continue.

Amy Green is chairwoman of SPJ's freelance committee. Her work has appeared in PEOPLE, Newsweek, The New York Times, The Christian Science Monitor and many others. She is based in Orlando, Fla. Visit her Web site at amybgreen.com.

Interesting site

Other sites aggregate news. Dscriber aggregates the people who make the news.

Bringing together writers, editors, photographers and filmmakers, dscriber.com provides a virtual newsroom for professionals who seek an online presence but lack the time and resources to create much more than a lonely blog. Pooling our brainpower allows us to build a site that's truly special - a valuable association to you as you build your personal brand (you) while extending your audience reach in this exciting era of digital journalism.

Too many other sites in this genre compartmentalize their writers, and thus their readerships, by adopting a "you're on your own" posture - here's your page, publish what you want, unedited. Dscriber sets itself apart in that is edited by qualified contributors and friends, generally journalists with expert eyes. Moreover, contributors have each other at their fingertips and can reach out to each other for advice and mentorship.

Overall, the site's posts are driven by our contributors' sensibilities, which, in turn, are informed by their particular areas of expertise. The end result is a daily site with a unique collection of compelling posts - similar to an online magazine. And embracing a long publishing tradition, we're planning to allocate space for fiction and artistic works.

Dscriber is a commercial venture, with an aggressive plan to seek advertising revenue. Whatever money is made will be shared fairly with the media professionals who contribute their work. We'll also use Twitter, Facebook and social bookmarking sites to get our word out regularly. We even have an e-newsletter.

How might you fit in? Are you a freelancer who needs a professional-quality online presence? Do you have film, photos, audio or original documents that you think would supplement ongoing newsworthy conversations? Do you have notes that you'd like to share, or a column? Are you a photographer or filmmaker who wants reach a larger audience? Dscriber puts the professional touch on your efforts, helping you maintain high standards at a time when editorial standards are flagging.

Join us. Too much of independent journalism is barely a peep in the vast online wilderness or, conversely, lost in the shuffle of corporate noise. Dscriber aims to be a cut above the thousands of individual, unedited efforts posted online each day. You need our help and we need yours.

Freelancing -- A Business? You Bet It Is!

Many thanks to Hazel Becker of the Society of Professional Journalists' group for freelancers in Washington, D.C., for sharing this blog post. What an excellent idea, for SPJ freelancers to gather together in our own communities. Amy Green, SPJ freelance committee chairwoman

A group of freelance journalists got together this week for lunch/coffee sponsored by the D.C. Professional chapter of the Society of Professional Journalists. This was the second meeting, and I was again pleased/surprised by the variety of people who attended. What didn’t surprise me was the obvious need for discussion of business issues facing freelancers.

One important topic for all of us was how we “set” our rates. It’s only an issue when a prospective client/employer asks us what we would charge – many of our assignments come with preset fees. Some of us work for publishers who are accustomed to paying by the word, and others said they generally get a set amount per assignment. It was apparent that there is no “standard” – other than that we all want to be paid a reasonable amount for the time and effort we put into our work.

Some in the group are new to freelancing, and they were interested in talking more about how to get work. I’m sure this topic will come up again – it is an increasing challenge, as the ranks of freelancers are swelling with out-of-work journalists. I believe there’s plenty of work to go around, as publishers who lay off reporters and editors still need works to publish and “first readers” for quality control.

We talked briefly about rights – who owns the works we produce. I’m sure this topic will come up again.

These are only a few of the topics we touched on in our free-wheeling discussion, and even the long-time freelancers were seeking advice and learning from the newbies in the group. Thanks to SPJ for filling this need.

Fantastic opportunities for freelancers

Two fantastic SPJ opportunities for freelancers!

Freelancers,

With the current state of the economy, now is the time to brush up on your skills, network and get your name out there. The Society of Professional Journalists offers two ways to do all of those things.

First, check out our Freelancer Directory.

