Hi, my name is Laura and I'm a Freelance Journalist. I used to be a Freelance Journalist looking for a home- a fancy way of saying I'm looking for a job with some health benefits. It's taken me almost four years to get where I am right now. I freelance now for two websites, and a magazine. (Shameless Plug: Milton Villager, milton.net and DiscoverMilton.com)
And I love what I do- every second of it; and wouldn't trade the experience I've gotten, and t he friends I've made through my job for the world. But I'm struggling with the truth that media is becoming a freelancing business; I've seen that coming the longer I've worked/ looked for work. Especially when you take into account the trend of citizen journalists- why pay people when there are others who would do it for free?
There is value in what I do. There's value in knowing how to evaluate sources; knowing w hat questions to ask. But I'm finding it's being cheapened. My first example comes from Storyboard, is from a well-known publisher Trans Continental Media (TCM), a contract in which the publisher asks the writers to give up both all copyrights, and by-lines. Essentially TCM would be allowed to change the work without giving credit to the original writer. If there's one thing I've learned; you are nothing without a by-line. That line that says "By Daisy Smith," for example gives you some ownership over the work; it gives you that often hard-fought recognition.
The other example the one that probably breaks my heart more than the others. This one comes out of the twitter sphere courtesy of Susan Delacourt. She tweeted today about a blog entry by Nate Thayer called "A Day In The Life of a Freelance Journalist. It goes through an exchange of emails between him, and an editor... let's just say it's as if they spoke different languages. The editor expected something for nothing- the journalist wanted payment for a job well done.
The problem with example two is we're all guilty of the freebies. I think it's born of ambition; there will/has come a time when journalists will do or have done anything to get their name out there. Younger journalists are especially prone to this condition; you'll get out school, and be so desperate for work, and to make your name that they'll even work for free. And that's partially a symptom of the job market; it's tough field to a) get in, and b) stay in.
It's worth it to stick it out. Because eventually the times where you'll say "I love this job" will eventually outweigh the frustration. It's going to be okay; the industry will right itself, we just have to give it time.
Tuesday, March 5, 2013
Sunday, March 3, 2013
My Perfect Radio Station
I'm not an "app" person, although lately I've downloaded a couple of free ones just to try them out. The first was a Cineplex app to help me keep track of my Scene points, and give me previews, as well as movie news. I tried using that when I last went to the movies, but I forgot I needed wireless Internet access for it to work (duh). But it potentially could act as a "mobile scene" card- the theatre just scans the bar code from the app.
The second is a music/ radio one called: Slacker Radio. I started playing with this a few days ago, and managed to create my own radio station. The beauty of it, is it's programmed with music that I like, and features only 30 second commercials every few songs- none of this getting into a car, and listening to nothing but commercials until you get to your destination.
I've programmed it with some of the bands I like out today; The Killers, Maroon Five, Adele, Pink, Serena Ryder, Matchbox 20, Rob Thomas, Train, Mumford &Sons, the Lumineers, and Phillip Phillips. I mixed them with some older stuff: Elton John, Beatles, McCartney, Sting, and Queen and presto a radio station was born.. as an example- I started my morning with Bohemian Rhapsody, and Under Pressure.. how can you go wrong with Queen?
The app has also done a great job exposing me to new artists, or new songs from older artists- I heard F---k me Pumps from Amy Winehouse for the first time the other day. I've also never heard much of Duffy before I started listening to this nor the Sheepdogs. I've heard a few songs by The Script, The Muse, and The Wanted...
My perfect music station is indie-rock vibe with dashes of pop, hip-hop and some old classics. What would your perfect radio station be?
The second is a music/ radio one called: Slacker Radio. I started playing with this a few days ago, and managed to create my own radio station. The beauty of it, is it's programmed with music that I like, and features only 30 second commercials every few songs- none of this getting into a car, and listening to nothing but commercials until you get to your destination.
I've programmed it with some of the bands I like out today; The Killers, Maroon Five, Adele, Pink, Serena Ryder, Matchbox 20, Rob Thomas, Train, Mumford &Sons, the Lumineers, and Phillip Phillips. I mixed them with some older stuff: Elton John, Beatles, McCartney, Sting, and Queen and presto a radio station was born.. as an example- I started my morning with Bohemian Rhapsody, and Under Pressure.. how can you go wrong with Queen?
