PWAC: What's Going On

Bulletin 4.9 Editor of the Year Nominations - Deadline Extended

April 27 2012: Bulletin 4.9 Editor of the Year Nominations - Deadline Extended

Is there an editor you have benefited from working with, someone who quietly toils away to make writing shine? Please consider nominating her or him for PWAC's Editor of the Year Award. We've extended the deadline by one week, so it's not too late! Please send an email with "Editor of the Year Nomination" in the subject line to info@pwac.ca by Friday May 3rd.
Explain why your candidate should receive the award. Give specific and/or personal examples about what makes this editor special and their work stand out. Include the editor's full name, publication(s), mailing address, email and phone number in your nomination.   Judging criteria for the Editor's Award will include, but not be limited to, someone who:
    •    Shows respect to writers as professionals.
    •    Communicates effectively with writers.
    •    Works with writers to bring out the best in them, to improve their skills and to reach high editorial standards.
    •    Is open to fresh ideas, demonstrates flexibility in the writing and editing process and has a superior sense of story and character.
    •    Has excellent editing skills.
    •    Believes in and practices paying professional writers the highest fair rate appropriate to their publication market, while offering contracts that respect the rights of writers.
The award, a plaque, is presented to the winning editor. Finalists also receive a plaque. Finalists will be announced in advance of the MagNet Conference and PWAC National Conference. The winner will be announced at the Writers Awards Luncheon at the MagNet Conference in Toronto.
Please note that the award honours an individual editor, not a publication or website.

Bulletin # 4.6 Experience Toronto at MagNet 2012

Bulletin # 4.6 Experience Toronto at MagNet 2012

Your wonderful colleagues at PWAC Toronto have put together a great roster of extra-curricular events for you at MagNet 2012:

EXPERIENCE TORONTO 2012

Welcome to Toronto! PWAC Toronto Chapter is thrilled that you’re joining us for MagNet and the PWAC AGM, and we’re planning activities to help you explore the ‘city of neighbourhoods.’ For all activities except for the pub night on Tuesday and the Shakespeare & Music Night on Thursday, please sign up during MagNet at the Experience Toronto table.

Have questions about Experience Toronto’ Please email Toronto Chapter President Jaclyn Law at j.law@pwactoronto.org. j.law@pwactoronto.org.See you at MagNet!

Welcome Reception: Cheers With Peers Pub Night

Tuesday, June 5

Time: Meet at 6:45 p.m. in the Courtyard Marriott Hotel lobby, or at Pogue Mahone (on the south side College Street, just west of Yonge) at 7 p.m.
Follow us over to Pogue Mahone, a great Irish pub just a couple of blocks away. Get to know your fellow PWAC members and delegates ‘ it’s the perfect way to launch your MagNet experience! (Pay for your own drinks and food.)

Neighbourhood Tour: Kensington Market

Wednesday, June 6

Time: Meet at 9:15 a.m. in the Courtyard Marriott Hotel lobby. Tour runs until noon.

Join Kelli Korducki, PWAC Toronto Chapter’s VP Volunteers, for a peek inside one of the city’s storied and most fascinating neighbourhoods, Kensington Market ‘easily overlooked since it’s tucked away behind major streets. Bring your appetite! This eclectic area is a hotspot for great cosmopolitan eats, from empanadas to Hungarian-Thai fusion. (The tour is free; pay for your own food and drinks.)

Rise & Shine 5K Run

Thursday, June 7

Time: Meet at 7:15 a.m. in the Courtyard Marriott Hotel lobby. The run will be about 30 minutes long.
Rev up your day with a morning run through Queen’s Park and the historic University of Toronto campus with PWAC Toronto Chapter members Jane Langille and Virginia Heffernan. They’ll make sure you’re back in time to change and catch breakfast before the day’s MagNet sessions! Check out the route here.

Restaurant Roulette

Thursday, June 7

Time: Meet at 6:15 p.m. in the Courtyard Marriott Hotel lobby.
Inspired by Restaurant Roulette at last year’s AGM in Montreal, we’re leading hungry groups to a selection of our favourite restaurants. Please sign up early so we can make restaurant reservations. (Pay for your own drinks and food.)

Shakespeare & Music Night

Thursday, June 7

Time: 9 p.m. until late
Location: Porter Room (a.k.a. the Coast to Coast Newsstand Lounge), Courtyard Marriott Hotel
Tune your lyre and prepare your soliloquy, ‘PWAC’s legendary Shakespeare & Music Night is back. Join us in the Porter Room for an evening of fun, frivolity and potential wardrobe malfunctions.

Virginia’s House Party

Friday, June 8

Time: 8 p.m. until late!

Location: 326 Rusholme Rd., two blocks west and one block south of Ossington subway station (take the Delaware exit at the west end of the platform). Drivers: Rusholme is a one-way street running south from Bloor, one block west of Dovercourt. Virginia’s house is about 3/4 down the block. Parking is anywhere you find it and free until midnight. Phone number in case you get lost: 416-516-7035.
Virginia Heffernan knows how to throw a rockin’ party and you’re invited! Relax with your fellow PWAC members after the whirlwind of MagNet is over. Please sign up at the Experience Toronto table as early as possible to help us plan the party.

Neighbourhood Tour: The Beach(es)

Saturday, June 9

Time: Meet at 9:30 a.m. in the Courtyard Marriott Hotel lobby. Tour runs until 1:30 p.m.

Whether you call it "The Beach" or "The Beaches", it's one of Toronto’s iconic neighbourhoods, and has been a pop culture feature for many years. Join PWAC’s Ontario Regional Director, Christine Peets, and special guests on a walking tour. Highlights include the R.C. Harris Water Treatment Plant (featured in TV, film and Michael Ondaatje’s In the Skin of a Lion), the historic Balmy Beach Canoe Club, and Kew Gardens. History buffs, lovers of pop culture, and those who like exploring cities will enjoy this tour, which includes a very interesting streetcar ride from Yonge Street, east along Queen to ‘the end of the line.’ We’ll stop at a popular patio for lunch before heading back to the hotel. (The tour is free; pay for your own food and drinks.)

Eco-walk: Great green roofs

Saturday, June 9

Time: Meet at 9 a.m. in the Courtyard Marriott Hotel lobby. Tour runs until noon.

Green roofs offer incredible environmental, social and economic benefits. On this fascinating tour with special guest Steven Peck, founder and president of Green Roofs for Healthy Cities, we’ll visit examples of these great green initiatives, including the roof of the Centre for Social Innovation, the garden at Toronto City Hall, and others. We can wind up the tour at one of Toronto’s terrific pubs. (The tour is free; pay for your own food and drinks.)
So plan for great learning, networking and fun in the first week of June with PWAC Toronto at your service!

Bulletin # 4.5 How to price an assignment

Bulletin # 4.5 How to Price an Assignment

Wishing every PWACer a wonderful weekend and a lucky Friday the 13th, we thought to share this little gem of rationality dropped this morning by stalwart Paul Lima on how he figures out how to estimate the value of writing services for clients...

When it comes to writing and editing services, there is no 'one rate fits all' rate. Yet many clients want cost certainty--and I don't blame them--so you have to give them a quote. I suggest you make sure you look at the copy you have to edit first, then triangulate. You look the copy first to determine how difficult the editing job will be. That does not have an impact on your hourly rate, but it will have an impact on how long it will take you to do the job. It will also have an impact on your per word and per page rates, which you need to triangulate. So with that in mind, you need an hourly rate, a per page rate, and a per word rate.

Estimate the number of hours the job will take and multiply that by your hourly rate. Then multiply your per word rate by the number of words. Finally, count the number of pages (or consider 400 words a page) and multiply that by your per page rate. You know have three figures. Pick one, or come up with what you feel if the best/fairest/most accurate rate base on your three estimates and that becomes your quote.

Bottom line: you have to feel the quote is fair - to you! If the client balks, move on. If the client offers you much less than you want, move on. Otherwise you end up doing a job a rate that you feel is way too low. Tends to make one resentful. Rather than do the job at less than 'my' rate, I'd rather spend time looking for clients who are more likely to (willing to) pay what I consider a fair rate ... Sure, if you look for clients who are going to pay you $100,000 to write or edit an article or a few website pages, you may never work as a freelancer! So you want to set a rate that makes sense to the nature of this business called freelancing. But you don't want to lowball your rates, or let the client pull you down into the rate gutter either!

Regards,

Paul Lima

E: writer@paullima.com

www.paullima.com

Bulletin #4.1 ERDC Notice

Bulletin # 4.1: ERDC Class action update and legal notice

Veteran PWACers will recall that we have supported a class action suit in Quebec as part of a coalition called the Electronic Rights Defence Committee. We recieved this message and legal notice. Please note that none of the members affected need take any action at this time, we are fulfilling due diligence as required by the court.

"Dear Friends

So here it is, the second last (maybe) notice to members in our 15 year battle for compensation. Please publish it on your website by Wednesay and keep it up for 30 days (the period the court requires.)

The Electronic Rights Defence Committee was back in Court on April 3, 2012 and received final approval from the Superior Court of Quebec for the settlement with Hollinger Canadian Publishing Holdings. A settlement with Cederom-SNI was also presented to the Court: May 18, 2012 was set as the date to hear objections to this settlement (see "Notice to members." below) These two settlements are the last ones in our 15 year old fight for compensation for unauthorized electronic use of stories originally printed in The Gazette of Montreal.

Please note, however, that at this point those who plan to make claims do not have to do anything. The claim procedure begins only after approval of the distribution plan, which is the next step in the process and which we hope will take place in the next few months.   We will keep you informed, never fear.

Mary Soderstrom

President

ERDC"

TO MEMBERS OF THE CLASS ACTION CONCERNING

THE COPYRIGHTS OF THE GAZETTE'S FREELANCERS

TAKE NOTICE THAT

THE CLASS ACTION HAS BEEN SETTLED WITH THE DEFENDANT

CEDROM-SNI

The Group

1.    The bringing of a class action has been authorized on the 31st day of March 2009 by judgment of the Honourable Mrs. Justice Eva Petras of the Superior Court of Quebec, for the benefit of the natural persons forming part of the group hereinafter described, namely:

« All persons residing in Quebec or having resided in Quebec or residing in Canada, who have been freelance writers or creators for the Southam Inc. daily newspaper The Gazette in Montreal, and whose articles or works have been reproduced without authorization or consent in the electronic database named INFOMART or in other electronic databases or in any form whatsoever and who have not obtained compensation for these illegal reproductions, as well as all assignees or transferees of copyright rights of these persons, or if these persons are deceased, their heirs or legal representatives. »

2.    For the purposes of the class action, the status of representative has been ascribed to THE ELECTRONIC-RIGHTS DEFENCE COMMITTEE (“ERDC”) and the status of designated member has been ascribed to DAVID HOMEL.

SETTLEMENT WITH THE DEFENDANT CEDROM-SNI

3.    In January 2012, a notice to members was published announcing that a motion would be presented before the Court to authorize the ERDC to desist itself in the class action against the defendant CEDROM-SNI ;

4.    Subsequently, a Settlement Agreement (the «Settlement») was entered into between ERDC and CEDROM-SNI, whereby the parties agreed to settle the file for the amount of $ 15,000,00 in capital, interests and costs, pending the approbation of the Court;

DATE OF PRESENTATION TO THE COURT

5.    The Settlement will be presented before the Honourable Justice Petras of the Superior Court of Quebec for approbation and adjudication on Friday, May 18, 2012 at 2 hrs p.m. in room 15.07 at the Court house located at 1, Notre-Dame East in Montreal.

6.    Every member of the group is invited to make representations before the Court at this hearing.

7.    If you have any question, you can contact the Attorneys for the Group of the Representative of the Group.

ATTORNEYS FOR THE GROUP

REPRESENTATIVE OF THE GROUP

Me MIREILLE GOULET

2082, Sherbrooke W, no 5

Montreal (Quebec) H3H 1G5

Telephone : (514) 937-1567

Fax : (514) 939-3031

E-mail :mireillegoulet@sympatico.ca

SYLVESTRE FAFARD PAINCHAUD

740, Atwater

Montreal (Quebec) H4C 2G9

Telephone : (514) 937-2881

Fax : (514) 937-6529

E-mail : c.sylvestre@sfpavocats.ca

        THE ELECTRONIC-RIGHTS DEFENCE COMMITTEE ERDC

Att : Mary Soderstrom, president

2363, de Rouen

Montreal (Quebec) H2K 1M1

Telephone : (514) 276-9257

E-mail : msoder@aei.ca

THE PUBLICATION OF THIS NOTICE IS ORDERED BY THE COURT

Bulletin #3.7 Copyright Modernization Bill

Bulletin # 3.7: Copyright Modernization Bill pushed through committee

The members of the Legislative Committee studying Bill C-11 began the clause by clause study of the legislation on Monday, March 12th and had completed their work by 11 a.m. on Tuesday, March 13th. The Conservative majority on the committee rejected all 17 amendments put forward by the NDP members and 15 by the Liberals. They passed 8 amendments of their own.The legislation now returns to the House of Commons for Third Reading and then will go to the Senate.

The Government was true to its word in only making a small number of technical amendments. All amendments presented by the opposition were defeated. No amendments whatsoever were made to any of the education or library exceptions. The government relations professionals with whom we worked through the process said they had never seen such haste taken over such a complex bill.

Two technical amendments improve the Bill in favour of rightholders. First the "enablement" provision designed to go after the bit-torrent type websites was tightened to make it easier for rightsholders to rely on this provision to shut-down sites that primarily exist for the purpose of enabling acts of copyright infringement. Second the private purpose exception was clarified to ensure that the private purpose in question must be that of the individual that owns the original copy.

Both the NDP and the Liberal Party had plans to introduce an amendment to the fair dealing provision that would see the 6 CCH factors enshrined in the legislation. Given our discomfort with the CCH factors and our hope that the Supreme Court of Canada will improve upon these factors in the K-12 case, enshrining the CCH decision would be worse than doing nothing at all. The Book industry pulled its efforts together and combined them with those of the broader creative community to convince first the Liberal Party and then the NDP to not present such an amendment. While this was a small victory, it is a victory none the less. Had one of he opposition parties presented such an amendment, rumour has it that the Government may have voted in favour of the amendment making fair dealing for education more difficult for us to work on improving it through the court process.

The C-11 Legislative Committee is expected to report to the House of Commons by March 29th at the latest (likely earlier). The Bill will then be referred to the Senate Committee on Transport and Communications. It is worth noting that the Conservatives have a majority in the Senate as well and this will make it very difficult to make any changes to the Bill in the Senate.

While the outcome is not as we had hoped,the "book" industry alliance (including PWAC, TWUC, CANSCAIP and both english and french publishers organizations) has done at tremendous job and has worked collaboratively in an unprecedented way. There is little, if anything, that we have not done in order to convince the Government that changes were needed to Bill C-11.

We want to thank all of you who responded through letters to your MPs, signatures on the PWAC Toronto petition, tweeting and re-tweeting our messages and even studying the issues and going to Ottawa for PWAC. Special thanks to Bruce Wilson and Michelle Greysen from our board and Jaclyn Law, Jane Langille and Karen Luttrell for their extra effort.

Bulletin #3.3 Dave Greber Award

Bulletin # 3.3: Call for submissions Dave Greber Award 2012

Freelance writers wishing to apply for the book or magazine award can submit their work from Monday, March 12, 2012 until Friday June 15, 2012 at 5 PM PST.

Information about the criteria for the awards is set out in the Call for Submissions and can be found at http://www.greberwritingaward.com/submissions.htm

The separate book and magazine awards recognize excellence of writing and research in the area of social justice writing and also provide support for independent freelance writers during the publishing process.

The Book Award for 2012 has been increased to $5,000. If you have questions about the Call for Submissions please call Shirley Dunn at 1.403.259.5689 or e-mail dunnss@telusplanet.net. If you do not receive an answer within twenty four hours, please contact Brent Gushowaty at brentg@telus.net or phone him at 1-604-727-8437

Bulletin # 3.1 Writers petition on Copyright Reform

Bulletin # 3.1 Writers petition on copyright reform delivered to the government March 7th

This message and petition below was delivered to Ministers Moore and Paradis and the members of the legislative committee on Bill C-11, The Copyright Modernization Act, who heard their last witnesses yesterday. We owe special thanks to PWAC Toronto leaders Jaclyn Law, Jane Langille and Karen Luttrell who initiated and executed this process on behalf of Canadian writers everywhere. Thanks also to the 401 of you and your colleagues and supporters who signed the petition. The process is moving very quickly and it looks like the legislation will be back before the House of Commons by the end of March and before the senate soon after that. PWAC continues to work closely with our allies to amend the bill and mitigate the damage it may do to our industry.

"Dear C-11 Committee Members:

We are professional freelance writers and we have grave concerns about the proposed Bill C-11.

This bill in its current form will undoubtedly have a negative impact on our ability to earn a fair living as small business owners. The writing industry as a whole has lagged behind others in terms of compensation growth. Where other industries have seen consistent increases, ours has continued to decline. Rates of pay are often the same as in the 1970s. One way that writers are able to have fair earning potential is by maintaining copyright on works produced. Bill C-11 jeopardizes that by allowing unlimited copying of material and its ill-defined exception for education under fair dealing.

In the music and film industries, copying of content without proper authorization from, and compensation to, its creator(s) is called piracy – and it is illegal. It is incumbent on your committee that writers are afforded the same ownership protection of their works.

Bill C-11 in its current form reduces our ability to earn a fair living and potentially could collapse an entire small business industry. This industry is vital to the cultural preservation of the Canadian identity. We contribute to the perspective and views that are uniquely Canadian. Bill C-11 has the potential to derail our industry and force people out of work. As with any industry, there are ripple effects beyond the immediate and obvious that should be considered.

We and our colleagues across Canada expect you will push to change Bill C-11 so that it will maintain our right to operate a small business, to protect our rights as creators and our ability to earn a fair living.

Please find attached a petition bearing the signatures of 401 concerned citizens who urge you to support writers' rights and make changes to Bill C-11.

Sincerely,

Members of the Professional Writers Association of Canada (PWAC) - Toronto Chapter, and allied members of the writing community

Bulletin #2.7 PWAC Donation is on now!

Bulletin # 2.7 Donate to PWAC by bidding on great PWAC prizes!

Imagine the thrill of your donation to PWAC winning you the top bid on a sought after prize package! Now you can make your donation to PWAC and also win a great PWAC prize package that offers professional development, books and tools/technology for writers.

Until March 31st PWAC is hosting an online auction featuring items from some of our most generous and multi-talented members Paul Lima, Kathe Leiber and Luigi Benneton. To view and bid on these valuable prizes visit this website.

Place your bids and rebids on the package of your choice or go for all three! Then, if you reach your max bid/donation and want to step out of the running, we ask you to consider making a donation to PWAC based on your latest bid. You may not win the hot item, but we all win as an organization in a successful donation drive.

Good Luck bidders!

Bulletin #2.4 Show Me the Money

A new PWAC professional development resource

"Do what you love and the money will come." That's what we've always been told but for some writers, the money hasn't come, at least not in a sustainable stream.

That's where we hope a new PWAC professional development blog, "Show Me the Money," can help. Blog creators Heidi Turner and Carla Furlong have a mission: to seek out and explore new ways to make money. To go where (too) few freelances have boldly gone before - into the minds of our seasoned colleagues to gain concrete how-do-you-really-do-it tips to being successful freelance writers.

A "making real money" question will be put to a panel of successful freelancers each post. We hope their actionable advice can help increase your income and give you solid business development ideas.

Visit the blog at www.pwacprofessionaldevelopment.wordpress.com to read the inaugural post and find out more about what our successful freelance writers have to say.

Carla and Heidi are also seeking out topic suggestions and panelists (PWACers and non-PWACers welcome) for future posts. Please support their efforts by emailing info@heiditurner.ca and be prepared to boldly explore our newest PD offering.

Bulletin #2.3 Update from your PWAC President

Your PWAC board and staff recently completed three days of important meetings and planning in Toronto. I'm going to share the key decisions and initiatives with you, and I encourage you to share your thoughts and feedback with me, or with your regional director. Their contact information is listed here.

Writers.ca

As mentioned in my letter from last week (Bulletin #2.2), we recently received a grant from Canadian Heritage that enables us to launch the new Writers.ca 2.0 service in time for what promises to be a great MagNet conference in Toronto June 5 to 8. We have some conference details online here, with lots more to come.

This enhanced service will provide you with a powerful new online profile, and with the ability to pitch stories and negotiate terms with Canadian publishers and corporate and government clients. On top of that, the social networking capabilities of the new service will enable PWAC members to easily and securely connect and communicate. You can view three very preliminary online demos of the service here, here and here.

We are shaping the service and see it as a way to attract new members and build better partnerships with publishers. I'll keep you updated on its progress.

AGM Delegate Subsidy

We are offering the highest delegate subsidy in recent memory (perhaps ever). This means that those elected to represent your chapter as delegates at the our Annual General Meeting during MagNet2012 will pay a maximum of $175 for direct travel costs (plane, train etc.) Flying from Vancouver, Lethbridge, Thunder Bay or Moncton? PWAC will reimburse all direct travel costs above $175.

We do this to encourage the participation of delegates from across the country. Better representation at the AGM means a more representative and democratic PWAC. Your most affordable option for attending our National Conference and AGM at MagNet 2012 is to be elected as a delegate for your region.

As a delegate, you will be responsible for attending your regional meeting, the AGM and a few other official PWAC events. In return we cover a significant portion of your travel costs. Please speak with your chapter president and regional director (and do so before making your travel plans) if you would like to be a delegate.

Regional Events

At last year's AGM, delegates voted in favour of a motion to hold our National Conference and AGM in conjunction with MagNet in 2012, 2013 and 2014. This provides our organization with a fantastic annual event held in conjunction with partners who also provide significant services and subsidize our participation. It allows PWAC to allocate our resources to deliver improved member benefits and focus on new initiatives.

One benefit we are committed to delivering is regional events. Holding our conference in Toronto for the next three years means it's important that we foster a sense of regional cohesion, and provide networking and professional development opportunities in different parts of the country. PWAC National also needs to find new ways to support local chapters, the lifeblood of this organization.

We spent time this weekend working on a strategy to support regional events by offering funding and other resources to make them successful. We are in the process of drafting criteria that will enable chapters to apply for regional event funding. The board aims to establish the funding framework for regional events prior to the AGM, and for us to fund at least one new regional event in 2012-13. If you want your chapter/region to host one, I encourage you to speak with your chapter executive and your regional director.

Strategic Planning

PWAC received grants in recent years to help us prepare and deliver a strategic plan for the organization. This process took a big step forward on Friday, when your board, PWAC staff, Toronto Chapter President Jaclyn Law and former PWAC executive director John Degen worked with two consultants to set priorities and a vision for who we are and where we want to be in three years. I also want to thank Kathe Lieber and Ann Douglas for participating in telephone interviews with our consultants prior to the meeting.

This process will continue over the coming months and will culminate in a strategic plan in September. As a sneak peek of what we covered, let me say that we all agreed it's important for PWAC to take a major role in helping freelance writers adapt to and embrace new technology and markets, in developing leading edge professional development, and for us to be a leader in bringing together our sister writing and publishing organizations to raise standards, advocate for writers and influence policy.

Self-Publishing/Independent Publishing

At our September meeting, the board discussed the criteria that could be put in place to enable self-published/independently published authors to join our organization.

It's important that we embrace this new and flourishing sector of the writing and publishing world. The stigma surrounding self-publishing is no longer fair or accurate. Many high quality self-published works are being brought to market, and they are finding success in print and electronic formats. We want these high quality authors to be part of PWAC.

With that in mind, we discussed adapting membership criteria to include a way for self-published authors to become part of the PWAC family without requiring additional writing samples. We came up with draft criteria and are now circulating them among members who have a wealth of knowledge and experience in self-publishing. We hope to be able to welcome self-published authors as part of the ongoing membership drive. Speaking of which…

Membership Campaign

I want to remind all of your again of our special membership offer available from now until March 31; see the details here. Existing members receive $30 off next year’s dues for each new member you bring in. Recruit 8 new members and you get a free membership! We’re offering new and returning members the opportunity to receive 18 months of membership for the price of 12. That's savings of well over $100.

On top of that, all new members are entered in a draw to win a full MagNet 2012 conference package, and a credit for one free conference workshop. Not to be left out, we’ll also give you an entry in a draw for a separate MagNet 2012 package for each member you recruit.

I'll also mention we have a donation campaign running that has so far raised close to $5,000 for our organization. In particular, if you received a Heather Robertson settlement cheque or a PAYBACK payment, we hope you’ll donate a portion to PWAC. Remember that our organization played a major role in funding the Robertson case and founding Access Copyright.

As you can see, your board and staff are working hard on your behalf. I want to thank this year's board and our dedicated staff for such a productive and enjoyable weekend. It's a pleasure to work with such a talented and committed group.

Thank you for your confidence in your board and staff, your feedback, and your commitment to PWAC.

Best regards,

Craig Silverman,
PWAC President

Bulletin #2.2 An important message from your PWAC President

I hope 2012 is shaping up to be a rewarding, enriching year that's filled with the kind of work you love to do. This is an important update about our organization, so I ask that you take a moment to read through this message in its entirety.

First, we are excited to see as many of you as possible at our National Conference and Annual General Meeting being held in Toronto June 5 to 8 in conjunction with the MagNet publishing conference. A detailed conference package will be arriving in your mailbox soon. It includes an overview of workshops, social events and other opportunities. We have also provided a preview of workshops in the members only section of our website, which you can access here.

As for this update, we have one very good piece of news to share, and we are asking you to pitch in and help us to turn good news into great news.

First, the good news: at the end of last week we received word from the Department of Canadian Heritage that they have approved a $70,000 grant that will enable us to complete the new Writers.ca 2.0. This means we will be ready to launch the new service for members at our Annual General Meeting in June. As you know, Writers.ca 2.0 is not just a new and improved database to help employers find a freelance writer. It is an electronic marketplace that will connect Canada's freelance writers with publishers and clients enable you to pitch, negotiate and sell new and existing works.

We have been waiting for news about the grant application for a long time (more on that in a second). This good news means PWAC is about to deliver a significant new benefit to our members. I want to recognize the work of executive director Sandy Crawley who brought forward this idea and has worked tirelessly to secure the funding.

We have another success to share: last week we received approval for a grant to help fund the completion of the strategic planning process PWAC began two years ago. So that's close to $80,000 in grant funds in one week. It's a great boost to our priorities as an organization.

But here's the thing: the reality is we had expected to receive these grants last summer and to have launched Writers.ca 2.0 last fall.This delay has produced significantly lower revenues. To meet this challenge, I am asking us to come together and set PWAC up for a great 2012-13. We have two ways you can get involved. To encourage your participation, we've also sweetened the pot with rewards for you.

Two Ways To Help

1. Help us recruit new members and bring former PWACers back into the fold.

We are today announcing a special offer for new and returning members in addition to a prize package for you: Current members will receive a $30 credit towards your next membership for each member they bring in. That means a free 2012-13 membership if you recruit 8 members. On top of that, each referral will provide you with one entry into a draw to win a free full MagNet 2012 package that includes four workshops, social events and meals. The more members you recruit, the more entries you get in the MagNet draw.

Next, all new and returning professional and associate level members who join between now and March 31st, 2012 will receive 18 months of membership for the price of 12. That means anyone joining by the deadline will be paid in full from now until the end of August 2013. That's a saving of $120, and they will receive the generous discount available to PWAC members for MagNet 2012.

All new and returning members will also receive a credit for one free professional development workshop at MagNet 2012, and they will also be entered into a separate draw to win a free full MagNet 2012 package.

We've set a goal of hitting 700 members for the first time in our history. We can only get there if you help by getting in touch with friends who used to be in PWAC, and by contacting writers you think should join up. Remember, if you're currently a member and you bring in 8 members, you get a free membership, plus 8 chances to win a free pass to MagNet 2012.

2. Make a charitable, tax-deductable donation to PWAC.

We're asking those of you who have benefitted from the Heather Robertson settlement and from the Access Copyright PAYBACK program— and those of you who can afford it — to make a tax deductable donation to PWAC.

Staff and the board have already kicked off the campaign by donating a total of $4,000. Now it's your turn. We've set a goal of hitting $10,000 in donations. We need you to open your pocketbook and help us get there. Remember that donations of $25 or more are tax deductable. Help PWAC and help yourself come tax time. Please click on Canada Helps and enter PWAC in the "I want to give to" box.

We are asking for any and all support you can provide. PWAC has never been rich, but what we've lacked on the ledger we've more than made up for with our collective voice and dedication to supporting each other and this organization.

Please contact me, your regional director, or staff if you have any additional questions. Contact info for staff and the entire board is here.

Finally, I promise to provide regular updates on the progress of the above initiatives in order to celebrate our success and keep you informed about major initiatives.

Best regards,

Craig Silverman
PWAC President
silvermancraig@gmail.com

Bulletin #2.1 ERDC Notice

To members of the class action concerning the copyrights of the Gazette's freelancers. Please view the terms of the settlement package by clicking here for the English version, or here for the French version.

Bulletin #1.4

The Canadian Tourism Commission and Travel Alberta are sponsoring a competition called The Northern Lights Awards for writers, photographers and videographers. Since we know some of you are in fact all three we thought this might be of interest. Eligibility is for work produced within the 2011 calendar year. Up to three entries accepted per category. Multiple bylines are also accepted under the following themes:

Vibrant Cities on the Edge of Nature
Personal Journeys by Sea, Air or Land
Active Adventure Among Awe-Inspiring Natural Wonders
Award-winning Canadian Local Food and Wine
Connecting with Canadians and Their Culture

You will be competing with colleagues all over North America, but at least two of the above might give you an edge....

The deadline for entry is February 7, 2012 and you can enter electronically or by mail. Details here:

Canada's Northern Lights Awards (electronic entry form)

http://canadamediamarket.org/delegatesnorthern_instructions.asp
(instructions for electronic entry)

http://www.canadamediamarket.org/clientimages/NLAregistrationform.pdf
(mail-in entry form)

For questions, comments or assistance, please visit northernlights@canadamediamarket.org

Bulletin #1.3 Online Professional Development from our partners at The Tyee

Last year PWAC Vancouver and PWAC National came together to help support a series of professional development sessions in Vancouver presented by The Tyee. Part of that arrangement was making recordings of the sessions available online. We are happy to say that this series is now becoming available. Click http://thetyee.ca/Video/2012/01/17/freelance-finance1/ and enjoy the October 11, 2011 session on finance and tax issues for freelancers at your convenience.

Bulletin #1.2 Raising standards at the Toronto Star

PWAC is working with the Canadian Writers Group and the Canadian Media Guild to seek contractual improvements for freelance writers who contribute to the Toronto Star and the Canadian Media Guild. If you have published in the Toronto Star or The Grid within the last 24 months, please notify us at info@pwac.ca with the subject line "Toronto Star Freelancer."

Bulletin #1.1: Jobs and Opportunities

Celebrate the new year by applying for one of these positions! Links are provided for the first three, full description and contact information for the last two:

1. Journalist (Mississauga, ON)
http://www.mastheadonline.com/jobs/?jobId=4699

2. Bilingual (French/English) Editor, Pure Magazine (Quebec)
Full Time Contract 3 years +
http://www.mastheadonline.com/jobs/?jobId=4694

3. Journalist - Real Estate & Investing Publication: KMI Publishing & Events Ltd (Toronto)
http://www.mastheadonline.com/jobs/?jobId=4668

4. Experienced RFP writer, Global Medical Services (Vancouver area)

Global is a health care consulting and training firm, as well as an industry leader in emergency preparedness in Canada. We sell, support and train health professionals in the use of Automatic External Defibrillators (AED’s), provide health care consulting in a wide range of areas and assist companies and health agencies in planning and preparing for emergencies. Our clients are our number one focus, and we are committed to providing high quality service so that we are THE recognized name when it comes to medical health services and emergency response preparedness in Canada. As a leader in the marketplace, we have the opportunity to work on really exciting projects with a dynamic and diverse team of staff and contractors. Check out our website at www.global-medical.ca to get to know us.

Global is looking for an individual to assist with sourcing and writing RFPs. The person we are looking for will review sites like BC Bid, recommend potential project opportunities for Global and forward them to the team for further discussion. If Global decides to pursue any of the projects put forward, the individual will be engaged to write the RFP for submission. While there is no specific guarantee of hours per week, the more appropriate the projects put forward, the more the potential of work for the individual. There are often very short timelines on completion of these RFPs so someone who is familiar with the bid process and RFP expectations and would not require a lot of ramp-up time would be ideal.

The right candidate will be a self-starter, have a strong understanding of the bid process and knowledge of BC Bid and other similar sites, as well as a proven history of writing successful RFP’s. Knowledge of the health care industry is a definite asset, and the ability to extract specific details from a broad database of company information is vital. We are also looking for someone who lives and works in the Vancouver area as we anticipate, at least initially, that they will need to spend some time at our office as they get to know the company and become familiar with the stream of information they will need to access.

This is a contract position at $50/hour.If you are interested in working with our company, please contact hr@global-medical.ca for a recruitment package. We look forward to hearing from you.

5. Reuters Fellowships/University of Oxford

This might be of interest to some of you looking for a new opportunity abroad or a fellowship.

About the Programme
Mid-career journalists from around the world are invited to apply for Reuters Journalism Fellowship at the University of Oxford. The Thomson Reuters Foundation Fellowship Programme offers fully funded Fellowships to well established mid-career journalists from throughout the world. Applicants must have a minimum of five years’ experience in any branch of journalism and demonstrate sufficient proficiency in English to be able to participate fully in the life of the Programme and write a research paper in English of publishable quality. The Journalism Fellowship Programme at Oxford offers a practical form of professional assistance to established and mid-career journalists. Its purpose is to allow journalists to tackle subjects in greater depth than is possible under deadline pressure.

How it Works
Around 25 journalists from around the globe study in Oxford each year on Fellowships of either three, six or nine months, covering one, two or all three terms of the academic year. Fellows may join the Institute in October, January or April.

Requirements of RISJ
Fellows are expected to produce a substantial piece of work to an academic standard. They are required to complete an 8,000-10,000 word research paper of publishable quality either as part of the Institute’s research output or independently (for example, as a survey of an important subject, magazine article or part of a book). Fellows may use multimedia in their work. Fellows have to present their research findings in a seminar open to the University. There is a minimum requirement of 5 years’ full time professional journalistic experience and in order to take full advantage of the excellent facilities of the Institute and of Oxford University, a high level of spoken and written English is required.

What They Offer
Each Fellow is assigned a supervisor, usually an Oxford academic specialising in the journalists’ chosen subject, to advise them on their research. Fellows will also be able to approach other faculty members to supplement and inform their research and are entitled to access to the wealth of information held in the Bodleian Library and other Oxford University facilities and resources. There are numerous specialist facilities within the university, such as regional centres for African, Middle Eastern, South Asian, Eastern and Western European, Japanese and Chinese Studies, and Fellows are more than welcome to take advantage of the University’s language laboratory and computer services. No academic credits or qualifications can be obtained through the Fellowship Programme although a certificate is awarded on submission of the Fellows’ Research paper.

Worth of Awards
Awards may include travel expenses (including air travel economy class) and a modest living allowance. This arrangement is subject to variation.

Duration
Fellowships may be for three, six or nine months covering one or two terms or a full academic year respectively. Dates of entry are agreed with the Head of the Fellowship Programme.

How to Apply
Below is a list of the materials you will need:
- Completed application form
- A full curriculum vitae
- A personal statement outlining i) your journalistic values, ii) the major trends in the media landscape in which you work, and iii) a summary of what you think you would contribute to the Fellowship programme (no more than 500 words).
- A statement of up to 1,000 words explaining your proposed research project
- A reference from your employer, supporting your
application and granting leave of absence
- A second professional reference (e.g. former employer).

Please send your applications with relevant documents to:

The Reuters Institute for the Study of Journalism
Department of Politics and International Relations
University of Oxford
13 Norham Gardens
Oxford
OX2 6PS
United Kingdom

Deadline: 12.00 noon, Tuesday, January 31, 2012. Self-funded fellows may apply at any time

PWAC advertises job and other business opportunities for its members, often on behalf of employers who contact us seeking Canadian writers. While we endeavour to advertise only fair and reliable employers, PWAC is not responsible for the fairness or lack thereof in the employers, positions, contracts, and hiring or labour practices that it advertises.

Bulletin #12.4: Year-end Roundup

PWAC is facing challenges and opportunities as we move ahead through this second decade of the 21st Century and our 36th year representing the interests of professional freelance writers in Canada. No surprise there. You might say it has always been so. But as you know better than I, the industry in which you make your way is in a state of change that seems to accellerate with each new wave of communications technology driving patterns of consumption of information that seem to vary more with each passing day. Your board of directors is well equipped to meet these challenges. The only thing slowing the progress of PWAC in attaining our goals is a lack of enough material resources to support all the initiatives we have identified as desirable. Again, no surprise. It has always been so because the creative vitality of the membership is a renewable resource that does not suffer from any such constraint. Entering my third year in professional service to you I can honestly say that I have never felt more optimistic for PWAC despite the challenges we face. Perhaps that is because, as a volunteer myself from 2005 through 2009 I wasn't as close to the grass roots leadership from members that I now see examples of every day. The support that you offer each other through the list serves, through chapter and regional initiatives, by stepping up to the plate with decision-makers on policy issues, by promoting each others project and celebrating each others success is a big part of the reward of working for you all.

Copyright reform

While the copyright bill (C-11) moving through parliament is not exactly as we would wish it we have some reason to expect the government to support changes we need in the bill to prevent significant damage to writers markets. The process of working within a couple of coalitions to influence the process has been rewarding in itself. PWAC has participated in this for almost a year now and in that time, with support and great leadership from our sister oeganization, The Writers Union of Canada, we have managed to form a strong alliance with other writers organizations and also with national organizations representing publishers in both Quebec and the rest of Canada. The degree of cooperation is reflected in the fact that we have together presented a strong roster of suggested amendments in concert, an unprecedented event in past efforts around public policy issues. We hope and believe the trust that we have built up will be helpful in other areas once the new copyright bill becomes law. I must pay special tribute to two of your board members: Michelle Greysen, Prairies and the North Regional Director who also chairs the Government Action Committee for her tireless and effective forays into the twitterverse on this issue and Quebec Regional Director Bruce Wilson who dove into the file and mastered some very complex ideas in a matter of weeks and was able to advocate for this coalitiuon in Ottawa as part of a team. The feedback we have from other team members could not be more laudatory and we will be prevailing on Bruce to continue his leadership role when the process begins again in the new year.

The new writers.ca

A big challenge for us at this point is a delay in receiving funding to complete the work on this new tool. You may recall that PWAC has been supported by the Deptartment of Canadian Heritage through the newly created Canad Periodical Fund to develop a new service for the industry. We have completed the first phase of this initiative under the working title of the PWAC Electronic Market Development Partnership. The partnership comes in with the cooperation and support from Access Copyright who are providing stroage, retreival and metadata tagging for your writing projects as one aspect of the service that is designed to enable direct contact and interactivity between PWAC members and their clients and potential clients, and from Magazines Canada and the Canadian Society of Magazine Editors who have provided logistical and political support for our initiative.