The directory connects freelancers with employers seeking to hire. SPJ members may set up an account on the Freelancer Directory to have their names and specialties displayed online to employers.

Second, you can’t afford to skip the SPJ Convention & National Journalism Conference, taking place Aug. 27-30. Boost your career by signing up today! You can look forward to:

• Expanding your toolbox to include the best emerging technologies that will make you a coveted journalist for any newsroom. Find out which technologies are simply the “flavor of the month” and which possess true staying power.

• Getting back on track after losing your job.  If your company downsizes, don’t be left in the dust— find out how to handle the new job search, a possible change in careers and the stress of being laid off in this tough economic climate.

Look forward to all of this and much more! See other offerings here.

This year’s Convention, in SPJ’s home base of Indianapolis, is the perfect time for you to leap ahead of your competition and learn exclusive industry tips and tricks. So what are you waiting for? Sign up today! Take advantage and save by registering before Aug. 2. Get the special SPJ rate at the Westin Indianapolis Hotel by signing up before Aug. 5. And if you’re looking for a roommate, we’ll help you find one. Post an ad or leave a reply on our Convention roommate board.

For more information on Convention events and how to register, visit the SPJ 2009 Convention Web site.

Finally, don’t forget to check the 2009 SPJ Facebook group often for weekly updates! And don’t forget to follow the national SPJ office on Twitter: @ spj_tweets.

We hope to see you in Indy!

Blogging's role in today's media

Nonmembers can listen in for a fee. Amy Green, SPJ freelance committee chairwoman.

Can blogging enhance your career and livelihood?  Whether you already blog and want success strategies, or have not made the plunge yet and want to know more, our panelists will give you the scoop on:

• Care and feeding of a successful blog
• The journey from blog to book starts with a single post
• Zen and the art of self-promotion and platform building
  

Moderator: ASJA member Norman Schreiber, who covers media, music, travel and other good stuff in books, articles and -- yes -- blogs.

Panelists are:

• Literary Agent Kate McKean, a literary agent at the Howard Morhaim Literary Agency. Before starting her publishing career, Kate McKean earned her Master's degree in Fiction Writing from the University of Southern Mississippi. She represents fiction and non-fiction in diverse subject areas, from mystery writers like Deborah Grabien to blogs such as www.ICanHasCheezburger.com.
• Blogger Zach Brooks, a successful blogger who does Midtown Lunch.  His loyal readers follow his quest for lunch in the food wasteland of Midtown Manhattan.
• Digital PR strategist Mark Rose, Partner at Influence Consulting Group Inc., helps clients achieve best-of-class digital communications strategies and tactics.
  

Time: 5:30 to 8:00 PM (program starts at 6:00 PM)

Place: CUNY Graduate School of Journalism, Room 308, 219 West 40th Street, New York City

Cost: $25 for members and guests; $35 for non-members; $5 for students. Sandwiches, soft drinks, and desserts included in the price of admission. Sign up early -- space is limited.

Reservation required to attend the program. Members' signup:  
www.asja.org/members/calendar/calmem.php

Nonmembers can reserve at: www.asja.org/calendar/calendar.php.   

Viewing the live webcast is a free, members-only benefit: On the day of the program, check the members homepage for the link.

Nonmembers can buy a download of this or previous programs for $10 each at the ASJA Store: www.asja.org/store/store.php

We'll hope to see you at the program!

The Program Committee

How are you getting through the journalism collapse?

Editor's Note: What follows is the first installment of an occasional series telling the survival stories of freelancers in this journalism collapse. It is the best way to get through it, I believe, by doing it together. If you would like to share your story here please e-mail me as little as 200 words or as many as 800 at amybgreen@earthlink.net. Or perhaps you'd like to hire Megan to build a Web site for your freelance business. Amy Green, SPJ freelance committee chairwoman.

