Providing opportunity for independent publishers

Hello AudioBoo from Mark Rock on Vimeo.
IF freelancing wasn't already a horribly precarious profession, the news that The Sun and The Times are cutting dramatically their freelance pay scales really should be a wake up call.

For a long time now I have stressed to every freelancer I've met that whilst I wouldn't recommend jumping ship and starting your own online project straight away, look seriously at ways to slowly transfer from writing for others to creating your own online publication in a field that interests you and that you know well.

Freelancers often have a particular subject area they are good at, but even if they don't they still live somewhere and so bringing journalism skills to cover a postcode patch may be something to consider.

This was the outline for a bit of a gathering earlier this week in London organised by Rick Waghorn and described as a meeting of Very Independent Publishers, Rick's write up is here (also see Shane Richmond's post).

During the evening there was a feeling that if a package of tools is made available, Rick used the analogy of a brew kit, people could make their choice of what to use and make a pint of bitter or lager; then again it could be a glass of red or white wine.

The package would be blog based, with the opportunity to publish audio and video interviews at the click of a button, whilst also offering an advertising option to local businesses.

What was being stressed throughout was that it should be a simple package that gave individuals the choice to pick and choose the tools they wanted to use.

Ultimately you want journalists to be out and about reporting, as this is where the stories, the characters and connections are found not via press releases on company websites.

And what could an operation like this look like? Also there on the night was Simon Perry of the Ventnor Blog and James Hatts of the LondonSE1 website, take a click around.

Comments

[Ian Newbold]

Your words are getting louder Mr McGinty. Personally, and as a real novice and aspiring freelancer, I think my time may be better placed developing my own niche on-line resource, and getting other jobs with similar, or related places.

[Craig McGinty]

Hi Ian,

You know where I am if I can offer a helping hand.

All the best, Craig

[Linda]

Makes sense. One glossy monthly I write for regularly have held the same freelance rate for three years.

They say they simply cannot afford to pay more.

It's a case of take it or leave it! If you won't do it - there are hundreds waiting to take your place.

[Craig McGinty]

Hi Linda,

It is vital that if freelancers want to continue writing they look beyond living off the crumbs from the commissioning editor's table.

All the best,
Craig