Our original target to launch the service was September 2011. This was revised to this month, December, in consultation with our funder in Ottawa. We have had to revise this date yet again. The reason is that the program under which we are funded is new and its design is still in flux to the point that the decision making process has stretched from an anticipated 12 weeks (that actually took 24 for phase one of our project) and now a projected 30 weeks. Our information now is that the civil servants in the department have recommended a level of funding that we arrived at through ongoing negotiations and our application is sitting in a pile awaiting final approval from the ministry. It is difficult to overstate the frustration here in the office because so much of our future planning is connected to this initiative including a vastly increased financial self-sufficiency for PWAC based on our business plan for the new service. The delay cascades to other issues such as the availability of our developers who had orginally scheduled the work based on projections that have not been attainable. All we can say at this point is that the tool represents a leap forward for PWAC and our members and that we have confidence that it will be delivered in due course "come hell or high water" to quote a former federal finance minister.

Annual General Meeting and MagNet

As you may recall, PWAC has elected to continue the vision of our founding partnership in the annual MagNet conference by holding our AGMs there for the next three years. The conference continues to grow in stature, number of participants and participating organizations and the quality and diversity of professional development and networking opportunities. For the second year running the conference will be held at the Courtyard Marriott Hotel in downtown Toronto, June 5 to 8 and your PWAC membership comes with a goodly discount for both conference attendance and accommodation onsite. PWAC provides an alternative hotel within a healthy walking distance. We encourage every PWAC branch and region to enlist delegates to the AGM who also benefit from a subsidy to your travel costs if you are beyond commuting distance. AtMagNet 2012 PWAC is piloting a series of regional celebration. The spotlight this year is on Atlantic Canada and our committee there has cooked up some grand plans including taste treats at our reception and PWAC Awards Luncheon, samples of eastcoast music and culture and , of course, offerings from the best writing and publishing from Newfoundland and the Maritimes.

Here are a few highlights of the PD offerings this year:

Query letters that get you published with a panel of four leading editors fielding your questions

Mags vs Rags featuring an expert on the different demands of newspapers and magazines

BS detection a session on investigative and editorial ethics in a digital world with expert (and PWAC President) Craig Silverman

New Tools, New Uses Social Media 2.0 with Kim Pittaway

The Boardroom Bounce on breaking in to coprporate writing with erstwhile PWAC President Gordon Graham

The Niceties of Niche a session on lifestyle writing markets including travel and food

Everything Old is New Again a fascinating survey of the history of magazine publishing with PWAC member Sue Bowness

and much more from PWAC members and others on copywriting, multimedia production, research, blogging and much more.

Complete details will be coming in February.

Mediation

We have had a good response to our standing offer to help you when you encounter difficulties with late or non-payment. At this point we have a dozen active files and are acheiving some success but plagarism and scams abound in the digital realm and we continue to provide advice and support when such difficulties arise.

Strategic Planning

Your very active board has undertaken to complete the longer term planning process that was interrupted in 2009/2010 and we expect to have a draft ready for your consideration at the AGM in June. In addition former Prairies and the North Regional Director Cynthia Dusseault and Quebec Regional Director Bruce Wilson are leading a strong committee including Past President Tanya Gulliver to complete the PWAC Policy Manual that will help guide our processes and programs into the future.

Next Board Meeting

Your board of directors meets again in person in Februrary at which time we will also begin the strategic planning process in earnest. We will have much more detail on all of the issues above after that three day session.

* * *

In the meantime we thank you for your ongoing support and wish you much joy and celebration over the holiday season.

Sandy Crawley, Executive Director

Bulletin #12.3 Bill C-11: A Call to Action!

By Bruce Wilson, PWAC Quebec Regional Director

Last week, I visited Parliament Hill as a freelance writer within a coalition representing the concerns of Canadian writers and publishers*. The purpose of the visit was to argue for changes to Bill C-11, the Copyright Modernization Act.

I learned some disturbing facts.

Not only are most MPs unfamiliar with the details of the bill, they're confused by conflicting messages they're getting from different sectors. What is worse, the Conservatives seem to feel content with the bill as drafted and may push it through, despite its weaknesses. However, they have expressed their willingness to continue to hear our concerns. So the time for action is NOW!

Tell it to them straight!

We need to tell our MPs specifically what we don’t like about this bill and how it needs to be amended. MPs respond best to facts drawn from personal experience. The more realistic your argument, the more impact it will have on those who can influence decisions around the final wording of the new law. Although our advocacy in Ottawa is making progress, strong, well-informed voices from individual creators are needed to drive the message home. We feel that tweets, form letters, and petitions may not be enough at this stage. A personal letter is much more likely to have the desired effect.

Although there are several aspects of the bill that we would like to see changed, creators are focusing on the education exception as the most critical issue for us. To help you, here is a summary of the issue:

The education exception under Fair Dealing is not fair

The section reads as follows:

29. Fair dealing for the purpose of private study, education, parody or satire does not infringe copyright.

It is the addition of the word, "education," that needs to be addressed. What is "education?" Where is "education?" Without a clarifying amendment, this word can be interpreted so broadly as to effectively destroy the market for educational material. For example, anyone could buy one copy of your book, copy and distribute it widely under the rubric of "education" and get away without paying a cent in royalties. The same goes for the copying of your pieces in magazines, newspapers and anthologies. Even legitimate educational institutions would be free to use your work without paying royalties. This would mean a major reduction in the annual payment you receive from Access Copyright.

Incentive to Create Educational Materials Will Vanish

To be considered as fair dealing, copying must meet six criteria enshrined in the current Copyright Act, based on a 2004 decision by the Supreme Court of Canada. But the criteria are open to wide interpretation and will inevitably lead to costly and protracted litigation if the bill passes without amendment. Not only that, but the decision states that a dealing may be deemed fair even if it harms the market for a work! The new law needs to clarify this issue to preserve the value of our creative content.

In effect, the incentive for publishers and creators to produce new and innovative educational materials will vanish unless the bill is amended.

The Remedy: Define “education” and protect the rights holder

Ironically, the wording we are requesting in this section is already in the government backgrounder on Bill C-11, but is not reflected in the law itself. A coalition of leading writing and publishing organizations, including PWAC, is currently developing the specific wording of a technical amendment that will be delivered to the Ministers of Canadian Heritage and Industry. But for added effect, concerned PWAC members should write to the legislative committee and/or their MPs in their own words. Here are some key points to consider when drafting your letter:

1. You are a business person: First and foremost, freelance nonfiction writers run a business. We are educated, motivated, and provide a diversity of perspectives across a wide range of sectors. We provide the quality content for print and digital publications, but to continue to do so, we must be fairly compensated. Give an example of your work for which you've received royalties from Access Copyright, revenue that is in danger of disappearing unless the bill is amended.

2. How the bill as drafted would affect you: Have you written books or articles that are used in the educational setting? If so, what do you stand to lose should the royalties from those books dry up? How will your current and future market be affected? Your Access Copyright royalties would be dramatically cut, thus diminishing a revenue stream that’s been reliable for decades. Also, institutions would not be required compensate you to copy your work. Your only recourse would be to take them to court to argue against the fairness of the dealing. Even then, the court could decide that the harm to your market is not a factor and rule in favour of fair dealing. This would never occur under the Fair Use provision in US copyright law, where the creator's market is considered "the single most important element of fair use."

3. Without amendment C-11 will allow a transfer of your rightful revenue to the educational sector: The education exception is a rude attack on the principle of compensation for use. The minimal financial savings to the educational sector does not justify the measure. Educational institutions must pay teachers and administrators; why should they be exempt from paying creators of educational content?

4. Your incentive to create educational materials will vanish: Without confidence that your work will be fairly compensated, why would you continue to create it? What incentive would Canadian publishers have to invest in it? In effect, the market for Canadian educational content will be dramatically diminished with a commensurate loss of jobs and revenue to a key sector of the knowledge economy.

5. How the bill should be amended: The term "education" in section 29 needs to reflect the definition in the backgrounder. Specifically, "education" should be defined as "education in a structured context in a manner that takes into consideration the legitimate interests of a copyright holder." The definition of "fair dealing" needs to explicitly state that the dealing "does not harm the market for a work."

This expanded definition meets the requirements of the internationally respected Berne Convention for the Protection of Literary and Artistic Works to which Canada is signatory. Its three-step test states that an exception to copyright may be granted only if:

1. It is limited to certain special cases ("education in a structured context")

2. It does not conflict with a normal exploitation of the work ("does not harm the market for a work")

3. It does not unreasonably prejudice the legitimate interests of the rights holder ("takes into consideration the legitimate interests of a copyright holder")

Further Information

Bill C-11 is a complex document. If you have questions or need clarification or details, contact Bruce Wilson, Michelle Greysen, or Sandy Crawley:

Bruce Wilson: bwilson@cgocable.ca
Michelle Greysen: writer@michellegreysen.com
Sandy Crawley: scrawley@pwac.ca

Who to Write

A letter to your MP and/or a Bill C-11 legislative committee member would have the most impact. If writing your MP, state clearly that you are a constituent. Many of your local MP's will be holding Holiday Season open houses in their constituent offices in the days leading up to Christmas. Seize the opportunity to personally deliver your letter of protest on the amendments needed to Bill C-11. Put a powerful personal writer-face on your objections to this Bill.

Legislative Committee Members

Glenn Thibeault - CHAIR (Sudbury-NDP)
Telephone: 613-996-8962 Fax: 613-995-2569
TWITTER @GlennThibeault
EMail:glenn.thibeault@parl.gc.ca

Charlie Angus (Timmins-James Bay, NDP)
Telephone: 613-992-2919 Fax: 613-995-0747
TWITTER @CharlieAngusMP
EMail: charlie.angus@parl.gc.ca

Scott Armstrong (Cumberland-Colchester-Musquodoboit Valley, Conservative)
Telephone: 613-992-3366 Fax: 613-992-7220
TWITTER @SArmstrongCCMV
EMail: scott.armstrong@parl.gc.ca

Tyrone Benskin (Jeanne-Le Ber, NDP)
Telephone: 613-995-6403 Fax: 613-995-6404
EMail: Tyrone.Benskin@parl.gc.ca

Peter Braid (Kitchener-Waterloo, Conservative)
Telephone: 613-996-5928 Fax: 613-992-6251
TWITTER @peterbraid
EMail: peter.braid@parl.gc.ca

Paul Calandra (Oak Ridges-Markham, Conservative)
Telephone: 613-992-3640 Fax: 613-992-3642
TWITTER @PaulCalandra
EMail: paul.calandra@parl.gc.ca

Andrew Cash (Davenport, NDP)
Telephone: 613-992-2576 Fax: 613-995-8202
TWITTER @Cash4TO
EMail: Andrew.Cash@parl.gc.ca

Dean Del Mastro (Peterborough, Conservative)
Telephone: 613-995-6411 Fax: 613-996-9800
TWITTER @DeanDelMastro
EMail: dean.delmastro@parl.gc.ca

Mike Lake (Edmonton-Mill Woods-Beaumont, Conservative)
Telephone: 613-995-8695 Fax: 613-995-6465
TWITTER @MikeLakeMP
EMail: mike.lake@parl.gc.ca

Phil McColeman (Brant, Conservative)
Telephone: 613-992-3118 Fax: 613-992-6382
TWITTER @Phil4Brant
EMail: phil.mccoleman@parl.gc.ca

Rob Moore (Fundy Royal, Conservative)
Telephone: 613-996-2332 Fax: 613-995-4286
TWITTER @RobMoore_CPC
EMail: rob.moore@parl.gc.ca

Pierre Nantel (Longueuil-Pierre-Boucher, NDP)
Telephone: 613-992-8514 Fax: 613-992-2744
TWITTER @pierrenantel
EMail: Pierre.Nantel@parl.gc.ca

Geoff Regan (Halifax West, Liberal)
Telephone: 613-996-3085 Fax: 613-996-6988
TWITTER @geoffregan
EMail: geoff.regan@parl.gc.ca

* The group represents the following organizations:

The Canadian Publishers’ Council (CPC)

The Association of Canadian Publishers (ACP)

The Canadian Educational Resources Council (CERC)

L'Union des écrivaines et des écrivains québécois (UNEQ)

The Professional Writers Association of Canada (PWAC)

L'Association national des éditeurs de livres (ANEL)

The Writers’ Union of Canada (TWUC)

PWAC Holiday Gift Books 2011

This season, consider buying books by these fine PWAC authors. The list below covers books published since 2009. Alphabetical by author's last name, the list gives title(s) and when provided, publishing info, genre, price, description, awards/recognition, and available locations or contact information. Seasons Greetings!

The PWAC Holiday Gift Books of 2011 is available here (as a PDF): PWAC Holiday Gift Books of 2011

Copyright Bill Reform

The majority government in Ottawa is about to pass a new copyright bill into law. Representatives tell us that they will do it within the next five weeks, before Christmas. In light of the parliamentary calendar it may take longer, perhaps until February, but there is no doubt that our opportunity to influence the outcome for freelance writers and for the future of Canada in a digital world is now. The need to modernize our law is urgent. The Conservative Party is to be congratulated for attempting to do so three times in a span of five years. Their majority guarantees that they will succeed this time. The question is at what cost?

As you know, copyright is a complex matter. With this bulletin we don't propose to tackle the subject in great detail but to offer an overview of the highlights of the proposed law, Bill C-11, which is currently in second reading in the House of Commons and will soon move to a legislative committee (see below). We offer this in the context of the current political atmosphere around the bill and as a call to arms to those of you with the time and inclination to intervene in this process. The key issue for PWAC and our allies is the ill-defined exception for education under fair dealing. The detail on this issue is at the end of this bulletin under "Highlights" just before the contact information for taking action.

Background

Bill C-11 was introduced in September with the exact same wording as Bill C-32 from the last parliament when the Conservatives were in a minority situation. The legislative committee had heard more 75 witnesses when the May election killed the bill. Industry Minister Chrtisian Paradis told the House on October 18th that the reason the bill is unchanged from last Spring is to avoid beginning the process anew but rather to build on the work of the former legislative committee. Minister of Canadian Heritage James Moore assured the opposition that the government is open to amending the bill to improve it. However, they both also maintain that the bill as drafted has achieved a balance between competing interests generalized as creators vs. consumers. This is the kind of gross simplification that often crops up in the House of Commons and there is more to it, as you will see when we delve into key issues below. But there is realpolitik to this, since the draft law does seem to favour consumption over creation in ways that don't make sense if Canada is to prosper in a knowledge based economy that relies on digital communications to move forward.

Lay of the Land

Certain issues have had a lot of coverage in the media. Last year with C-32 there was a struggle between the opposition and the minority government over the royalties that are collected by the music industry through a private copying levy (often misleadingly called a tax) on blank CDs (this began with tape in the 20th century) on the premise that they were often used to reproduce sound recordings commercially obtained therefore hurting the market for those physical embodiments of copyright works. The music sector, backed by the NDP and the Liberals, called for this levy to be applied to the sale of modern recording devices that store sound recordings internally. The minority conservatives stood firm and waged a successful public campaign dubbing this measure the "ipod tax". Now that we have a majority government, that battle is over - the private copying levy will not be extended to new devices.

The other issue that has received more attention is one that is still very much with us: The concept of referred to in international treaties as technical protection measures or TPMs. These "digital locks" are those features of digital formatting designed to prevent access or copying in the hope of controlling piracy. These have garnered heaps of scorn and venomous comment from the proponents of "Free Culture". This issue has coloured the political landscape to the point where other more subtle but critical issues are lost on busy MPs of all parties who may not have a sophisticated grasp of copyright and how it works.

Highlights of C-11

TPMs or Digital Locks

The draft bill provides protection for these which is consistent with international treaties that Canada has signed but not yet implemented in law. The government has been accused of taking this step in response to pressure from large media corporations with interests in games, movies and music. This is consistent with the positions of our major trading partners, especially the USA. While the writing and publishing sector do not object to TPMs in principle or practice they are not currently applied across our industry and this issue is not a matter of concern for us in C-11 except that it tends to take up all the oxygen in the conversation and our key issues tend to get short shrift.

Internet Service Providers

In some jurisdictions around the world, most notably in the USA and France, internet service providers or ISPs are required to send a cease and desist notice to alleged copyright infringers using their service to make illegal copies and if the infringer fails to comply the ISP may "takedown" the allegedly infringing content. This is known as "notice and takedown". In C-11 the government is proposing a much softer approach whereby repeated cease and desist notices is the only measure required. This is known as "notice and notice". The music and film industries would like to see this strengthened too but it looks unlikely as the digital locks are seen to be the great benefit for them in the bill and the ISP lobby is strongly against taking any further responsibility in the management of copyright at the prospect of increasing their costs and the risk of alienating their customers. While we have sympathy with those wanting stronger compliance measures this is not the focus of writers organizations concern with C-11.

EXCEPTIONS and FAIR DEALING

In line with international copyright treaties and domestic law in most developed countries copyright law includes exceptions (sometimes known as exemptions) for certain uses of copyright material. Our current statute provides such protection from legal action for research, criticism and private study when use for such a purpose is fair. From a writer's point of view this is not only acceptable but also necessary to our work, particularly in non-fiction genres. C-11, however, proposes to introduce a vast array of new exceptions some of which we welcome but many of which do damage to our primary markets and the ancillary uses that abound in the digital realm.

User Generated Content or "Mash-ups"

C-11 provides protection from prosecution for the use of copyright materials by individuals who wish to make a copy of a work and add one or more element to it and put it back into circulation as long as doing so does not involve the exchange of money. This is the so-called "YouTube" exception seen as a way to ensure that the recording of a granddaughter dancing to copyright protected music or a cat frolicking in front of original visual art is not considered copyright infringement. What is disturbing here is that Canada would be the only jurisdiction where social network purveyors of such mash-ups like YouTube will not have to license such works from their rights-holders, an industry practice everywhere else in the developed world which is paid for by the advertising revenues that sustain such enterprises. This lends some credibility to the charge that with C-11 Canada is leading a global erosion of copyright protection and there is considerable pressure from beyond our borders to amend this section of the Bill which we favour in principle as it has implications for the future of digital publishing.

Education

This is the key issue for PWAC and the six writers organizations with which we are working to mitigate the damage to our livelihoods through an amendment to C-11. Again, Canada is poised to introduce an exception under the concept of "Fair Dealing" (as distinct from the legal concept in the USA known as "Fair Use", more on that below*). By adding the single word education to the list of research, private study, criticism, parody and satire without providing a definition of what it refers to, C-11 imperils the major market for the copying of our works, that of educational institutions. Provincial ministries of education have been lobbying for this exception for the better part of a decade. The fact that it is in the draft Bill is a measure of their success in that it may allow colleges and universities to cease compensating right-holders for the copying of our works. The public policy rationale is that education is a good thing, it serves society as a whole and anything that makes it more accessible at a lower cost is therefore also a good thing. But for several decades compensating writers and visual artists and our publishers when multiple copies of our works are made in the education sector has been the practice and that is where your annual cheque from writers and publishers copyright collectives such as Access Copyright and Copibec comes from. This single revenue stream may not pay off your mortgage or put food on the table for more than a few days but as a community this obligation to compensate for use brings us $30-$40 Million dollars that may evaporate unless Bill C-11 is amended to set limits to the free use of our creative output.

*Under the "Fair Use" regime in the US damage to the market for a work is a primary factor in deciding if a use is fair or not. If C-11 goes through as drafted damage to the market for a work will not be considered as a primary factor as a result of a 2004 decision by the Supreme Court of Canada.

There are a number of related clauses including library loans exception, display exception, private purpose exception, weakening of statutory damages, anti piracy measures and others that, added together serve to weaken writers markets, especially for the secondary uses of our works. We don't detail them all here because writers organizations have collectively decided that fair dealing in education is the most imminently damaging measure in the Bill and also the one where we have done enough preliminary work on to turn it around with your support by an amendment that will mitigate the damage to our community.

Conclusion and Contact Info

So we want you to raise your voice to ask our government to address the issue by introducing an amendment to C-11 that will provide rights-holders some legal protection from the mass copying of our works by educational institutions without compensation. Through our allies we are working with respected copyright lawyers to present an amendment that invokes the international standard known as the "Berne three-step test" for fairness after the treaty that contains it:

"…(1) Authors of literary and artistic works protected by this Convention shall have the exclusive right of authorizing the reproduction of these works, in any manner or form. (2) It shall be a matter for legislation in the countries of the Union to permit the reproduction of such works in certain special cases, provided that such reproduction does not conflict with a normal exploitation of the work and does not unreasonably prejudice the legitimate interests of the author. (3) Any sound or visual recording shall be considered as a reproduction for the purposes of this Convention."

Translation: it isn't fair to copy our works in volume without paying for the privilege.

Some government representatives are saying they don't want to put this language into the Bill itself since we are already signatory to Berne. However, C-11 as written is so ambiguous on the concept of education that we want to see it invoked as a signal to institutional users that they have to negotiate fair license arrangements with us when they copy our works.

Our key target audience to make the necessary change is the legislative committee on C-11:

Glenn Thibeault - CHAIR (Subbury-NDP)
TWITTER @GlennThibeault
Telephone: 613-996-8962 Fax: 613-995-2569 EMail: glenn.thibeault@parl.gc.ca

Charlie Angus (Timmins-James Bay, NDP)
TWITTER @CharlieAngusMP
Telephone: 613-992-2919 Fax: 613-995-0747 EMail: charlie.angus@parl.gc.ca

Scott Armstrong (Cumberland-Colchester-Musquodoboit Valley, Conservative)
TWITTER @SArmstrongCCMV
Telephone: 613-992-3366 Fax: 613-992-7220 EMail: scott.armstrong@parl.gc.ca

Tyrone Benskin (Jeanne-Le Ber, NDP)
(TWITTER not available)
Telephone: 613-995-6403 Fax: 613-995-6404 EMail: Tyrone.Benskin@parl.gc.ca

Peter Braid (Kitchener-Waterloo, Conservative)
TWITTER @peterbraid
Telephone: 613-996-5928 Fax: 613-992-6251 EMail: peter.braid@parl.gc.ca

Paul Calandra (Oak Ridges-Markham, Conservative)
TWITTER @PaulCalandra
Telephone: 613-992-3640 Fax: 613-992-3642 EMail: paul.calandra@parl.gc.ca

Andrew Cash (Davenport, NDP)
TWITTER @Cash4TO
Telephone: 613-992-2576 Fax: 613-995-8202 EMail: Andrew.Cash@parl.gc.ca

Dean Del Mastro (Peterborough, Conservative)
TWITTER @Mpdeandelmastro
Telephone: 613-995-6411 Fax: 613-996-9800 EMail: dean.delmastro@parl.gc.ca

Mike Lake (Edmonton-Mill Woods-Beaumont, Conservative)
TWITTER @MikeLakeMP
Telephone: 613-995-8695 Fax: 613-995-6465 EMail: mike.lake@parl.gc.ca

Phil McColeman (Brant, Conservative)
TWITTER @Phil4Brant
Telephone: 613-992-3118 Fax: 613-992-6382 EMail: phil.mccoleman@parl.gc.ca

Rob Moore (Fundy Royal, Conservative)
TWITTER @RobMoore_CPC
Telephone: 613-996-2332 Fax: 613-995-4286 EMail: rob.moore@parl.gc.ca

Pierre Nantel (Longueuil-Pierre-Boucher, NDP)
TWITTER @pierrenantel
Telephone: 613-992-8514 Fax: 613-992-2744 EMail: Pierre.Nantel@parl.gc.ca

Geoff Regan (Halifax West, Liberal)
TWITTER @geoffregan
Telephone: 613-996-3085 Fax: 613-996-6988 EMail: geoff.regan@parl.gc.ca

Please use the contact information above to let them know you need this to be done.

Also go to the members of parliament website and to find the e-mail address of your own MP and let him or her know you are a constituent and a freelance writer who is concerned that the draft Bill will damage your livelihood unless it is amended to curtail uncompensated copying.

Finally, it is unlikely that the opposition parties will have much effect in the process. Conservatives with whom we are in contact suggest that any amendments that are endorsed at the committee and get back to parliament will come from the government side. So if you have a Conservative MP in your riding it is especially important that you let him or her know you expect them to defend your rights as an independent small business.

Thanks for wading through this message and for taking action for yourself, your colleagues and coming generations of professional writers in Canada.

PWAC RFP for Strategic Planning Consultant

PWAC RFP for Strategic Planning Consultant

The Professional Writers Association of Canada (PWAC) seeks a consultant to guide the board and staff in a strategic planning exercise. The first session is planned for early 2012. The strategic planning session will help the organization determine our direction over the next 3-5 years.

PWAC wants to make sure that it is recognized by writers and partners in the writing and publishing industry as the premiere organization representing freelance, non-fiction writers.

Key Questions PWAC Has Under Consideration
- What is our vision?
- What are our goals and what steps does PWAC need to take to achieve them?
- How do we promote the organization to potential members and to the public at large?
- What attracts people to PWAC? What retains members within PWAC? What causes members to leave?
- How can we ensure PWAC members’ needs are represented by the organization?
- As a leading advocacy organization, what does PWAC need to do to ensure that we have the ear of government and industry partners?

What Is PWAC?
In 1976, a group of freelance writers began to meet to discuss ways of improving working conditions and rates for writers in Canada's magazine and newspaper industries. Their discussions led to the foundation of the Periodical Writers Association of Canada (PWAC), a nation-wide non-profit organization that has played a leading role in the industry ever since.

In 2005, PWAC became the Professional Writers Association of Canada, reflecting the broader professional interests of members across the country.

PWAC members write magazine and newspaper articles, books, speeches, newsletters, media releases, white papers, annual reports, advertising and brochure copy, sales and marketing material, Web content, training manuals, film scripts, radio and television documentaries, and much more.

Composition of PWAC
PWAC began as a volunteer-driven, chapter-led organization. The role of the national office and staff has grown, but we continue to have an active membership who contribute professional development, mentoring, guidance and support to newcomers and new writers. The nine-member board operates under a policy model developing the vision and providing direction to the Executive Director, who leads the organization and staff on a day-to-day basis.

PWAC's Mandate
- Develop and maintain professional standards in editor-writer and client-writer relationships.
- Improve industry standards and fees for all types of freelance writing.
- Offset the isolation felt among freelance writers by providing networking opportunities, regular meetings and opportunities for writers to share experiences online and in person.
- Assist members in finding new business opportunities.
- Provide professional development for members across the country.
- Advocate for ethical standards, freedom of the press and freedom of expression in Canada.

We see an important leadership role for the organization in adapting to the realities of digital production and distribution. We seek a consultant who can help us to define this role.

Participants in Strategic Planning
The strategic planning exercise will include the full-time staff, the volunteer Board of Directors and possibly other leaders from within the organization and beyond.

Statement of Need

After 35 years in operation it is important that PWAC evaluates our status and vision. During 2010 and 2011 PWAC worked with two different consultants to begin this work. Part of it occurred in conjunction with The Writers Union Of Canada (TWUC) through a Compass Grant. However, while TWUC finished their strategic planning session, staff changes and workload for PWAC meant that we were unable to complete ours. The notes from these Strategic Planning sessions will be provided to the successful candidate.

We are seeking an experienced consultant to guide us through the strategic planning session including preparatory work, and the development of a follow-up report. Ideally, the final report will include a document that can be circulated to members, funders, government, industry partners etc. in highlighting the status and direction of PWAC. Content of the document will be designed by the facilitator, in conjunction with a staff/board team, but final design and printing will be outsourced.

Initial group session date: early 2012 (one day to be chosen in conjunction with the successful candidate)
Location: Toronto or the Greater Toronto Area

Please respond by e-mail to info@pwac.ca and include “strategic planning” in the subject line. See further information below.

To Respond to the RFP:

Please provide the following information by 5:00 PM, Friday November 11th, 2011

1.    Name of Company
2.    Lead Contact
3.    Contact Information
4.    Website
5.    History and Background of Your Company/Facilitator
6.    CV for Lead Facilitator and any members of the team
7.    Please indicate your understanding of the scope of the project by outlining the steps you would take, needed human and support resources, and timeline
8.    Budget (please note, PWAC is applying for a grant to assist with the costs of the strategic planning so a detailed project budget is required for this process.)
9.    Knowledge and understanding of PWAC
10.    Experience with similar projects
11.    Experience with writing/publishing industry and/or arts organizations and/or professional associations
12.    Please provide names and contact information for three references for whom you have conducted similar work

Selection Process
PWAC will review all bids received by the deadline. An internal committee will short-list the qualified companies. Interviews will be held and references checked for the top three bidders.

Decision will be made based on the following criteria:
- Experience with similar undertakings
- Knowledge of the industry
- Timeline
- Skills of the lead consultant and team
- Budget (please note, the lowest bidder will not necessarily be awarded the contract)

Per PWAC Policy, this RFP will be released internally to PWAC members and externally to other bidders at the same time. The most qualified individual, regardless of their membership within PWAC, will be selected.

Contact PWAC
PWAC National Office
215 Spadina Avenue, Suite #130
Toronto ON M5T 2C7
T: (416) 504-1645
E: info@pwac.ca

GG Awards announced

Read all about the Governor General's Literary Awards here

External Affairs

The federal government tabled the copyright reform bill, C-11, yesterday in the House of Commons. It has exactly the same wording as the draft that died on the order paper with the spring election. Those of you who have been following this saga will know that, while we agree with the stated objectives of the proposed law, there are problems for writers, especially in the area of exceptions under Fair Dealing. The thorniest one for PWAC and at least six of our sister organizations is the exception for education in this section of the bill. Because it adds the word "education" without clarifying what this means. A majority of provincial ministries of education have been seeking this addition for a number of years because if they get it they can drive a truck through it. And they'll be driving right through your intellectual property, without asking. Because this gives the omnipresent bean counters in the bureaucracies around education an opportunity to escape their responsibility to compensate Canadian writers when their works are copied for use in the post-secondary education sector. The costs they are evading, that they have paid for in an orderly fashion for decades through our collective rights administration represent less than 1 % of their total budgets. Yet the original expression of ideas as contained in copyright works is (or ought to be) the very basis of education.

So we are reaching out to PWAC members to take the time to make a request to the government through your members of parliament to be open to the idea of accepting amendments to bill C-11 to make it stronger and to help build the digital economy through the industry and entrepreneurial spirit of thousands of small Canadian businesspeople, that is Freelance writers.

If you can steal the time from making a living the most effective way to help make this happen is through a letter to your MP in your own words. The points you need to make are:

· The exception for education under Fair Dealing as it is will lead to years of costly litigation

· The addition of the internationally respected Berne three-step test to the bill will help to avoid confusion and diminish the likelihood of court cases

· The responsibility to make a law that compensates writers fairly should not be left to the courts

It should be easy to find the e-mail address of your MP. Please cc. us at info@pwac.ca when you reach out to them that way. If you have time to put pen to paper, that's even better. You still don't need a stamp to write your member in Ottawa.

Robertson 2 claim information

NOTICE OF APPROVAL OF SETTLEMENT OF COPYRIGHT CLASS ACTION HEATHER ROBERTSON V. TORONTO STAR NEWSPAPERS LTD., ROGERS PUBLISHING LIMITED, CEDROM-SNI INC. AND PROQUEST INFORMATION AND LEARNING LLC

If you are a writer, wherever you reside, please read this notice carefully as it may affect your rights.

This notice is addressed to people who may be class members in this class action and provides information about the court-approved settlement of this action, how class members may make a claim for compensation under the settlement or, alternatively, how they may opt-out of the settlement.

BACKGROUND

In 2003, the plaintiff Heather Robertson commenced a lawsuit against Toronto Star Newspapers Ltd. (“Toronto Star”), Rogers Publishing Limited (“Rogers”), CEDROM-SNi Inc. (“Cedrom”), ProQuest Information and Learning LLC (“ProQuest”) and Canwest Publishing Inc. (“Canwest”) (collectively “defendants”). Ms. Robertson alleged that the defendants infringed the copyrights of authors or assignees of original literary works published in print media in Canada by disseminating copies of those literary works using electronic databases. The defendants claimed they had the requisite rights to disseminate those works and denied Ms. Robertson’s claims. In October 2008, the Ontario court certified the action as a class proceeding.

WHO IS A CLASS MEMBER

This class action generally applies to freelance authors and assignees who wrote for publications owned or operated by Toronto Star, Rogers, Canwest or their affiliates (including predecessors).
More specifically, class membership is defined as

A.   All persons who were the authors or creators of original literary works (“Works”) which were published in Canada in any newspaper, magazine, periodical, newsletter, or journal (collectively “Print Media”) by Toronto Star Newspapers Limited, Rogers Publishing Limited, Canwest Publishing Inc. or their Affiliates on or before the date of this order which Print Media have been reproduced, distributed or communicated to the public by telecommunication by, or pursuant to the purported authorization or permission of, one or more of the defendants or their Affiliates, through any electronic database, excluding electronic databases in which only a precise electronic reproduction of the Work or a substantial portion thereof is made available (such as PDF and analogous copies) (collectively “Electronic Media”), excluding:

(a)   persons who by written document assigned or exclusively licensed all of the copyright in their Works to a defendant, a licensor to a defendant, or any third party; or

(b)   persons who by written document granted to a defendant or its Affiliates or a licensor to a defendant a license to publish or use their Works in Electronic Media; or

(c)   persons who were employees of a defendant or a defendant’s Affiliate or a licensor to the defendant, with respect to any Works created in the course of their employment.

Where the Print Media publication was a Canadian edition of a foreign publication, only Works comprising the content exclusive to the Canada edition shall qualify for inclusion under this definition.
(Persons included in clause A are referred to as “Creators”. A “licensor to a defendant”is any party that has purportedly authorized or provided permission to one or more defendants to make Works available in Electronic Media. References to defendants or licensors to defendants include their predecessors and successors in interest.)

B.   All persons (except a defendant or a licensor to a defendant) to whom a Creator, or an Assignee, assigned, exclusively licensed, granted or transmitted a right to publish or use their Works in Electronic Media.
(Persons included in clause B are hereinafter referred to as “Assignees”)

C.   Where a Creator or Assignee is deceased, the personal representatives of the estate of such person unless the date of death of the Creator was on or before December 31, 1950.
Definition of Affiliate

An “Affiliate”means (i) all divisions, subsidiaries, affiliated companies and parent companies of a company;

(ii) the present and former directors, officers, agents, servants and employees of a company and the entities described in (i); and

(iii) the successors, heirs, executors, estate trustees, administrators, assigns, licencees and sub- licencees of the persons and/or entities described in subparagraphs (i) and (ii).

SETTLEMENT

The Ontario court has approved settlements with the defendants. The settlements provide approximately $7.9 million in cash for the benefit of class members. In return, there will be a release of all claims against these defendants and their Affiliates and a licence in respect of literary works that were published by Toronto Star, Rogers, Canwest or their Affiliates.
The case has been financially supported by the Class Proceedings Fund operated by the Law Foundation of Ontario. As required by law, 10% of the net proceeds of the action will be paid to the Class Proceedings Fund.
The court has also approved legal fees of approximately $1.9 million (plus disbursements and applicable taxes) to be paid from the settlement fund to class counsel. Class counsel represented the class in this action on a contingency fee basis, meaning they agreed they would receive no pay for their work unless there was a settlement or judgment. The approved legal fees represent 8 years of class counsel’s work in this litigation.

MAKING A CLAIM FOR COMPENSATION

William Dovey of Duff & Phelps is claims administrator for the compensation fund and can be reached at:

80 Richmond Street West, Suite 2000, Toronto, ON, M5H 2A4 Tel: 416.361.2590 Fax: 416.364.2904

To receive compensation, a class member must submit by mail or facsimile a completed claim form and supporting documents by no later than 5:00 p.m. Toronto time on October 15, 2011. If you fail to submit a claim form and the supporting documents by this date, you will not receive any compensation from the compensation fund.

Class members can obtain a claim form from:

(i) (ii) (iii)
class counsel’s website, www.kmlaw.ca/freelanceclassaction the claims administrator’s website, www.duffandphelps.com/freelanceclaims calling or faxing the claims administrator.

The claim form includes instructions on how to complete it. Class members may also contact the claims administrator if they have questions about the claim form.

Compensation is based on the number of literary works claimed, the length of the works and the publication in which they initially appeared.

Additional information on the claims process and compensation is available on class counsel’s website at www.kmlaw.ca/freelanceclassaction under the link titled “Settlement”.

OPTING OUT

If you are a class member (as described above) and you do not want to participate in the settlements you may choose to opt out. If you opt out, you will not be entitled to any compensation from the settlements.
To opt out you must fill out the form below and send it to class counsel by mail or fax to:

Koskie Minsky LLP, Barristers & Solicitors 20 Queen St. West, Suite 900, Box 52, Toronto, ON, M5H 3R3 Re: Robertson v. ProQuest et al. Class Action Fax: 416.204.2897

FURTHER INFORMATION

If you wish to obtain additional information about the settlement or claims process, please contact class counsel by mail at the above address, email at

freelance1classaction@kmlaw.ca

or by phone at 1.866.777.6343.

More trinkets fewer ideas?

As you will see from this post in Quill & Quire business models in the sector continue to adapt, sometimes not as we might wish...

http://www.quillandquire.com/google/article.cfm?article_id=11894

PWAC General Manager Job Posting

We encourage applications from members of PWAC as well as individuals external to the organization. Only those selected for an interview will be contacted.

Deadline: Sunday, July 24th 2011, at 5:00 pm ET. Submit resumes and cover letter to: hr@pwac.ca.

Summary: The General Manager (GM) is responsible for the day-to-day administration of the PWAC National Office, membership coordination, financial management, and development of the National Conference & AGM, among other tasks, working closely with and under the supervision of the Executive Director (ED).

The ideal candidate will have some or all of these qualifications:
- A strong commitment to the organization's mission, values, vision and strategic objectives;
- Knowledge and experience of the writing and publishing industry; particularly the needs of freelance writers;
- Strong leadership and management skills, particularly office management experience and financial operations etc.;
- Proven ability to manage deadlines, and changing priorities;
- Effective communication skills in various media including superior written and verbal skills;
- Experience in the non-profit sector and working with a volunteer board of directors and volunteer coordination;
- Proficiency in desktop publishing, web-site maintenance, database administration and online social networking in a MAC-based office environment and
- Excellent customer service skills.

Hours of Work: While this job requires some flexibility in terms of hours (i.e. occasional evening and weekend meetings) the majority of the work occurs during regular business hours. The GM is expected to maintain regular office hours.

Location: PWAC's National Office is based in downtown Toronto in the Centre for Social Innovation at 215 Spadina Avenue. Occasional travel is required.

Salary: The salary is commensurate with experience - range $34,000-$38,000/year, plus benefits.

Start date: As soon as possible.

Complete position description available at: www.pwac.ca/files/PDF/PWAC_GM_Description_2011.pdf.

Established in 1976, the Professional Writers Association of Canada (PWAC) is a national membership organization of freelance writers working in all media. We are an equal opportunities organization and candidates for the position will be judged according to their experience and skills. PWAC represents the social and economic interests of published self-employed writers working for fair compensation and public and industrial policies that further their career goals and ensure respect for their contribution to diversity of perspectives within the writing and publishing industry in Canada and beyond.