By Megan Taylor

I graduated one year ago, with the expectation that despite the scarcity of jobs in journalism, I would find something because of my wide Web skillset. That confidence lasted until the fall, when my internship at The Miami Herald ended, and I could not find another job in journalism.

I moved to New York city, thinking that the mass media market would provide. Two weeks after I moved, the country officially went into a recession. Oops.

I started freelancing in order to supplement the meager income I got from internships. Both of the internships I've had in New York ended early, including one which was supposed to lead to a full-time job. I started freelancing by building websites for people I met through my previous internships, and they have been very good about spreading the word and securing more work for me. I got in touch with one of the many community papers in my neighborhood, and have been doing some writing for them as well. But I'm not even making enough to pay my rent at this point.

I've tried a couple of new things to find more work: advertising on Craigslist and revamping my personal website, including better SEO and adding a services page. I plan to start using Twitter to try to find work as well: searching for keywords and contacting people who might need work done. I've even drafted an e-mail to send to companies and individuals (instead of cold-calling...cold-emailing?) advertising the kind of work I can do for them.

I've been able to do more than I think I would have if I didn't have all the web skills I learned in college. I can be a one-stop-shop, providing website, video and programming services as well as writing.

Hopefully, some of these new tactics will help me to survive the storm, and I'm interested in what other people are doing to find work, and giving those a try as well.

Contact Megan at www.megantaylor.org.

How are you getting through the journalism collapse?

How has the collapse affected you and your freelance business? What are you doing differently now?

Share your story here. E-mail me at amybgreen@earthlink.net as little as 200 words or as many as 800 telling the story of how you are surviving in today's journalism industry. We all are in this together. I think the best thing we can do is exchange ideas and information.

Amy Green
Freelance committee chairwoman

The brave new world of media and journalism

I'll be listening in. Nonmembers can view the Webcast for a fee. Amy Green, SPJ Freelance Committee Chairwoman.

Final Reminder: May 21 ASJA NYC program/live webcast:

The Brave New World of Media and Journalism

Dear ASJA Member,

Struggling for a foothold in today's shifting media landscape? ASJA's May 21 program/live webcast -- Brave New World of Media and Journalism - can help. Learn how to tap into the non-profit world, scope out future demand, and leverage social networks and niche writing to get to the cutting edge and stay there. Get the inside scoop on the Huffington Post's new freelance-friendly online investigative journalism venture!

Date: Thursday, May 21, 2009
Time: 5:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. (program/webcast begins 6:00 p.m.)
Place: CUNY Graduate School of Journalism, Room 308, 219 West 40th Street, New York City.
Admission: $25.00 for members and guests, $35.00 for nonmembers and $5 for students.
Sandwiches, soft drinks and desserts included in the price of admission.

Advance reservation and payment required to attend. Sign up now--space is limited! For more information on the program and to sign up online, go to:
http://www.asja.org/members/calendar

Non-members sign up online at:
http://www.asja.org/calendar

Webcast Available!
Viewing the webcast is a free, members-only benefit--no appointment or reservation needed!

On the day of the event, check the members-only calendar page for the webcast link. A recording will be available to members for download at no charge a few days later. Here's the link for webcast:

http://www.asja.org/members/calendar

Non-members can buy downloads of this and other ASJA programs for $10 each at the ASJA store:
http://www.asja.org/store/store.php

Hope to see you there!
The Program Committee

ASJA conference wrap-up

Last weekend I went to the American Society of Journalists and Authors annual conference in New York. The organization is especially for independent journalists and nonfiction authors, and I know at least two other SPJ freelancers were there, too. I wrote a little about the conference on my personal blog, and I wanted to share it with you. Hope it's helpful.

By Amy Green

My dad asked how the mood was.

"Is it real poopy?" he asked.

Instead, I found the mood at this year's American Society of Journalists and Authors conference in New York to be masochistically upbeat. The unavoidable recognition that it is getting harder to make a living as a writer was there. But the underlying message was positive: That while the challenges we face are difficult there is opportunity, because all the old rules no longer apply.