The app has also done a great job exposing me to new artists, or new songs from older artists- I heard F---k me Pumps from Amy Winehouse for the first time the other day. I've also never heard much of Duffy before I started listening to this nor the Sheepdogs. I've heard a few songs by The Script, The Muse, and The Wanted...
The late, great Amy Winehouse
My perfect music station is indie-rock vibe with dashes of pop, hip-hop and some old classics. What would your perfect radio station be?
Friday, March 1, 2013
A free suggestion... the next one will cost
I went to the dentist this week. Something I've tried my best to avoid because of the cost- generally as a self-employed person it comes out of pocket. And it ranks high on my list of things I don't want to spend time on.
I only went because I had a tooth bothering me, and had a feeling it might have to do with an old injury. I'd fallen off my bike when I was young and instead of breaking an arm/leg like most other kids do, I broke my two front teeth. One had a root canal at the time, and I was told that the other would eventually have to have a root canal too (the one that was bother me). Also a suggestion both teeth would need crowns. This was the worst-case scenario- one that sent me panicking asking myself: how am I going to pay for this?
The answer obviously is some kind of health/dental benefits. So going into my dentist appointment I did some research into the possibility. I compared one policy offered by C.A.A. (Canadian Automobile Association) at a premium of around $113/ month, and talked to a friend who's in the industry, and the bottom line was- when you take into account my income, and the benefits I would get out of it, it wouldn't be worth it. I could still potentially end up paying hundreds out of pocket. I'm very lucky; my parents are stepping in and footing the bill. If they didn't, I could probably go broke trying to afford the work.
My friend also admitted to me the fact it's a weakness of the system. There are no affordable premiums for self-employed people, or for what she called "groups of one." There have to be thousands of people in Ontario alone that are in a similar position. Self-employed, but not quite making enough money to afford those insurance premiums.
This brings me to my free suggestion for politicians out there. Self-employment is starting to be a way of life in Canada. It's time to look for ways to open up the private insurance system. Maybe give these insurance companies a tax break. Create an incentive; tell them if they sign on say 7-8 thousand people they get the break.
Insurance packages should be flexible enough to have just one benefit; you should be able to get just dental or medical. Maybe in the case of dental benefits the percentage of services covered becomes a loyalty perk. Stay with us for 3 years we'll cover 20% of restorative, and then increase it from there. You could limit it to people who are self-employed and who have made less than $10 thousand the previous three years. Maybe they have to show some kind of income statement.
We say we're broke, and we can't afford to spend much on health care. This is one way I think we could save money- maybe millions in the long term. It's a win-win-win situation. A win for the insurance companies; they save money and could possibly make some. A win for the self-employed they save money. And it's a win for the government because they're saving money on health.
Hope you liked it... the next suggestion will cost.
I only went because I had a tooth bothering me, and had a feeling it might have to do with an old injury. I'd fallen off my bike when I was young and instead of breaking an arm/leg like most other kids do, I broke my two front teeth. One had a root canal at the time, and I was told that the other would eventually have to have a root canal too (the one that was bother me). Also a suggestion both teeth would need crowns. This was the worst-case scenario- one that sent me panicking asking myself: how am I going to pay for this?
The answer obviously is some kind of health/dental benefits. So going into my dentist appointment I did some research into the possibility. I compared one policy offered by C.A.A. (Canadian Automobile Association) at a premium of around $113/ month, and talked to a friend who's in the industry, and the bottom line was- when you take into account my income, and the benefits I would get out of it, it wouldn't be worth it. I could still potentially end up paying hundreds out of pocket. I'm very lucky; my parents are stepping in and footing the bill. If they didn't, I could probably go broke trying to afford the work.
My friend also admitted to me the fact it's a weakness of the system. There are no affordable premiums for self-employed people, or for what she called "groups of one." There have to be thousands of people in Ontario alone that are in a similar position. Self-employed, but not quite making enough money to afford those insurance premiums.
This brings me to my free suggestion for politicians out there. Self-employment is starting to be a way of life in Canada. It's time to look for ways to open up the private insurance system. Maybe give these insurance companies a tax break. Create an incentive; tell them if they sign on say 7-8 thousand people they get the break.
Insurance packages should be flexible enough to have just one benefit; you should be able to get just dental or medical. Maybe in the case of dental benefits the percentage of services covered becomes a loyalty perk. Stay with us for 3 years we'll cover 20% of restorative, and then increase it from there. You could limit it to people who are self-employed and who have made less than $10 thousand the previous three years. Maybe they have to show some kind of income statement.