PWAC's South West New Brunswick Chapter Presents Short Story Awards

Two Grade 12 students from Belleisle Regional High School and Kennebecais Valley High School are this year's recipients of a $500 award in a short story contest presented by the South West New Brunswick Chapter of the Professional Writers Association of Canada (SWNB-PWAC).

The SWNB-PWAC 2011 Short Story contest was open to Grade 12 students attending schools in the south west region of New Brunswick. Each participant wrote a 1,000 to 1,500 word short story on a topic of his or her choice which in turn was read and critiqued by a jury of professional writers from SWNB-PWAC who then selected the top two entrants.

Each of the following Grade 12 students received their $500 award at their high school graduation. The winners are: Gillian Graves (Belleisle Regional High School) for her story "The Two Professors" and Kyle Mason (Kennebecasis Valley High School) for his story "Size Matters."

As professional writers, the SWNB-PWAC Chapter members are aware clear, concise writing and being articulate plays a vital role in the future of young people today as they prepare to enter the work force and the competition in finding employment. Carmel Vivier, President of the SWNB-PWAC Chapter, believes that the skill to communicate through the written word is a valuable asset to students.With the use of social media on the rise, there is a tendency for people to forget or ignore the use of proper writing skills. Venues such as the short story contest provide students with the possibility of a financial reward by showing off their writing skills.

Funding for the $500 awards is provided by the James Venner Russell Foundation. Miss Mary Kirk McKean, a well known History and German teacher at Saint John High School for 34 years, was a life-long patron of the arts. She established both The McKean Family Foundation and, in memory of her long standing friend, The James Venner Russell Foundation to assist in the promotion of art and culture in the Saint John area.

For further information on the Short Story Contest or the SWNB-PWAC Chapter, please contact Carmel Vivier at (506) 849-2136.

Winners Announced for the Second Annual PWAC Writing Awards Competition

Winners and runners-up have been announced in the second annual writing awards of the Professional Writers Association of Canada (PWAC) for stories published in 2010 in print or on the web.

The winner in the features category (over 1,200 words) is Melissa Martin for her entry "La lang di Michif Ta-pashipiikan," which appeared in the September 25, 2010 edition of The Winnipeg Free Press. The runner-up is Stephen Kimber for "Is Corey Wright the Wrong Man?" which appeared in the May 6, 2010 issue of The Coast. The other finalists in this category are:

- Beverly Akerman for "Six Pixels of Separation" (Grain Magazine)
- Mark Cardwell for "Getting Away with Murder" (Canadian Lawyer)
- Terri Perrin for "All in the Family" (InFocus Magazine)
- Mark Witten for "Heal or Harm?" (Today's Parent)

The winner in the short articles category (1,200 words or less) is Beverly Akerman for her entry "Woman's murder exposes need to raise age for gun ownership," which appeared in the April 20, 2010 edition of The Toronto Star. The runner-up is L. D. Cross for "How to Get the Money You're Owed," which appeared in the May 2010 issue of PROFIT Magazine. The other finalists in this category are:

- Karen Virag for "The Naked Truth About Raw" (The Tomato)
- Mark Witten for "Brainwashed" (The Walrus)

"Congratulations to the second annual PWAC Writing Award winners, runners-up and other finalists. The entries and finalists demonstrate the rich diversity and overall quality of journalism and creative non-fiction in the country," says PWAC President Craig Silverman. "PWAC is pleased to showcase the skills of Canadian writers through the award competition."

Silverman also thanked the competition's judges for their expert consideration: Richard Burnett, Martin Dunphy, Nora Underwood, Lezlie Lowe, Stephen Whitworth and Bridget Wayland.

"Our writing competition continues to grow, and we are proud of the high-quality entries we have received," Silverman said.

The winners and runners-up were announced on Saturday, June 18, 2010, at PWAC's Gala Awards Ceremony & Dinner at PWAC's 2011 National Conference & AGM. The first prize in each award category has a $750 value, including a free PWAC membership for a year (if eligible).

PWAC, established in 1976, is the national organization representing freelance writers and journalists in Canada.

More information:
Sandy Crawley, Executive Director, scrawley@pwac.ca, (416) 504-1645
Craig Silverman, President, silvermancraig@gmail.com, (514) 808-0548

Report from Banff

June 14, 2011: Banff World Media Festival - Day 3

Andrea Tombrowski, president of PWAC's Calgary Chapter, is representing PWAC at the Banff World Media Festival 2011 from June 12-15 in Banff. This is her report from Day 3 at the festival. BWMF is the "world's largest global development and production marketplace," attracting television and digital media professionals from across the globe.

Why is it that everyone acknowledges "content is king" yet there is so little talk about writers?

INTERVIEW WITH TREVOR CAMERON
Trevor Cameron is a Gemini award-winning screenwriter from Saskatchewan. I asked him what makes an award-winning piece of writing. His response:
"For me, I find that the award-winning script is always somewhere along the lines of a fifth draft. I find so many young writers are pumping out this first draft and they think it's brilliant and they don't want to change it. And, you know, we're in a business that you have to be willing to kind of mould your idea and suddenly you'll find that you'll do something way better."

QUESTION FROM PWAC MEMBER
Knowing I was at the Banff World Media Festival, one PWAC member asked me what the process was for turning a great fiction book into a movie or television series. I posed that question to Scot Morison, an Edmonton-based writer, story editor and director. Morison, who got his start writing novels, has worked on several well-known television shows and was president of the Writers Guild of Alberta from 1998 to 1999. Morison suggested the member send the novel and a one-page story synopsis to producers who have shown an interest, or have some history, in producing movies adapted from literature.

I didn't ask Morison the second part of the member's question: should she query the company by email, phone or snail mail. My advice? Don't send anything by mail before inquiring first (you're wasting a book and postage if they're not interested). Call the company's office and ask for the name and address of the person you may submit your query to. At the same time, you can also ask what the company's query protocol is (if you haven’t already found the information on the company's website).

To find Canadian film producers, check out the Canadian Media Production Association, Reel West Digest and provincial film associations. Watch the Gemini Awards in November, honouring Canadian film, and the Genie Awards in March, honouring Canadian television.

Session: CAN ONLINE PUBLISHERS SUCCESSFULLY MONETIZE CONTENT?
You'd think that with the word "publishers" in the title, this session would be of interest to writers. Not so. The word "content" didn't apply to writing either. Two strikes. Nonetheless, one panelist made comments that are useful for any person involved in business.

Dominique-Sebastien Forest is the Vice-President of Digital at Transcontinental Media. His advice:
(1) "You have to look at the future with enthusiasm. And if you are changing your (business) model because you feel like you HAVE to change your model, please exit this room and change jobs. Bad business is like bad sex. Bad business done without passion sucks."
(2) "Edison didn't invent the light bulb by trying to improve the candle. Don't try to change your business model by improving your original business model. The new business model has nothing to do with the past."
(3) "Stop being reactive and do what other people tell you to do. You have to stop reacting to the latest gizmo that Apple's put on the market. You have to look at the future and what the key influences (and trends) are in the market that will change your business, and where you should position your business within a three-, five-, ten-years time frame."

INTERVIEW WITH STACEY FARBER
Stacey Farber played 'Jessie Hill' on the CBC comedy, 18 to Life. I met her in a hallway at the festival and she filled me in on her life.

Stacey recently returned from three months in Los Angeles auditioning for television pilots (January, February and March are known as the 'pilot season' in LA when a variety of pilots are cast). Regrettable, 18 to Life was cancelled after two seasons so she continues to audition in Toronto, her home town. "While I'm waiting for auditions, I am looking for freelance writing work because I have a degree in Creative Writing (from the New School University in New York)." During the four-year Bachelor of Arts program, she majored in fiction and minored in journalism. Her newest writing job is penning an online column for The Hudson's Bay company called b-insider. "The thing that I'm finding difficult (with freelance writing) is you have to hustle. And that's true of any freelance work or anyone who works for themselves."

QUOTE OF THE DAY - DAY 3
"The best way to relate to anybody, whether it be comedy, drama or reality or musical, is just be real because everybody understands and relates to real. Because everybody shares whatever weaknesses we have, whatever strengths we have, and I kind of use that today in whatever it is I do."
-Veteran comedian, Howie Mandel, Banff festival’s 2011 Award of Distinction recipient

Day 2 - Report from Banff

June 13, 2011: Banff World Media Festival - Day 2

Andrea Tombrowski, president of PWAC's Calgary Chapter, is representing PWAC at the Banff World Media Festival 2011 from June 12-15 in Banff. This is her report from Day 2 at the festival. BWMF is the "world's largest global development and production marketplace," attracting television and digital media professionals from across the globe.

The word of the day was "monetize." I heard it in three separate conversations. While everyone acknowledges the power and prevalence of digital media, no one yet know how to monetize it.

Session: VIEW FROM THE TOP: NON-FICTION
In this session, four broadcasters shared their views on the latest trends in non-fiction content. Christine Shipton is Vice President of Original Content at Shaw Media. She says that at Shaw they use a "big checklist" to determine what makes a great non-fiction show. The checklist starts with three key words: "is it entertaining, dramatic and emotional?" She says the combination of those words is what makes for something incredibly compelling. "Compelling means it holds you. It wants you to come back and you want to come back to it." Emotional, she says, doesn't necessarily mean someone crying. Rather, it's anything that evokes some form of emotion in the viewer, such as joy, sympathy, sadness or empathy.

One other factor on their checklist is character. "What is the access to that character? What is the journey those characters are on?" Shipton says this factor applies to any genre. "If you don't have the right characters that you want us to watch, it ain't gonna make it."

Session: DIGITAL DOWNLOAD: THE STATE OF THE CANADIAN DIGITAL MEDIA UNIVERSE
Bryan Segal is Vice President of Sales at comScore Inc.. Here are some points from his presentation:
-technology is changing media consumption and the way we communicate;
-we’ve moved from passive viewing to active engagement;
-as far as media goes, Canadians spent the majority of their time watching TV. That’s followed by (2) radio, (3) Internet, (4) newspapers and (5) magazines;
-content is what’s important at the end of the day;
-music, newspapers/magazines, TV and radio are not dying; they’re just changing;
-the average Canadian spends 46 hours online each week;
-the average Canadian reads 4000 pages of content per month. "That’s a lot of content and a lot of opportunity."
-data shows that Canadians are interested in watching Canadian content online;
-Canadian mobile usage grew 169% from 2008 to 2009;
-Facebook and Google are the top sites on social networks;
-Canadians are news and information hungry, representing the top searches on mobile devices;
-27% of mobile owners now have a touch screen device; something to think about if you’re creating content for mobile devices.

INTERVIEW WITH PHYLLIS LAING
Phyllis Laing is president and producer of Buffalo Gal Pictures, an independent film and television production company based in Winnipeg. Laing was former executive director of the Manitoba Writers Guild in the early eighties.
AT (Andrea Tombrowski): What have been some major issues writers have had to deal with since your time as executive director?
PL (Phyllis Laing): Back then, we didn’t have as many mentorship-type programs. There weren't as many distribution avenues for writers. In the early eighties, women writers were still way behind their male counterparts.
AT: Behind in what way?
PL: Recognition. I remember when Carol Shields won her first Governor General award. Up until then, she was seen to be -what was termed then - a kitchen writer. She didn't get the recognition she deserved. Until she won. And then it was all the sudden. So, I think women writers in general have a lot more respect than what was given to them in the past.
AT: Do you see any issues that have developed over the years as far as copyright goes?
PL: Copyright's always been in a bit of turmoil. Copyright now, because of the multi-platform, is a little more difficult to follow when you’re on a number of different types of platforms.
AT: What’s your advice in terms of copyright for writers?
PL: Get part of the team. Find out what's going on. Get close to your association. Find out from people who have been around longer than you and how they're dealing with it. It's a pervasive problem and it's just going to get more and more complex as time goes on. Best measure is always to get involved.

Session: VIEW FROM THE TOP: COMEDY
Jenny Hacker is Creative Head of Comedy at CBC. She shared the panel with executives from Comedy Central, MTV, and writer Mike Scully of The Simpsons. This was her advice to PWAC members who want to write comedy: "I think they should focus on something that resonates with them. That has strong characters and characters that they know and love - or love to hate. I just think that’s where comedy comes from and that's where good comedies are."

QUOTE OF THE DAY - DAY 2

"The future is not necessarily digital media. It's digital thinking applied to all media. Digital is immersed in everything." Quote from Raymond Reid, Group Director (Digital) at Starcom MediaVest Group.

Report from Banff

June 12, 2011: Banff World Media Festival - Day 1

Andrea Tombrowski, president of PWAC's Calgary Chapter, is representing PWAC at the Banff World Media Festival 2011 from June 12-15 in Banff. This is her report from Day 1 at the festival. BWMF is the "world's largest global development and production marketplace," attracting television and digital media professionals from across the globe.

A personal matter prevented me from attending the festival's opening day. Nevertheless, I was able to make contact with several professionals and executives speaking today at the festival. Here is a collection of their comments via email. I want to stress that whether we're talking about digital content, television, movies, et. al. - WRITERS form an integral part in the evolving media universe.

Session: BANFF WORLD MEDIA FESTIVAL WELCOME ADDRESS
Ferne Cohen is Executive Director of the Banff World Media Festival. Here is what she has to say to Canadian freelance writers: "Nowhere else will emerging talent find this kind of access to international decision makers who can take their career to entirely new levels. BANFF is all about access, and having this many important players all in one place is an unparalleled opportunity for anyone, just breaking in or already established, to make new contacts and launch new projects."

Session: ROOKIES IN THE ROCKIES
This 1-hour session introduces first-timers to the maze, buzz and flurry that is the Banff World Media Festival. One of the panel guests was Anna Gecan, Vice President of Original Programming at HGTV in New York. She emails, "My advice to rookies is to try to meet as many key people as you can. Don't even pitch an idea unless you have a really solidly researched concept. Absorb as much information as you can and really listen. Your first Banff is about figuring out who's who and what media execs are looking for. Also, never pitch an exec in the bathroom or in the gym when they are working out. It happens and the results are usually not good."

This session was produced and moderated by Joe Novak, Co-Founder and Executive Producer of 1400 Months/Bow River Productions. Novak writes, "Banff is not only about the convergence of content between television and digital distribution platforms but also new innovative approaches to story telling emerging from this convergence. By the Festival bringing together content creators from across Canada and around the world, this is 'the' place to foster new relationships and to share new ideas."

Session: CANADIAN MEDIA LEADERS: THE STATE OF THE NATION
This session featured five Canadian media leaders addressing the direction of production and development in Canada. Kevin Crull is President of Bell Media. He tells PWAC, "The stability provided by vertically integrated companies gives great reason to be optimistic about the future. With increased competition and investment, the industry is extremely vibrant right now. The advancement of technology and social media means we have the ability to keep viewers engaged on multiple screens. However, while over-the-top services remain a drop in the bucket right now, we must fight for a regulatory environment that provides a level playing field for all content providers."

John Riley is President of Astral Television Networks and Astral Tele Reseaux. He writes, "As a discretionary, premium service, it is essential that we continue to provide our subscribers with an experience that meets their current needs and anticipates their future expectations for entertainment. The future of our business is in taking the exclusive content that we have - HBO, Showtime, Canadian original films/series and first-run Hollywood movies - and offering it on all available platforms. So in addition to the linear, on demand and online streaming services that we already offer, we will strive to be on every screen where Canadians are engaging with content."

Session: nextMEDIA, TECH, MEDIA AND TELECOM PREDICTIONS
Duncan Stewart is Director of Research, Technology, Media & Telecommunications (TMT) at Deloitte Canada. Here are two of Stewart's predictions in the area of TMT:
(1) The future of TV is TV: the Internet, over the top (OTT) video, search TV and PVRs have all failed to kill conventional TV;
(2) Social network ad revenues don't matter, as less than 1% of global advertising is spent on social media. While estimates of global advertising spending vary, Stewart says that $600B is a good number for 2011. The total social network display ad dollars add up to about $4B, representing less than 1% of the total. Still, he says that doesn't mean social networks don't matter. "Although the price for display on social is low now (on a CPM [cost per thousand] basis) that does not mean that social is ineffective - advertisers are learning what social is good for, and what it is less effective for."

Here also is information gleaned from tweets about Stewart's session:
-it is estimated that more tablets/smartphones will be sold this year than PCs;
-wireless data growth is going to be about 280% in 2011. Beware, however, as we are running out of bandwidth;
-attempting to market a product without TV is like buying a car without an engine.

STAND-OUT MOMENT(S) - DAY 1

Visit BANFF LIVE (http://www.banffmediafestival.com/www.banffmediafestival.com/livestreaming.phpto check out streaming keynote presentations and the festival’s live twitter feed.

Finalists Announced for the Second Annual PWAC Writing Awards

Ten finalists have been chosen in the second annual writing awards of the Professional Writers Association of Canada (PWAC) for stories published in 2010 in print or on the web.

In the Features category (over 1,200 words), the finalists are:

- Beverly Akerman for "Six Pixels of Separation" (Grain Magazine)
- Mark Cardwell for "Getting Away with Murder" (Canadian Lawyer)
- Stephen Kimber for "Is Corey Wright the Wrong Man?" (The Coast)
- Melissa Martin for "La lang di Michif Ta-pashipiikan" (Winnipeg Free Press)
- Terri Perrin for "All in the Family" (InFocus Magazine)
- Mark Witten for "Heal or harm?" (Today's Parent)

In the Short Articles category (up to 1,200 words), the finalists are:

- Beverly Akerman for "Woman's murder exposes need to raise age for gun ownership" (The Toronto Star)
- L. D. Cross for "How to Get the Money You're Owed" (PROFIT Magazine)
- Karen Virag for "The Naked Truth About Raw" (The Tomato)
- Mark Witten for "Brainwashed" (The Walrus)

"Congratulations to the finalists on their excellent submissions. They showcase the quality and diversity of Canada's professional writers and do us all proud," said PWAC President Tanya Gulliver.

Gulliver also thanked the competition's judges for their expert consideration. In the Features category, the judges were freelance writer and editor Richard Burnett, The Georgia Straight's Senior Editor Martin Dunphy and freelance writer Nora Underwood. In the Short Articles category, freelance writer and journalism instructor Lezlie Lowe, Prairie Dog Editor Stephen Whitworth and Harrowsmith Country Life Senior Editor Bridget Wayland weighed in.

The winners and runners-up will be announced at the PWAC Gala Awards Ceremony & Dinner presented by Access Copyright on Saturday, June 18, in Montreal, QC. The first prize in each award category has a $750 value (increased from $500 in 2010), including a free PWAC membership for a year to those eligible. Second-place winners get a year's free PWAC membership, if eligible. The awards are open to PWAC members and non-members.

PWAC created its PWAC Short Articles Writing Award and the PWAC Features Writing Award in 2010 to showcase Canadian writers. "For the second year in a row, we have received more entries than we expected," Gulliver said. "We're honoured to celebrate the work of these finalists as examples of the high-quality writing produced by PWAC's members and other Canadian writers."

Rebecca Caldwell Named Editor of the Year by the Professional Writers Association of Canada

Rebecca Caldwell, Acting Managing Editor of Cottage Life magazine, was today named Editor of the Year by the Professional Writers Association of Canada.

The award recognizes Ms. Caldwell's outstanding editorial work during the 2010 calendar year. She was presented with a plaque and gift during the Writers' Industry Awards Luncheon at the MagNet magazine conference in Toronto. Graham F. Scott, Editor of This Magazine, and Carmine Starnino, Senior Editor of Reader's Digest, received Honourable Mentions for their work.

"As a full-time freelance writer for over 13 years, I've worked with dozens of editors on everything from trade magazines to web sites and high-circulation consumer publications," wrote one of two PWAC members who nominated Ms. Caldwell this year. "So I know how rare it is to find an editor who stands out - and Rebecca does."

"On behalf of Canada's freelance writers, I congratulate Rebecca and recognize her as a worthy recipient of PWAC's Editor of the Year Award for 2011," said Tanya Gulliver, President of the Professional Writers Association of Canada. "We had three great finalists this year and are thrilled to be able to recognize the great work they do.

"This is the fourth year PWAC has presented the Editor of the Year Award. Nominations are submitted by PWAC members, and a panel of judges evaluates the nominees based on criteria that include editing and communications skills, the ability to bring out the best in writers, and the fairness of pay rates and contracts."

PWAC, established in 1976, is the national organization representing over 600 freelance writers and journalists in Canada.

More information:

Sandy Crawley, Executive Director, scrawley@pwac.ca, (416) 504-1645
Tanya Gulliver, President, tanyagulliver@gmail.com, (504) 292-0683

PWAC Names Rebecca Caldwell, Graham F. Scott and Carmine Starnino Finalists for Editor of the Year Award

The Professional Writers Association of Canada today named three finalists for its Editor of the Year Award. They are:

- Rebecca Caldwell, Acting Managing Editor, Cottage Life
- Graham F. Scott, Editor, This Magazine
- Carmine Starnino, Senior Editor, Reader's Digest

"Each year we ask freelance writers from across the country to help us recognize the best and most deserving editors working in Canadian publishing," said PWAC President Tanya Gulliver. "Our three finalists for PWAC's 2011 Editor of the Year Award - Rebecca Caldwell, Graham F. Scott, and Carmine Starnino - are recognizable names who do great work for top Canadian publications. They're also the kind of editors that Canada's freelance writers love to work with."

The winner and two honourable mentions will be announced during the Writers' Industry Awards Luncheon at the MagNet magazine conference on June 10 in Toronto.

PWAC's Editor of the Year Award brings national recognition and praise to outstanding editorial professionals. Written nominations are submitted by PWAC members and a panel of three member judges evaluate the nominees based on criteria that include editing and communications skills, the ability to bring out the best in writers, and the fairness of pay rates and contracts.

PWAC, established in 1976, is the national organization representing over 600 freelance writers and journalists in Canada.

More information:

Sandy Crawley, Executive Director, scrawley@pwac.ca, (416) 504-1645
Tanya Gulliver, President, tanyagulliver@gmail.com, (504) 292-0683

Shaping the future of jounalism

Conference Call for Papers... Deliberation, Diversity, and Dollars: Public Strategies for Journalism in the Canadian Media Ecology

The conference will be held April 19th through 21st, 2012, at McGill and Concordia Universities in Montreal. The conference will bring together established academics, graduate students, journalists, activists, policy-makers and others interested in journalism policies. Our goal is to help mobilize a broad network that will recommend public policies for ensuring spaces in the Canadian media ecology for journalism that places public deliberation and citizen participation at the core of its mission. In so doing, we aim to undertake a process of policy-making that is itself participatory - within the limitations of time and resources available. The conference will include the following: panels comprised of presenters who have answered this call for papers; panel discussions with invited practitioners, academics, and activists; and breakout sessions for determining concrete policy strategies. Please see the beta version of the website for details: www.journalismstrategies.ca

Journalists, bloggers and writers detained, fears for safety in Syria

BThe Writers in Prison Committee of PEN Canada condemns the killing, mass arrests and disappearances of civilians which have been taking place across Syrian cities since mid-March 2011. The crackdown has extended to several journalists, bloggers, writers and activists who have participated in peaceful anti-government protests. PEN Canada is seriously concerned for the welfare of at least five journalists and bloggers arrested for writing about the protests. All are held incommunicado and considered to be at risk of torture and ill-treatment. There are mounting concerns for their safety.

PEN Canada calls for the immediate and unconditional release of all those currently detained in Syria for the peaceful exercise of their opinions, and urgently seeks guarantees of their safety. It reminds the Syrian authorities of their obligations to protect the right to freedom of expression as guaranteed by Article 19 of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, to which Syria is a signatory, and is alarmed at the apparent use of excessive force to suppress peaceful dissent.

According to PEN Canada's information, anti-government protests began in mid- March 2011 and have since spread across the country. Mass arrests have been taking place and security officers have responded to the continuing protests with excessive force, using tear gas and live bullets to disperse demonstrators. Scores of civilians have reportedly been killed and many more wounded. The following journalists are amongst those believed to be currently detained:

Dorothy Parvaz: Aljazeera.net correspondent, arrested on April 29, 2011.
Mahmoud Issa: Journalist and writer, arrested on April 19, 2011.
Khaled Sid Mohand, freelance journalist for a number of news outlets including Le Monde, arrested on 12 April 2011.
Zaid Mastu, Al-Arabiya net correspondent, arrested on April 12, 2011.
Mohamed Dibo: Journalist and writer, arrested on April 12, 2011.

With the internet and media already severely curtailed in recent years, the Syrian authorities have imposed even greater restrictions on freedom of expression and assembly in reaction to recent events. Foreign reporters and correspondents have been asked to leave the country and access to any independent media is denied.

Useful Links:

Amnesty International statement: www.amnesty.org/en/news-and-updates/syrian-military-assault-against-protesters-must-end-2011-04-25

Amnesty International Statement: www.amnesty.org/en/news-and-updates/scores-killed-syria-great-friday-protests-are-attacked-2011-04-22

Latest BBC news report: www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-middle-east-13343540

Recommended Action: Please send appeals immediately to the Syrian authorities:
- Condemning the widespread arrest of journalists and bloggers for reporting on the recent protests, which the WiPC believes is a clear violation of their right to freedom of expression;
- Calling on the Syrian authorities to investigate allegations of torture of detainees;
- Calling for the release of all those currently detained in violation of Article 19 of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR) to which Syria is a signatory.

Appeals To:

His Excellency President Bashar al-Assad
President of the Republic
Presidential Palace
Abu Rummaneh, Al-Rashid Street
Damascus, Syrian Arab Republic
Fax: + 963 11 332 3410

His Excellency Said Sammour
Minister of Interior, Ministry of Interior
Merjeh Circle
Damascus, Syrian Arab Republic
Fax: + 963 11 222 3428
Email: admin@civilaffair-moi.gov.sy

His Excellency Jamil Sakr, Ambassador
Embassy of the Syrian Arab Republic
151 Slater St., Ste. 1000
Ottawa, ON K1P 5H3
Fax: 613-569-3800
Email: syrianembassy@on.aibn.com

Jessica Ross Named 2010 Magazines Canada Volunteer of the Year

PWAC is proud to share the following presser released today by our friends at Magazines Canada, honouring Jessica Ross as their 2010 Volunteer of the Year.

PWAC is indebted to Ms. Ross for her invaluable insight offered during the development of our (soon to be released) Best Practices Guide for magazine editors, publishers and publishers and for her contributions to the MagNet curriculum development team over several years. Ms. Ross is a tireless volunteer who has made significant time investment on matters of benefit to the industry at-large, including PWAC and our membership. We thank you for all of your efforts, Jess. A worthy recipient indeed!

If you're in Toronto while MagNet is on this June, register for MagNet and head over to the Courtyard Marriott and raise a glass to Ms. Ross. She deserves it!

Brava!
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Jessica Ross, Executive Editor of Homemakers and Vice President and Treasurer of the Canadian Society of Magazine Editors, has been named Magazines Canada's Volunteer of the Year for 2010, Magazines Canada announced today.

A generous and tireless volunteer in service of her industry, Ross sits on Magazines Canada's Professional Development committee and the MagNet Curriculum Taskforce. She has also made invaluable contributions to the Professional Writers Association of Canada's team working on best practices for writers and editors and has been on the board of the Canadian Society of Magazine Editors (CSME) for many years.

"Jessica is a smart cookie, puts in hours of quiet volunteering and has exquisite professional standards," said Tom Hopkins, former editorial director of Avid Media and former Magazines Canada board member. "I claim special knowledge on this - I was lucky enough to have her as a talented and tireless Avid staffer. Mark me down as a proud boss."

As Vice President and Treasurer of CSME, Ross has helped to elevate the professionalism of the organization by launching a revitalized website, organizing the group's finances and steering a bid for incorporation. Ross also played a key role in the development of the Professional Writers Association of Canada's initiative to create a set of best practices for writers and editors by providing valuable feedback on the real-life challenges of an editor.

Ross started her magazine career as Associate Editor and Web Editor of IE:Money magazine, and later took on the role Managing Editor at Avid Media's Canadian Home Workshop before becoming Executive Editor of Homemakers. Prior to her career in magazines, Ross worked in advertising and consumer show management. She also writes a daily blog called Eco Logic and develops editorial workflow systems in her off-time.

The Magazines Canada Volunteer of the Year Award is awarded annually to one individual whose outstanding volunteer contributions have had a national impact on the Canadian magazine industry.

Ross will receive her award at the Magazines Canada Cross-Country Volunteer of the Year Reception on Thursday, June 9, 2011 at MagNet, Canada's Magazine Conference at the Courtyard Marriott at 475 Yonge St. in Toronto.

Halifax Herald shuns request of 21 freelancers

When the Chronicle Herald came out with troublesome contract this winter--described as the worst freelance contract in Canada--32 freelancers formed a support group. A committee emerged led by Silver Donald Cameron, Ralph Surette, Sandra Phinney and George Butters who sought help from the Canadian Freelance Union. The purpose was to get help in deciphering the contract and assistance to make it user friendly to freelancers. Although only a handful of the support group 32 freelancers are members of the union, Mike O'Reilly, (CFU president and respected Canadian journalist) jumped in to help, unconditionally, and made available the services of the CFU's legal team--for free.

The result of this collaboration was a modified contract that would be fair to both the Herald and it's freelancers. Although the Herald agreed to some modifications, they refused to budge on three. For example, one clause forbids writers to discuss the contract with anyone else (as we are doing.) As well, the guts of the contract, section 7, assigns all rights, in all worlds, forever, to the Herald.

April 30th was set as the new deadline for its regular contributors to sign. Our spokesperson, Silver Donald, requested in writing via the Herald's News Director, Dan Leger, that the paper remove this arbitrary deadline, and let us know exactly what it needs to function and succeed (rather than taking all rights, in all worlds, forever). We offered for committee members to meet face to face to find a solution that would be fair to both the Herald and its freelancers. The Herald has ignored our request.

Bottom line: This is about fairness. We want the Herald to succeed. The Herald can acknowledge our rights and still succeed but freelancers cannot succeed unless our rights are acknowledged. As Silver Donald said in a column on his blog May, "Imagine this: I sell an apple to Dan Leger once a week. After 13 years, he comes by and says, I need three or four or five more apples. Fine, I say, tell me how many and I'll give you a deal on them. No, he says, I can't figure out how many I want, so I'm taking the whole barrel. Whoa, I say, that's going to be expensive, and I'll have nothing for my other customers. You don't understand, he says. I'm paying you for one apple, but you're going to give me the whole barrel for nothing. Hand it over. If that sounds like hot, steaming nonsense to you, you have achieved a perfect understanding of the Herald's position. They don't seem to understand that their writers are not charities, either."

The Writers' Coalition Benefits Program Is Asking Federal Politicians to Help Subsidize Cost of Health Benefits

During our federal election, the Writers' Coalition is asking Ottawa for one million dollars over a five-year-period. The funding will allow a ten to fifteen per cent reduction in premiums for our new benefits plan.

We have approached all the political leaders, including Prime Minister Stephen Harper, and the health, finance, heritage and Seniors ministers and their equivalents in each of the four parties.

Most self-employed Canadians in the arts don't have access to health insurance. A 2010 study by the Cultural Human Resources Council notes that only 12 per cent of those working in the writing and publishing sector have access to dental benefits. Only 13 per cent of these workers have a drug plan and just seven per cent have a retirement plan. The same low percentages of health coverage are true of other Canadian freelancers in the arts.

That's why the Writers' Coalition Benefits Program has given birth to a new program - The Arts & Entertainment plan which includes visual artists, musicians, recording artists and backstage performers. Together the Writers' Coalition and The Arts and Entertain Plan constitute a common base for structuring health insurance premiums. The coalition now has thirty member organizations that offer benefits to over 28,000 people in the arts and more cultural organizations are joining us every day.

For more information on our program visit www.writerscoalition.com or email writerscoalition@actrafrat.com or call 1-800-387-8897 ext. 254.

Call for Nominations

PWAC is now accepting entries for our second annual writing awards for features and short articles. These awards showcase the excellent work of Canadian freelance writers published in 2010.

These awards are open to members and non-members of PWAC. We encourage all existing members to circulate information about the awards and the links on how to enter as widely as possible, including to editors and publishers and in writing forums.

Features Writing Award
This award, established in 2010, is intended to raise PWAC's profile and showcase the excellence of PWAC members and Canadian writers in the area of long-form feature writing.
For more information about this award and how to apply, visit www.pwac.ca/eventsandresources/pwacawards#Features.

Short Articles Writing Award
This award, established in 2010, is intended to raise PWAC's profile and showcase the excellence of PWAC members and Canadian writers in the area of short article writing.
For more information about this award and how to apply, visit www.pwac.ca/eventsandresources/pwacawards#Short.

Robertson Class Action cheques coming this week

We have been informed by the legal firm representing the class that claimants in Robertson 1 (Robertson v Thompson) are going into the mail this week. Thanks for your patience and let us hope this settlement and our ongoing advocacy will encourage publishers in Canada to respect the rights of freelancers as our industry changes to meet the challenges of emerging digital technologies.

Robertson 1 really is complete...

The appeal by a single claimant that has held up distribution of cheques to all claimants in Robertson 1 has been denied by the court. Therefore the cheques that you have all been waiting for really should be coming within weeks. (We realize that you've heard this before, but now all barriers to distribution have truly been overcome). We are in contact with the law firm and claims manager and will send a bulletin with definite information as soon as it becomes available.

Torstar abusing a contest?

This came in to PWAC from our Lifetime member who has always looked out for her colleagues' best interests....

----------

Hello All,

This morning my eye caught an ad in today's Toronto Star for a short story contest sponsored by the Star and the Toronto Public Library. Three cash prizes. Since I have just written a short story, I thought, wow, I'll send it off. But then I checked the website, thestar.com/contests, for "full contest rules." Buried in the fine print under Ownership Rights, I found a paragraph that begins - "Entrants retain the copyright to their stories. However, by entering the contest you hereby grant the Sponsors a worldwide, irrevocable, perpetual, royalty-free... license..." to allow them to market this story in way way they see fit.

I am not submitting my story. Am I misreading this? It seems that this clause - not in the print ad - allows the Star, and the TPL, to acquire the right to market hundreds of stories, not only the winners.'

If this is not illegal, I think it should be.

Heather Robertson

Canadian broadcasters can lie like a fox?

The CRTC proposes to legalize the broadcasting of false news. If you're concerned about this, please send your comment to the CRTC by midnight tonight, which is the closing date for submissions.

To view or submit comments to the CRTC, go to
https://services.crtc.gc.ca/pub/instances-proceedings/Default.aspx?Status=Open&PubArea=Brd&PubType=All&PubSubType=All&Lang=eng,
and scroll down to "2011-14"

For more information please see the following:

- CRTC plan to lift ban on false news prompts political investigation

- CRTC Proposes to Change Standard for Broadcasting False or Misleading News

- Current version of section 3(d) of the Radio Regulations 1986

- Broadcasting Notice of Consultation CRTC 2011-14

PEN Canada Press Release

PEN Canada strongly condemns the violence used against peaceful prodemocracy protestors since February 2, 2011, in which journalists and independent media outlets were amongst those attacked. It is alarmed at reports that these attacks were targeted and state sponsored. It considers the Egyptian authorities to be in violation of the state's international human rights obligations under the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, including the right to freedom of expression and information as well as the right to freedom of assembly and association.

PEN Canada calls upon the Egyptian state authorities to immediately release all those detained solely for the peaceful exercise of their right to free expression, and to guarantee the safety of journalists and independent observers seeking to report on the protests. It also urges a full investigation into allegations of state-sponsored violence.

According to PEN Canada's information, scores have been arbitrarily detained in the crackdown on peaceful protesters calling for democratic reform in Egypt since January 25, 2011, including several journalists. Many more journalists attempting to cover the demonstrations have been attacked, and tight restrictions have been imposed on freedom of assembly. Reports of physical attacks and brutality against journalists and media outlets have escalated since February 2, 2011, when supporters of President Hosni Mubarak clashed with peaceful anti-government protestors, killing at least five people. Since the protests began ten days ago, hundreds have been injured and an estimated 300 killed across the country. The government has also restricted access to the internet, withdrawn mobile phone services and placed restrictions on independent media.

For more information go to: www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-middle-east-12351831

Take Action - Please send appeals immediately:

- Condemning the attacks on peaceful protestors, journalists and independent observers in Cairo and other major cities in Egypt since the start of antigovernment protests on January 25, 2011;

- Calling on the government to remove all restrictions on independent media and release all journalists and lawful protestors who have been detained;

- Respect Egypt's international legal obligations in policing the protests and only use force that is reasonable, proportionate and genuinely aimed at preventing crimes;

- Ensure that there are independent and effective investigations into allegations of killings, attacks or threats by state agents;

- Immediately repeal state emergency laws.

Appeals to:

- His Excellency Mohammad Hosni Mubarak, President of the Republic of Egypt, Heliopolis, Egypt. Fax: +202 390 1998

- Cc. His Excellency Cr Mamdouh Muheiddin Marei, Minister of Justice, Magles El Shaab St, Justice Bldg, Cairo, Egypt. Fax: +202 7958103

- His Excellency Wael Ahmed Kamal Aboul Magd, Ambassador for Egypt in Ottawa, Embassy of the Republic of Egypt, 454 Laurier Avenue, Ottawa, K1N6R3, Canada. Fax: +1 613 2349347. Email: egyptemb@sympatico.ca

The Cultural Sector Unites Around Copyright Reform in Defense of Our Rights...

PWAC staff and Government Action Committee have been working in close communications with a broad coalition of organizations across the cultural sector including sister writers groups, performers, composers, visual artists and the publishers and producers who steward our rights in the various markets where our works comprise the content that drives our $46 billion, 600,000 job sector.

Today on parliament hill we held a press conference and released this joint statement calling for significant amendments to the draft bill currently before a legislative committee in Ottawa.

It has been exhilarating to be part of this process bringing together so many people around shared values that attach to our interests in seeing a thriving economy develop in Canada based on the creative output of professionals.

Click here to download the statement.

Details of Robertson 2 Class Action Settlement

The following address to class members by Heather Robertson is now available. In addition, please refer to the notice of hearing to propose settlement of the class action available at www.pwac.ca/files/PDF/NoticeofSettlementApprovalHearing(English).pdf and www.pwac.ca/files/PDF/NoticeofSettlementApprovalHearing(French).pdf.

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Report to the Class from Heather Robertson

I am pleased to report that, thanks to the efforts of Kirk Baert and his legal team at Koskie Minsky LLP, we have reached a tentative settlement in the class action launched in 2003 on behalf of freelance writers. We alleged that the defendants distributed the articles and literary works of freelance authors in online Internet databases without sufficient permission, contrary to Canadian copyright laws. In other words, even though authors may have authorized a single print publication of their articles, we argued that they did not also, by implication, authorize publication by electronic means.

The complete definition of those persons who are included in this class action (often called "class members") can be seen on the Koskie Minsky website (www.kmlaw.ca/freelanceclassaction). Essentially, class members are freelancers whose articles or other literary works were published in Canada in print by Toronto Star Newspapers Ltd., Rogers Publishing Limited or Canwest Publishing Inc. and whose works were distributed in online databases without their written permission.