Today start-up bloggers are competing directly with major magazines for advertising dollars. The trick is to understand the new technology, to understand the ways in which our industry is changing and to think creatively and innovatively about how to incorporate these changes into a business that works. America's old journalistic framework of magazines and newspapers is collapsing, but rather than worry about what we can't control we need to arm ourselves with some personal entrepreneurship skills and embrace this time as one ripe for new ideas.

At least that's what I keep telling myself as I watch my workload dwindle.

As journalists we managed to find some dark humor in our plight. Keynote speaker Molly O'Neill joked about whether the conference after hours might become one about sadomasochism.

"I'll play the writer," she said, "and you play the publisher."

It is getting harder. No longer can we learn from the paths of our more experienced peers because their choices and opportunities no longer are relevant. They no longer exist. We really need to learn to cut our own paths and to do so bravely. From this perspective it is an ideal time to be a freelancer. Our entrepreneurship gives us a strength and drive that are our own, putting us ahead of those who are only beginning to learn how to sell themselves on an ongoing basis.

If you are a hold-out, as I was, it is time to embrace new technology. Twitter. Facebook. Try to understand the networking and marketing benefits of these. You can follow me on Twitter at http://twitter.com/amybgreen.

Try not to get discouraged. In our business we need to be such little fighters for ourselves. Remember no one else will do it for you. Keep pitching. Review old stories you've already written for new ideas and new ways to sell the story again. If a pub wants to place your story online ask the pub to take it down or pay you an additional fee.

I've been trying to get real quiet and listen to myself. What do I really want to do? What is the best way to move forward? These answers lie within each of us and no where else.

Amy Green is chairwoman of SPJ's freelance committee. Her work has appeared in PEOPLE, Newsweek, The New York Times, The Christian Science Monitor and many others. She is based in Orlando, Fla. Visit her Web site at amybgreen.com.

Suggestions?

Got this e-mail from Hortense Leon, a South Florida freelancer. Does anyone have any thoughts? Amy Green

I am interested in signing up at a job placement site, such as Elance or Freelance Success, and I was wondering what you know about these two. Have other writers found good leads through these two sites or would I do just as well on my own? Or, do you have any other suggestions?

New industry, new you

How are you reinventing your freelance business to keep up with the changing journalism industry?

I am brainstorming ways to reinvent mine, but I am having trouble doing it. I wrote a few words about it here on my personal blog.

Would anyone like to write a blog post or Quill column on the subject? Please let me know.

Amy Green
Freelance committee chairwoman

Helpful tool?

Hi guys, This just popped up in my e-mail. I haven't had a chance yet to check it out. Let me know if it looks good. Amy

When I was a freelance writer, I toiled many a late night over contracts, billing, and on other dreary albeit essential tasks.

Now there's a new free online service (http://www.fastdue.com) that handles all of this in a simple intuitive interface.  FastDue offers a great invoicing tool that automatically reminds clients when their bills are past due. It includes templates to create tons of legal forms, and ways to customize, negotiate and execute contracts online with legally binding electronic signatures. Everything is stored and tracked for instant access in users' free online accounts.

Online invoicing typically reduces time businesses spend on invoicing by over 50%, cuts collection cycles by 40%, and increases collections by approximately 10%. These savings are especially crucial to a freelancer's survival in this tough economy.

Unlike other Software as a Service (SaaS) suites, FastDue.com's services are free. We will add paid Premium features soon, but our core services will remain free, supported by ads. FastDue is angel funded.  Series A round, which included two other undisclosed projects, was $3 million.

I've enclosed a short fact sheet about FastDue. I hope you will visit us at http://www.fastdue.com and share information about us on your SPJ blog for freelancers. I would have killed for FastDue when I was on my own.