We say we're broke, and we can't afford to spend much on health care. This is one way I think we could save money- maybe millions in the long term. It's a win-win-win situation. A win for the insurance companies; they save money and could possibly make some. A win for the self-employed they save money. And it's a win for the government because they're saving money on health.
Hope you liked it... the next suggestion will cost.
Wednesday, February 20, 2013
What happened to Smash?
Loved the first season of Smash- the tension between Karen and Ivy, the whole idea of a musical about Marylin Monroe. The cast is incredible; Megan Hilty, Catherine McPhee, Angelica Houston just to name a few. The stories were good too; Karen adjusting to life as a Broadway actress fighting Ivy to be Marylin. Julia fighting for her family- to keep her marriage together. Derek well... being Derek.
This season hasn't been as good so far. I missed most of the season premiere so I'm not as up-to-date as should be. But last night's episode didn't have the same rhythm for me- it lacked a certain something. It's left me asking: well... what happened to Smash?
What I've seen of this season it's been kind of disjointed so far. There were hints from the season finale Julia (Debra Messing) would be pregnant. What happened to that? Now the character "Joe (Will Chase)" is barely mentioned, yet he's a serious enough love affair for her to trash her marriage for it. She's a lynch pin of the show, I feel like we were meant to watch her struggle with heartbreak.
Another odd part of the show is with the Karen-Ivy dynamic. They're rarely in the same scene or storyline. Part of the show's brilliance was the way these two played off each other- the innocent Karen vs. the conniving Ivy. I haven't seen that yet this season.
The creative team has changed, and so should the show- it's only natural to tweak it in its second season. But not this much. I miss the old Smash.
This season hasn't been as good so far. I missed most of the season premiere so I'm not as up-to-date as should be. But last night's episode didn't have the same rhythm for me- it lacked a certain something. It's left me asking: well... what happened to Smash?
What I've seen of this season it's been kind of disjointed so far. There were hints from the season finale Julia (Debra Messing) would be pregnant. What happened to that? Now the character "Joe (Will Chase)" is barely mentioned, yet he's a serious enough love affair for her to trash her marriage for it. She's a lynch pin of the show, I feel like we were meant to watch her struggle with heartbreak.
Another odd part of the show is with the Karen-Ivy dynamic. They're rarely in the same scene or storyline. Part of the show's brilliance was the way these two played off each other- the innocent Karen vs. the conniving Ivy. I haven't seen that yet this season.
The creative team has changed, and so should the show- it's only natural to tweak it in its second season. But not this much. I miss the old Smash.
Monday, February 4, 2013
Reaction: "The Heavy"
Jeanne Becker did a Q& A with Dara-Lynn Weiss published in today's Toronto Star. Weiss made waves with a Vogue article about how she put her 8-year old obese daughter on a strict diet to lose the weight. It created a lot buzz, and she found herself the object of some pretty nasty criticism.
It struck close to home for me. When I was young (probably about the same age), I was among the chubby kids; and was made fun of because of my weight. I totally understand wanting to save your kid from that; kids can be unbelievably cruel to each other.
But also when I was a kid I managed to spend a lot of my summers outside playing with friends; playing organized sports. Not all of my time was scheduled. Parents now seem to want to almost "bubble wrap" their kids keeping them inside; scheduling every second of their day. This is probably born of the feeling they have to protect them from the tough crowd.
The thing about 7/ 8-year olds is they take everything literally. So, being told they're fat or obese, sticks with them. And having that opinion enforced by their own mother by putting them on a diet is mean. Mothers are the one person in your life who doesn't judge you. Putting them on a diet could be almost like saying- I'll love you more when you're skinny.
There was probably some medical evidence behind her actions. But there are other ways to explore. Try exercising; walk to the park, get her into a sport or dance lessons find a fitness class for kids. Start cooking the family healthier meals; use the "obesity" diagnosis to make the entire family change its lifestyle.
Most of all though wait for her to grow. It's possible she gets taller, like I did.
Monday, January 28, 2013
Les Mis at the movies? No thanks, I'll see it on DVD
I must be one of the only people in the world right now who finds themselves firmly on the fence as to whether or not I should see it. I love the story; compassion, forgiveness, love, and fighting for what's right. A little of something for everyone.