In June 2010 there was a court-approved settlement with one of the defendants, Canwest Publishing Inc. That settlement was made in the context of an insolvency proceeding. In October 2009, as a result of its deteriorating financial condition, Canwest was forced to seek protection from its creditors under federal insolvency laws. This meant that recovery in this action from Canwest would have been very difficult, if not impossible. However, despite this challenge, we were able to settle with Canwest. The settlement provided for more than 160,000 shares in Canwest's successor company - Postmedia Network Canada Corp. We are currently considering alternatives to maximize the value of these shares, including the possible sale of the shares in exchange for cash funds.

The remaining defendants in this class action are Toronto Star Newspapers Ltd., Rogers Publishing Limited, CEDROM-SNi Inc. and ProQuest Information and Learning LLC and they have now agreed to settle the action, subject to court approval. The tentative settlement would include a payment of $5.475 million for the benefit of class members. There will be a hearing on April 11, 2011 at 10:00 a.m. at Osgoode Hall, 130 Queen Street West in Toronto where the Ontario Superior Court of Justice will consider whether to approve the settlement. Class members or their representatives may attend this hearing.

This settlement with Toronto Star, Rogers, CEDROM and ProQuest, if approved, would provide two advantages for class members.

First, the settlement would provide the certainty of millions of dollars for the benefit of class members. In contrast, there is no guarantee of success if this action proceeded to trial. As with any lawsuit, there are risks of going to trial and it is possible a judge would find that the defendants did not breach copyright laws or that class members are not entitled to as much compensation as this settlement provides. The defendants have raised a number of complex defences as justification for their conduct. Overcoming these defences may be difficult and costly. This action also presents unique challenges to success. It is based on a provision of the federal Copyright Act that provides "statutory damages" to compensate for a copyright infringement. No court has applied a claim for statutory damages under the Copyright Act on this scale in similar circumstances. It is thus extremely difficult to anticipate the outcome of a trial.

Second, the settlement provides payment sooner than if we waited for the outcome of a trial. A trial in this action could still be years away and, even if we won, it is a near certainty that the defendants would pursue any and all appeals.

This settlement should also be considered in the context of the earlier settlement with Canwest. Any funds from a possible sale of the Postmedia shares will be added to the settlement funds from Toronto Star, Rogers, CEDROM and PRoQuest. The end result would be more settlement funds, in addition to the $5.475 million, for class members.

Over the next several months we will be working hard with the lawyers in this case to prepare for the settlement approval hearing in April 2011 and to design the claims process for the distribution of settlement funds to freelance authors and other persons that qualify as class members. Our objective is to create an efficient system for the distribution of settlement funds.

We encourage anyone who may be interested in this settlement or the class action to review the Koskie Minsky website for more information: www.kmlaw.ca/freelanceclassaction.

A Clear eye on the realities of the writer's lot

Nicole Blanchett Neheli has an interesting critique of the ecology of publishing from the freelancers perspective on her blog, Redefining Journalism:

"I worked in a newsroom for almost ten years. Most people I know still do. When I read Mark Deuze's Media Work and he suggested freelancing allows for greater freedom and creativity I almost choked. In my experience, most freelancers try to stay under the line of fire and do what they're told so they'll get hired back.

Although not the focus of my thesis, the newsroom environment is obviously a factor when it comes to priorities in news production, so I decided to talk to some freelancers and get their take.

I'll admit it - Deuze isn't all-wrong."

It's a quick and punchy anecdote. Read the rest here.

A fresh young voice

Some of you may have participated in a survey that the author of this blog conducted as part of her education. She's worth a bookmark...

here: http://redefiningjournalism.wordpress.com/

Working with a publisher in the USA?

A Canadian resident working with a publisher in the USA needs to check whether he/she is eligible for a Social Security #. If not, and usually, they are not, then they need to apply for an ITIN (International Tax Identification Number). This is done through something called a W7 form.

The next step is for the author to provide the employer/publisher with a copy of what's called a W8 BEN which deals with the issue of withholding tax. Normally, a 30% tax would be withheld for foreigners, but because of the Canada-US tax treaty, this amount is reduced to 0%. The W8 BEN identifies the Canadian author and confirms that they are exempt from the withholding tax.

The author is paid their royalties as normal and then the publisher would file a 1042-S (which is like a version of our T4 slip) with the IRS and send a copy to the author.

The author is not subject to income tax in the US and does not have to file a return, but my understanding is that they would then claim that income on their Canadian return with the CRA.

IF the scenario arises that the withholding tax is held back by the publisher, the author can make a claim to the IRS by filing a return (1040 NR) to receive the 30% of their income that was withheld.

Read the latest on Robertson claims

One of our members received this lat week:

Dear Claimant,

On December 8, 2010,the Honourable Justice Horkins issued an order approving the fees of the claims administrator and fixing the class proceedings levy.

Now that all necessary court approvals have been obtained, we will shortly be in a position to distribute funds to claimants in this proceeding, pending the resolution of any appeals regarding the administrator's disallowance of claims. Under the judgment approving the settlement agreement, class members whose claims have been entirely disallowed are permitted to appeal their disallowance. At present, one of the appeals that have been filed with the claims administrator remains outstanding, and we are hopeful that this appeal will be resolved within the next four to six weeks. Once the outcome of the appeal has been determined, we will be in a position to issue cheques to qualifying class members.

We will advise claimants once this appeal has been resolved as to the timing of the distribution.

Regards,

__________________________________________________
Claims Administrator

T +1 416 364 9700

Duff & Phelps
80 Richmond Street West
Suite 2000
Toronto, Ontario M5H 2A4

ClaimsAdministrator@coleandpartners.com
www.duffandphelps.ca

Creators Speak Out Against Copyright Bill: "C-32 Reforms Shut Us Out of Digital Economy"

PWAC National Office is happy to pass on the following press release and linked position paper by the Creators' Copyright Coalition (CCC). The CCC is an alliance of national associations, unions and collectives representing individual artists working primarily in the English language media in Canada. PWAC is a member of the Coalition along with:

- Alliance of Canadian Cinema, Television and Radio Artists (ACTRA)
- Canadian Actors' Equity Association (Equity)
- Canadian Artists Representation (CARFAC)
- Canadian Artists Representation Copyright Collective (CARCC)
- Canadian Federation of Musicians (CFM)
- Canadian Music Centre
- Canadian League of Composers
- Directors Guild of Canada
- League of Canadian Poets
- The Literary Translators Association of Canada
- Playwrights Guild of Canada
- Screen Composers Guild of Canada (SCGC)
- Songwriters Association of Canada (SAC)
- Society of Composers, Authors and Music Publishers of Canada (SOCAN)
- Writers Guild of Canada (WGC)
- The Writers' Union of Canada (TWUC)

Toronto - December 6, 2010 - Proposed reforms to Canada's copyright law will turn core principles of copyright on their head and gut protections that for decades helped ensure the economic survival of Canadian artists, writers, photographers, visual artists, directors, composers, musicians and performers, a group representing more than 100,000 professional creators said in a paper released today.

"As MPs scrutinize C-32 in Committee they have to bear in mind that modernization of copyright for the digital age must not be allowed to shut creators out," said Bill Freeman, Chair of The Creators' Copyright Coalition (CCC), which prepared the statement. "But that's exactly what C-32 will do."

"It's rare for arts groups to be unanimous in their views and to speak with a united voice," Marvin Dolgay, a music composer and President of the Screen Composers Guild of Canada, said. "We are 16 major arts groups representing a massive number of professionals in virtually every sector. To come together on this issue like this shows we mean business. We mean business, because our business is at risk."

Canada needs stronger collective licensing, not the weakening of protections for creators that C-32 proposes, the CCC paper argues. (Download the CCC paper at www.creatorscopyright.ca).

The Creators' Copyright Coalition supports the modernization of copyright and the encouragement of greater access to creators' works - but access for use and re-use of creative works must be compensated. The introduction of numerous broad exceptions for education and private purposes, and the refusal to adapt the private copying regime to a technology-neutral system that strengthens collective licensing, will shut Canadian artists out of the digital economy.

"Creators depend on a range of revenue streams for their economic survival," Mr. Freeman said, "and C-32 would eliminate a number of those revenue streams. Fair copyright legislation should give the public access to the works of creators in exchange for fair compensation. That principle is even more important in the evolving digital economy so creators can develop new business models that ensure that they are fairly compensated when their works are used - vital to them continuing to create," Mr. Freeman added.

The CCC proposes six changes to proposed reforms that disadvantage Canadian creators. These include the Bill's provisions for reproduction for 'private purposes,' user-generated content, exceptions for education, statutory damages, Internet Service Provider (ISP) liability and the weakening of collective licensing mechanisms.

"Parliament must change these legislative plans," actor Wendy Crewson said. "It must encourage - not discourage - the essential investments that Canadian musicians, composers, authors, poets, playwrights, artists, screenwriters and performers make and that will keep our digital economy healthy and productive. C-32 is flawed by a poor understanding of the structure of Canada's creative industries," continued Crewson..

Writers' Rights Coalition on Copyright Modernization

Seven leading professional writers' organizations, including PWAC, representing nearly 5,000 creators released their Brief today on the proposed Copyright Modernization legislation (Bill C-32) that received second reading in Parliament last week and is expected to go to Committee in the near future. Their document was sent to Heritage Minister James Moore and Industry Minister Tony Clement as the two cabinet officers responsible for copyright.

The purpose of the Brief is to alert the government that some aspects of the proposed law pose very real dangers to the writing and publishing industry in Canada, a sector that underpins the knowledge economy that all informed observers see as key to our collective prosperity.

The areas in the bill that writers need to see amended include Fair Dealing in education, User-Generated Content and Statutory Damages for Infringement among others.

Please refer to the brief at www.pwac.ca/files/PDF/WritersRightstoMinistersBrief.pdf along with the accompanying letter and background information, at www.pwac.ca/files/PDF/WritersRightstoMinistersBrief-Letter.pdf, on the organizations that form the coalition.

PWAC, established in 1976, is the national organization representing over 600 freelance writers and journalists in Canada.

More information:

Sandy Crawley, Executive Director, scrawley@pwac.ca, (416) 504-1645

Press Release from the Canadian Association of Journalists (CAJ)

Ottawa, Nov. 10, 2010 - applauds a new proposal urging the federal government to automatically post all access to information requests online.

The recommendation from federal Access to Information Commissioner Suzanne Legault in a new report concludes that a tracking system cancelled in 2008 "provided real value to requesters and the public in general."

We agree.

"The current system simply sets up bureaucratic roadblocks for anyone seeking material that may have already been approved for release," said CAJ President Mary Agnes Welch. "This simply does not make sense at a time when technology presents a much more transparent alternative."

Ms. Legault's report was in response to concern over the 2008 cancellation of a federal database known as CAIRS, the Co-ordination of Access to Information Request System.

The database was used by a wide variety of people in order to monitor what others have requested under the Act. By knowing such information, individuals could ask for their own copies of newly public documents.

The CAJ is Canada's largest national professional organization for journalists from all media, representing about 800 members across the country. The CAJ's primary roles are to provide high-quality professional development for its members and public-interest advocacy.

For more information:
Mary Agnes Welch, CAJ president (204) 697-7590 or (204) 470-8862
Elizabeth Thompson, national director (613) 715-9017

SNAFU re. Robertson v. Thompson

Through no fault of the process, but only because the issues contain an unavoidable complexity, the cheques for claimants in the class action suit expected to be sent out in November are delayed again. Here is the message from Duff & Phelps (formerly Cole and Co.):

As discussed yesterday, here is the update on our end regarding the class action case. First of all, we apologize for the delay. We anticipated that the process would have been complete by now but we encountered various issues along that way that resulted in changes to the claims processing. These changes caused delay, as we need to ensure that all the claims were treated the same way.

At this point, we have processed all the claims but we require approval from Class Counsel before we can issue the cheques. Class Counsel has advised us that they need the Court's approval on an issue and they are scheduled to attend court in early December. That said, once we receive approval from Class Counsel we will issue the cheques and we expect that to occur in December.

Please feel free to contact me by email at
elissa.janca@duffandphelps.com or by phone at (416) 361-2578 if I can be of further assistance to you or the claimants.

Sincerely,
Elissa Janca

For those of you waiting for your claim, we hope you'll have it for the holiday season but remain patient with the sometimes seemingly glacial tempo of the court. Be assured that the Class Counsel referred to above are on your side. The very personable Ms. Janca is available at the contact email and phone number above should you require further information.

Press Release from the Canadian Association of Journalists (CAJ)

Ottawa, Oct. 22, 2010 - The Canadian Association of Journalists is pleased the Supreme Court of Canada has defended a journalist's ability to protect confidential sources who come forward with information in the public interest.

The Supreme Court judgment released Fridy allows the Globe and Mail and its journalist Daniel Leblanc's commitment to not identify a confidential informant known only as "MaChouette" to be retried in a trial court. The Supreme Court said the Globe could keep MaChouette's identity confidential, but would have to convince the lower court it was in the public interest.

Le Groupe Polygone Editeurs Inc. has been fighting the Globe in court to force Leblanc to reveal the person's identity as part of its defence in a $35-million federal lawsuit related to the sponsorship scandal. Leblanc's reporting using the confidential source helped expose the sponsorship scandal.

"We applaud the Supreme Court for this judgment, which lays out conditions under which a journalist's offer to protect the identity of a source can be tested an upheld by the courts," CAJ president Mary Agnes Welch said. "This helps Canadians by providing whistleblowers with some legal precedent to protect them when they help bring important information to light about our governments and businesses."

The CAJ is Canada's largest professional organization for journalists from all media, representing about 800 members across the country. The CAJ's primary roles are to provide high-quality professional development for its members and public-interest advocacy.

For more information:
Mary Agnes Welch, CAJ president (204) 697-7590 or (204) 470-8862
Hugo Rodrigues, CAJ vice-president (519) 535-8680

It's not only writers..it's our future!

In an excellent summation of one of our key concerns with the proposed new copyright legislation Edmonton freelancer nails it in the Edmonton Journal:

"

Schools are already saving the cost of 1.5 million new books every year -- 300 million pages -- by legally reproducing portions of works.

Currently, creators and publishers are compensated for this copying activity through collective licensing, a royalty system built on the principle that the people who invested creativity, effort and capital deserve a return on that investment. These licenses give educators legal access to these resources for a fraction of their full value -- a bag of popcorn per student, per year. It is a system that works.

If all photocopying by schools becomes free, the system will be blown apart. While offering protections for digital content, when it comes to printed materials used for education, Bill C-32 throws the basic principle of copyright out the window. Publishers are developing digital works for teachers and students but could not afford to continue that innovation if their core business was severely eroded.

If creators and publishers cannot make a return on their investment in the Canadian marketplace, it is only a matter of time before Canadian geography, history and heritage disappear from professionally developed educational resources."

The rest here:
http://www.edmontonjournal.com/Copyright+bill+threat+identity/3630571/story.html

Keep advertising distinct from editorial content

The indispesible D.B. Scott is spreading the word on the importance of clear demarcation between advertising and the independence of editorial policies among many of the publications you write for. It is good to see attention paid to ethical standards in this sector of our industry.

Read it here: http://canadianmags.blogspot.com/2010/10/new-revised-canadian-advertising.html

Robertson Money on its way!

You will be happy to know that we are informed by Cole & Partners that the monies for claimants in the Robertson v. Thompson class action suit will be dispersed in October. Just in time to buy a new computer (I almost wrote typewriter ribbon)!

Sign up here ASAP!

Bill C-32 (An Act to Amend the Copyright Act), as it stands, will create hardship for the creator community. New exceptions, and especially the educational exception, will result in revenue losses to Canadian writers and publishers in the millions of dollars from a reduction in unit sales and collective licensing revenues for reproduction. This is expropriation and a sudden and alarming increase in uncompensated uses of your works.

www.copyrightgetitright.ca aims to raise the level of awareness and understanding regarding our concerns about the impact of Bill C-32 (An Act to Amend the Copyright Act) on the sustainability of Canada's vibrant Creative Industry. Join your voice to the growing number of individuals who feel that Bill C-32 must be amended so that, without hardship to consumers, Canada's creators suffer no hardship either. Visit the www.copyrightgetitright.ca and sign-up now.

Fearmongering by the Copylefters

Read John Degen on the hyperbole of our political adversaries:

http://johndegen.blogspot.com/

Regional Conferences are a very welcome development

This is an opinion piece by Excutive Director Sandy Crawley and does not constitute official PWAC policy.

I was privileged to attend a professional development conference that was held in Sackville, New Brunswick in July. It was a brilliant success. Certainly, the organizers, all volunteers from PWAC Chapters in the Atlantic region, would have been happy to accept more than the 28 official registrants. Yet, the intimacy that the small group was able to achieve in the idyllic setting of Mount Allison University gave me, as a relatively recent member (2005) and now your staffer, a sense of what I imagine PWAC was like over the first 20 years or so of our history. The freelancers who show up at our events tend to be very open and generous souls and by the end of the gathering we had that first evening I felt that we all knew each other having laughed and sung together and shared stories and perspectives on writers issues but also on life. The ranks of participants in the professional development sessions that followed were nearly doubled by registrants who took part interactively online through the productive contribution of PWAC Atlantic-At-Large president George Butters.

I think the success of this "mini-conference" offers a model that we should encourage and build upon as a national organization. A minority but influential voice in our ranks has expressed concern over the prospect of a more-or-less permanent partnership with the magazine industry by holding our annual general meeting and national conference at the industry-wide gathering, MagNet, that PWAC helped to found in 2008. It is no secret to those engaged in the issue that your small but dedicated staff of two believe this would be a wise and important step in our path towards an image of professionalization of our organization within a mature industry. I have no doubt that our ability to effect positive change in the interest of freelance writers is greatly enhanced by our presence at MagNet and the access it provides to the leadership of the periodical sector that defines our cultural contribution and the public policy rationale for ongoing support for PWAC.

At the same time, I recognize the resistance to "Toronto-centricity" that contributes to some long-standing members' objection to the idea of trekking to Toronto every year to meet. I have encountered this perspective in virtually every arts organization with whom I have had contact in my work as an activist for over twenty years. It's natural. The resentment of decisions being made in a vacuum by people who sometime seem to misperceive that this metropolis on the edge of Lake Ontario is the "centre of the universe". I actually share this impulse, because I believe that innovation and positive change tends to spring from the margins, not the complacent centre.

However, I suggest that an organization of freelance writers such as PWAC is marginalized by definition and that assuming our rightful place at the annual industry gathering is an appropriate mitigating step we should take. This brings me back to the event in Sackville. When the potential for a permanent partnership with MagNet arose I was not your Executive Director but I was serving on the PWAC board as treasurer. I suggested at that time that the MagNet connection was desirable and that the alienation of members who treasure the past pattern of moving our AGM around the country could be addressed by exactly the kind of event that took place in New Brunswick this July.

From a practical point-of-view PWAC can support regional conferences such as the New Brunswick model at an exponentially greater saving of staff time and resources than by clinging to the policy of moving our conference and AGM every year. Erstwhile Executive Director John Degen calculated that he spent at least one quarter of his time on the National Conference & AGM before the MagNet partnership. The savings in both financial and human resource terms for 2009 and 2010 are clear. 2011 will be a real test for us since the previous board decided to hold our conference and AGM next year in the great city of Montreal. Since the board has accepted the idea that we need to maintain our partnership at MagNet, which takes place two weeks before we meet in Montreal, we are faced with the necessity of ensuring that the industry-wide gathering has a full component of professional development opportunities for writers (we intend to match the complement of 20 sessions for scribes that we achieved in 2010) plus producing a bang-up conference on a stand-alone basis in Montreal. I have no doubt that we can do it. It must be recognized, though, that other initiatives will inevitably be affected by the decision. (The reader should also know that the previous era characterized by individual PWAC chapters bearing the brunt of conference/AGMs resulted in burn-out and a low standard of fiduciary accountability and that a previous board wisely decided to shift the lead responsibility to the national organization.)

Later in September PWAC members will be receiving a survey intended to help the board determine a model for our annual gatherings for the future. The options boil down to three: sever our partnership with MagNet, commit to a permanent partnership, or hold our AGM in concert with the industry every second year with stand-alone PWAC gatherings in between (depending on the willingness of our MagNet partners Magazines Canada and the Canadian Society of Magazine Editors willingness to accept this intermittancy). While this third option seems to satisfy both perspectives, it should be clear that it is the most labour-intensive from the staff point-of-view and therefore will affect our productivity on the other services and programs we offer. It’s a question of setting priorities.

Freelancers Day, September 24th!

PWAC Vice-President Craig Silverman sent us this link to an online conference you may not wish to miss.

Read here: http://www.internationalfreelancersday.com/

Keep up and help PWAC lobby for fair copyright

Writers need to understand what's at stake in the proposed new law governing copyright administration in Canada. As you know, one of the dangers in the bill as drafted threatens the very existence of an organization PWAC founded along with other writers organizations and our publishing partners. Former PWAC Executive Director John Degen is deeply engaged in the public discourse on the issue, even directly challenging those who advocate for positions that threaten writers' income. PWAC needs our members to help us challenge decision makers to amend the draft bill to achieve balance and preserve the value of our works. In a recent blog John makes a very reasonable and accesible analysis of the issue:

"On his Excess Copyright blog, lawyer Howard Knopf is advocating to have folks complain to the Copyright Board about a recent Access Copyright tariff proposal. Notice the clever similarity between Knopf's blog-name and the name of Canada's Copyright Licensing Agency. It's no accident. Knopf is a long-time critic of collective copyright licensing in Canada."

Please read the rest here: http://johndegen.blogspot.com/2010/08/real-cost-of-education.html

What is a book?

Thank your favourite deity for John Degen's eagle eye on copyright issues. As we continue to call for amendments to Canada's proposed new copyright act, our former ED tracks developments that have major implications for authors and publishers. For instance, this peice describes a new tool for pirates and gives a good lesson on fundamental principles:

http://johndegen.blogspot.com/2010/08/soul-stealing-contemplating-book.html

A voice of sanity on copyright...from academe!

Canadian copyright expert Barry Sookman sourced a paper everyone should take into account as we move toward a new copyright act:

"Professor Alina Ng, Assistant Professor of Law at the Mississippi College School of Law, recently published a paper arguing that the protection of individual rights in literary and artistic works besides encouraging creativity for progress also brings into the copyright system a normative order for social conduct that advances society towards the goal of progress."

http://www.barrysookman.com/2010/08/05/blog-property-and-progress-made-possible-by-respecting-copyrights/

A change has gotta come...

Rebecca Rosen Lum, a colleague from the US, reports on a recent survey that reminds us (and the publishing community if they'll listen) that the often touted "new business model" for quality journalism in the 21st century better come along soon or their won't be anyone left to provide the content.

http://www.californiaprogressreport.com/site/?q=node/7889

Loss of long form census hurts writers in the long run…

The Canadian Conference of the Arts has joined the chorus of statisticians, the not-for-profit sector and researchers of every stripe in condemning the move to eliminate the compulsory long-form census that one in five Canadian households have been asked to fill as befits a sound methodical approach in any developed society. While this move has broad negative implications for all Canadians, it may prove especially irksome to non-fiction writers in that accurate research will be impaired long into the future if the measure is passed in parliament. To learn more about the issue and consider supporting the protest against it, click here.

First PWAC Atlantic Region Workshop Huge Success

Organizers of "Communicating for Cash," a two-day series of professional development workshops for writers and other content creators in Atlantic Canada and beyond, are heralding it a huge success.

Professionals from Ontario and all four Atlantic provinces gathered in Sackville for workshops, networking and socializing, while others from across the country participated in two interactive online sessions. "Communicating for Cash" was organized by the Atlantic Region of the Professional Writers Association of Canada.

On Saturday morning, freelance writer, author and trainer Paul Lima kicked off the series with a marketing session. He stressed that freelance writers, and any independent practitioner, need a clear, focused business vision before they develop a marketing plan. Once they do that, he said, they should use traditional marketing tools - networking with friends and business associates; advertising and promotion; cold calling and mailing; and generating repeat business, testimonials, and referrals - in an organized, scheduled manner.

"They should also harness the power of the web," Lima said. "A website optimized for search engines is crucial; a business-focused blog is recommended. And if independent practitioners are going to blog, they should learn how to use social networking tools, such as LinkedIn, Twitter, Facebook, and even YouTube."

Saturday afternoon, Lima presented a session on Search Engine Optimization while author and editor Marion Soubliere presented Getting Work with the Federal Government. It's something she said can be a mystery for many small business owners, however, it's not as difficult to get contract work with the Canadian government as most people think.

"The trick is knowing what you, the vendor, are supposed to do as part of the procurement process," Soubliere said. "The information is out there, but many business owners don't know where to find it. Plus, writing proposals to bid on government tenders is only one way to get government work. There are other less time-consuming ways, like getting on source lists and supplier databases, subcontracting to companies that already have government contracts, or getting contracts through temp agencies."

On Sunday, Johanna Bertin, author of Don Messer the Man Behind the Music, shared the research tools and techniques she developed and the interviewing skills she used to draw out the personal details that made the book such a rich, intimate portrait of the New Brunswick legend. Akoulina Connell, Goose Lane Editions managing editor, presented A Package with Punch: How to Make a Successful Non-fiction Submission to a publisher.

"Writing for a living necessitates keeping up on trends, styles and technological improvements," said Ross Mavis, PWAC regional director. "There is no better investment than taking pertinent and affordable workshops to keep your writing fresh and marketable. PWAC arranges these to help members and non members alike."

Fredericton-based Golden Coast International Inc. filmed Soubliere's government and Lima's marketing sessions and anyone who missed them can now go to www.pwacatlantic.ca to purchase access to the on-demand video archives. They will be available for viewing starting on July 15, 2010.

Along with the top-quality professional development and an abundance of networking opportunities and social activities, another highlight of the weekend, was the official establishment of PWAC Atlantic, a chapter of members spread throughout the region from Newfoundland to New Brunswick, and its website.

Sponsors of the event were the Canadian Freelance Union, the Quebec/Atlantic chapter of the Editors Association of Canada, the Moncton Area Freelance Writers and the South West New Brunswick chapter of PWAC. Other supporters were Golden Coast Incorporated/George Butters, Goose Lane Editions, Strong & Free, Jennifer Fiander & the Canadian Disability Resources Database, Marion Soubliere, Paul Lima, Johanna Bertin, Allison Finnamore, Ross Mavis, Carmel Vivier, Jennifer Power Scott and Trudy Kelly Forsythe.

For more information, contact:

Ross Mavis, (506) 763-2118 or info@pwacatlantic.ca

David Lewis Stein in The Toronto Star on Bill C-32 and Writers

In today's Toronto Star, David Lewis Stein discusses the recent coalition formed between with PWAC, The Writers Union of Canada (TWUC), the Playwrights Guild of Canada (PGC), the League of Canadian Poets (LCP), and the Literary Translators Association of Canada (LTAC).

On paper, this is certainly a formidable group. Organizations representing poets, fiction and non-fiction book writers, playwrights, translators and freelance journalists have announced they will join forces to protest amendments to the copyright bill. They fear these amendments, introduced in June just before Parliament adjourned, could be devastating to the writing trade.

...

With this new legislation much of the material in course packs could be used without payment to writers and publishers. The prospect is so exciting the Copyright Consortium of the Council of Ministers of Education, the Canadian Alliance of Student Associations and Canadian Library Association have all endorsed this expansion of "fair dealing."

But to writers, this "fair dealing" feels like expropriation of property. It feels like the government saying, "We are going to let people occupy rooms in your house and they won't have to pay any rent."

You can read Stein's opinion piece here.

Literary Translators Association of Canada Joins Writers Coalition on Copyright

We are pleased to inform you that the Literary Translators Association of Canada (LTAC) has joined with PWAC, The Writers Union of Canada (TWUC), the Playwrights Guild of Canada (PGC) and the League of Canadian Poets (LCP) in our coalition around the need for changes to enshrine the right for compensation for use within the proposed legislation to amend Canadian copyright law. Through the summer and fall we will be working to develop a toolkit to share with our collective memberships and other writers' organizations to communicate with decision-makers on appropriate changes to the draft bill.

Magazines Canada's Submission to the Government of Canada's Digital Economy Strategies Consultation

Magazines Canada has submitted "Building on Canadian Strengths: Canadian Magazines in the Digital Economy" to the Government of Canada as a part of the digital economy strategies consultation as announced in May 2010.

The submission, available on Magazines Canada's website, lists a number of recommendations for the Government to consider in developing strategies.

In addition to an eloquent comparison of the old Canada Magazine Fund (CMF) and Publications Assistance Program (PAP) funding models to the new Canada Periodical Fund (CPF) that points out the CPF's streamlined, more efficient and coherent model, Magazines Canada argues for the program's ongoing support from Parliament:

Today, the full budget of the CPF is on the books only until April 1, 2011. To meet the goals for which it was designed and launched just a few months ago, the fund requires a full budget committed for a four- to five-year term. The CPF is new and updated. Now it needs a budget commitment to make it work and get the best from it.

Magazines Canada recommends that, under the heading of "investments":
- The Minister of Heritage commit to a long-term budget (4-5 years) at current funding levels ($75.5 million) for the new Canada Periodical Fund.
- Key criteria for the CPF be reviewed each year to ensure the program continues to evolve to meet the challenges of the digital economy.

Another worthy inclusion is the recommendation that the Government maintains "the continuation of Canadian ownership and control regulations" and "the retention of the current foreign investment restrictions and advertising services regulations."

There remains a clear link between ownership and content in magazines in Canada. Most Canadian-owned titles produce high levels of original Canadian content while the vast majority of foreign magazines produce little or none.

Magazines Canada also "recommends that the Government of Canada pursues a period of thorough discussion of the implications of the specifics of the proposed copyright legislation before the legislation proceeds" and recognizes that "the consequences of failing to fairly compensate Canadian-content owners will lead to a decline in the production and then dissemination of home-grown content. Such a decline would have many negative consequences: the decline of Canadian cultural and business voices, and the loss of jobs and billions of dollars of economic activity."

Hear hear!

CJFE Collecting Information from Journalists who Covered the G20 Summit

Freedom of the press is an important right in Canada and something that PWAC values highly. As we wrote about recently in a post to PWAC's blog, PWAC is extremely disturbed by the events that unfolded in Toronto during the G-20 Summit on the weekend of June 26-27th.

One of PWAC's industry partners, Canadian Journalists for Free Expression (CJFE) has been collecting stories from members of the media, journalists, and freelance writers since the summit.

As a result of the many stories and reports CJFE has heard from journalists who were covering the G20, they are conducting a formal survey of writers who believe their freedom of expression was compromised by police/security personnel during the G-20 security operation. This collection of information will result in a public report by CJFE. The information and firsthand accounts from journalists is critical to the report. CJFE are asking journalists who participated to complete a survey to help us in this task.

If you know of others who have similar complaints, please advise PWAC and CJFE as soon as possible, or have them contact either group directly.

To access the survey, please go to the CFJE website:
http://www.cjfe.org/releases/2010/30062010g20survey.html

Canadian Journalists for Free Expression (CJFE) boldly champions the free expression rights of journalists and media workers around the world. In Canada, CJFE monitors, defends and promotes free expression and access to information. CJFE encourages and supports individuals and groups to be vigilant in the protection of their own and others' free expression rights. CJFE is an active participant and builder of the global free expression community.

For more information, contact CJFE Manager Julie Payne at (416) 515-9622 ext. 226.

PWAC, TWUC, PGC and LCP Speak as One on Copyright Reform

The four leading professional organizations representing Canadian writers have formed a coalition to ensure that our right to be compensated for our work is enshrined in the proposed legislation to reform Canadian copyright law. We will be working together to engage our members to support appropriate amendments to C-32, the draft bill given first reading in parliament on June 2nd.The Professional Writers Association of Canada (PWAC), The Writers Union of Canada (TWUC), the Playwrights Guild of Canada (PGC) and the League of Canadian Poets (LCP) will work together through the summer and fall to advise politicians and civil servants on required changes to the bill as written. Our main concerns are with the broad exception for education and the threat to our moral and economic rights posed by other technical aspects of the draft bill. We will be sending a "tool-kit" to all our members to help you weigh in. The four associations represent over 4,000 professional writers. We are grateful for Heritage Minister Moore's willingness to consider amendments and we look forward to debating the issues on behalf of writers in Canada.

Online Cretins Abound on C-32

Erstwhile PWAC Executive Director John Degen is a formidable online champion for artists' right to compensation. He has a keen understanding of the ins and outs of copyright law at home and abroad and many PWAC members will be aware of his support for the rights of writers.

John has engaged in honest debate on his own blog,
http://johndegen.blogspot.com/, and elsewhere online where communities of interest have formed to put forward their perspectives on the need for reform of our copyright law. His membership in the York Region Chapter of "Fair Copyright for Canada," a group founded by Michael Geist, has been revoked.

The flames are licking higher, here, folks...

PWAC Responds to Injustices Experienced by Members of the Media, Journalists, and Freelance Writers During the G20 in Toronto

The Professional Writers Association of Canada (PWAC) is extremely disturbed by the events that unfolded in Toronto during the G-20 Summit on the weekend of June 26-27th. While we feel it is beyond our scope and knowledge to comment on the detailed circumstances of all of the conflicts between police and protesters, we do want to highlight the injustices the occurred involving members of the media, journalists, and freelance writers.

We back the call by the Canadian Civil Liberties Association, amongst others, calling for an independent, public inquiry into the security surrounding the G20.

Two PWAC Toronto members, Jesse Ship and Nate Hendley (also PWAC's Ontario Regional Director) were caught up in the events on the weekend. You can read Jesse's account here and Nate's here.

In particular, PWAC is concerned about:
- Media credentials being ignored by police/G20 security, and members of the media facing detention. Read citynews.ca's Michael Talbot's account here.
- Members of the media who experiences threats of violence, including rape, while detained. Journalist Amy Miller was told during her detention "I was told I was going to be raped. I was told I was going to be gangbanged. I was told I was never going to want to act as a journalist again by making sure that I would be repeatedly raped while I was in jail."
- Ongoing search and seizure of media equipment.
- Detention of members of the media (and others, whether protesters or observers) without access to a lawyer, a phone call, privacy, or adequate food and water. This was the largest mass arrest in Canadian history.

Four journalists have sought legal assistance to date and have filed complaints with the Office of the Independent Police Review Director.

Freedom of the press is an important right in Canada and something that PWAC values highly. Our recent experience supporting the campaign to free award winning Tamil editor/journalist Joseph S. Tissainayagam who was imprisoned by the Sri Lankan government for writing articles critical of their actions is but one example of our beliefs. This call for an investigation into the events of the G20 weekend is another.

PWAC President Tanya Gulliver

PWAC Leads the Way in Defending Press Freedom

PWAC is pleased to provide an update to the Free Tissa campaign we endorsed and supported in the fall of 2009. PWAC Toronto member Steve Pitt provides an update below on the campaign to free award winning Tamil editor/journalist Joseph S. Tissainayagam.

In September 2009, a court in Sri Lanka sentenced award winning Tamil editor/journalist Joseph S. Tissainayagam to twenty years hard labour for writing articles critical of the Sri Lankan government. As a Canadian journalist married to a Tamil Canadian, I felt it was my duty to lobby on Mr. Tissainayagam's behalf. With the support of a couple of tech wiz-kids we set up a website called the Free Tissa campaign http://www.freetissa.com/. I then began the humbling task of calling on Canadian journalists to speak out on behalf of a fellow journalist of whom they had never met or likely even heard. It was slow going at first. I found that most Canadian writing organizations are reluctant to get involved in political issues. I do not know why, perhaps they fear for their reputations and possibly even their government funding.

In contrast, within a week, the Professional Writers Association of Canada (PWAC) alone responded almost immediately to my request for support for Mr. Tissainayagam. This tipped the scale and writing organizations, human rights advocates and individual writers including even Noam Chomsky lent their names to our supporter's list. Bowing to world pressure, on May 3, 2010, to mark World Press Freedom Day, Joseph Tissainayagam was pardoned by the Sri Lankan president. On June 19th, Tissainayagam arrived safely in the United States with his wife. The Free Tissa campaign was just one among many human rights groups that took up this cause so I won't attempt to take credit for Mr. Tissainayagam's release. But we were one of the first, and PWAC was our first and strongest supporter. I thank PWAC in general and in particular its president, Tanya Gulliver, who expedited PWAC's timely support. I'm sure we helped make a difference along with all the other human rights organizations.

On a postscript, free speech still continues to be heavily suppressed in Sri Lanka. On an almost daily basis journalists continue to be verbally harassed and physically attacked, kidnapped and even killed with impunity by paramilitary forces. Reporters Without Borders still rates Sri Lanka as the 162nd worst out of 175 for press freedom. We, who live in Canada (which is rated 18th) often take our relative freedoms for granted.

PWAC Member Steve Pitt

C-Monster on The Future of Freelancing

Here is a post from C-Monster to stiffen our spines and remind us of our mission:

For two days last week, I traveled to Stanford to participate in a conference on The Future of Freelancing. Needless to say, any gathering of journalists these days is akin to attending a deer-in-headlights convention. It's a fraught time to be a freelance writer. Newspapers are shutting down left and right. Magazines, which have historically paid the livable wages, are thinner than ever. And everyone seems to want journalists to write for free, or almost free - or, worse yet, for "exposure." And any time anyone even utters the word "exposure," I am seized with a terrific desire to bitchslap Arianna Huffington.

Another Class Action Moves Ahead

If you have been published in The Montreal Gazette since 1994, please read to prepare for the eventual distribution of $9 Million from CanWest Global and CanWest Publishing to eligible freelancers. The link below will also provide information on how to exclude yourself from the class action if you assess your potential to collect damages from the companies as an individual is greater than by joining the collective and you wish to engage legal representation to proceed on that basis.

Here is part of the announcement from the ERDC:

The Electronic Rights Defence Committee (ERDC) is pleased to announce it has reached a tentative settlement with two of the defendants in our long-running class action arising from unauthorized electronic use of the freelance stories in The Gazette of Montreal. In addition, the Quebec Superior Court has ordered the posting of a Notice to Members of the class together with copies of the settlements. This starts the ball rolling toward a payout to class members.

Visit http://erdc.ca/?p=298 for PDF files of the settlements with CanWst Global and CanWest Publishing as well as the official notice to members of the class action.

As you may know, PWAC supports this initiative. We encourage our members to read the official documents to determine if they qualify as members of the class action and for other information about these two settlements. The process of claiming compensation will not begin until the judicial process is complete, including settling with at least one other defendant in the ERDC's case. You can contact the ERDC directly if you have questions at info@erdc.ca.

Evil villians at Industry Canada?

Following the blog of Canadian copyright expert Barry Sookman is a good way to keep up with developments that will affect your negotiating position with publishers in the future.

For instance, today Barry linked to a piece by Texas musician Guy Forsyth, an artist so committed to economic justice for creators that he may have gone a little overboard on his conspiracy theory. Still, his analysis of some of the technical contradictions in the draft bill tabled June 3rd is instructive:

When reviewing any proposed legislation dealing with the online world, it is well to keep in mind that you have to assume that unscrupulous operators such as Limewire, Isohunt, or the YouTube founders, will do everything the law does not expressly prohibit plus about 50% of what it does prohibit as long as they can tie up creators in court with legal obfuscations or bully the creators who can't afford to resist. This means that the law likely will be violated as soon as it is passed and may in fact create an ex post facto "gotcha" that will actually undermine its stated purposes. So - attention must be paid. Litigation delays and obfuscations are the principle tools of the bad guys. You don't have to litigate your right to stop someone from stealing your car - you just call the police. If every victim of theft had to litigate their right to call the police, the law in its majesty, would fall on its face.