Committee report

Hi guys, here is our latest committee report, which I sent to SPJ headquarters yesterday. Hope everyone had a good weekend! Amy

SPJ Freelance Committee
March 29, 2009

Our committee has been most active in the following ways:

Resource

In these uncertain recessionary times, job security is as comforting and essential as health insurance. And in a changing media industry, gaining new journalistic skills and furthering your education are more important than learning the inverted pyramid and memorizing AP Style.

Whether you’re an editor, reporter, broadcaster, designer, photographer or full-time freelancer, every journalist will benefit from a visit to JournalismTraining.org. The site is full of professional development opportunities for everyone in the media industry. From one-day photo illustration sessions to full week-long workshops on better writing, the training you need and want is listed at this one-stop resource.

Created by the Council of National Journalism Organizations and maintained by the Society of Professional Journalists, the site is extremely easy to use. Search by location, topic or time of year for training that will help you advance your career and give you the tools you need to stay at the leading edge of technology.

But don’t just take our word. Check out some of these upcoming opportunities you’ll find on JournalismTraining.org:

Advocating Our Agenda, sponsored by National Association of Broadcasters

Power Networking, sponsored by National Press Club

Reality Check –“Where is Education Heading?”, sponsored by Education Writers Association

Retirement Issues in the 21st Century, sponsored by National Press Foundation

IRP Fellowships in International Journalism, sponsored by Pew International Journalists-in-Residence Fellowships.

Aside from great training opportunities, the site has listings of journalism blogs from organizations such as News University and Society for News Design for training tips and story ideas. Visit the Reading Room to find topics such as “Protecting Your Work” and “The Business of the News Business.” Or bring customized training to your newsroom provided by names you trust.

JournalismTraining.org is a collaboration among the Council of National Journalism Organizations, the Society of Professional Journalists, press and broadcast associations, and schools of journalism. It is funded by the John S. and James L. Knight Foundation.

For more information or to suggest a resource for JournalismTraining.org, write to training@spj.org or call SPJ today at (317) 927-8000.

Freelancing during a down economy

Hi guys, I wanted to let you know about this Web cast available through the American Society of Journalists and Authors. Sounds pretty good. Amy

Working harder to find work these days?  ASJA has the perfect program to help spark your creative drive and boost sales: The New Secrets of Freelance Success -- In a Down Economy.

Our stellar panel includes:

Moderator: Lisa Armstrong, an award-winning freelancer whose credits include The Washington Post, National Geographic, Parade, In Style, USA Weekend, Essence, Working Mother and Ms, teaches journalism at New York University.

Speakers:
Jimmie Briggs, a former Life magazine staffer, has written for Fortune, The New York Times Magazine, The Washington Post, Outside, and Essence. The author of "Innocents Lost: When Child Soldiers go to War," he's working on a book about violence against women in conflict areas, and has received several distinguished fellowships.

Tim Harper, writing coach at CUNY Graduate School of Journalism and editor of "The ASJA Guide to Freelance Writing," is the award-winning author of more than a dozen books. His magazine credits include Reader's Digest, Forbes, Atlantic Montly, Forbes and others.

Caitlin Kelly, winner of a Canadian National Magazine Award and former reporter for the New York Daily News, is the author of "Blown Away: American Women and Guns." She's written for The New York Times, Wall Street Journal, Washington Post, Glamour, More, New York and other publications.

When: March 19, 2009

Time: 5:30 to 8:00 PM (Program and webcast begin at 6:00 p.m.)

Place: CUNY Graduate School of Journalism, Room 308, 219 West 40th Street, New York City

Cost: $20 for members and the public; $5 for students. This special discounted price includes sandwiches, soft drinks, and desserts.
 
Advance reservation and payment required. Sign up early--space is limited.  Sign up online at:

www.asja.org/members/calendar

Viewing the webcast is a free, members-only benefit.  On the day of the webcast check the members-only calendar page for the webcast link. Nonmembers can buy downloads of this and other ASJA programs for $10 each at the ASJA store:

http://www.asja.org/store/store.php

Hope to see you there!