I've read the book twice (once in French). And I've seen the Liam Neeson version of the movie, as well as own both the 10th, and 25th anniversary concert DVDs. This version of the movie has a fantastic cast- Hugh Jackman as Jean ValJean, Russell Crowe as Javert, Anne Hathaway as Fantine, Amanda Seyfried as Cosette, and Sacha Baren-Cohen, and Helena Bonham Carter as the Ternardiers. I should be slapping down my cash right now... but I'm not.
I love the cast, and I love the story. But I just can't bring myself to plonk down the money to see it. There are some shows for me that demand a grand stage production; some numbers like Bring Him Home that demand the intimacy of just one person on stage singing to a group of people. I know that's what the extreme closeups of the movie are supposed to recreate- from the quick clip shown at the SAG (Screen Actor's Guild Awards) Awards, it just looked so cheesy. For me, this is a story that deserves better than that.
For their 25th anniversary, they put the show on in a concert format, at the 02 arena in London. Playing the role of Jean ValJean was a tenor named Alfie Boe. Watching him sing "Bring Him Home" which, is "the" song in the whole show was like watching him cast a spell over an audience. It was like he disappeared to another world and took the audience with him.
I've read the book twice (once in French). And I've seen the Liam Neeson version of the movie, as well as own both the 10th, and 25th anniversary concert DVDs. This version of the movie has a fantastic cast- Hugh Jackman as Jean ValJean, Russell Crowe as Javert, Anne Hathaway as Fantine, Amanda Seyfried as Cosette, and Sacha Baren-Cohen, and Helena Bonham Carter as the Ternardiers. I should be slapping down my cash right now... but I'm not.
I love the cast, and I love the story. But I just can't bring myself to plonk down the money to see it. There are some shows for me that demand a grand stage production; some numbers like Bring Him Home that demand the intimacy of just one person on stage singing to a group of people. I know that's what the extreme closeups of the movie are supposed to recreate- from the quick clip shown at the SAG (Screen Actor's Guild Awards) Awards, it just looked so cheesy. For me, this is a story that deserves better than that.
For their 25th anniversary, they put the show on in a concert format, at the 02 arena in London. Playing the role of Jean ValJean was a tenor named Alfie Boe. Watching him sing "Bring Him Home" which, is "the" song in the whole show was like watching him cast a spell over an audience. It was like he disappeared to another world and took the audience with him.
He's great isn't he?
It's a matter of timing really. Hugh Jackman's a great actor, and a good singer. But unfortunately for him Alfie Boe, Colm Wilkinson, and Michael Burgess, and all the other fantastic casts over the years came before them. I'll take a pass on this one; maybe see it on DVD.
Wednesday, December 5, 2012
True Blood Season 4
True Blood is based on the Sookie Stackhouse/ Southern Vampire novels written by Charlaine Harris. I love their wit, charm, and their readability.. I can finish one in as little as a few days. The show has strayed a little too far away from the books for my liking.
Season one started off as horror; a tightly paced original show; a typically high-quality HBO series. Seasons 2, and 3 continued in the same direction using the horror-fantasy genre introducing witches, werewolves, and shifters. I loved Russell Edgington; probably the best bad guy of the whole series so far, but that was also where the series started to go camp.
Where do I start with season 4? The Sookie Stackhouse character has gone from the kick-ass heroine portrayed in the books to the damsel in distress, poor defenseless and waiting for Eric and Bill to rescue her. The vampire women seem to have gotten all the good lines in the season too.The Sookie character in the novels is the books' heart, and humour. She also has a more steely side to her.
Speaking of Eric and Bill. Bill as vampire King doesn't act very kingly. He's not as dangerous, as you'd might expect, and really you might hope for. And Eric; in the book season 4 is based on he has to fight for her affections, it's more like the beginning of a relationship. In the show there's barely any hints of that.
Tara was useless. Honestly if she left the show, I wouldn't care. Her only purpose on it seems to be as the angry, and bitter character towards the entire supernatural world. And also to discourage Sookie from choosing Bill or Eric; Tara doesn't have a life of her own besides her anger. Too much anger can be boring after a while.
Season 4 lacked cohesiveness for me. Usually there is an 'aha' moment where all the puzzle pieces fall into place, and that there wasn't for me. Does this mean I won't watch season #5 when Space shows it? I want to give it a second chance, so that means yes I probably will. It's just not appointment viewing for me anymore.
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