For the true policy wonks among us (c'mon, I know you're out there!) dig into that friendly advice from an American colleague.

As we delve further into the draft bill I feel completely justified in quoting a well known source, now in the public domain: "Curiouser and curiouser!"

Winners Announced for the Inaugural PWAC Writing Awards Competition

Winners and runners-up have been announced in the inaugural writing awards of the Professional Writers Association of Canada (PWAC) for stories published in 2009 in print or on the web.

The winner in the features category (over 1,200 words) is Jenn Hardy for her entry "Cleanup in Aisle One," which appeared in the July/August 2009 issue of This Magazine. The runner-up is Carolynn Semeniuk for "Christina's World," which appeared in the December 2009 issue of Swerve Magazine. The other finalists in this category are:

- Eve Lazarus for "The Parent Trap" (Enterprise)
- Kimberley Noble for "Why Garth Drabinsky is No Ordinary Fraudster" (Toronto Star)
- Kerianne Lauren Sproule for "Girls Interrupted" (Swerve Magazine)
- Kim Gray for "Magic Hour" (Alberta Views)

The winner in the short articles category (1,200 words or less) is Philip Fine for his article "Her Tough Literary Voice and Frankness About Sex Masked a Fatal Vulnerability", which appeared in the October 6, 2009 print edition of The Globe and Mail. The runner-up is Susan Pinker for "Extra Credit," which appeared in the November/December 2009 issue of Psychology Today. The other finalists in this category are:

- Ann Chandler for "Royal Rewards" (More)
- Ann Chandler for "Sage and Stewardship" (Canadian Cowboy Country)
- Wendy Helfenbaum for "A Fine Romance" (Canadian Family)
- Giancarlo La Giorgia for "Good Eats, At Your Convenience" (The Globe and Mail)

"Congratulations to the inaugural PWAC Writing Award winners, runners-up and other finalists. The judging panels' selections demonstrate the rich diversity and overall quality of journalism and creative non-fiction in the country," says PWAC President Tanya Gulliver. "PWAC is pleased to showcase the skills of Canadian writers through the award competition."

Gulliver also thanked the competition's judges for their expert consideration: Stephen Kimber, Elaine Kalman Naves, Bilbo Poynter, Maxine Ruvinsky, Eric Siblin and Jennifer Walker.

2010 is the first year that PWAC has presented the PWAC Short Articles Writing Award and the PWAC Features Writing Award. "Interest in the competition exceeded our expectations, particularly the number of entries received from writers outside of PWAC's membership," Gulliver said.

The winners and runners-up were announced on Friday, June 4, 2010, at MagNet, Canada's premier magazine industry conference. The first prize in each award category has a $500 value, including a free PWAC membership for a year (if eligible).

PWAC, established in 1976, is the national organization representing over 600 freelance writers and journalists in Canada.

More information:

Sandy Crawley, Executive Director, scrawley@pwac.ca, (416) 504-1645
Tanya Gulliver, President, tanyagulliver@gmail.com, (504) 292-0683

Michael Totzke Named Editor of the Year by the Professional Writers Association of Canada

Michael Totzke, the Editor of Canadian Interiors magazine, was named Editor of the Year yesterday by the Professional Writers Association of Canada.

The award recognizes Mr. Totzke's outstanding editorial work during the 2009 calendar year. He was presented with a plaque and gift during the Writers' Industry Awards Luncheon at the MagNet magazine conference in Toronto. Holly Bennett, Editor-in-Chief of Today's Parent Special Editions received an Honourable Mention for her work.

"Great writing and great editing go hand in hand," said Tanya Gulliver, President of the Professional Writers Association of Canada. "This award is one way for Canada's freelance writers to express their gratitude and admiration for the top notch editors working in this country. Congratulations to Michael for his achievement."

This is the third year PWAC has presented the Editor of the Year Award. Nominations are submitted by PWAC members, and a panel of judges evaluate the nominees based on criteria that includes editing and communications skills, the ability to bring out the best in writers, and the fairness of pay rates and contracts.

PWAC, established in 1976, is the national organization representing over 600 freelance writers and journalists in Canada.

More information:

Sandy Crawley, Executive Director, scrawley@pwac.ca, (416) 504-1645
Tanya Gulliver, President, tanyagulliver@gmail.com, (504) 292-0683

Professional Writers Welcome Debate on C-32 Draft Copyright Amendment

The Professional Writers Association of Canada (PWAC) reports from their Annual General meeting in Toronto that they welcome another opportunity to strike a balance in our copyright law. The draft bill tabled this week in Ottawa, Bill C-32, moves towards harmony with the global framework set out in treaties of the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) that Canada signed in 1996 but has yet to implement. PWAC acknowledges the federal government attempt to align our laws in order to strengthen the legal tools required to give and retain value for copyright materials in the global digital marketplace.

But there are errors in the structure proposed in the draft bill. "This summer's promised debate and discussion are essential to striking a more appropriate balance between accessibility and value than is present in the draft," said PWAC Executive Director Sandy Crawley when reached at MagNet, the annual pan-industry conference of magazine publishers, editors and writers. "We need to determine whether the dismantling of fundamental structures that make Canadian writing and publishing worth pursuing, as proposed in C-32 as drafted, is unwitting or intentional."

PWAC President Tanya Gulliver noted that the current political landscape offers an opportunity to ensure that the issues are thoroughly debated and more widely understood by MPs and their constituents. "We will be working with our partners in the writing and publishing industry to make sure that all parties understand what is at stake for Canada's creative economy if the draft Fair Dealing exceptions move forward." C-32 as written contains a blanket exception for education that is particularly troubling to the writers group. Gulliver added that PWAC does support the proposed five-year automatic review of the legislation as a sensible mechanism in this time of rapid change in communications technology and usage.

The organization agrees with the Canadian Publishers Council's statement as reported in Quill & Quire that every exception to copyright results in reduced incentive to invest in the publishing process, reduced innovation, reduced author royalties, reduced employment, and reduced output of cultural expression.

PWAC, established in 1976, is the national organization representing over 600 freelance writers and journalists in Canada.

More information:

Sandy Crawley, Executive Director, scrawley@pwac.ca, (416) 504-1645
Tanya Gulliver, President, tanyagulliver@gmail.com, (504) 292-0683

PWAC Names Holly Bennett and Michael Totzke Finalists for Editor of the Year Award

The Professional Writers Association of Canada (PWAC) today named two finalists for its Editor of the Year Award. They are:

- Holly Bennett, Editor-in-Chief of Today’s Parent Special Editions
- Michael Totzke, Editor of Canadian Interiors

"This is a unique editing award because it comes from Canada's writers," said PWAC President Tanya Gulliver. "Freelance writers from across the country submitted nominations for deserving editors, and Michael and Holly rose to the top."

The winner will be named during the Writers’ Industry Awards Luncheon at the MagNet magazine conference on June 4 in Toronto.

PWAC’s Editor of the Year Award brings national recognition and praise to outstanding editorial professionals. Written nominations are submitted by PWAC members and a panel of three member judges evaluate the nominees based on criteria that includes editing and communications skills, the ability to bring out the best in writers, and the fairness of pay rates and contracts.

PWAC, established in 1976, is the national organization representing over 600 freelance writers and journalists in Canada.

More information:

Sandy Crawley, Executive Director, scrawley@pwac.ca, (416) 504-1645
Tanya Gulliver, President, tanyagulliver@gmail.com, (504) 292-0683

Finalists Announced for the Inaugural PWAC Writing Awards Competition

Twelve finalists have been chosen in the inaugural writing awards of the Professional Writers Association of Canada (PWAC) for stories published in 2009 in print or on the web.

In the features category (over 1,200 words), the finalists are:

- Jenn Hardy for "Cleanup in Aisle One" (This Magazine)
- Kim Gray for "Magic Hour" (Alberta Views)
- Eve Lazarus for "The Parent Trap" (Enterprise)
- Kimberley Noble for "Why Garth Drabinsky is No Ordinary Fraudster" (Toronto Star)
- Kerianne Lauren Sproule for "Girls Interrupted" (Swerve Magazine)
- Carolynn Semeniuk for "Christina's World" (Swerve Magazine)

In the short articles category (up to 1,200 words), the finalists are:

- Ann Chandler for "Royal Rewards" (More)
- Ann Chandler for "Sage and Stewardship" (Canadian Cowboy Country)
- Wendy Helfenbaum for "A Fine Romance" (Canadian Family)
- Giancarlo La Giorgia for "Good Eats, At Your Convenience" (The Globe and Mail)
- Philip Fine for "Her Tough Literary Voice and Frankness About Sex Masked a Fatal Vulnerability" (The Globe and Mail)
- Susan Pinker for "Extra Credit" (Psychology Today)

"Congratulations to all of the finalists. They showcase the excellence and diversity of Canadian writing and do us all proud," said PWAC President Tanya Gulliver.

Gulliver also thanked the competition's judges for their expert consideration: Stephen Kimber, Elaine Kalman Naves, Bilbo Poynter, Maxine Ruvinsky, Eric Siblin and Jennifer Walker.

2010 is the first year that PWAC has presented the PWAC Short Articles Writing Award and the PWAC Features Writing Award. "Interest in the competition exceeded our expectations," Gulliver said. "We're excited to present these finalists as premiere examples of high-quality Canadian non-fiction writing from PWAC's membership and beyond."

The winners and runners-up will be announced at the Writers' Industry Awards Luncheon on Friday, June 4, 2010, at MagNet, Canada's premier magazine industry conference. The first prize in each award category has a $500 value, including a free PWAC membership for a year.

PWAC, established in 1976, is the national organization representing over 600 freelance writers and journalists in Canada.

More information:

Sandy Crawley, Executive Director, scrawley@pwac.ca, (416) 504-1645
Tanya Gulliver, President, tanyagulliver@gmail.com, (504) 292-0683

A compendium of approaches to e-publishing

An initiative in the UK provides an overview of the widespread experimentation going on in search of new tools and business models for exploring the digital publishing universe.

A piece in today's Guardian provides the update and lots of links:

If you've been looking for a place to find the most exciting experiments with literature and technology, then the launch of The Literary Platform this week should hit the spot. But there's enough there that anyone with even the vaguest interest in how publishers are responding to what the site's founder is describing as "the biggest shift change in the industry since the 19th century" should take a look.

The Literary Platform is built on short descriptions of new digital text experiments, from iPhone apps (such as the game-changing version of Nick Cave's The Death of Bunny Munro) to collaborative digital writing projects (The 24hr book) and whizzy multimedia hybrids (Songs of Imagination and Digitisation, PhoneBook). A quick browse gives a good overview of current practice in this field.

More here:

Like the classic soul ballad says..."A change is gonna come..." or maybe it's already here.

The electronic rights are yours. Or are they?

New business models for the creation and distribution of e-books are emerging. In at least one example the impetus is coming from the author, not the publisher, or more accurately in this case, from the estate, that of well-known American writer William Stryon. His family has broken away from Random House in an initiative to market Stryon's works and reap the rewards. From today's New York Times:

Because e-books were not explicitly mentioned in most author contracts until about 15 years ago, disputes have arisen about who has the right to publish digital versions of older books. But along with other publishers, Random House, which releases Styron's works in print, has said that clauses like "in book form" give it exclusive rights to publish electronic editions. In a letter to literary agents in December, Markus Dohle, chief executive of Random House, the world's largest publisher of trade books, said authors were "precluded from granting publishing rights to third parties" for electronic editions.

But in a statement last week Stuart Applebaum, a spokesman for Random House, said the company was continuing talks with many authors or their estates about publishing e-books of their older works. "The decision of the Styron estate is an exception to these discussions," he said in an e-mail message. "Our understanding is that this is a unique family situation."

More here.

We're not all household names with blockbuster books, but the same tools are available to all. Food for thought.

These cartoons are about You!

April 23rd, 2010 is not only Shakespeare's birthday it is also UNESCO Copyright Day!

Enjoy creator-positive videos thanks to John Degen, former PWAC staffer, prince of print and doyen of digits...

Watch the videos here.

Pens into Social Media Ploughshares?

I attended a CNW breakfast panel this morning with Scott Anderson (Sr. VP, Content at Canwest) and Matthew Ingram (Sr. writer GigaOm). You can read more about them here.

The topic was innovation in the newsroom and the uses of social media. I caught a few quotes for those who work as reporters to stimulate your thinking about using these new tools to interact with your readers:

"Research is now a 24/7 activity due to the number of sources available online."

"There is no deadline, the web never sleeps."

"The onus online is on the reporter. There's usually no one to check facts, even spelling, before the item goes up."

"When I began my career I was a journalist. When I retire I'll be a multi-tasking platform agnostic content provider."

"You need to be Fast, Accurate, and Smart. Pick two."

"Everyone is trying to use everything."

"Content doesn't exist in any one place."

Tina Brown on writers' compensation

At least Tina Brown (of great renown but currently of the Daily Beast) is candid on the subject of writers' compensation. Like almost everyone she seems to be relying on the magic wand we like to call "new business model":

"So are we building this new sort of subculture, frankly, of impoverished, living in garret writers? Because the fact is that writers can hardly make a living right now because they can't get paid. The same is true of song writers and the same is true of so many other artists today. We're actually relegating great people to not be able to make a living."

So how do we fix it? Charlie asked.

"I think we haven't figured it out," she said. We're in a "volatile moment of absolute realignment" and "it's a painful interim for writers and artists. "They feel absolutely beached."

Wooden Horse Observes Opposing Views on Print vs. Digital

Our friends at Wooden Horse Magazine attended a conference recently in San Francisco and heard opposing views on the efficacy of print versus digital:

The American Association of Advertising Agencies' Transformation Conference in San Francisco this week seemed to be the focal point for all kinds of efforts of magazine publishers to publicize magazines.

Head honchos Charles Townsend of Condé Nast, Cathie Black of Hearst, Jack Griffin of Meredith, Ann Moore of Time Inc, and Jann Wenner of Wenner Media on the opening day of the conference jointly announced the launch of "one of the largest print advertising campaigns ever created to promote the vitality of magazines as a medium" with a video.

The first ad is a two-page spread that features an image of swimmer Michael Phelps and a full page essay titled "We surf the Internet, we swim in magazines." "The Internet is exhilarating," the ad copy reads. "Magazines are enveloping. The Internet grabs you. Magazines embrace you. The Internet is fleeting. Magazines are immersive. And both media are growing."

You can watch the video and find a link to the press release at http://bit.ly/d9GrCF.

Print, web, iPad, smartphones - are magazines the same thing in many forms?

It seems that rumours of the death of print publications may be somewhat exaggerated. Magazines Canada reports a similar robust performance from Canadian titles. Now if we could get them to pay enough to live on...

PWAC Launches Major New Writing Prizes

The Professional Writers Association of Canada has launched two major new writing awards.

The awards, which will be judged by a panel of some of Canada's leading writers, are open to PWAC members and non-members. The deadline for entries is March 19.

Awards will be given for feature-length stories (over 1,200 words) and shorter pieces (1,200 words and less).

"These awards will showcase the excellence of Canadian writers," said PWAC President Tanya Gulliver. "Our goal is for these awards to eventually become some of Canada's premier prizes for writing. PWAC is Canada's largest organization representing freelance writers, and our awards will celebrate that."

Entries must have been published in a paying Canadian print or web media outlet in 2009. The first prize in each category has a $500 value, including a free PWAC membership for a year (if eligible).

The judges in the two categories are:
- Stephen Kimber: the author of a novel and seven books of non-fiction; Stephen is the Roger Communications Chair at the University of King's College in Halifax.
- Elaine Kalman Naves: the Montreal-based award-winning author of six books and more than 500 articles and stories in a variety of Canadian and international periodicals and scholarly works.
- Bilbo Poynter: executive director and founder of the Canadian Centre for Investigative Reporting and a Hamilton-based investigative reporter for the CBC.
- Maxine Ruvinsky: associate professor and chair of the School of Journalism at Thompson Rivers University in Kamloops, B.C.; Maxine also holds a PhD in comparative literature and authored Investigative Reporting in Canada and Practical Grammar: A Canadian Writer's Resource.
- Eric Siblin: the Montreal-based author of The Cello Suites: J.S. Bach, Pablo Casals, and the Search for a Baroque Masterpiece, which won the QWF Mavis Gallant Prize for Non-Fiction and the QWF McAuslan First Book Prize and was a finalist for the Governor General's Literary Award for Non-Fiction.
- Jennifer Walker: senior content editor at Best Health magazine and the winner of PWAC's Best Editor Award in 2009.

Entry requirements are available at www.pwac.ca/eventsandresources/pwacawards.

PWAC, established in 1976, is the national organization representing over 600 freelance writers and journalists in Canada.

- 30 -

More information:

Tanya Gulliver, President
tanyagulliver@gmail.com
(647) 236-7589

Sandy Crawley, Executive Director
scrawley@pwac.ca
(416) 504-1645

You can also download this release in PDF format here.

2009 CBC Literary Awards Shortlist

The 2009 shortlist for the 2009 CBC Literary Awards has been released and PWAC is proud to see that Thunder Bay, Ontario member Marion Agnew is in the running in the Creative Non-Fiction category.

Shelagh Rogers will announce the winners on CBC Radio One on Thursday, March 18, 2010. Check this page to discover the CBC Radio One frequency in your area.

Good luck to all the nominees!

Leon Wieseltier and Christoper Hedges on the Internet, Journalism, and Income

There is no doubt about how difficult life has become for many freelancers, especially those who write journalism or non-fiction writing for the non-corporate market. Two recent articles express the reasons why. Leon Wieseltier, literary editor of The New Republic, paints a bleak picture of a publishing industry that has largely abandoned its respect for writers and treats us more like serfs than professionals, both in terms of pay and in demands for short-and-sweet "content" that can be rapidly consumed on a webpage. What effect has that had on us? Wieseltier quotes James Rainey in the Los Angeles Times, "what's sailing away, a decade into the 21st century, is the common perception that writing is a profession - or at least a skilled craft that should come not only with psychic rewards but with something resembling a living wage."

Further analysis is offered by Christopher Hedges, who describes the internet as an "information super-sewer." In an online world dominated by a hive mentality, creativity and fair compensation are sacrificed as content becomes king. It is outsourced to the lowest bidder, appropriated en masse, aggregated, and disseminated without concern for creators' rights. In discussing Jaron Lanier's new book, You Are Not a Gadget, the characteristically acerbic Hedges writes,

"Music, books, journalism, commercials and bits of television shows and movies, along with inane YouTube videos, are thrust onto our screens and into national consciousness because of the statistical analysis of Internet crowd preferences. Lanier says that one of the biggest mistakes he and other computer scientists made when the Internet was developed was allowing contributions to the Internet to go unpaid. He says decisions such as this have now robbed people, especially those who create, of their ability to make a living and ultimately the capacity for dignity. Digital collectivism, he warns, is destroying the dwindling vestiges of authentic creativity and innovation, including journalism, which takes time, investment and self-reflection. And while there are a few sites that do pay for content - Truthdig being one - the vast majority are parasites. The only income left for most of those who create is earned through self-promotion, but as Lanier points out this turns culture into nothing but advertising. It fosters a social ethic in which the capacity for crowd manipulation is more highly valued than truth, beauty or thought."

A dismal picture indeed. However, I think we creators must avoid despair.

We have to hold to the faith that quality will win out in the end. The market may be dismal now, but if writers continue to devote themselves to the craft - protect the flame so to speak - something will emerge.

In his Truthdig article, Hedges mentions the short story, "The Machine Stops," written in 1912 by E.M. Forster. A more prescient story has never been written. People live underground in hive-like cells, plugged into "the Machine" which delivers them a steady stream of entertainment, chit-chat, and banality. People's bodies have atrophied; they've lost the taste for novelty; they endlessly seek for something to stave off boredom. Their entire life is served by the Machine. They shun the "surface world" for its harshness and directness. Direct experience has become painful and is avoided.

In many ways, we are entering that world. In the short story, a small group of rebels colonizes the surface world while the Machine collapses. The antihero, one of the colonizers, says to his mother who is hopelessly trapped within the Machine, "We have come back to our own. We die, but we have recaptured life, as it was in Wessex, when Ælfrid overthrew the Danes. We know what they know outside, they who dwelt in the cloud that is the colour of a pearl."

I like to think that the heart of every writer dwells in the cloud that is the colour of a pearl. We have to keep that in mind as we fight this battle and seek new markets. I think eventually that people will hunger so much for what we have to offer, we'll find those markets. If we try to adapt ourselves to a market that just values content at a dismal price, we are just becoming part of the Machine.

Currently, PWAC is in the process of conducting cross-country consultations with writers, editors and publishers for the publication of a "Best Practices" guide to working conditions and standards in the Canadian magazine sector." I hope, for all our sakes, that this spirit drives those discussions.

- Bruce Wilson, PWAC Vice President

More scuttlebutt on Google

A couple of weeks ago we told you about a group of independent writers who have launched a petition to seek protection from the controversial Google book deal. There's more on it in this from John Barber in this morning's Globe and Mail:

Petition organizer and playwright David Bolt, literary executor of late playwright Carol Bolt, said the Canadian writers decided to speak out in part because the Writers' Union of Canada declined to take an official position on the settlement.

"They tried to work it from the inside," he said, adding that the (T)WUC achieved some success in achieving better terms for Canadian writers in the revised settlement. "But we thought we should go further and try to get the settlement rejected altogether."

Bolt may have overstated the position of our sister org, TWUC. They have negotiated improvements in certain aspects of the deal (read more to see which ones).

The deadline to opt out of the Google settlement remains January 28.

The Decline of Print, According to George Gates in The Atlantic

George Gates has an interesting take in the Atlantic Monthly on the indispensable writer's adage: Never use two words when one will do. His context is newspaper journalism but his points seem relevant to anyone considering the changes in readers perceptions that online writing have wrought.

On the first day of my first real job in journalism - on the copy desk at the Royal Oak Daily Tribune in Royal Oak, Michigan - the chief copy editor said, "Remember, every word you cut saves the publisher money." At the time, saving the publisher money didn't strike me as the world's noblest ideal. These days, for anyone in journalism, it's more compelling.

A very particular talent... for life!

"He'd get up at 6 and before his kids were even out of bed, he would have written 500 to 700 words on a novel," continued Krizanc, who called his friend most mornings to find out how much he had written so far that day. "Then he'd take the kids to school, go to the Y and swim about 100 laps, and then set about the business side of being a writer, which would be a magazine article or a screenplay. And after dinner, he'd go upstairs and bang out a one-act play or something. He did more in a month than I do in most years.".

That's John Krizanc on Paul Quarrington. Vit Wagner covers it well in today's Toronto Star. In case there are writers out there who need a reminder of what can be done: read the rest here...

Looking to the Future: MagNet 2010

MagNet 2010 is less than 6 months away and the buzz is building! Stay tuned for more information from Magazines Canada, PWAC, and more.

World-class speakers. International publishing leaders... Now in its fourth year, Canada's Magazine Conference looks to the future of print - and how you can make the most of your business right now.

Be sure to mark your calendars for MagNet, Canada's Magazine Conference, June 1-4, 2010.

MagNet is Canada's premiere public policy, professional development and networking conference for magazine professionals - a SuperConference not to be missed! With over 60 sessions in all industry disciplines, networking opportunities and special events, MagNet guarantees you'll harness the power of print in 2010. magnet.magazinescanada.ca goes live February 2010...

Google news

A group of Canadian writers and publishers have mounted a campaign to try to get the federal government to resist the siren call of the Google book settlement deal, as other governments have in defense of their cultural output. From the press release:

"Katherine Gordon, former contracts lawyer and best-selling B.C. non-fiction author says it's not too late for the government to act. "But they need to step up to the plate now and protect Canadian writers. It's more than time for the federal government to recognize that a foreign corporation has blatantly appropriated copyrighted work from Canadians, and intervene to stop it."

The group points out that:

"New Zealand, Ireland, South Africa and India - all countries with English-language presses similar to Canada's - have been exempted from the settlement because they protested vigorously against it... We wish to protest just as loudly. The Governments of France and Germany protested that illegal digitization of books amounted to theft of a cultural heritage. We agree, and believe that Canada's heritage of Cultural nationalism should be applied to the Google settlement. All of continental Europe is now exempt, and so should Canada be."

The issue is complex and the arbitrary deadline of January 28th for writers to opt out is adding pressure to resolve the issue shortsightedly. One hopes the court will recognize that greater deliberation is required. In the meantime, individual writers and publishers are faced with a quandary.

At least one maverick author from China has taken action:

"Mian Mian, a counterculture writer known for her lurid tales of sex, drugs and nightlife, filed suit in October after the U.S. search giant scanned her latest book, Acid House, into its library.

The two sides were due in a Beijing court on Tuesday... the author wants damages of $8,950 US and a public apology.

In a statement, Google said it removed Mian Mian's works from its library as soon as it learned of the lawsuit. As of last month, Google had already scanned some 10 million titles into its database, most of which were still under copyright when they were scanned.

Last year Google paid $125 million to settle copyright violation claims with American authors and publishers. It is waiting for final court approval after objections by U.S. regulators and other companies that said it might hurt the growth of the electronic book market."

If Mian Mian succeeds a government-affiliated "union" in China is lining up to follow suit (pun intended). Google's strategy seems to point to settling all claims with money and an opt-out. Ah well, at least we'll get some kind of jurisprudence along the way. We can only hope that a "license" coerced by pure market forces as underpinned by the courts won't lower compensation standards for writers. If they get any lower we'll lose all distinction between profession and hobby...

Why I won't sign the Transcontinental contract: Ann Douglas

Another voice speaks out against the new Transcontinental contract: Ann Douglas, freelancer extraordinaire.

Read the original post here.

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Ann Douglas is the author of 28 books, many of which focus on pregnancy and parenting. She is a columnist for Conceive Magazine, Yahoo! Canada, and The Toronto Star's ParentCentral.ca. Her byline has appeared in Chatelaine, Canadian Living, Homemakers, Today's Parent, Canadian Family, Parents Canada, The Globe and Mail, and other publications, both print and online. She refuses to sign the new Transcontinental contract. Here's why.

I feel like Canadian Living has been part of my writing life forever.

Canadian Living was one of the very first magazines to carry my byline.

I've written feature-length and short articles for Canadian Living magazine and its website. I've appeared on Canadian Living Television. And I've been featured as an expert in many articles written by other writers.

Canadian Living was also one of the first publications to rally behind me when I starting writing pregnancy and parenting books. Shortly after The Mother of All Baby Books was published in 2001, Canadian Living named it one of the top ten reference books every Canadian household should own. And, more recently, Canadian Living ran excerpts of Sleep Solutions for Your Baby, Toddler, and Preschooler on its website.

I've been proud to be able to contribute to Canadian Living over the years because the magazine celebrates Canada and Canadians. It has also made a point of welcoming and nurturing new writers. (Every writer is a new writer at some point, after all.)

Recently, I had to turn down my first interview with Canadian Living. It's not because I didn't have a lot to say about the topic. In fact, the interview was on one of my favorite subjects and, because I have been doing a lot of new research in that area, I had a lot of information I was eager to pass along. Nor was I too busy to do the interview. I always make time for Canadian Living because I feel it has a unique place in the hearts and minds of Canadians. I had to turn down the interview because I felt it would be wrong to do it while Canadian Living's parent-company, Transcontinental, is insisting that all Canadian Living writers agree to sign a contract that would erode their traditional rights as freelance magazine writers, and that could set dangerous precedents for the industry.

I hated having to do this, given my long-standing relationship with the magazine and the writers and editors I have come to know and greatly respect at Canadian Living.

I also hate not being able to pitch story ideas to Canadian Living - story ideas that, I feel, would be a great fit for the magazine. I want to tell them about the woman I know who has dedicated her life to a particular cause - and who has proven that there's almost nothing that one woman can't do if she puts her mind to it, including transforming attitudes in her own community. I also want so share some very personal stories about my journey as a mother in recent years. But I can't erode the rights of writers by signing my name to the contract that is currently on offer - a contract that would be binding forevermore.

I hope the powers that be at Transcontinental - the company that owns Canadian Living and many other highly respected Canadian magazines - will decide to do the ethical thing by treating writers as true partners in a mutually beneficial working relationship. This would mean including writers in contract discussions affecting their livelihoods, as opposed to simply announcing contract terms after the fact. Failing to do so ignores the decades-long relationships built up between writers and editors, and the fact that readers also have strong relationships with the writers who contribute to a particular magazine. These facts may not show up on the numbers that are crunched by lawyers and accountants when contracts are drafted, but they ultimately determine which magazines thrive.

As always, the readers will have their final say.

P.S. I just finished ordering magazine subscriptions for family members - a holiday shopping ritual for me. I hope these contract issues will be behind us by this time next year so that I'll be able to give the gift of Canadian Living and other Transcontinental publications next year.

Fallout from Canadian Border Services' Treament of Amy Goodman Continues...

It's the story the Canadian government wishes would disappear, but us media types don't sit quietly by when our freedoms are questioned...

A growing number of Canadian groups have spoken out about Amy Goodman's 90-minute questioning and subsequent order to leave Canada to return to the US within 48 hours when she tried to cross the border into British Columbia in late November.

The Writers' Union of Canada (TWUC) had something to say on December 3, 2009 in an open letter to British Columbia's Premier Gordon Campbell:

Dear Premier Campbell,

On behalf of The Writers' Union of Canada, I wish to record our strong objection to perceived attempts to censor and stifle the right to express dissenting views regarding the 2010 Vancouver Winter Olympics.

On November 26, 2009 U.S. reporter Amy Goodman was detained by Canadian Border Services Agency, Pacific Region, while attempting to enter Canada to give a book promotional speech at the Vancouver Public Library. Ms. Goodman was repeatedly interrogated as to whether she was planning to speak about the Winter Olympics. She was photographed, control documents were stapled to her passport, and her vehicle and computer were searched.

This treatment of a distinguished American journalist has damaged Canada in the eyes of the world.

Earlier this year I was compelled to write with regard to intimidating behaviour on the part of the Integrated Securities Unit (ISU) while interviewing Dr. Chris Shaw, the author of Five Ring Circus: Myths and Realities of the Olympic Games. Now, as then, The Writers' Union of Canada requests a formal assurance that the freedom of writers and journalists to criticize the Canadian Olympics will be respected, as befits the guarantees outlined in the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms.

Erna Paris
Chair

The Documentary Organization of Canada (DOC) issued a letter to the Canadian government on December 4, 2009:

The Honourable Peter Van Loan
Minister of Public Safety
House of Commons
Ottawa, Ontario
K1A 0A6

Dear Minister Van Loan,

The Documentary Organization of Canada represents more than 800
documentary filmmakers including journalists, producers, crafts people and
students across Canada.

We are writing to express our concerns over the questioning of the well
known US journalist Amy Goodman at the Douglas border crossing in BC, on
November 25th.

DOC members depend on free and open travel to other countries to bring back stories of interest to the Canadian public. Detaining Ms. Goodman at the border, examining her computers and materials, and questioning her on the subject of her lecture to the Vancouver public library is both oppressive and chilling. It also provides foreign governments with an excuse to disregard Canada when we object to restrictions on the free travel of journalists in other parts of the world.

In addition, the particular cross examination of her views about the
Olympics appear politically motivated. Surely this could not be a reason to
delay and possibly deny access to someone. The fact that Ms. Goodman was evidently focusing on the merits of the Canadian health system is ironic. Instead of fostering free discussion, and the promotion of the Canadian medical model, this intervention serves to bring Canada into disrepute.

We urge you to address this issue on behalf of the government, and to make it clear that Canada supports the free discussion of diverse viewpoints, and the free travel of journalists across borders. We look forward to your response.

Yours sincerely,
John Christou, Co-Chair
Tina Hahn, Co-Chair

cc: Mr. Don Davies, NDP Public Safety Critic; Mr. Brian Masse, NDP Border Critic; Mr. Mark Holland, Liberal Security Critic.

Restrictions on the press make this PWAC blogger anxious, period. To hear of it happening in Canada? Furious. The Olympics haven't even begun, folks. With the world's media about to descend on Canada in February for the Games, how will Canadian Border Services respond? What impression will we leave on the world?

Online Consultation on Television Services

In case you've been avoiding all media to escape the bloodbath that has been the war of wars between Canadian broadcasters and cable providers, you may have missed an invitation from the CRTC to weigh in on either side of the argument.

Take the survey now.

Journalist Questioned at Canadian Border Crossing in Vancouver, British Columbia

Has freedom of speech become antiquated in Canada in advance of the 2010 Vancouver Olympics?

The CBC reports that American journalist and Democracy Now host Amy Goodman was stopped at a Canadian border crossing near Vancouver, British Columbia and questioned for 90 minutes about her reasons for entering Canada. According to Goodman, the border guards were interested in one thing only: Goodman's thoughts on the 2010 Vancouver Olympics.

Goodman said she told them she planned to speak about the debate over U.S. health care reform and the wars in Asia.

After much questioning, Goodman said the officials finally asked if she would be speaking about the 2010 Olympics.

"He made it clear by saying, 'What about the Olympics?'" said Goodman. "And I said, 'You mean when President Obama went to Copenhagen to push for the Olympics in Chicago?'"

"He said, 'No. I am talking about the Olympics here in 2010.' I said, 'Oh I hadn't thought of that,'" said Goodman.

"He said, 'You're saying you're not talking about the Olympics?'"

"He was clearly incredulous that I wasn't going to be talking about the Olympics. He didn't believe me," Goodman said.

Goodman is known for her open criticisms against the wars in Afghanistan and Iraq. She was entering Canada to give speeches in Vancouver and Victoria, BC.

Allowed to enter Canada after the questioning, Goodman says she was presented with a document demanding she leave the country after 48 hours. Watch Goodman's account of the incident and a look at Canada's attempts to stifle dissent on the Democracy Now broadcast.

This is the latest report suggesting a clampdown on freedom of speech in advance of the 2010 Vancouver Olympics. The CBC also reported in July 2009 that the head of security for the 2010 Games, RCMP assistant commissioner Bud Mercer, was planning to erect "free speech areas" while acknowledging that "...anywhere you participate in lawful protest is legal and lawful in Canada. It doesn't have to be in a free speech area."

Next Wave of Internet Piracy: Reading

The United Kingdom's Times Online discussed the recent rise of e-book piracy and shares words of warning for the coming storm, arguing that the increase in book piracy in the Unites States parallels the popularity of e-book devices such as Amazon's Kindle and the Sony Reader.

The article raises some very real concerns for Canadian rightsholders. Amazon just announced that it's hugely popular e-book reader is now shipping to Canada (previously having been available for Unites States ship-to addresses only) which may bring about a surge in illegal downloading of copyright-protected content like magazines, books, etc. in file formats that are compatible with the device and easily copied. According to the Quill & Quire, Canada's magazine on the book industry, Canadian book publishers were scrambling to prepare Kindle editions of their titles for sale in the Kindle Store. In the rush to digitize and make Canadian editions Kindle-ready, worries about piracy have been pushed aside.

The Times, however, suggests that British publishers have seen this coming and have reacted accordingly:

British publishers are taking action to stop the pirates. The Publishers Association has released a web tool that allows publishers to log the details of an infringement of copyright. It then sends a demand to the offending website for the link to be removed. The portal has been alerted to more than 4,000 cases of online piracy by more than 40 publishers and has succeeded in taking down 2,638 illegal copies of books.

Publishers should take note that the most anticipated e-book reader and all-round "wow" item, the Apple Tablet, has been lurking in the shadows, waiting to enamour consumers, save newspapers and magazines, and change the world (or so any tech geek will tell you). Although still unannounced, its release will drive awareness of e-books and associated gadgets' cool factor - which the Time article's author asserts will spur an increase in illegal downloading:

This Christmas, e-book reading devices such as Amazon's Kindle and Sony's Reader will be among the most popular gadgets. But there are fears that as consumers get used to reading digital books they will look for a free download rather than pay.

In the US, where the Kindle has been available for two years, digital book piracy is booming. The web has enabled thousands of sites to distribute pirated book content free. American publishers are estimated to have lost more than $600 million (£363 million) last year to piracy.

Apple's impact on the e-reading world has already been noted:

The increase in the use of smartphones is also expected to add to the demand. One out of every five new applications introduced for the iPhone last month in the US was for e-books, according to Flurry, a research company that studies mobile trends.

The Future of Arts Advocacy?

The newly-formed and expanded all-party Canadian Arts Caucus met for the second time in Ottawa on Wednesday, November 25, 2009. The Caucus, designed to be a non-partisan forum for MPs and Senators to learn about the arts and to meet with the arts community, has the potential to eliminate "letters and lobbying" and focus on issues affecting the artistic community.

The Caucus originated from a conversation between Nancy Oakley (the General Manager for the Great Canadian Theatre Company) and Paul Dewar (MP for Ottawa Centre). In the summer of 2009, Dewar invited all MPs to ask them to become a member of a group to be organized and managed by MPs with ongoing cooperation from the arts community. 29 MPs expressed initial interest to form the Caucus, and held an inaugural meeting in October 2009. Approximately 40 interested MPs and Senators met for a second meeting on Wednesday.

The Caucus provides an opportunity for the arts community to raise awareness among MPs on issues of the day and to increase the profile of the arts on the Hill:

"What hopefully will change is that there won't be this huge chasm between decision-makers and artists, that there will be a lot less ignorance among decision-makers," Dewar said. "Maybe, just maybe, when there's not the spotlight of an election, we might be able to agree on something, put forth some ideas as a group to support the arts."

Canadian Freelancer Amanda Lindhout Freed

According to the CBC, Canadian freelance journalist Amanda Lindhout and Australian photographer Nigel Brennan have been released from captivity following their families' payment of a ransom estimated at $600,000 US.

"Amanda's parents are overjoyed and request continued privacy for the family while they focus on Amanda and her transition back to normal life," said Lindhout family spokeswoman Sarah Geddes. "They will return to Canada as soon as Amanda is fit to fly home."

Lindhout, an Alberta resident who frequently wrote for the Red Deer advocate newspaper, was on assignment in Mogadishu, Somalia for French TV channel France 24 when she was captured and held for 15 months. The two allege torture and beatings occurred against them during their captivity. Lindhout and Brennan were reporting on refugee issues.

Eva Manasieva, a friend and former colleague of Lindhout, called her a courageous journalist.

"One of those who are not afraid to go to places where others are afraid to go, just for the sake of telling a story, just for the sake of showing that there is something wrong going on in that place," Manasieva said from Austria.

"This is exactly the reason why she went to Africa to do freelance reporting, because she felt that was the right thing to do, to tell a story from a very troubled region."

New PWAC Executive Director in the New Year

After a rigorous process of interviews with a number of stellar candidates, the Board of Directors of PWAC is happy to announce the engagement of a new Executive Director. Former Board member Sandy Crawley begins full-time in the position on January 4, 2010.

Sandy comes to PWAC after two years as Labour Relations and Professional Development Manager at the Professional Association of Canadian Theatres. He has been a life-long cultural activist and has served as Executive Director for the Canadian Screen Training Centre in Ottawa and the national Documentary Organization of Canada.

"I have acted as a positive change agent in every leadership role I have taken on and I look forward to managing positive change at PWAC," Crawley said. "During a time when old business models are collapsing and new ones coming up, the steady mutual support within the membership is an invaluable boon to both long-time members and emerging talent. A priority for me will be strengthening relationships with our partners in the sector."

Crawley served on PWAC's Board as Treasurer, and member of the Core Executive, from fall 2005 to June 2009.

PWAC President Tanya Gulliver, who led the search process, expressed satisfaction with the decision. "After a challenging year, it is good to have someone in place who knows the organization. Most of the current Board has worked alongside Sandy as a fellow Director and that will make the leadership transition swift. Sandy has a long history within the arts community and is well-liked and respected by the membership."

-------------------------

More information:

Tanya Gulliver, President, tanyagulliver@gmail.com, (647) 236-7589
Lauren Stewart, Associate Director, info@pwac.ca, (416) 504-1645

Why I won't sign the Transcontinental contract: Diane Elizabeth Hill

Another prominent freelancer has voiced her concerns about the new Transcontinental contract.

Read the original post here.

-------------------------

Diane Elizabeth Hill is a freelance writer and editor. She has published feature articles in Reader's Digest, More, and Best Health, personal essays in the Toronto Star and the Globe and Mail, and poetry in Avocet, the Penwood Review, and Carousel. She also operates a small business providing writing, editing, and research services to non-profit organizations. She is the former Director of Research at United Way Toronto. She refuses to sign the new Transcontinental contract. Here's why.

No more More for me.

Let me explain. I started writing for More magazine earlier this year and had a great experience. My editor was terrific and I was looking forward to pitching her again.

The contract I signed gave them first publication rights for 18 months, their right to archive my article in the context of the magazine, and to keep it on their website for two years. Any subsequent publication must be agreed to in writing by me. If the article generated any royalties from a paying electronic archives and/or reprographic processes, 100 percent went to me. I would also receive 50 percent of any royalties from CEDROM through a nonexclusive license (leaving me free to also reproduce through other means). Any other rights not expressly named in the contract remained mine.

The same month that my story was published, I heard that Transcontinental had a new contract. I was shocked to see that all of the rights stipulated in the previous contract had been stripped away, with nothing offered in return, such as a pay increase.

If I signed this new contract, I could kiss goodbye my e-rights, my database royalties, and my right to re-sell. My copyright would not revert to me after 18 months - it was gone forever. There was no mechanism for me to negotiate my own terms of work or to opt out of any of the clauses. Once I signed, the contract would remain in force in perpetuity with no possibility of future renegotiation. It would cover all work I would ever do in the future, for any of their publications. They could reprint an article I wrote for one of their magazines in any one of their fifty-four other publications, as many times as they wanted, or even sell my article to a third party, all without paying me any additional fees. Besides the loss of copyright, there is no language about the things that tend to keep writers awake at night: payment terms, kill fees, and libel.

Oh yes - either I sign or I never write for Transcontinental again.

The contract puts writers into a box designed by Transcontinental.

When writer's groups approached Transcontinental to express their concern, they were basically shooed away. At least the top brass at Transcontinental was being honest - they didn't pretend they wanted to work in collaboration with their writers. That's a shame, because that is certainly not how their editors operate.

It's not surprising that a major multinational corporation wants to strip copyright away from the people who create what they sell. And I know that things are tough out there in the publishing world.

But things are tough in here, too. I'm a business person. I earn my living by writing. Pay rates for periodical writers haven't increased in decades. I can't afford to give my work away in perpetuity, to give up my right to re-sell it, even the right to post it on my own website.

More, it sure was nice while it lasted. Maybe we'll meet again.

CAJ Urges Toronto Star to Preserve Editorial Jobs

The Canadian Association of Journalists is gravely concerned by word that the Toronto Star is exploring major cuts to its newsroom.

"This has been a terrible year, financially, for many newspapers and we recognize that companies need to cut costs to remain viable," said CAJ president Mary Agnes Welch. "But outsourcing copy editing and layout jobs could be bad for readers. We fear that quality will suffer."

The Toronto Star is considering a plan that would see "some or all copy editing and pagination work" outsourced in "what is likely to be the biggest restructuring of the Star's workforce in its history," according to a memo from publisher John Cruickshank. The union that represents editorial staff says as many as 100 editing jobs may be done outside the paper's newsroom.

The move follows similar consolidation of editorial services by Quebecor and CanWest Global, which has centralized many editorial functions in Hamilton. Some American newspapers, such as the Miami Herald, have contracted out newsroom jobs to New Delhi, India.

Welch said copy editors, headline writers and paginators are critical to the creation of a newspaper that is accurate, independent and relevant to local readers.

"We urge the Toronto Star's management to ensure that it maintains a strong editorial staff to continue to deliver the high-quality journalism that its readers deserve, which is vital to a functioning, healthy democracy," Welch said.

The Canadian Association of Journalists is Canada's largest professional organization for journalists from all media, with about 1,100 members across the country. The CAJ provides high-quality professional development for its members and public-interest advocacy.

For further information:
President Mary Agnes Welch - (204) 697-7590 or (204) 470-8862
Executive Director John Dickins - (613) 526-8061 or (613) 868-5442.
www.eagle.ca/caj

Why I won't sign the Transcontinental contract: Kim Pittaway

In a brave declaration, prominent freelance writer and editor Kim Pittaway discusses her reasons for refusing to sign the new Transcontinental contract.

Read the original post here.

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Kim Pittaway is a magazine writer and editor. She has been a frequent contributor to Transcontinental magazines, including More and Homemaker's and has garnered six National Magazine Award Foundation nominations, three of them for articles published by Transcontinental. She is the past editor-in-chief and managing editor of Chatelaine magazine, past president of the National Magazine Award Foundation and an in-demand seminar leader on topics related to writing, editing and online journalism. She refuses to sign the new Transcontinental contract. Here's why.

I've had great working relationships with editors at More and Homemaker's, and know and respect many others who work for Transcontinental - which is why I was so deeply disappointed by this new contract, one which conveys a fundamental disrespect for the creators who contribute so much to the success of Transcon's publications.

Why does this contract seem disrespectful to me?

- Because it grabs a whole bundle of new rights with little or no additional fee. I know that print publications are struggling to find new revenue streams. I get that the media mix is shifting. And I'm eager to work with editors and publishers to find new ways to reach readers. But publishers already get a bargain on the print rights they purchase from copyright holders - those rates haven't gone up in over 30 years. And to now say you're taking a whole whack of new rights for the same bargain-basement rate is simply unfair. I own those rights on my work. And I choose not to sell them to you at that low rate.

- Because it was imposed with no consultation with writers. One day, I had a great working relationship with my editors, was juggling three or four assignments, and all was right with the world. Oh - and I'd just garnered Transcon mags two National Magazine Award nominations. The next day, I was told that if I didn't sign the contract as is, no changes, that I wouldn't be working for them any longer.

- Because it is a sign-once, live-with-it-forever contract. This contract applies to my work with Transcon in perpetuity and applies to all work for all Transcon properties. So Transcon is locking in the rights they want at a point when suppliers are vulnerable because of the current economic situation, and preventing writers from renegotiating the contract at any point in the future. Who in their right mind signs a contract that applies forever?

I'm mystified by this contract - perhaps because I have difficulty believing that the good folks I know at Transcon actually intended to send such a negative message with it. Maybe they're getting bad legal advice. I hope that's the reason. But even more than that, I hope we're able to engage in a constructive conversation to change it. Because a bad contract is bad for writers, it's tough on editors and it's ultimately bad for magazines and their readers. And that's a shame, for all of us.

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PWAC and more than one dozen writers' organizations have united and called on the thousands of writers they represent not to write for publications owned by Transcontinental Media. For more information, click here.

Magazines Canada's "Buy 2, Get 1 FREE" Subscription Campaign

Magazines Canada, one of PWAC's industry partners, is bringing back its highly popular "Buy 2, Get 1 FREE" subscription promotion. From Magazines Canada:

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The fifth annual Magazines Canada Buy 2 Get 1 FREE subscription campaign, offering customers an amazing deal throughout the gift-giving season and into the New Year, launched recently - a full two months earlier than usual.

This year, the campaign offers amazing savings on 191 diverse Canadian titles - 22 titles more than last year! Targeting magazine readers across the country, the campaign offers a wide variety of magazines that range from national, regional-interest and niche titles covering family, fashion, business, arts and literature, recreation, lifestyle and more. Customers can visit the Magazines Canada Buy 2, Get 1 FREE website at 1free.magazinescanada.ca to browse the selection, select any 3 - and then pay for only two. It's like getting a year's worth of a great Canadian magazine for FREE!

"This is a terrific example of co-operation among magazines of all sizes and shapes across Canada to enhance the visibility for all our magazines as well as obtain subscriptions from people who enjoy perusing the range of choices either online or in print," said Michael Fox, Senior Vice President, Circulation & Development at Rogers Publishing Limited. "The support of all the participating magazines makes this possible."

The campaign runs until February 28, 2010.

Magazines Canada's 2009-10 cooperative subscription campaign is financially supported by the Government of Canada through the Canada Magazine Fund of the Department of Canadian Heritage, the Ontario Media Development Corporation, WorldColor, Cornerstone Group of Companies and CDS Global.

Access the Magazines Canada Buy 2, Get 1 FREE website at 1free.magazinescanada.ca.

Songwriters and Recording Artists Speak Out in the Toronto Star

Why levies allow musicians to maintain their livelihoods

Canada's politicians have promised a new copyright bill for the past several years. Expectations were mounted this summer when the Departments of Industry and Heritage invited Canadians to attend a series of public townhalls and online discussions about copyright and how it should be treated in a new piece of legislation.

So far, we're still waiting.

As anticipation builds (Will they? Won't they?), the conversation continues online and in print. In today's op-ed for the Toronto Star, songwriters and recording artists Amy Sky, Marc Jordan and Marie Denise Pelletier speak out about copyright and why they need it to survive.

The Copyright Act is important legislation for Canada's songwriters, recording artists and other rights holders, because it sets the rules around the copying and use of music, and how the artists who create it are paid for their work.

Like so many other Canadians who make and market something, we make our living from the sale and use of what we create. Some people make furniture or footwear or even wireless hand-held communication devices. We make music.

Sky et. al. also make an important point about the Private Copying Levy, which has paid out over $150 million since its inception in 1997 to over 97,000 rights holders. They argue for it's expansion to recognize the diminishment of blank media like cassette tapes, recordable CDs and mini-discs and the proliferation of iPods and other digital audio players.

We're not asking for a multi-billion dollar bailout. We're just asking for copyright legislation that will let us continue to have our livelihoods amid the technological realities of the 21st century.

Hear hear! Levies are not government handouts, grants, or freebies. They are an acknowledgement of a changing technological landscape where many do not understand or appreciate the financial repercussions to individual rights holders when copies of songs, albums, and other copyrighted materials are distributed to various media.

For musicians and other creators to keep on doing what they're doing for the benefit of all Canadians, they must be able to make a living.

Press Release

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

(November 4, 2009) A coalition of more than a dozen Canadian writers' organizations today launched a new website, http://www.BadWritingContracts.ca, to raise awareness about the unfair and damaging freelance contract from Transcontinental Media. This follows a September 30 announcement by the coalition that called on Canadian writers to not write for Transcontinental publications.

BadWritingContracts.ca offers the latest news and information about the campaign against Transcontinental Media, one of the country's largest publishers of magazines and newspapers. The website provides:

- A clear dissection of the Transcontinental contract, outlining why it's a bad deal for writers.
- A list of Transcontinental publications to avoid, as well as access to a free, confidential consultation service for writers. Anyone considering pitching a Transcontinental publication can visit the website and contact an industry expert who will help suggest alternative markets for their story.
- A page that fact checks statements made by Transcontinental executives.
- A list of ways for writers and members of the public to get involved and show their support for a compromise solution to this dispute.
- A regularly-updated blog.

The website is being launched in conjunction with a Facebook group (www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=187790340352) and Twitter account (www.twitter.com/badcontracts) to help spread information and awareness about Transcontinental's contract, and the company's refusal to engage in negotiation with writers.

Background: A Refusal to Negotiate

Earlier this summer, Transcontinental Media began sending a new freelance contract - which it calls a "Master Author Agreement" - to the many writers who contribute to its stable of publications, including Canadian Living, More, Elle Canada, Homemakers, and Vancouver Magazine.

In June, the country's largest writing organizations, in cooperation with major literary agencies, approached Transcontinental in the hope of reaching a compromise. The coalition raised four primary concerns with the contract:

1. Transcontinental's new contract was muddying the copyright waters. The Master Author Agreement grants copyright of each work to the author but then undercuts this copyright by licensing the following extraordinary rights: "The ongoing non-exclusive right to do in respect of the Work any other act that is subject to copyright protection under the Canadian Copyright Act (including, without limitation, the right to produce and reproduce, translate, develop ancillary products, perform in public, adapt and communicate the Work, in any form or medium) as well as to authorize others to do so on behalf of or in association with the Publisher."

2.The agreement is permanent. Once signed, it covers all future work for Transcontinental publications.

3. Transcontinental has no intention of compensating freelancers for the many additional uses of their work. In essence, the company wants to continue paying what it's been paying for decades for basic first publication rights but now get unlimited rights to writers' work.

4. The Master Agreement is one-sided. It makes no mention of payment terms, kill fees, provisions for libel suits, and other important issues that are part of any balanced contributor's agreement.Since meeting with representatives from the coalition, the company has stated that it has no intention of altering the contract. It has also instructed its editors to not offer any assignments unless a writer has signed the controversial contract.

An Unprecedented Coalition

The coalition consists of 14 groups, which together represent thousands of Canadian writers:

- Anne McDermid &Associates
- Association des journalistes indépendants du Québe
- Canadian Authors Association
- Canadian Freelance Union
- Canadian Writers Group
- The Cooke Agency
- Federation of BC Writers
- Professional Writers Association of Canada
- Quebec Writers Federation
- Saskatchewan Writers Guild
- Toronto Writers' Centre
- Westwood Creative Artists
- Writers Alliance of Newfoundland and Labrador
- The Writers' Union of Canada

For Additional Information

Derek Finkle
Canadian Writers Group
(416) 469-3333
derek@canadianwritersgroup.com

Tanya Gulliver
President, Professional Writers Association of Canada
(647) 236-7589
tanyagulliver@gmail.com

PWAC Member Wins the Tourism Industry Association of Canada's Tourism Toronto Travel Media Award

Re-posted with permission from the PWAC-Biz listserv, posted by Deborah Carr:

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Last night [PWAC's] own lovely Sandra Phinney from Yarmouth, NS walked away with TIAC [the Tourism Industry Association of Canada]'s "Tourism Toronto Travel Media Award" for her outstanding work promoting Atlantic Canada. Congratulations, Sandra!

Sandra not only writes her heart and soul into her work but generously
shares her talents and knowledge (even her spare room!) with fellow writers. I know I speak for all her colleagues down east (and beyond) when I say
we've always known she was a star, but we're thrilled that she's been
recognized nationally.

From the TIAC Website:

"Sandra Phinney writes for regional and national magazines and travel guides. She is an ambassador for the Atlantic region and looks for every opportunity to promote Eastern Canada to other writers, organizations and industry. She also gives workshops on travel writing and photography throughout Atlantic Canada. Sandra is currently writing a series that sheds new light on old communities. She is a founding member of the Tusket River Environmental Organization and is a volunteer plant monitor with the Nova Scotia Nature Trust."

"Phinney doesn't write because she can; she writes to provide illumination on an area beyond the typical iconic images, drawing people to the region. She gets out of the way of the story and lets places speak for themselves, promoting genuine pride of place."

Reminder: PWAC is Hiring

PWAC is still collecting applications for the Executive Director position. Applications are due Monday, October 26, 2009 at 5:00 p.m. EST.

To view the posting and job description, click here.

Press Release from the Coalition for the Defence of Writing & Publishing in B.C.

B.C.'s beleaguered literary organizations are forming the Coalition for the Defence of Writing and Publishing in British Columbia one day after the Arts & Culture branch of the Ministry of Tourism, Culture & the Arts (Hon. Kevin Krueger) simultaneously removed all funding from the Association of Book Publishers of British Columbia ($45,000), BC BookWorld newspaper ($31,000) and B.C. Association of Magazine Publishers ($20,000) via phone calls from its executive director Andrea Henning, on October 6.

"Thus far they have chopped off three heads," says Alan Twigg, publisher of BC BookWorld for twenty-one years, "but indications are that more heads will roll."

The 50-member Association of Book Publishers of British Columbia, founded in 1974, is the largest regional affiliate of the Association of Canadian Publishers. As the hub of a remarkably diverse publishing industry of mostly small firms, it undertakes extensive business, marketing, promotion and awareness programs such as Resource Tools for Educators, B.C. Books for Schools, a catalogue for Canadian Aboriginal Books for Schools and B.C. Books on BC Ferries.

"Our B.C. publishers are reeling," says ABBPBC executive director Margaret Reynolds. "It is an absolutely bizarre decision. Governments across the country, federal and provincial, recognize the importance of culture to the lives of their citizens. Why invest in this infrastructure then unceremoniously withdraw it?"

BC BookWorld, since 1987, is distributed via more than 900 outlets around the province on a quarterly basis, reaching approximately 100,000 readers per issue. It has been identified by the Canadian Centre for Studies in Publishing - in a report commissioned by the BC government - as "the most important cog in the infrastructure" that supports writing and publishing in B.C.

"BC BookWorld generates 70% of its own revenues," says Twigg, "So Arts & Culture has chosen to sabotage something literary that is genuinely popular, public-serving, non-elitist and educational. It boggles the mind. We're the focal point for all B.C. books and authors." Twigg got a brief phone call less than a month before his non-profit society was scheduled to renew its 21-year partnership with the provincial government.

Since 1993, the BC Association of Magazine Publishers (BCAMP) has represented the B.C. magazine industry by supporting the talent, knowledge and skills of its publishers. One million people around the world read the 82 member magazines, which include arts and culture, news, business, lifestyle, leisure and special interest magazines.

"We know there is a recession, and perhaps cuts can be expected," says Rhona MacInnes, BCAMP executive director, "but 100 percent is shocking. By the province's own reckoning, the arts sector offers a healthy return on investment, so there needs to be a fundamental shift in the way this government assesses value. Sadly, these Draconian measures are just the beginning. We've all been given notice to expect severe cuts to the BC Arts Council."

Some sectors of the literary economy have already been hurt. "Essentially the B.C. government saw they had a deficit," says Bryan Pike, executive director of the BC Book Prizes, "and we didn't have any. So they decided to give us some of theirs! They are off-loading debt onto charitable organizations."

Although British Columbia has one of the highest book reading rates per capita in Canada, or North America, per-capita support for the literary arts from Victoria has always fallen far short of standards set by Ontario and Quebec. "More cuts to the literary community will be devastating," says Carla Reimer, Executive Director of the Federation of B.C. Writers, one of the largest writing organizations in Canada with over 700 members.

The literary community is aghast at total withdrawal of funding from three of its integral organizations. "The recent cuts to these organizations are a blow to the entire literary community," says Hal Wake, director of the Vancouver International Writers Festival. "Our festival is about to welcome almost 100 writers from around the world and it is extremely unfortunate that they will arrive at a time of crisis for so many cultural organizations."

Some of the province's foremost writers, such as Douglas Coupland (Generation X) and William Gibson (Neuromancer) have already raised their voices to protest the provincial government's proposals for decreasing support for the arts. "As a futurist, someone with some experience in long-range scenario-based corporate and municipal planning," says William Gibson, "I've seen my share of jaw-droppingly shortsighted proposals. But these proposed cuts to support for the arts in BC (almost 90% by 2011) really take the cake. This is governance guaranteed to rot the fabric of our province's future."

Brad Cran, Poet Laureate for the City of Vancouver concurs. "Artists and cultural institutions work on already tight budgets, stretching each dollar as far as possible," he says, "often with a volunteer workforce and underpaid staffers. Now we're not talking about minor cuts: we're talking about devastating cuts.

"The fact that this is happening on the eve of the Olympics (with culture as one of the pillars of the Olympic bid) is an added insult and a broken promise to British Columbians."

It took decades for the province to generate stability for the ABPBC, BC BookWorld and BCAMP. The Coalition for the Defence of Writing and Publishing in British Columbia will be calling for the reinstatement of funding to these three vital organizations - and an end to the anticipated bloodletting that lies ahead.

Media contact information:
Margaret Reynolds: (604) 684-0228 / margaret@books.bc.ca
Alan Twigg: (604) 736-4011 / bookworld@telus.net
Rhona MacInnes: (604) 688-1175 / info@bcmags.com

Coalition for the Defence of Writing & Publishing in British Columbia
Suite 600-402, West Pender Street, Vancouver, B.C. V6B 1T6
(604) 684-0228

PWAC Executive Director Job Posting

For a plain text version for this posting in PDF format, click here.

We encourage applications from members of PWAC as well as individuals external to the organization. Only those selected for an interview will be contacted.

Deadline: Monday, Oct 26th at 5:00pm. Submit CV and cover letter to hr@pwac.ca.

Summary: The Executive Director (ED) is the senior staff member of the Professional Writers Association of Canada (PWAC) which serves over 600 non-fiction freelance writers across the country. The Executive Director is responsible for the day-to-day operations and management of the organization, and supervises other staff and contract employees. The Executive Director ensures that members' needs are met through delivery of services, mediation, professional development and communications about the industry. The ED, in conjunction with the President, is responsible for representing PWAC in the media, and within the writing and publishing industry generally.

The ideal candidate will have some or all of these qualifications:
- A strong commitment to the organization's mission, values, vision and strategic objectives;
- Knowledge and experience of the writing and publishing industry; particularly the needs of freelance writers;
- Strong leadership and team management skills, as well as office management experience including staff supervision, financial operations etc.;
- Proven ability to manage multiple projects, deadlines, and changing priorities;
- Effective communication skills in various media including superior written and verbal skills, proficiency in computer skills, and an understanding of social networking using technology;
- Ability to secure support and funds from government, and non-governmental sources;
- Experience in the non-profit sector and working with a volunteer board of directors; and
- Ability to communicate in both official languages is considered an asset.

Hours: While this job requires some flexibility in terms of hours (i.e. occasional evening and weekend meetings) the majority of the work occurs during regular business hours.

Location: PWAC's National Office is based in downtown Toronto. The ED is expected to maintain regular office hours. Some travel is required.

Salary: The salary is commensurate with experience - range $45,000-$55,000/year. A benefit plan is under development.

Start date: As soon as possible.

Complete position description available here.

Important Note from PWAC's Board of Directors re PWAC's Executive Director

The Board of Directors of the Professional Writers Association of Canada (PWAC) wants to let its funders and industry partners know that David Johnston is no longer working with PWAC as Executive Director, effective immediately. We wish David all the best in his future endeavours.

A hiring process will be undertaken promptly.

In the meantime, PWAC inquiries should be sent to Lauren Stewart, Associate Director. She can be reached at info@pwac.ca or (416) 504-1645 ext 1.

Sincerely,

Tanya Gulliver
PWAC President

Press Release: Canadian Writers Unite in Opposition to Transcontinental Media

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Canadian Writers Unite in Opposition to Transcontinental Media

(Toronto - September 30, 2009) In an unprecedented coalition, more than a dozen Canadian writers' organizations are calling on the thousands of writers they represent to not write for any publications owned by Transcontinental Media, effective immediately. This act of protest is directed at the company's new contract for freelance contributors, which these groups, including the Professional Writers Association of Canada and the Canadian Writers Group, believe to be abusive of writers' rights.

Earlier this summer, Transcontinental Media began sending a new freelance contract - which it calls a "Master Author Agreement" - to the many writers who contribute to its stable of publications, including Canadian Living, More, Elle Canada, Homemakers, and Vancouver Magazine. When this Master Author Agreement was unveiled, respected magazine industry consultant D.B. Scott referred to it as a "take it or leave it" rights grab that, "in effect, indentures the writer and their work to Transcon."

In mid-June, Derek Finkle, of the Canadian Writers Group, and David Johnston, executive director of the Professional Writers Association of Canada, sent a letter to Jacqueline Howe, Transcontinental Media's group publisher and vice president for English Canada, requesting a meeting to discuss their concerns about the new Master Author Agreement. This letter was co-signed by many provincial and national organizations, including the following:

- Canadian Freelance Union
- Canadian Writers Group
- The Cooke Agency
- Federation of BC Writers
- Professional Writers Association of Canada
- Quebec Writers Federation
- Westwood Creative Artists
- Writers Alliance of Newfoundland and Labrador
- The Writers' Union of Canada

On July 16, Finkle and Johnston, along with their legal counsel, Iain MacKinnon, met with Howe and Pierre Marcoux, Transcontinental Media's senior vice president of the business and consumer solutions group. Finkle and Johnston raised four primary concerns:

1. Transcontinental's new contract was muddying the copyright waters. The Master Author Agreement grants copyright of each work to the author but then undercuts this copyright by licensing the following extraordinary rights: "The ongoing non-exclusive right to do in respect of the Work any other act that is subject to copyright protection under the Canadian Copyright Act (including, without limitation, the right to produce and reproduce, translate, develop ancillary products, perform in public, adapt and communicate the Work, in any form or medium) as well as to authorize others to do so on behalf of or in association with the Publisher."

2. The agreement is permanent. Once signed, it covers all future work for Transcontinental publications.

3. Transcontinental has no intention of compensating freelancers for the many additional uses of their work. In essence, the company wants to continue paying what it's been paying for decades for basic first publication rights but now get unlimited rights to writers' work.

4. The Master Agreement is one-sided. It makes no mention of payment terms, kill fees, provisions for libel suits, and other important issues that are part of any balanced contributor's agreement.

On September 1, Marcoux stated that Transcontinental does not intend to make any changes to the contract at the present time. This was in spite of the concerns voiced by just about every writers group, association, federation, agency, and union in the country.

As a result, these organizations are making an unprecedented stand against
Transcontinental's Master Author Agreement. This coalition has also now grown to include:

- Anne McDermid &Associates
- Association des journalistes indépendants du Québec
- Canadian Authors Association
- Toronto Writers' Centre

The coalition's campaign to oppose this contract includes the following:

1. A mass communications effort to inform and encourage writers across the country to not write for Transcontinental publications, an effort that will be monitored by the participating organizations and by writers themselves. The coalition will also assist writers in locating alternative markets for their work.

2. A national petition.

3. Lobbying of the federal ministries of industry and heritage. In addition to funding for the magazine industry, these ministries are currently overseeing changes to Canadian copyright law.

4. A multi-platform campaign to make advertisers in Transcontinental publications aware of the company's heavy handed attitude towards an important part of the massive cultural sector.

5. A unique and creative mass effort to implore Transcontinental editors to strive for change within their own company.These actions will be rolled out in the coming weeks to show Transcontinental Media that its publications - and, by extension, its readers and advertisers - will suffer significant consequences by moving forward with this contract.

For more information, contact:

Derek Finkle
Canadian Writers Group
416-469-3333

David Johnston
Executive Director, Professional Writers Association of Canada
416-504-1645

Notice of Approval for Heather Robertson vs. Thomson Class Action

A notice approving the settlement of the Heather Robertson vs. Thomson class action suit was published in the Globe and Mail and the National Post over the weekend. The notice details who is eligible to claim and directs potential claimants to a form explaining how to file for compensation.

To read the "Notice of Approval of the Settlement," click here.
To download the "Class Action Claim Form," click here.

Should you choose to opt out of the settlement, you must fill out and submit the "Opt Out Form" at the bottom of the notice before November 2, 2009. If you wish to file a claim, you must do so before January 18, 2010. Heather Robertson's legal representatives will be providing PWAC with a "how-to" guide clarifying the process. PWAC National Office will post this information once we receive it.

There may have been some confusion and concern caused by a post on the Canadian Magazines Blog this morning. In the settlement notice, "written assignment" does not mean a contract or deal memo from an editor, it refers to a written assignment of copyright being required if a claim is being filed someone other than the original creator. You are not required to provide proof of a commission or a copy of your written work.

To read the original post and corrections, click here.

We will provide further information as it becomes available. If you require additional assistance, please contact PWAC Executive Director David Johnston at djohnston@pwac.ca.

PWAC Executive Director Meets with Michael Ignatieff

On the evening of Saturday, September 19th, David Johnston, Executive Director of the Professional Writers Association of Canada, had the opportunity to meet and speak with Michael Ignatieff, Leader of the Opposition, at a Liberal Party of Canada fundraising event in Waterloo, Ontario. Mr. Ignatieff was familiar with PWAC and its work advancing the rights and careers of freelance writers in Canada.

"Having worked as a writer for many years, I know what it's like to work without a safety net," said Mr. Ignatieff.

Johnston suggested that extending EI benefits to freelancers and the self-employed is something that PWAC and other arts organizations have been lobbying for. He reminded Mr. Ignatieff that Stephen Harper had proposed such a plan as "revenue neutral" during the last election campaign

Johnston also pointed out that, with there being little likelihood of a fall election, creators would appreciate his party's support in protecting their copyright when amendments to the Act are presented to Parliament during the next sitting.

"It's a question of working towards a fair balance," said Mr. Ignatieff.

Johnston said he felt that the Act needs to acknowledge that if educators and ISP'S are being paid to access writers material that the writers should be compensated for that use.

PWAC will be making sure over the course of the fall session of Parliament and beyond that these and other issues remain part of our country's political debate.

Access Copyright's Submission on Fair Use

Below you will find a link to a study commissioned by Access Copyright that they have submitted to the federal Ministries of Heritage and Culture's consultations on copyright reform. If you're interested in the subtleties of Canadian Copyright law this makes very interesting reading.

PWAC is one of 45 signatories to-date for the submission.

Click here to download the document.

The Walrus Receives Substantial Investment to be Directed to Compensating Writers

Courtesy of D. B. Scott's Canadian Magazines blog:

The Slaight Family Foundation has committed $225,000 ($75,000 per year for three years) to create the Allan Slaight Writers Fund inside the Walrus Foundation to support writers at The Walrus magazine.

While very pleased with the funding, which will all go to pay writers, co-publisher Shelley Ambrose cautions that the magazine still has some way to go in its fundraising -- it spends $400,000 per year on contributor's fees. But she still characterized the donation as "fantastic".

PWAC congratulates The Slaight Family Foundation for their generous investment in Canadian writers and The Walrus as the fortunate and deserving recipient.

PWAC Quebec member Tracey Arial on the Google Books Settlement

If you're still on the fence about the Google Books Settlement, PWAC Quebec member Tracey Arial's position paper on the topic sums up her reasons on why she decided to participate:

After reading everything I could get my hands on about the settlement, I think that I have very little to lose by being included and potential future income and exposure to lose out on if I opt out. I probably won't get anything for five years, but after that, who knows?

I like the idea of a readily-accessible digital list of books, and opting in gives me the right to determine how much of my book gets displayed and how much people in the US will pay for it. The settlement also creates a really cool copyright rights registry that I think is worthwhile. Also, by being part of the class, I'll make it legally clear that I actively manage my copyright - and that could become important in the future.

The September 4, 2009 deadline to opt-out is almost here. Refer to the following helpful resources on the Google Settlement from Access Copyright to learn more and decide on the right course of action for you:

The Google Settlement Site: the place to visit if you are choosing to opt-out of the settlement or make a claim to your works.

"Why the Google Settlement Matters To You?": a short summary of the settlement written by Access Copyright.

"Overview of the Google Settlement": Access Copyright PowerPoint presentation on the settlement.

Access Copyright staff are also available to help if you have any questions on the settlement or need assistance with navigating the official Google Settlement website. Please call anytime at (416) 868-1620 or toll-free at (800) 893-5777 or send an email.

The benefits of professional associations

For those of you out there considering joining PWAC or another professional writers' association, PWAC Manitoba member Doreen Pendgracs' article on Fuel Your Writing may be of interest. One of PWAC's long-term members and active volunteers (she won the PWAC Prairies & the North Volunteer Award in 22009), Doreen writes about the 12 different organizations she has joined and the various benefits of each:

My wallet's getting pretty thick with all the membership cards. But each of these organizations serves its own unique purpose for me. Some have already helped me immensely, and I in turn have enjoyed the volunteer opportunities serving them and their communities, helping me make the creative part of this world a better place in my own small way.

I was surprised when a writer I recently met said that he doesn't belong to any writers' groups! I'm surprised he doesn't feel isolated. Or maybe he likes it that way. Not me. I love feeling connected to so many amazing creators across North America.

Links are provided for the different organizations for readers to learn more. Take your career to the next step and reap the benefits (both tangible and otherwise) - join, make the most of your membership, and count your successes!

PWAC Submission to the Standing Committee on Finance

On Friday August 14, 2009, PWAC filed its written pre-budget submission with the House of Commons Standing Committee on Finance. In it, PWAC calls for the government to tackle several issues relating to taxation and benefits for freelance cultural workers. The text follows and will be presented in person to the Committee early this autumn.

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"...the largest subsidy to the cultural life of Canada comes not from governments, corporations or other patrons, but from the artists themselves, through their unpaid or under paid labour."
- Applebaum-Hebert Report, 1982

Wages and fees for self-employed, freelance writers have remained static for close to thirty years. Creators in Canada annually contribute over $40 billion in economic activity. Canadian writers and artists, on average, make just over $20,000 per year without the benefit of the safety net others enjoy, including EI, extended health benefits and retirement savings plans. The creative community drives innovation, generating concepts and ideas that spread well beyond the entertainment and media clusters to influence, to name a few, science, industry, and, yes, public policy.

PWAC would ask that the Committee recognize the risks taken and extraordinary sacrifices made by the creative sector and consider the following changes to the Canadian Income Tax Act:

Reintroduce an income tax averaging system that allows artists to spread their tax burden over a period of at least five years, recognizing the fluctuation and unpredictability of income generated from self-employment in the arts. Creators should not be punished for their commitment to their craft and their successes. Prior to 1982, income averaging was an option for all self-employed workers and was introduced on a provincial level by Quebec in 2004, where artists can spread out earned income over seven years.

Increase basic personal exemption to at least $30,000. Similar measures are in place in the province of Quebec and in Europe (most notably Ireland, where there is a 250,000 euro exemption on income derived from creative output) where vital and successful creative workforces thrive. In 1995, Quebec introduced an exemption on an artist's first $15,000 in copyright royalties, when their income is under $30,000.

Extend EI and CPP benefits to self-employed artists, add incentives similar to the RESP top-up to encourage contributions to RRSPs, and allow artists to deduct payments for extended health plans from their income tax. These are merely the typical benefits that an enlightened and progressive employer routinely provides their employees. Self-employed artists are denied these benefits and security. We urge the Government of Canada to take on the role of an enlightened employer and support Canadian innovation and creativity.

As a further recommendation, PWAC would request that that Ministries of Finance, Industry, and Heritage commission and fund a in-depth study of the benefits and costs of tax reform for artists such as proposed herein. Long-standing models for such initiatives exist throughout Europe and in Quebec and could be used to provide reliable data. PWAC would be willing to take a lead role overseeing such a study in partnership with representatives from all artistic disciplines.

Thanks your for allowing us the opportunity to voice our concerns and express our ideas. If Canada is to remain a leader in sustainable, new technologies, we must actively support the imagination and entrepreneurship in which our artists excel.

The Professional Writers Association of Canada (PWAC), established in 1976, is the national organization representing over 650 freelance writers and journalists in Canada.

Submitted by: David Johnston, Executive Director, Professional Writers Association of Canada

cc: Tony Clement, Minster of Industry; James Flaherty, Minister of Finance;
James Moore, Minister of Heritage and Official Languages

Moncton Writers Present Fall Workshops on Photography, Editing

The Moncton PWAC Chapter will host two skills-building workshops this fall on photography and editing.

Renowned British Columbia photographer John Watson will present the first workshop on October 3 at the Moncton Public Library, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. "Take Photos that Sell" is a full-day session that provides the information and techniques for creating better photographs. The event is tailored for beginning photographers and writers/journalists who want to use their images to accompany articles, enhance a website or build a stock library.

Watson will discuss key elements for good photos and provide information on how to sell photos, what magazine editors are looking for, submission requirements, and more. There will be a presentation followed by a shooting session with 'assignments' and critiques.

Watson began his professional career as a weekend photographer for the local newspaper in Charlottetown, when he was just 15. After receiving his basic education at Holland College, John opened Imagemaker Photographic Studio in 1989. Four years later, he relocated his business to Vancouver, BC, but maintains ties with PEI and often returns to the region on assignment.

John's photographs have appeared on the covers of books and magazines in Hong Kong, the UK, USA, Canada and Europe, and have graced the inside pages of many publications around the world. To view his work, visit his website at imps.ca

Cost is $85 and includes refreshments. Participants are responsible for their own lunch. Payment is required in advance. Please pre-register by emailing your name and telephone number to info@monctonwriters.ca and put "Photography Workshop" in the subject line. Payment is accepted by cheque made payable to "Moncton Chapter PWAC" and mailed to: Deborah Carr, 143 Taylor Lane, Hillsborough, NB, E4H 3C7. The deadline for registration is September 25. Class size limited to 15, so register early to avoid disappointment.

The second editing workshop, cheekily called "The Secrets of Sin (oops.. Syntax)" will be led by by Frances Peck at the Moncton Press Club on November 6 from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.This seminar looks at syntax from various angles, including how to shape it for different documents and readers.

Topics covered include subordination and coordination, periodic versus cumulative sentences, proximity of subject and verb, echo words, and special techniques such as ellipsis and isolation. This is the fourth in a series of very popular editing workshops Peck has given in the Maritimes (which means they fill up fast!).

Cost is $150 for members of provincial writers' associations and $170 for general public. Price includes the seminar, workbook, coffee breaks, and lunch. Advance payment is required to confirm registration. Registration deadline is October 23. Seating is limited to 25 participants, so register early to avoid disappointment.

For any queries, please email info@monctonwriters.ca or call Deborah Carr at (506) 734-2367.

Visit the Moncton Writers website at www.monctonwriters.ca for information on these and other upcoming workshops and events of interest to writers and editors.

Ontario Principal Approves Plea to Pull Pulitzer-Winner Novel from Grade 10 Reading List

The latest title to be removed from a school reading list is not an unfamiliar one. Harper Lee's 1960 Pulitzer Prize-winning novel To Kill a Mockingbird has, once again, been contested as appropriate reading material, this time for the Grade 10 class at St. Edmund Campion Secondary School in Brampton, Ontario.

While the parent whose child is to enter Grade 10 at the school in the fall has yet to provide the required written complain, the Principal, Kevin Maguire, made a decision regardless. Language was once again cited as the complainant's issue with the book. The Toronto Star writes:

"The parent was concerned about some of the language in the book," said Bruce Campbell, spokesman for the Dufferin-Peel Catholic District School Board.

Principal Kevin McGuire made the decision at the end of the school year to resolve the complaint quickly. The book, a fixture on high-school reading lists across the country, will still be available in the library, said Campbell.

"The school administration was aware of the parent's concern and made the decision to use another board-approved resource that teaches the same concept for the coming year," said Campbell.

Considering the vast multicultural make-up of the Brampton community the school serves, one wonders which "board-approve resource" would feature acceptable language while still administering a narrative voice appropriate to the serious civil rights injustices of the particular time and place the book illustrates.

In a typically eloquent exerpt, Franklin Carter of the Book and Periodical Council's Freedom of Expression Committee discussed this recent censorship effort by the Dufferin-Peel Catholic School Board:

"There will always be a small number of people to take offence to words, images and ideas in books and think that the best way to protect society is to remove them... But in the long run, it is illiberal, arbitrary - and censorship usually fails. People will read what they want to read anyway," he said."

While this PWAC blogger does not question the ingenuity and determination of young adults to access information and the reading material they desire, one wonders the effects of shielding them from Mockingbird. This is, after all, the book that first taught many children and youth about the world, its justices and injustices.

How much later will those lessons come when a youth is protected from such a wonderful novel?

PWAC Members: Not Your Average Writers

PWAC has always emphasized the versatilities of its members. In addition to being accomplished professional writers, many PWAC members are also workshop leaders, radio personalities, and experts in a dizzying array of topics. Take, for example, new PWAC member Mirella Amato, a speaker and judge of all things beer. Amato is the focus of today's Toronto Star article about women as the forgotten beer consumer.

To learn more about PWAC members, visit www.writers.ca, the simple-to-use database of Canadian professional writers. Search for a writer, view detailed profile information, and find the knowledge and expertise you require for your next project.

BCAMP to host Magazine Writers' Craft Fair

BCAMP, the British Columbia Association of Magazine Publishers, will host the Magazine Writers' Craft Fair on Saturday, August 15, 2009 at Simon Fraser University. According to the BCAMP website, the event promises to be:

The essential professional development event for established, emerging or aspiring writers who are interested in crafting their careers in magazine writing. Industry professionals share their knowledge in an intimate and interactive forum.

Sounds great! To sweeten the deal, BCAMP is offering a discounted rate of $35 for students and members of BCAMP, Federation of BC Writers, Canadian Authors Association, The Writers' Union of Canada and PWAC. Non-members pay $45.

To learn more and to register online, visit www.bcamp.bc.ca/writerscraft.

A Note from Access Copyright Regarding Upcoming Copyright Consultations

As you may already be aware, in the coming weeks, the Government of Canada will be hosting a nationwide consultation on copyright modernization. This presents a critical opportunity for Canadian creators and publishers to have their say on copyright and its implications in our increasingly digital environment - issues that directly affect creators' livelihood.

Access Copyright is strongly encouraging creators and member organizations to take part in this event by participating in these consultations.

There are a number of ways in which you can get involved, including an online submission centre, a discussion forum, or by attending one of the town hall meetings, live, or via interactive webcast.

Two town hall meetings are scheduled (one in Montréal on July 30, and one in Toronto on August 27), both hosted by Minister Tony Clement and Minister James Moore. Interested participants can attend the meetings live or over the Internet via interactive webcast. This means that Internet users can submit comments and questions in real time from their computers.

Space is limited so we urge you to register as soon as possible. Registration, FAQs and more information on the meetings is available by clicking here.

Creators Must be Included in National Digital Media Strategy

The Creators Copyright Coalition applauds Industry Minister Tony Clement's initiative to develop a national Digital Media Strategy, but is concerned that creators are not being consulted on this critical initiative.

The Hon. Mr. Clement is hosting a one-day forum on Monday, June 22 to identify the key areas of action necessary for Canada to regain its leadership position in the digital economy. While senior leaders from business, academic and consumer organizations are being invited to contribute their expertise and actively participate in this day-long event, no creators or representatives from creator groups have been invited to participate.

"Creators such as writers, performers, musicians and visual artists create the content that is the basis of the digital economy. We're concerned that the government can hold discussions with industry leaders and not include creators, the people who make the Internet an interesting and vital medium," said Bill Freeman, the Chair of the CCC. "The distribution of works via the Internet has caused unique challenges and opportunities for creators. We would like the opportunity to have our voices heard and share our experiences and ideas as the government attempts to draw the roadmap to Canada's digital future."

Members of the CCC include: Alliance of Canadian Cinema, Television and Radio Artists (ACTRA), American Federation of Musicians (AFM), Canadian Actors' Equity Association (CAEA), Canadian Artists Representation/Front des Artistes Canadiens (CAR/FAC), The CAR/FAC Collective, Canadian Association of Photographers and Illustrators in Communications (CAPIC), Canadian Music Centre (CMC), Canadian League of Composers, Directors Guild of Canada (DGC), Guild of Canadian Film Composers (GCFC), League of Canadian Poets, Literary Translators Association of Canada, Playwrights' Guild of Canada, Professional Writers Association of Canada (PWAC), Professional Photographers of Canada, SOCAN, Songwriters Association of Canada (SAC), Writers Guild of Canada (WGC) and The Writers Union of Canada (TWUC).

Harry Potter vs. Willy the Wizard

The lastest copyright infringement accustations unfolding on the internet involve claims from the estate of the deceased author Adrian Jacobs that the successfull author of the popular series Harry Potter, JK Rowling, lifted ideas that appear in the fourth title of the series, Harry Potter &the Goblet of Fire, from Jacobs' story The Adventures of Willy the Wizard. From BBC Online:

A statement on the website of law firm DMH Stallard, which is representing the claimant, confirmed the estate was taking Bloomsbury to court for copyright infringement.

Bloomsbury said the claim was baseless and the book "will be defended vigorously".

Jacobs died in London in 1997. His book, The Adventures of Willy the Wizard - No 1 Livid Land, was published in 1987, according to the estate representatives, based in Australia.

Bloomsbury said Jacobs's estate first approached it in 2004 but was "unable to identify any text in the Harry Potter books which was said to copy Willy the Wizard".

"JK Rowling had never heard of Adrian Jacobs nor seen, read, or heard of his book Willy the Wizard until this claim was first made in 2004," the statement read.

The BBC points out that the "series has sold more than 400 million books worldwide in 65 languages and spawned a series of hit films." While there's still money to be had, Bloomsbury and Rowling would be wise to brace themselves...

PWAC President Recipient of York University's Graduate Fellowship for Academic Distinction

Proving that PWAC members are more than talented professional writers, the PWAC National Office would like to congratulate PWAC President Tanya Gulliver on receiving York University's Graduate Fellowship for Academic Distinction for her upcoming stint as a PhD student in Environmental Studies, starting in the Fall of 2009. The award, one of the highest accomplishments for doctoral students at the University, comprises a scholarship of $15,000, a research assistant position worth $7,000, and all tuition costs (approximately $5,500).

PWAC National Office is sure Tanya will be able to maintain her standing to renew the position for the following two years of her studies. Congratulations Tanya!

About PWAC President Tanya Gulliver:

In addition to writing, PWAC President Tanya Gulliver is a consultant for non-profit organizations and teaches "Homelessness in Canadian Society" and "Community Development: International Perspective - New Orleans" at Ryerson University in Toronto. She is also a doctoral student in Environmental Studies at York University focusing on the differential impact of Hurricane Katrina in various communities in New Orleans. Tanya joined PWAC in 2004 and immediately began volunteering with the Niagara Escarpment AGM planning committee. She was elected to the board as Regional Director for Ontario in 2005 and held that position for two years. She served one year as Vice President of the board, and is now in her second year as President.

2009 PWAC Award Winners

At the Magnet Conference in Toronto last week, the Association handed out awards to outstanding volunteers within the membership, and an award each to a Canadian writer and editor.

The awards were:

The Lawrence Jackson Outstanding Achievement Award - an annual award given to a member who has shown outstanding volunteer commitment to the association at the national level. PWAC congratulates this year's winner of the "Larry Jackson" award, Tracey Arial.

Tracey is a longstanding PWAC Quebec member with years of service, including serving as PWAC National President and her ongoing work as Co-Chair of the Government Action Committee.

Regional Volunteer Award - this award was established in 2005 and designed to recognize the valuable contributions of members who volunteer for PWAC in their regions and local chapters. This year's recipients are:

Atlantic Region: Wendy Kitts, Moncton Chapter
Quebec: Marijke Vroomen-Durning, Quebec Chapter
Ontario: Charmian Christie, Guelph Chapter
Prairies and the North: Doreen Pendgracs, Manitoba Chapter
British Columbia: Pam Blackstone, Victoria Chapter

The Barbara Novak Writing Award - this award, honouring the memory of PWAC member Barbara Novak, is given each year for the best humour or personal essay writing by a PWAC member. This year's recipient is PWAC Guelph member Jean Mills for her essay "The Roots of Her Story," which appeared in The Globe and Mail's Facts & Arguments section in April 2008. Jean's winning story is a tender look adoption, parenthood, turning points, and learning to let go.

The PWAC Editor of the Year Award was established in 2008 to bring national recognition and praise to outstanding editorial professionals who respond quickly and positively to writers' queries, help writers shape their ideas and work, improve writing, and smooth the process of publication, invoicing and payment. The winner of the 2009 Editor of the Year Award is Jennifer Walker of Best Health magazine. Honourable mentions to Ian Johnson, Senior Producer for CBCNews.ca, and Diana Swift, Editor of Canadian Health. Read the media release here.

Congratulations to all of PWAC's award winners for 2008/2009!

For more details on PWAC Awards, visit the PWAC website or download the Nominations & Awards Committee's citations here.

Jennifer Walker Named Editor of the Year by the Professional Writers Association Of Canada

Jennifer Walker, Senior Content Editor of Best Health magazine, was named Editor of the Year by the Professional Writers Association of Canada on Friday, June 5, 2009.

The award recognizes Ms. Walker's outstanding editorial work during the 2008 calendar year. She was presented with a plaque and gift during the Writers' Industry Awards Luncheon at the MagNet magazine conference in Toronto. Ian Johnson, Senior Producer for CBCNews.ca and Diana Swift, Editor of Canadian Health, both received Honourable Mentions for their work.

"It is a pleasure to be able to honour and acknowledge the special relationship that exists between the best editors and writers," said PWAC Executive Director David Johnston. "Without the talent and commitment of the editors in our industry, Canadian writers would not be able to shine the way they do."

This is the second year that PWAC has presented the Editor of the Year Award. The award brings national recognition and praise to outstanding editorial professionals. Written nominations are submitted by PWAC members and a panel of three member judges evaluate the nominees based on criteria that include editing and communications skills, the ability to bring out the best in writers, and fairness of pay rates and contracts.

More information:

David Johnston, Executive Director
djohnston@pwac.ca
(416) 504-1645

Craig Silverman, Co-Chair
Awards & Nominations Committee
ordinary@sympatico.ca
(514) 808-0548

Masthead Online on Respect & Remuneration

Masthead Online, one of the finest online resources for Canadian magazines, has posted about the recently released "Respect & Remuneration" report. The article features a brief summary to the report and its findings.

You can download Respect And Remuneration: Attitudes about Editorial Working Conditions in the Canadian Magazine Industry from PWAC's website here.

PWAC Releases In-Depth Study of Magazine Industry Working Conditions

The Professional Writers Association of Canada, in partnership with Magazines Canada and the Canadian Society of Magazine Editors, is pleased to announce the release of Respect And Remuneration: Attitudes about Editorial Working Conditions in the Canadian Magazine Industry. The report is the result of the Canadian Magazine Industry Task Force 2008 survey, an in-depth study of the magazine industry and those employed in it. Over 450 staff and freelance writers, editors and publishers were consulted.

"In order for the magazine industry to thrive, we need to identify its shortcomings and work together on arriving at solutions," said CSME President Bob Sexton. "This report is a great first step in that direction. It should be required reading for all editors, writers, publishers and those who care about the future of magazines in this country."

"The report gives us a solid basis for our next steps - solutions focused conversations," said Mark Jamison, Chief Executive Officer of Magazines Canada.

The findings of the report will serve as the basis for the next phase of the Magazine Industry Task Force's efforts, where key magazine industry stakeholders will gather for a series of round table meetings across Canada to work out a Best Standards and Practices agreement for the magazine publishing industry.

"We're all hoping that sitting down and coming to a mutual understanding of the issues facing the magazine business will prove valuable to all parties involved and help keep this important cultural industry vibrant," said David Johnston, PWAC Executive Director.

The report can be found online here and a limited number of hard copies are available, by request, through the PWAC National Office. Hard copies will also be available next week for MagNet attendees.

Notice of Settlement in the Robertson v. Thomson Class Action Suit

Last Saturday, The Globe and Mail and The National Post published a "Notice of Hearing to Propose Settlement of Class Proceeding Heather Robertson v. Thomson and Others." They will be publishing an abbreviated version this weekend. If you missed the long form you can read it by clicking here.

Details of the proposed settlement can be found on the website of Ms. Robertson’s law firm, Kloskie, Minsky LLP. Click here to access further information.

PWAC disseminate additional information as it becomes available. If you are a potential claimant and, after reviewing the settlement, you have any objections to the agreement you must submit them in writing to Kloskie, Minsky LLP by June 8th, 2009.

PWAC Pleased with Settlement in the Heather Robertson Class Action Suit

CTVglobemedia announced yesterday that they have agreed to pay $11 million to settle the class action suit launched 13 years ago by Heather Robertson on behalf of thousands of freelance writers claiming their work was reproduced electronically without proper permission or compensation.

"The Professional Writers Association of Canada is thrilled with the news of the settlement. This has been a long ongoing process and we appreciate Heather Robertson taking the lead role in the battle for the protection of writers' rights," said PWAC President, Tanya Gulliver. "As freelancers we want to be fairly compensated for the work that we do, and want to ensure that publishers recognize the value of our work. This settlement, stemming from the Supreme Court decision in 2006 that supported our position that freelancers own control of their work unless otherwise agreed upon, is historic and a great achievement for the freelance writing industry."

PWAC and Ms. Robertson, a founding member of PWAC, are optimistic that the settlement will expedite a positive outcome in other pending lawsuits and set a precedent protecting creators' intellectual property rights and ensure fair compensation for digital exploitation of their work.

Ms. Robertson would also like to thank PWAC and the many individual members who have vocally supported her over the years and provided financial assistance to help cover her legal costs.

Ms. Robertson and her legal representatives will be publishing a full version of the settlement and a notice to claimants in the Globe and Mail and the National Post on Saturday.

Request for Proposals

Professional Writers Association of Canada (PWAC) would like to present the entire Canadian magazine writing and publishing industry with a strategic set of best practices to ensure the strength and continuity of our important cultural industry. Round table discussions will take a specific focus on digital issues, payment, rights and responsibilities of all players. A comprehensive Best Practices document will be written, vetted and printed for the entire industry, branded with the names of all partner associations and the Canada Magazine Fund.

The Professional Writers Association of Canada requests proposals from any interested consultant regarding PWAC’s Magazine Industry Task Force Project, Phase Two: Round Table Task Force Meetings and Best Practices Document. This a joint project between Canadian magazine industry partners PWAC, Magazines Canada and the Canadian Society of Magazine Editors. It will be administered by PWAC, with the intention of creating a Canadian magazine industry best practices document outlining the various roles and responsibilities of all partners, and how we can all work together for the benefit of Canadian culture and our own industry. This project follows naturally from PWAC’s 2006 Canadian Professional Writers Survey Report and 2008 Magazine Industry Task Force Survey Report.

The Industry Consultation and Report involves the following tasks:

1. Meet with Task Force partners to discuss Phase One report in depth and to strategize best practices.
2. Facilitate the initial series of round table meetings in major publishing centers: most likely Toronto, Montreal, and Vancouver.
3. Consultant to write up best practices from results of three meetings.
4. Meet with Industry representatives to vet best practices document.
5. Create final document for industry partners.

Desirable qualities: communications expertise; negotiation and/or mediation experience; maturity, subtlety, diplomacy.

Timeline for completion of all tasks and the delivery of report (including editing): June 15, 2009 to March 31, 2010

Compensation: Please calculate an estimated total cost for this project and include it in your proposal.

PWAC will not necessarily select the lowest bid on this project. All applicants will be considered, but preference will be given to professional consultants with demonstrated knowledge of the Canadian magazine industry and labour relations. Compensation will be commensurate with experience and based on the proposal.

Please send all proposals by May 18, 2009 to:

David Johnston, Executive Director
Professional Writers Association of Canada
215 Spadina Avenue, Suite 123
Toronto ON M5T 2C7

Electronic proposals may be sent to djohnston@pwac.ca.

To view this RFP as a PDF, click here.

Update from Access Copyright Regarding the Google Books Settlement

On April 28, 2009, the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of New York, which is overseeing the Google Books Settlement, extended the opt-out deadline from May 5, 2009 to September 4, 2009. The extended opt-out deadline is the new date by which class members must decide whether to remain in the settlement class and receive the benefits of the settlement, object to the settlement, or opt out of the settlement. Please refer to PWAC's Blog for more details about the Google Books Settlement.

The final fairness hearing in the class action has also been rescheduled from June 11, 2009 to October 7, 2009.

All other deadlines in the case remain the same, including May 5, 2009 as the date on or before which a book must have been scanned in order to be entitled to a cash payment.

Online claims-filing and detailed information about the settlement are available here.

Access Copyright will continue to update creators with information on the Google Books Settlement as it becomes available. If you have any general questions, please contact Access Copyright at (416) 868-1620 (or toll-free at 1-800-893-5777) or by email.

PWAC Member Ron Chepesiuk Awarded Prestigious Fulbright Scholarship

PWAC Northwestern Ontario member Ron Chepesiuk has received his second appointment as a Fulbright Scholar. Lake Superior news reports:

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Thunder Bay-born award-winning author and journalist Ron Chepesiuk, currently living in South Carolina, has been awarded the prestigious Fulbright Scholarship to Indonesia. From September 2009 to June 2010, Ron will be the Visiting Professor of Journalism in Jakarta at Indonesia's largest university. He will also be teaching workshops for Indonesia's working journalists.

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Chepesiuk previously served as a Fulbright Scholar in 2003 at Chittagong University in Chittagong, Bangladesh. Read more about the Fulbright Scholarship here.

PWAC Member Nominations for the 2009 National Magazine Awards

Nominations for the 32nd Annual National Magazine Awards were announced yesterday. You can read the complete list of nominees here and purchase tickets online. Come to The Carlu on June 5, 2009 to celebrate excellence in Canadian Magazines with PWAC and other industry partners!

PWAC is pleased to announce that there are 4 PWAC members with nominations:

PWAC Guelph member Amy Baskin in the "Service: Health & Family" category for her article "Empty Nest Envy" in More. Read Amy's article here.

Also in the "Service: Health & Family" category, PWAC Toronto member Lisa Bendall for her article "Dating for Boomers with Baggage" in Carp. Read Lisa's article here.

PWAC Quebec member Alex Roslin in the "Investigative Reporting" category for his article "The Pill Pushers" in Georgia Straight. Read Alex's article here.

PWAC Quebec member and Regional Director Craig Silverman in the "Humor" category for his article "My Life in Dépanneurs" in Maisonneuve. Read Craig's article here.

PWAC congratulates and thanks all members for their contributions to Canadian magazine writing over the past year.

Quebec Superior Court Judge Gives Green Light to Class Action over Electronic Reproduction Rights

PWAC is very pleased to see that the Electronic Rights Defense Committee (ERDC), to which we have added our enthusiastic support in their efforts to protect creators' rights, has made significant progress in their class action suit. Please refer to the following press release from ERDC for the details.

David Johnston
Executive Director

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Quebec Superior Court Judge Gives Green Light to Class Action over Electronic Reproduction Rights

After more than a decade, the Electronic Rights Defence Committee has received authorization from Quebec Superior Court to proceed with a class action suit against some of the biggest names in Canadian media.

At issue is the electronic use without permission or compensation for work by freelance writers in The Gazette. The defendants are Montreal Gazette Group, CanWest Global Communications, Hollinger Canadian Publishing Holdings, CanWest Interactive, Southam and Southam Business Communications, Infomart Dialog and Cedrom-SNI.

In February 2008, the Honourable Eva Petras, J.S.C., heard three days of arguments from Mireille Goulet, ERDC lawyer, and a team of lawyers representing the defendants. The Justice's decision was rendered March 31, 2009. It authorizes the ERDC to institute class action proceedings with writer and translator David Homel as its official designated member. The class action group includes all freelance writers whose articles, originally published in The Gazette, have been allegedly illegally reproduced on the Infomart data base since 1984.

The next steps will lead toward a trial on the merits of the case, a process which may take several years to reach a conclusion.

The ERDC case is one of several in North America seeking compensation for unauthorized electronic use of freelance writers' work. In October 2007, the Canadian Supreme Court ruled five to four in the Heather Robertson vs. Thomson case that freelancers do indeed hold copyright on their work reproduced in electronic data bases. The US$ 18-million class action settlement in the United States which followed from the Tasini vs. New York Times case is currently before the US Supreme Court which has agreed to decide whether a lower court has jurisdiction to approve settlement agreements. The Association des journalists indépendants du Québec is also currently in the process of undertaking a class action against several Quebec medias.

For more information:

Mary Soderstrom
ERDC President
(514) 276 - 9257

David Homel
ERDC Class Representative
(514) 288 - 6690

Save the CBC

The following letter was sent to James Moore, Minister of Canadian Heritage (with copies to the Prime Minister and Minister of Finance) asking them to reconsider their disastrous treatment of the CBC. PWAC encourages you to contact your Premier, the relevant Ministers and MPs and make your voice heard.

There is also an online "Save the CBC" petition circulating that you might want to sign. In the last 3 days, 55,358 Canadians have signed it. To learn more, visit the petition here.

David Johnston
Executive Director

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The Honourable James Moore
Minister of Canadian Heritage
Jules Leger Building
15 Eddy Street, 12th Floor
Gatineau, Quebec K1A 0M5

Dear Minister Moore,

We are writing of behalf of the Professional Writers Association of Canada to express our dismay over the recent cuts to Canadian Broadcasting Corporation's funding and the government's unwillingness to provide a bridging loan to cover the shortfall in CBC's finances. This lack of support has resulted in the CBC's cutting 8% of its staff, the cancellation or reduction of television and radio programming, and the loss of local content that the private broadcasters do not supply.

The CBC and its programming are a vital part of Canada's culture and national identity. In a recent Nanos poll close to two-thirds of Canadians felt that public investment in the CBC is a good use of their money. Clearly, your government's lack of support for our national public broadcaster is not in keeping with its constituents' desires.

At a time when the government is considering bailouts for the auto industry and possible assistance to private media companies like CanWest Global and CTV Globemedia, it is unconscionable that the CBC is being forced to suffer. Over 800 jobs will be lost at the CBC (not to mention a substantial number of writing and production jobs in the private filmmaking industry). This is not the kind of stimulus our economy and cultural workers need.

PWAC urges you, Minister Moore, and your government to revisit its recent decisions regarding the CBC, restore its funding and provide the financial assistance that the CBC and its viewers desperately need.

PWAC, established in 1976, is the national organization representing over 600 freelance writers and journalists across Canada.

We thank you for your consideration and continued support of Canadian culture.

Sincerely,

Tanya Gulliver
President

David Johnston
Executive Director

cc: The Right Honourable Stephen Harper, Prime Minister of Canada and The Honourable Jim Flaherty, Minister of Finance

Magazines Canada's "Buy 2, Get 1 FREE" Subscription Campaign

Magazines Canada, one of PWAC's industry partners, is bringing back its highly popular "Buy 2, Get 1 FREE" subscription promotion. From Magazines Canada:

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Magazines Canada is proud to announce the launch of its fourth Buy 2, Get 1 FREE subscription campaign. This exclusive, limited-time offer runs to March 15, 2009, and provides remarkable savings on 170 diverse Canadian titles. Targeted to magazine readers across the country, the campaign offers a wide range of magazines, from national to regional-interest titles on topics including family, fashion, business, arts and literature, recreation, lifestyle and more. Some titles to look out for: Quill & Quire, The Walrus, Toronto Life, Black Woman and Child, Style at Home, Inuit Art Quarterly, Maclean's, THIS Magazine, and Canadian Art, to name a few.

Access the Magazines Canada Buy 2, Get 1 FREE website at www.deals.magazinescanada.ca.

Magazines Canada is the not-for-profit association that promotes quality Canadian magazines. To find more about us, visit our website at www.magazinescanada.ca.

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With over 170 magazines available through the promotion, there is truly something for everyone. Interested in indie arts & culture? Broken Pencil could be for you. A closet stamp collector? Profess your love to your postal carrier and order Canadian Stamp News.

This PWAC blogger found 10 of the 12 magazines the people in her household currently subscribe to through the promotion and has added many more to the rotation!

Lauren Stewart
PWAC Associate Director

An Important Message to all Publishers, Authors and Heirs of Authors about the Google Settlement

This settlement has the potential to affect every copyright owner in Canada. It is important to read the following message and inform other copyright owners that you know.

The Google Settlement is a proposed landmark settlement to lawsuits brought against Google separately by book authors, the Authors Guild, and publisher representatives of the Association of American Publishers alleging that the scanning/digitization of books for its Google Book Search program infringed copyright in the United States.

Access Copyright is involved in the proposed settlement by working closely with a U.S. firm that is implementing the class action notice program.

PWAC encourages all writers to read the full notice about the settlement, which has detailed information about the settlement, important terms, the claims process, and key dates. Want to know more first? Read this article prepared by Access Copyright to understand why you should care about the Google settlement. Additional information can be found at www.accesscopyright.ca.

Letter to Queen's Park

The following letter was sent to Ontario's Minister of Culture (with copies to the Premier and Minister of Finance) as they prepare to respond to the perceived economic crisis with a stimulus package. A similar letter will be sent to their counterparts in Ottawa as they prepare their budget. PWAC encourages all members to contact their Premiers, relevant ministers and MPs to make their voice heard.

Sincerely,

David Johnston
Executive Director

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Honourable Aileen Carroll
Minister of Culture
Mowat Block, 5th Floor
900 Bay Street
Toronto, ON M7A 1L2

Dear Minister Carroll,

I am writing to you on behalf of the Professional Writers Association of Canada (PWAC) to ask that you in your capacity as Minister of Culture ensure that the Government of Ontario includes the writing and publishing industries and the cultural sector in general when preparing the province's proposed economic stimulus package. I'd also ask that you and Premier McGuinty make sure cultural issues are on the agenda for the upcoming first ministers' conference on the economy.

During previous economic downturns, the entertainment and cultural industries have proved surprisingly resilient, actually experiencing significant growth. As you know, investment in the arts has a high return in terms of tax revenue, job creation and indirect stimulae in the tourism and hospitality sectors. It would be a false economy to allow cultural funding to languish during the recession we would all like to avert.

Beyond the quantifiable economic benefits of funding the cultural sector are the less tangible social and educational benefits the arts bring to our society. The arts also stimulate creative and innovative thinking in other fields such as architecture and sustainable energy creating new jobs and businesses for Ontarians and Canada as a whole.

We hope we can count on you and your colleagues at Queen's Park to continue, if not increase, your support for arts and culture funding in Ontario.

PWAC, established in 1976, is the national organization representing over 600 freelance writers and journalists in Canada, over half of who m live in Ontario.

Best regards,

David Johnston
Executive Director

Tanya Gulliver
President

cc: The Honourable Premier Dalton McGuinty, Honourable Minister of Finance Dwight Duncan

Canadian cultural workers rally for funding

PWAC joined The Writers Guild, ACTRA, The Writers Union and many other arts and culture organizations along with hundreds of individual artists for a boisterous rally in front of the CBC Broadcasting Centre this afternoon.

The gathering was called to rally for political party support for increased arts funding. The point was made, again and again, that the cultural sector delivers many billions of dollars into the Canadian economy, even now in a time of economic crisis.

The Writers Guild and ACTRA have released the following statement concerning the rally:

ARTISTS TAKE TO THE STREETS OF TORONTO TO RALLY IN SUPPORT OF CANADIAN CULTURE
Vote for Culture on October 14

For Immediate Release:

Toronto (October 8, 2008) - Top artists, from all creative disciplines, came out in force today to encourage Canadians to vote for culture on October 14. The Toronto rally, organized by ACTRA and the Writers Guild of Canada, overflowed the boundaries of Simcoe Park beside the CBC Broadcast Centre

"Today we're showing all parties that culture lives in Canada," said screenwriter and WGC President Rebecca Schechter (Little Mosque, 'Da Kink in my Hair). "It’s 1.1 million ordinary people doing millions of extraordinary things, but together we generate tens of billions of dollars for the economy. We're here to let all Canadians know that they can vote with their hearts and their heads in this election – by voting culture."

"In this federal election, the economic value of culture and the worth of creative artists have not only come into question, they have come under attack," said Richard Hardacre, ACTRA National President. "We're asking Canadians to find out which of their candidates are the strongest supporters of culture, who will reverse the cuts to cultural programs, and who will stand up for Canada's creative and economic well-being."

Artists addressing the crowd included: Melanie Doane (Juno Award-winning singer/songwriter), Suzette Couture (screenwriter, Conspiracy of Silence), Linda Griffiths (playwright), Tabby Johnson (singer), John Mac Master (opera singer), Mark McKinney (performer/writer, Kids in the Hall, Slings and Arrows), Denis McGrath (screenwriter, The Border), Eric Peterson (performer, Corner Gas), Karl Pruner (performer, ACTRA Toronto President), Noah Richler (author), and Johnny Wright (performer, Dirty Dancing the Musical).

The performers reminded Canadians that if they enjoy music or TV, film or dance, theatre or art, they should vote for culture on Tuesday.

Organizations participating in the rally included the Alliance for Canadian New Music Projects, Canadian Actors Equity Association, Canadian Arts Coalition, Canadian Copyright Coalition, Canadian Media Guild, Canadian Music Centre, Communications, Energy and Paperworkers Union of Canada, Friends of Canadian Broadcasting, IATSE local 873, NABET 700 CEP, Toronto Musician's Association, Stand on Guard for the CBC Coalition, Workers Arts and Heritage Centre in Hamilton, the Professional Writers Association of Canada, the Writers Union of Canada, and more.

The Writers Guild of Canada (WGC) represents 1,900 English-language professional screenwriters across Canada. These are the talented people who create the distinctly Canadian entertainment we enjoy on our televisions, movie screens, radios and computers. ACTRA (Alliance of Canadian Cinema, Television and Radio Artists) is the national organization of professional performers working in the English-language recorded media in Canada. ACTRA represents the interests of 21,000 members across Canada - the foundation of Canada's highly acclaimed professional performing community.

-30-

Huge ransom demanded for abducted Canadian freelancer

Recent reports indicate that an independent Somalia militia is demanding a ransom of $2.5 million (USD) for the release of Albertan freelance writer Amanda Lindhout. Full details can be found on CBC.ca.

Two separate Facebook groups have beeen set up to spread the story of Ms. Lindhout's abduction.

PWAC Press release on possible election

For Immediate Release: August 28, 2008

Coming Election Must Focus on Knowledge Economy Issues -- PWAC

The Professional Writers Association of Canada (PWAC) encourages Canadian voters, media and politicians to ensure information economy issues are front and centre in any coming federal election, and into the next legislative session.

"Canada needs a sharper focus on the new economy of ideas and the rights of knowledge workers," advises PWAC President Tanya Gulliver. "Over the past decade, successive governments have talked up the knowledge economy, but directed policy and legislation have been woefully lacking. We are in serious danger of being left in the dust of the global marketplace."

PWAC points to the recently introduced Bill C-61, the proposed amendment to the Copyright Act of Canada, as an example of potentially stalled information-age legislation. As well, the recent $45 million in arts funding reductions indicate Canada is moving in the wrong direction when it comes to cultural economics.

"PWAC has consulted with government after government on copyright reform and cultural funding," notes Gulliver. "Just when we get a copyright bill to consider and shape, it looks like it will die on the order paper because of an election. How long will the country wait for another such bill, and how far behind the rest of the world will we fall in the meantime?"

Canada's cultural sector is vibrant and poised for explosive growth. Cultural industries already contribute upwards of $46 billion to the Canadian economy, and employ hundreds of thousands of Canadians. Ironically, Canada's cultural workers remain largely underpaid, and continued funding cuts do nothing but sap the energy of a painfully underfunded sector.

"It’s time for all of Canada's politicians to get serious about culture as business," insists Gulliver. "Canada should be leading the way, not joining the knowledge economy third world."

Established in 1976, PWAC is the national organization representing 660 professional freelance writers and journalists in Canada.

- 30 -

Federal government introduces copyright bill

The federal government has today introduced a bill aimed at amending and reforming the Copyright Act to bring it into line with the digital age.

See the government's press release on the subject here.

Analysis of, and response to the bill will be tracked by this blog. Stay tuned.

UPDATE: A series of "fact sheets" about the bill are on the Industry Ministry site.

And here's the actual piece of legislation, Bill C-61, as a PDF download.

Honoured magazine writer decries rates from the NMA stage

Charles Oberdorf, longtime magazine writer and teacher of the craft, received the National Magazine Foundation Award for Outstanding Achievement at last Friday's swishy National Magazine Awards ceremony in Toronto.

As this online report documents, Oberdorf took the opportunity of his stage-time to suggest that magazine freelance rates need some modernizing:

"The editors already know this, but to their employers I would just like to point out that most Canadian consumer magazines still pay freelance writers about what they were paying 35 years ago when I was a young freelancer," he said.

Scholarship to honour slain Alberta freelancer

According to various reports, including a notice on the Canadian Magazines blog:

"The Alberta Magazine Publishers Association (AMPA) is creating an arts and journalism scholarship to honour the memory of Amber Bowerman, killed last week in a multiple murder-suicide in Calgary."

Ms. Bowerman wrote for a number of Alberta publications, including Alberta Views and Avenue Magazine. Details of this horrendous crime can be found in various media reports.

Free Expression Watch: Committee Bows to Pressure From Small Group of Protestors

The Toronto Star today has published an editorial chastising the Toronto District School Board for bowing to pressure from a relatively small group of protestors, and thereby stifling free expression in the form of a previously accepted book for study.

Although Barbara Colorosa's book Extraordinary Evil: A Brief History of Genocide, had been previously cleared by the board for inclusion in the curriculum -- despite obvious controversial elements -- the delisting occured only under pressure from protestors questioning the history analyzed therein.

It's official. Writers no longer exist

According to a report in Masthead Magazine, Brian Segal, CEO of Rogers Publishing gave a talk recently at the Canadian Marketing Association's national convention and trade show, in which he heralded a new age for Canada's writers and editors.

Speculating on the future of magazine publishing in Canada, Mr. Segal "repurposed" the traditional editorial department, the former home of the soon to be extinct magazine writer.

"All of our content-providers - what we used to call editorial people - will become medium-agnostic," he said.

Anniversary of Nazi attack on texts and ideas

Both bookninja.com and Quillblog have made note of the fact that tomorrow is the 75th anniversary of a rather large and comprehensive burning of books in Nazi Germany.

The story continues over at abebooks.com, where other bookburnings are investigated, and that page also contains some fascinating interviews on the subject of fire-related censorship.

While some folks might consider book-burning the ultimate user right (I bought it, so I can do what I want with it), we at PWAC are dedicated to the fight against censorship, especially the burny kind.

For more information on censorship and challenges to reading and writing in Canada, please see the Freedom to Read website maintained by the good people at the Book and Periodical Council.

(cross-posted at johndegen.com)

Japan considers controversial "iPod tax"

Reports today suggest Japan is considering applying a levy to iPods and other content recording and storage devices "to compensate musicians and other copyright owners."

The levy being discussed sounds relatively small -- several dollars on top of the price of the gadget in question. Somewhat predictably, gadget makers are resisting this scheme.

Thanks to Kristian over at Carfac Ontario for the heads up on this.

(cross-posted at johndegen.com)

Raging Grannies protest bad writing contracts

(image courtesy Straight Goods)

Canada's media conglomerates may feel comfortable introducing new contracts against the wishes of their freelancing industry partners, but are they prepared to answer to their grandmothers on the issue?

Straight Goods yesterday reported on a protest at the National Arts Centre by the Raging Grannies.

The Grannies rallied in support of freelance writers, and against the recent appearance of new contracts demanding complete rights transfer, including a waiver of moral rights. All of Canada's writer organizations have spoken out against these contracts. To see PWAC's response, go here.

(cross-posted at johndegen.com)

Independent media covering ongoing CanWest contract dispute

The online journal Straight Goods has published a comprehensive piece about the ongoing struggle against a new CanWest Mediaworks freelance contract. PWAC has been active in protesting the new contract, which demands all rights, including a waiver of moral rights. From the article:

"...when the CanWest contract first surfaced, the terms seemed so draconian that members of the Professional Writers Association of Canada and The Writers Union of Canada thought it must be a hoax, as StraightGoods.ca reported in October 2004. Even the CanWest executive that SG contacted for confirmation was a bit taken aback when he first saw the wording, and emphasized that this was not the only contract CanWest used. Now it is."

"Of course, the newspaper industry is in turmoil. Readership is falling. Newsrooms are downsizing, and looking to wire services, free-lancers or former staff to supply more, more and more text. Free-lance rates have been dropping at the same time that publishers have introduced rights-grabbing contracts."

Read the full article at the link above, and see PWAC's press release about trends in freelance contracting here.

Cross-posted at johndegen.com

Nancy Fleming remembered

The Globe and Mail has published Noreen Shanahan's very comprehensive look back at the life of Nancy Fleming, former Executive Director of the Book and Periodical Council, and one of the great builders of our culture. Ms. Fleming passed away last month after a long illness.

As executive director of the Toronto-based Book and Periodical Council, she left behind a legacy that includes Freedom to Read Week, the Canadian Children's Book Centre, Access Copyright, the Canadian Copyright Institute, Give the Gift of Literacy, and everything from the Book Industry Freight Plan for book shipments to the royalty payments of the League of Poets. A certifiable bookworm, her own shelves bulged with hundreds of books.

Canada's readers, writers, booksellers, librarians and publishers will miss her principled leadership.

(cross-posted at johndegen.com)

PWAC Presents - White Paper Writing 101

PWAC Presents: White Paper Writing 101 - Next Week

Date: Friday 14th, March
Presenter: Gordon Graham

White papers drive billions of dollars in purchases by the world's biggest corporations. White papers help tiny NGOs get their message out. White papers are all over the Web. And somebody's got to write them. In fact, writing a white paper is no harder than writing a medium-sized magazine
article, yet you can earn far more... often $3,000 to $5,000 each.

So what is a white paper? How do you write one? What should be included, and what left out? How can you tell if your company needs white papers? Or how do you find clients who need them?

The seminar includes:

What is a white paper?

Show & tell of typical white papers

Who reads white papers, and why?

Who sponsors white papers, and why?

12 deadly diseases to avoid in white papers

A 7-step process for starting a white paper

The best online resources about white papers

By the end of this half-day workshop, you will know what white papers are, and when to use them. Freelancers will know if you'd enjoy writing white papers. In-house writers will know how to revise white papers to make them

more persuasive. Managers will know how to oversee white paper projects with more confidence.

Places are limited. To register please, click here.

PWAC Presents Seminars 2008

PWAC is delighted to announce the 2008 PWAC Presents seminar schedule.

The series provides a choice of five half-day seminars on specialty areas of writing to help you and your business communicate more effectively.

You can register for one or come to them all, as best suits your needs.

Topics in the 2008 series:

White Paper Writing 101 - Friday, 14th March

Writing for Success on the Internet - Wednesday, 30th April

Earning $ Writing Promotional Materials - Tuesday, 24th June

Media Release Writing - Tuesday, 30th September

Speech Writing - Tuesday, 25th November

Time: Each session runs from 9:30am to 12:30pm on the date specified.

Cost: Single sessions are $42 for PWAC members and $63 for non-members. Group and multi-session packages are also available.

Presenters: Presenters are PWAC members and experts in their seminar topic.

For more information about sessions and presenters please, click here.

To register please, click here.

If you have any queries please do not hesitate to contact PWAC National Office at info@pwac.ca

See you at a PWAC Presents event this year!

Canadian Media Guild calls out CanWest on contracts

The Canadian Media Guild, a creator union representing workers at the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation among other places, has sent an open letter to The Ottawa Citizen, complaining about a new freelance contract the paper has reportedly adopted. The Citizen is a CanWest paper.

CMG's letter states:

"this contract seeks to give the Citizen and CanWest all of the rights of an employer, while denying these writers any of the corresponding rights as an employee."

See the full release at the following link:

Open Letter to the Ottawa Citizen

PWAC recently published a similar call for fairness in contracts, specifically focused on another CanWest paper, the Vancouver Sun. See the PWAC release here:

PWAC's October, 2007 release

PWAC launches Editor of the Year award

The Professional Writers Association of Canada (PWAC) is pleased to launch its first annual PWAC Editor of the Year Award.

As the national association dedicated to professional writers, PWAC has created a new award to recognize the pivotal role of excellent editors in bringing Canada's professional writing to Canadian readers, and to promote the importance to our industry of mutually respectful writer-editor relationships.

Nominees for the award may be from any print medium (magazines, newspapers, corporate and government publications, and websites) in Canada. They may be staff editors, freelance editors, or editors associated with one or more publications. Only PWAC members in good standing may nominate candidates for the Editor of the Year Award.

"As professional freelance writers," explained PWAC President, Carolyn Gibson, "we are often privileged to work with outstanding editorial professionals who respond quickly and positively to our queries, help us shape our ideas and work, improve our writing, and smooth the process of publication, invoicing and payment. Starting this year, PWAC members now have the opportunity to bring national recognition and praise to our too-often unsung business partners - the editors."

The winner of the PWAC Editor of the Year Award will be announced each May at the PWAC National Conference Awards Banquet, and will also be congratulated at the PWAC Luncheon during MagNet, the annual Canadian magazine industry conference in Toronto (of which PWAC is a founding partner).

Impending Toronto Star strike focuses on use of freelancers

Reports yesterday indicate that Toronto Star staff writers have voted overwhelmingly in favour of a strike. Among the issues on the line are overtime hours and the paper's use of freelance writers.

See the Financial Post report here.

Copyright debate all over the Internet tubes

If you are looking for the latest word on when and what kind of new legislation on copyright is coming, you'll find lots of rampant speculation in the very arena a new law would be meant to address -- this here Internet you are using right now.

By now most Canadians have been made aware that a new law is being designed, and many have heard about an effective consumer revolt that delayed the introduction of a bill before Christmas.

Keep yourself as informed as possible by trolling the blogosphere -- and there might be no better place to start than the personal blog of PWAC's own Executive Director, who has been very publicly active in this ongoing discussion.

Check out the post that started a huge fuss at the following link:

Copyright = Oxygen

And keep up on the latest links here:

johndegen.com

Blog posting copyright violated

Thanks to the Canadian Magazines blog for calling our attention to this:

A blog posting from Spacing Toronto, a local Toronto blog covering municipal planning and urban living, was lifted in its entirety, including an accompanying photograph, and reprinted in a Best of the Blogs column in the Toronto Sun.

The posting's author contacted the paper, and received an apology and notification of the standard freelance rate for such an article.

See the original posting here, and the Canadian Magazines blog posting here.

US freelancer settlement voided

A US appeals court has voided a settlement agreement for freelancers in the largest copyright infringement case involving US freelnce writers. At issue is the legality of a class action in the case of copyright infringement in the US, where copyright must be individually registered.

See the full story in this New York Times (one of the media outlets involved int he case) piece.

PWAC huge in Hollywood

PWAC's support for the WGA strike, still ongoing despite a small agreement reached in New York, has made the digital pages of Variety's blog:

Scribe Vibe: Variety's WGA strike blog

PWAC member wins prestigious Quebec award

PWAC extends hearty congratulations to Quebec member Julie Barlow and her partner Jean-Benoit Nadeau for winning the Mavis Gallant Prize for Non-Fiction at the annual awards ceremony of the Quebec Writers' Federation.

Barlow and Nadeau's book The Story of French received an excellent review in The New York Times last year and has become an international bestseller, with a French-language version just released.

Well done Ms. Barlow.

Pay the Writer gear

Inspired by the Writers' Guild of America strike, and just in time for holiday shopping, PWAC is offering some simple, strong, pro-writer messages for you to wear all over town. Whether you happen to be visiting a picket line or just picking up a few things at the supermarket, you will look fabulous in PWAC.

Our basic message is simple and clear:

Pay the writer.

This catchy motto adorns a number of new PWAC shirts (men's and women's), and our fabulous new Pay the Writer coffee mug. Now you can send a message of solidarity even as you enjoy your favorite hot beverage.

If you like to get a little wordier, you might want to try some of our business model gear. The message:

Working for free is a terrible business model for people who need to eat and pay bills.

PWAC's business model message can be found on our fabulous new bumper stickers and baseball jerseys (men's and women's).

Finally, join in the effort to bring fair, strong copyright reform to Canada with PWAC's strong copyright line of shirts (men's and women's):

Strong Copyright
=
Healthy Writers
=
Happy Readers

PWAC's new pro-writer, strong copyright products are all for sale at the PWAC online store, where you will also find an assortment of PWAC logo gear. All sales benefit your association, and therefore you.

To start shopping click on this link.

Pay the *&%#@! writer

The life of a writer is filled with uncomfortable moments during which s/he must explain that working for free is in fact a terrible business model for people who need to eat and pay bills.

American writer Harlan Ellison, one of the original Star Trek writers, provides a number of choice words on the subject in this YouTube video excerpt from the film Dreams with Sharp Teeth:

WARNING: Pressing play will release some profanity into your world.

Thank you to PWAC member Allison Hoyt Finnamore for the tip on this.

Canada's new copyright law on the way

The rumours out of Ottawa for a while now have been that new copyright legislation is on the way. Yesterday, CBC.ca reported that the bill may be only weeks away.

The Creators' Copyright Coalition, an umbrella group of creator organizations has been working on a position statement regarding any new legislation, and PWAC will be signing on and making the statement public in coming days.

As anyone who has delved into it knows, copyright law is extremely complex and involves a number of competing interests. Obviously PWAC's primary concern with any new legislation is that the primary rights-holders, the original artists (in PWAC's case professional writers) maintain control of, and the ability to profit from their copyright protected work, even in the digital environment. As well, PWAC would prefer a law that demands respect for copyright without unduly limiting access to creative work, in any environment.

See the full CBC.ca story here.

Daily Show writers explain the value of digital content

The Writers Guild of America strike, which has seen writers actually walking (on picket lines) instead of sitting in chairs all day, may do more for the profession than just an across-the-board increase in blood circulation and general health. It may finally put to rest the fallacy that digital content cannot be valued, and therefore must be packaged off for free in all-rights agreements.

Check out this amusing little video from the picket lines in New York, where writers for the Daily Show do the math:

Not the Daily Show

Access Copyright sues Staples for copyright violations

An article in today's Toronto Star outlines Access Copyright's latest legal action -- a $10 million lawsuit against Staples/Business Depot that cites unlawful reproduction of copyright protected works at Staples' in-store photocopy shops.

From the article:

The publishing organization said today that its lawsuit contains the largest claim to arise from copyright infringement of published works in Canada.

Globe columnist highlights writers' issues

In a piece in yesterday's Globe &Mail, columnist Barbara Ehrenreich argues how the American writers' strike highlights the overall lack of wage-respect for writers.

Read the whole column here.

And here is a sample:

For print writers, things have gone steadily downhill. The number of traditional outlets -- magazines and newspapers -- is shrinking. Ms., for example, publishes only quarterly now, Mother Jones every two months, and Mademoiselle has long since said au revoir. You can blog on the Web of course, but that pays exactly zero. As for benefits: once the National Writers' Union offered health insurance, but Aetna dropped it and then Unicare found writers too sickly to cover.

Thanks to the Canadian Magazines blog for the tip.

PWAC Presents -- Harness the Writing Process

As part of the ongoing PWAC Presents series of public seminars, the PWAC National Office boardroom will host the following seminar:

Harness the Writing Process

Date: Tuesday, 27th November 2007
Time: 9:30am - 12:30pm
Venue: Centre for Social Innovation, 215 Spadina Avenue, Toronto
Cost: $40* = PWAC members, $50* = Public, $75* = Show on the Day
* + GST

The Professional Writers Association of Canada (PWAC) is delighted to offer a half-day seminar on business writing presented by freelance writer and PWAC member Paul Lima.

Studies show that effective, productive writers spend 40% of their time planning projects, 25% of their time writing, and 35% revising and editing; inefficient writers spend more time overall on projects and tend to be less satisfied with the results. To become a more effective and efficient writer, you need to harness the writing process. This business writing seminar will introduce you to the five-stage writing process:

* Planning
* Research
* Outline
* Creation
* Revision/Editing

You will then be shown how to quickly apply the process to writing email by answering five simple questions. And you will learn how to apply the power of the process to proposals and reports. To make you a more effective and efficient writer, the workshop also includes practical, engaging and creative writing exercises that will help participants:

* focus on their purpose
* create detailed outlines
* properly structure emails and reports

Writing Process Participants Speak

"Since I attended your Harnessing the Writing Process seminar I have written two direct marketing packages and am working smarter and faster. By focusing on one task at a time, I no longer panic about what I haven't done yet. I'm also making more use of [outline] headings to structure my documents so that I spend less time skipping between points and getting frazzled. Thanks again for the valuable info!" - Elizabeth Cockle, Communications Specialist

"You freed 512 megabytes of RAM. I was holding it all in and you had me pull this outline out of nowhere. Everything I need to know is down on paper. Now that I know what I'm going to say, I have brain power left to think about how I'm going to say it. It's all over but the writing, and the writing is no longer intimidating." - Partner, Accounting Firm

"I have heard nothing but good things a about the writing process seminar you ran. You were one of our more popular presenters." - Cy Williams, Administrative Assistant, Ontario Association of Youth Employment Centres (OAYEC) .

Who Should Attend:

Anyone who writes business emails, memos, letters, proposals or reports and wants to become more effective and efficient. Anyone who only discovers that information is missing from email messages when they clean out their sent folder. Anyone who feels recipients of email messages or other documents do not respond as quickly as expected or as expected. Anyone who wants to communicate more effectively when writing business correspondence.

Instructor:

Paul Lima has been a professional writer and writing instructor for over 25 years. Since 1988, he has run his own communications writing and training business. An adult educator and member of the Professional Writers Association of Canada, Paul has developed and taught business writing, copywriting, media relations, media interview preparation and other business communications courses and workshops for corporate and non-profit clients, University of Toronto students and for members of various writers' associations.

American writers striking on new media issues

This morning marked the official beginning of a strike by members of the Writers Guild of America against producers from the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers.

As reported widely, the central issue in this dispute is re-use of written material in new media applications, such as online downloads and DVD use.

For the latest word on strike details as it continues, may we recommend checking out the Writers Guild of America site.

PWACers on awards short list

Congratulations to PWAC-Quebec member Julie Barlow and former PWACer Jean-Benoit Nadeau for the great success of their co-authored bestseller, The Story of French.

The Story of French received a rave review in the New York Times upon its publication last year, and now it is on the short list for the Quebec Writers Federation's Mavis Gallant Prize for Non-fiction. The prize is sponsored by Quebec's English-language Colleges (Champlain, Dawson, Heritage, John Abbott and Vanier).

Writers' Union Short Prose Competition

The Writers' Union of Canada (TWUC) has announced the details of its Short Prose Competition for Developing Writers.

By "developing" they appear to mean anyone not published in book form. Curious.

Here are the details:

Eligible Writers

Canadian citizens or landed immigrants who have not been published in book format are welcome to enter.

Eligible Entries

Nonfiction and fiction prose, up to 2,500 words in the English language, are eligible. Eligible works have not been previously published in any format.

Deadline

The postmarked deadline is November 3.

Entry Fee

Please submit a $25 fee per entry.

HOW TO SUBMIT ENTRIES

Entries should be typed and double-spaced on 8.5 x 11 paper, with pages numbered and aperclipped, not stapled.

Include a separate cover letter with full name, address, phone number, title of entry, number of pages of entry, and whether the submission is fiction or nonfiction. Please include full name and title of entry on each numbered page.

Submissions on computer disk, e-mails, or faxes will not be accepted.

Make cheque or money order payable to The Writers’ Union of Canada. Multiple entries can be submitted together and fees can be added and paid with one cheque or money order.

Mail to:

SPC Competition, 90 Richmond St. E, Suite 200, Toronto, ON, M5C 1P1.

Results will be posted at www.writersunion.ca.

Manuscripts will not be returned.

New Brunswick newspaper business shows its ugly side

In a story on CBC.ca yesterday, CBC News revealed court documents showing the J. D. Irving-owned Brunswick News is seeking an injunction on one of its former publishers, to stop him from using alleged confidential information to start up a competing paper in the market.

The report is ripe with suggestions of potentially illegal tactics in what is shaping up to be a full-fledged newspaper war out east.

Read the full story at this link, and here are a couple of highlights:

Brunswick News is asking the court to issue an order preventing [former publisher William Kenneth] Langdon from approaching Bugle customers, advertisers and employees on behalf of his new paper.

Langdon's office, home and vehicle were searched on Sept. 27 by court order. Several Bugle-related documents including cash flow breakdowns, advertising rate analysis, income statements, flyer routes and a resume were seized.

...

All of the English-language daily newspapers in New Brunswick are owned by Irving and its other entities, as are all of the weekly publications with the exception of the Sackville Tribune and the St. Croix Courier.

...

In [his letter of resignation], Langdon refers to himself as a "dedicated Irving employee" who grew uncomfortable with the company's management practices, especially orders to drive Irving's competitors out of business.

PWAC to hold web forum on libel

PWAC Libel Forum: Wednesday 26th and Thursday 27th, September

Have any burning questions or curiosity about libel that you want to ask a lawyer about? If so, PWAC can help -- if you participate in next week's PWAC Libel Forum.

The two-day forum will include input from legal expert, Warren Sheffer, who will be available to answer questions about all things "libel" including:

- best practices
- professional liability
- intellectual property
- contracts

Warren Sheffer is engaged in a broad intellectual property and corporate/commercial law practice. In addition to his L.L.B, he holds a B.A in Economics, a M.A in History and Professional Specialization certificate in International Intellectual Property Law. Warren was formerly the legal counsel to Access Copyright (2004-2006) and is an Executive Member of the Entertainment, Media and Communications Section of the Ontario Bar Association. Warren is also a published author of articles on copyright, defamation, information technology, and aboriginal law.

For more information and to register for the forum, please contact National Office at info@pwac.ca.

NB: Only PWAC members in "good standing" will able to participate in the Forum. For information about joining PWAC, please go here:

Join PWAC

PWAC audio starts discussion

Yesterday, PWAC loaded to this website an audio file of Dr. Vincent Mosco's address to PWAC at this year's National Conference. The talk concerns freelance work and organized labour in North America.

Software professional and digital copyright theorist Russell McOrmond listened to the talk and then recorded his thoughts on the topic on his own blog. See the full response at the link below:

Digital Copyright Canada

And here is a brief sample:

While I agree that knowledge workers must make a decent wage, that in many cases will require abandoning some of the older business models which set up the very conditions that cause this risk.

Freelance Work and Organized Labour

At the 2007 National Conference &AGM in Vancouver, PWAC presented the esteemed Dr. Vincent Mosco, Canada Research Chair in Communications and Society as one of our luncheon speakers. Dr. Mosco spoke to the gathered writers about how freelance work and organized labour have begun to come together in North America.

Hear the entire talk online.

This file is public and free of charge. PWAC would like to thank the Canada Research Chairs program and Dr. Mosco for permission to use this recording.

Toronto Life Names New Editor

The St. Joseph press release:

Sarah Fulford Named Incoming Editor of Toronto Life - Succeeds John Macfarlane Who is Stepping Down

Sharon McAuley, Vice-President and Group Publisher of Toronto Life, today announced that John Macfarlane will be stepping down as Editor at the end of 2007. She named Senior Editor Sarah Fulford as his successor.

An eight-year veteran of the magazine, Fulford is a recognized talent, having won gold and silver National Magazine Awards for her writing as well as editing more than a dozen award-winning features and columns for Toronto Life. Promoted to Senior Editor in 2003, Fulford was responsible for scouting exciting new writing talent and developing a number of successful special editorial projects. At the same time, she established herself as a freelance writer for newspapers and magazines. Prior to joining Toronto Life in 1999 as associate editor, she was an assistant editor at Elm Street. The 33-year-old is married to novelist Stephen Marche and has a 19-month-old son.

"I'm thrilled to be taking on this new challenge," said Fulford. "Toronto Life has a tradition of featuring great writing and superb photography. I hope to build on that tradition by encouraging the growth of new talent and broadening the magazine's readership."

Macfarlane, 65, is considered the dean of Canadian magazine editors, and has held the Editor's position since 1992. (This actually represents his second stint in the Editor's chair; he also edited the magazine in 1972-73.) Known in the industry for nurturing writing talent and mentoring the next generation of editors, he played a key role in the search for his successor.

"I recognized an editor-in-chief in Sarah a long time ago. And I am completely confident that she and the team she inherits will take Toronto Life to new highs. I look forward to seeing that happen, knowing that I played a part in making it possible," said Macfarlane.

During Macfarlane's 15-year tenure with Toronto Life, the magazine won an unprecedented 53 gold and 58 silver National Magazine Awards. Last year, the National Magazine Awards Foundation honoured him with the Foundation Award for Outstanding Achievement.

Macfarlane, who also serves as Vice-President for Strategic Development at St. Joseph Media (Toronto Life's parent company), said he will have an on-going relationship with the company. "But I'm ready for a change. I've been an editor for 40 years. I'm looking forward to contributing what I've learned as a journalist and on volunteer boards to other organizations in the private and public sectors."

"John is leaving Toronto Life at the top of his game, and the magazine has never been stronger," said McAuley. "Our readers will love what Sarah brings to the magazine - she's extraordinarily talented, smart, curious, and has a great instinct for the big, juicy story. Under her leadership, Toronto Life will continue to do what we do best - entertain and engage our readers and help them to get the most out of living in this city."

About Toronto Life:

Since 1966, Toronto Life has helped Torontonians understand and enjoy life in Toronto. Our award-winning journalism focuses on the issues and trends, people and institutions that define the city. Authoritative reviews offer recommendations for the best in food and wine, shopping, and arts and entertainment. Toronto Life and torontolife.com enjoy an exclusive, loyal audience of 765,000 readers and 220,000 unique visitors each month.

About St. Joseph Media:

St. Joseph Media publishes Toronto Life, FASHION Magazine, Wish, Gardening Life, Canadian Family, Weddingbells, Mariage Quebec, WHERE Canada magazines, Quill & Quire, Ottawa Magazine and a variety of custom publications. Properties go beyond print to include web sites and television. St. Joseph Media is a division of St. Joseph Communications, Canada's largest privately owned communications company, with four business platforms in content, print, documents and media.

Dave Greber Freelance Writers Award goes to Vancouver writer

John Vigna, a Vancouver freelance writer is the 2007 winner of the Dave Greber Freelance Writers Award. Mr. Vigna's successful submission, The Ballad of Big and Small, is a magazine article to be published in the fall of 2007 by Grain Magazine.

Shirley Dunn, founder and fund developer for the Dave Greber Freelance Writers Award will award the $2000 prize to Mr. Vigna on September 30, 2007 at The Word on The Street, Book and Magazine Fair in Calgary.

Dave Greber, a much published, respected freelance writer, storyteller, and musician died unexpectedly in 2000 at the age of 50. To honor Dave's memory and perpetuate his professional values, his life partner, Shirley Dunn, has established an annual award to give public recognition to the skills necessary to craft a story based on excellence of writing and research. The award will help support a freelance non-fiction writer, prior to publication in order to meet expenses related to living, writing and research.

John Vigna has been a self-employed writer since 1989 and has devoted himself full time as a freelance professional writer since 1999. His writing has been featured in many magazines and newspapers, including The Georgia Strait, The Vancouver Sun and The Vancouver Province

Learn How to Write the Perfect Media Release

The Professional Writers Association of Canada (PWAC) is delighted to offer a half-day seminar on media release writing to promote your business, organization or event, presented by freelance writer and PWAC member Paul Lima.

Writing Media Releases is more a craft than a science. However, when it comes to generating publicity you increase your chances of a "hit" if you follow the fundamental Media Release writing, issuing and follow-up do's and don'ts presented in this seminar.

Date: Tuesday, 9th October 2007
Time: 9:30am - 12:30pm
Venue: Centre for Social Innovation, 215 Spadina Avenue, Toronto
Cost: $40* = PWAC members,
$50* = Public,
$75* = Show on the Day * + GST

For more information:

Go Here

To register:

Go Here

Black trial coverage under examination

While you're looking at the Literary Review of Canada's website (see posting below re: Robertson decision essay), don't miss Suanne Kelman's examination of the media coverage for the recent Conrad Black trial in Chicago.

Both Black's journalistic defenders and attackers come in for heavy criticism. Here's a highlight:

I don't want to romanticize the past excessively, but the many brazen improprieties in the coverage of this trial strike me as a new development. In the old days, I can't see a broadsheet assigning the ex-husband of a defendant's wife to cover the trial. Yet the National Post did exactly that with George Jonas, the second husband of Barbara Amiel, a.k.a. Lady Black. (Jonas has remained close to Amiel through her subsequent marriages; his coverage was consistently pro-Black.)

Ken Whyte, the editor of Maclean's, would have felt compelled to spend more space addressing the issue of his past employment by Black at the National Post. He might even have disclosed the $100,000 bonus that Conrad Black paid him well after their business relationship had ended -- before that information showed up in Whyte's testimony for Black's defence at the trial. Maclean's not only covered the trial in excruciating detail both in the magazine and on Mark Steyn's fiercely partisan blog, but also gave Lord Black two pages as the trial started to present his own case, and allowed Lady Black to continue writing her usual column.

To be fair, Lady Black has never actually addressed the issue of her husband's guilt or innocence head-on in the column, although she has come dangerously close. On January 1, 2007, the column denounced snitches. It did not mention David Radler, Black's former partner and current nemesis, but I think a reader might draw an inference or two from her attacks on the sanctification of whistle blowers. Other columns have dealt with her own suffering during the trial, an ordeal that has reduced her to compulsively watching the hotel's video on fire safety and washing her own underwear.

Robertson explained

Longtime PWACer and former Access Copyright board member Chris Moore has written a very entertaining and informative essay on last October's Supreme Court decision in the Heather Robertson class action against Thomson Corp.

Heather Robertson, also a longtime PWAC member, spoke at last May's PWAC Conference in Vancouver, updating members on the action's return to trial and the implications of the Supreme decision.

Chris Moore's essay appears in the summer issue of the Literary Review of Canada, and can be read online in its entirety. One assumes Mr. Moore was compensated for that digital use.

the changing face of newspapers, part 16

Thanks to former PWAC President Gordon Graham for finding this article and passing it on:

An article in Wired magazine online continues the ongoing examination of the newspaper business's slow and steady decline from prominence as a medium. Not a new story, of course, but what's different here is the analysis of how one Ohio newspaper has managed to stay alive and to prosper by evolving to meet the new realities. Along the way, there is some very interesting information about net-hot topics such as "citizen journalism."

For example:

Linda Parker has a memo for professional journalists: Contrary to the fear rippling through newsrooms, citizens don't want your job. They don't want to interview obscure officials to write boring stories about arcane changes in local zoning laws. As online communities editor, Parker should know. A GetPublished! button features prominently on many Enquirer Web pages, and the submissions land in Parker's queue. They almost never resemble anything commonly considered journalism.

"It used to read, 'Be a Citizen Journalist,'" Parker says. "And no one ever clicked on it. Then we called it 'Neighbor to Neighbor,' and still nothing. For some reason, 'Get Published' was the magic phrase." Parker, a cheerful woman in her mid-fifties, will pore over several dozen submissions from readers today. These will range from a local custom-car builder trumpeting his upcoming appearance on the BET show Spring Bling to an emotional notice about a play being staged to raise funds for a fifth-grader's bone marrow transplant. Contributors submit to one of 233 neighborhood Web sites, each aimed at a town or community in the Cincinnati area. Parker approves the submission ("I almost never reject one," she says), scans it for "the F-word," and posts it to the site. "A few years ago, these would have come across the transom as press releases and been ignored."

a changing relationship

In an interesting posting on a Californian media blog, freelance writer TJ Sullivan discusses how the general North American media shift from staffers to freelancers has done two things -- made publishers more insistent on owning everything a freelancer writes for them, and eroded the key relationship between writers and their editors.

Check the link above for the full article -- and here are a couple of highlights:

"As publications have slashed their staff sizes in an effort to improve profits, some have continued to publish the work of their former employees by re-engaging them as freelancers. The practice has allowed publications to realize significant financial savings because, of course, the work of an independent contractor costs nothing in terms of benefits, workers comp insurance, liability insurance, vacation time, sick time, etc... The difference, however, is that those publications must now secure copyrights to the journalist's material, and therein lies the rub."

"...what is a journalist to make of the editor who presents an unfavorable contract without so much as a wink, or single word of warning? Surely the editor knows the nature of the contents, particularly in situations where the legalese of an agreement could expose the journalist's entire family to financial ruin."

Globe columnist sees doom for Canadian magazine writing

There's been much talk on the interwaves about Russell Smith's latest Globe column in which he predicts the end of the world as we know it, magazine-writing wise. Web subscribers to the Globe can see the article on their site. For others, here is a brief quotation:

It is now impossible for all but a very few magazine writers to make a living as a freelancer. Even if you're at the very peak of popularity, and you get one of these big features a month, you're going to be working awfully hard and you're going to be making between $1,500 and $5,000 a month, which means at peak capacity you're still earning less than $60,000 a year - not poverty, certainly, but harder as you get older, and certainly not commensurate with the education required to do such a job. Which is why our most successful magazine writers get teaching jobs.

This isn't entirely the fault of stingy magazine editors, of course. They would love to pay more, but many of their magazines are on the verge of non-existence because not enough people are buying them, and not enough people are buying them because of the Internet. (Internet magazines are hardly more profitable, though, since the advertisers' money is divided among so many small outlets.) I have no solution to this. Sorry for the bad news, but when I am asked to come to speak to a journalism class on how to become a successful freelance writer, I am going to have to say, "Don't." (I'll still do it, though - for $200.)

Comments and suggestions for Mr. Smith's next job can be sent to him via the Globe's letters section.

Shop PWAC online

The Professional Writers Association of Canada has begun selling PWAC related merchandise through its very own online shop.

Members, non-members, those thinking about membership -- anyone really -- can now spread the PWAC goodness with their very own PWAC clothing, notebooks, mousepads, clocks, etc. PWAC's stylish new logo looks fantastic on a wide assortment of items.

And soon, PWAC will also be selling Professional Development materials through the store as well. Keep an eye on this space for news and announcements about new products and services for sale in the PWAC shop.

PWAC's membership larger, stronger than ever before

PWAC has experienced a recent surge in membership numbers, bringing the association to an unprecedented 606 members, with more writers joining every week.

PWAC's public profile has risen in recent years, with the release of our Canadian Professional Writers Survey Report, our ongoing public advocacy for the rights of working writers and our rebranded and completely renovated web presence.

Of course, as our numbers grow, so too will our influence. Upcoming projects such as the Magazine Industry Task Force will continue to place PWAC at the centre of change and improvement for the careers of Canadian writers.

If you have recently joined PWAC, we welcome you. If you are thinking about joining, there's never been a better time.

Department of Canadian Heritage provides $30 million extra in stable funding for the Canada Council

PWAC attended the announcement this morning of an extra $30 million in stable funding for the Canada Council for the Arts. The Honourable Beverley Oda presented the news to Robert Sirman, Director of the Council, and the Toronto arts community in a speech at the Lorraine Kimsa Theatre for Young People on Front Street in Toronto.

PWAC is a member of the Canadian Arts Coalition, which has been calling for a stable funding increase for several years now. We are very pleased with today's announcement, and congratulate Minister Oda on her dedication to the community.

PWAC also anticipates the release of the Canada Council's strategic plan, which should spell out some needed adjustments to the way professional writing in Canada is publicly supported.

"Users" protest unlawful copying of latest Harry Potter

The Los Angeles Times reported yesterday that several unauthorized copies of the latest Harry Potter book have shown up as digital scans on the Internet.

Using sophisticated torrent technology, several file-sharing sites apparently allowed web-users to piece together the entire book ahead of its scheduled launch in bookstores this coming Friday. Business as usual for almost all valuable proprietary information these days.

But what's different here is there appears to be a significant user backlash against the digital gun-jumpers. From the Times:

First there was confusion. (Was it real?) Then there were legal threats. (Publisher Scholastic Inc. went after the alleged online spoilers.) And finally there was outrage as fans staged a revolt of their own against the leak, vowing to remain in the dark about what happens until Saturday.

"Not cool," said Max Slavkin, 19, a USC junior, summing up fan response to the online revelations.

"I think I might just avoid the Internet for a while, at least until Saturday," said Loreli Alba, 17, a high school senior in San Jose.

Times of London to make a profit

Despite a general doom and gloom prediction for the entire industry, one prominent newspaper has managed a financial turnaround.

According to a report in The Guardian, the Times of London is soon expected to make a profit for the very first time in the modern era.

[Times editor, Robert] Thomson said his paper had boosted revenue by increasing its cover price and syndicating more content abroad. He also said the paper had attracted a lot more business advertising.

"We have put the price up but kept the audience at a very high level," he told the committee. "We have generated a lot more business advertising. If you have strong business coverage then companies will tend to come."

Subpoena for writer's materials quashed in Ontario court

The subpoena demanding access to the confidential research materials of writer Derek Finkle was thrown out of a Toronto courtroom early this afternoon, as the judge in the Robert Baltovich trial delivered a strong decision protecting writers' rights.

Finkle had been subpoenaed early this year by prosecutors preparing for the retrial of Robert Baltovich, accused of murdering his girlfriend Elizabeth Bain in 1990. Finkle had written a bestselling book about the original case and trial, entitled No Claim to Mercy, and the research for that book included many hours of interviews with key persons in the trial. Prosecutors wanted those materials.

Mr. Baltovich was originally convicted of the murder and served eight years in prison before being released. Fresh evidence in the case points toward serial killer Paul Bernardo, who was active as the Scarborough rapist at the time of the Bain murder.

PWAC is very pleased with the decision to quash the subpoena, and feels that the public good is best served when a writer's independent research is protected from court pressures. The association intervened in the Finkle hearing, filing an affidavit about writers' rights alongside similar interventions by other writer and journalist groups.

A Narcissist's Dream Come True

Andrew Keen's book The Cult of the Amateur: How Today's Internet Is Killing Our Culture is highlighted in this Tony Long opinion piece from Wired Magazine.

Highlights:

I think he's right to criticize what he calls the "cut and paste" ethic that trivializes scholarship and professional ability, implying that anybody with a little pluck and the right technology can do just as well.

But opportunity and desire alone do not professional historians or journalists or pundits make. There's this process known as "learning your craft" and "paying your dues" that all professionals must endure. Sorry, but trolling the web and blogging from your darkened study doesn't qualify as on-the-job training.

The comments section after the piece suggests disagreement on this issue is not going away, but is such an opinion appearing in the Internet's house journal a sign of the pendulum returning?

NonFiction Draws a Crowd, and Toys With the Public Record

(image courtesy NonFiction)

Billed as a very public evening of stories usually told privately over drinks, NonFiction packed the underground at Toronto's Drake Hotel last night with writers, editors, radio and TV producers and many, many journalism students. The event was advertised through Facebook, and was open to anyone willing to part with $5.25.

Telling tales were:

Former TORO editor, Derek Finkle, CBC Radio's Richard Goddard, print journalist Chris Randle, magazine guy Bill Shields, magazine writer Jay Teitel, and former media critic Antonia Zerbisias.

And the tales they told were... off the record, so you won't find them repeated here. In fact, one of the most interesting parts of the evening was an impromptu group discussion about the meaning of on and off the record. After several of the speakers had already done their bit, a rumour hit the stage that someone in the crowd was making an audio recording of the event. What followed was a fascinating exercise in social dynamics as some in the room tried to ferret out the secret recorder, while others defended a reporter's right to do background research, even in a room full of media types speaking off the record.

The call from the microphone for the hidden reporter to turn him or herself in took on the feel of a cultural revolution purge before the courageous fellow took to the stage and declared his intentions. What followed was a passionate discussion about press freedoms and responsibilities.

The NonFiction planning group hopes to make this a regular event. Watch this space for information.

PWAC in Ottawa

PWAC Executive Director, John Degen (middle) meets with Robert Sirman, Director of the Canada Council (right) and Melanie Rutledge, Head of the Writing and Publishing Section (left), (photo courtesy of PWAC's Flickr page)

PWAC staff have just returned from a series of meetings with the Canada Council for the Arts in Ottawa. The meetings with council staff, and specifically with the Writing and Publishing section, were requested as part of the Council's ongoing strategic planning process.

The Council has always been a very important funding partner for PWAC, and since Canada's freelance writers are at the heart of the cultural sector, telling Canada's stories to Canadians and the world, we are happy to assist in the planning of this country's cultural sector support.

Discussion at the meetings touched on the changing and evolving practices of Canadian cultural workers, and how the CC might best respond as a funder to new realities for Canadian writers and other artists. PWAC reminds all writers in Canada to write to or call their local Member of Parliament and voice your support for a sustained increase in the Canada Council's budget.

The Writing &Publishing Section meets on Tuesday in Ottawa(photo courtesy of PWAC's Flickr page)

7 Minute Pitches in Toronto

The turnout was a bit smaller than might have been expected for a free event, but there was general agreement from writers and editors alike that the 7 Minute Pitch session at last week's MagNet magazine conference in Toronto was an experiment worth repeating.

PWAC member Steve Pitt aims a pitch at Outdoor Canada editor Patrick Walsh (photo courtesy PWAC's Flickr page)

Billed as "speed-dating for writers and editors" the PWAC-sponsored session brought freelance writers face to face with four of Canada's top editors and gave them 7 minutes per pitch.

Freelancers had a chance to meet and discuss writing ideas with Penny Caldwell of Cottage Life, Gary Stephen Ross of Vancouver Magazine, Peter Stockland of Reader's Digest and Patrick Walsh of Outdoor Canada. Each table saw an earnest exchange of business cards as editors and writers collaborated to refine story ideas.

"I watched the whole session," remarked PWAC Executive Director John Degen, "and I can say with confidence that freelance writers made some sales today, and editors found new writers for their publications. It was fascinating to watch, and we will definitely look to repeat this exercise."

MagNet Highlights, part one

Began the day with the session Non-invasive Surgery - An Expert Guide to Substantive Editing, given by Gary Ross, editor of Vancouver Magazine (and former editor of both Saturday Night and Toronto Life magazines).

He provided an interesting perspective on how editors manage their stable of writers, and manage the ticklish problems of substantive editing.

Near the end of his talk, someone asked him if Vancouver magazine pays on acceptance or on publication and Mr. Ross said this:

"[Certain magazines are] notorious for paying months after the article appears in the magazine, which is just awful. You couldn't do that to anyone else providing service to the magazine. You can't tell the printer 'we'll pay you in nine months, pal, thanks for the magazine.' At VanMag, once the first draft comes in, and it's clear that it's going to make it into the magazine, I'm happy to pay promptly."

Yellowknife Writers Festival announces participants

Who knew writings on or about the Canadian Shield was a sub-genre? Check out this great line-up for what must surely be Canada's northernmost literary festival this year:

NorthWords Writers Festival Announces Visiting Writers for 2007

YELLOWKNIFE, NWT (June 9, 2007)
- The NorthWords Writers Festival board of directors is pleased to announce the visiting writers for this year's festival, which will be held in Yellowknife, NWT, August 2 to 5, 2007. Guest writers will include: novelist Wayne Johnston (Toronto); playwright Drew Hayden Taylor (Ontario); spoken word poet Shane Koyczan (originally from Yellowknife, now living in Penticton); novelist Michael Johansen (Labrador); and novelist/short story writer Richard Van Camp (originally from Fort Smith, NWT, now living in Vancouver).

The theme of this year's festival is Stories from the Rock. Many of the guest authors are either from the Canadian Shield region, or write about the Shield. The festival will include mentoring sessions by guest writers, readings, a book signing, open mics, a comedy night, a family barbecue, and a closing gala on the evening of Saturday, August 4.

In addition, workshops will be held by the visiting authors, as well as local writers: Richard Van Camp (graphic novels and comic books), Wayne Johnston (fiction), Shane Koyczan (spoken word), Drew Hayden Taylor (scriptwriting), Michael Johansen (historical fiction), Mindy Willett (living history), Annelies Pool (magazine writing) and Gayla Meredith (kids' workshop).

This year's festival builds on the success of the inaugural NorthWords 2006, which saw nine writers' workshops, including a kids' workshop; mentoring sessions for works-in-progress; a book launch and family barbecue. Two open mic events and the closing gala were filled to capacity.

For more information and updates, please see the festival website at: www.northwordsfestival.ca .

PWAC National Conference & AGM A Huge Success

Thanks to the hard work of PWAC's host Vancouver Chapter, the National Conference Committee and PWAC's dedicated staff, the 2007 National Conference & AGM was one of the most picturesque, informative, delicious and connective in PWAC's 31 years.

Highlights included an engaging keynote address from prominent BC editor (and soon to be PWAC member) David Beers. Mr. Beers, editor of The Tyee, BC's independent online newspaper, outlined how the independent freelance writer is uniquely positioned to create the very best journalism being published today.

Heather Robertson's Friday lunchtime address concerning her ongoing legal fight in Robertson vs. Thomson et al. brought the assembled to their feet for a standing ovation. That morning's "PWAC should..." strategic planning sessions saw delegates and observers sharing ideas, opinions and insight with each other and with their national leadership through a well-researched "dotmocracy" exercise. Results of this session will be distilled and shared with the entire membership, and will lead discussion for the Board of Directors as they set priorities for the coming year.

Friday evening's pub-crawl through historic Gastown saw PWACers sampling some of the best appetizers and wines Vancouver has to offer. Special thanks to the exquisite So.Cial restaurant and the fantastic Shebeen Whiskey House (those blue cheese and honey things they were passing around? more please).

Lower Gastown was again the neighbourhood of choice on Saturday evening as we all gathered at the Alibi Room for the PWAC Awards Dinner. Congratulations to all of the 2007 award winners including Liz Warwick, winner of the Lawrence Jackson Outstanding Achievement Award and Valerie Mutton, winner of the Barbara Novak Writing Award for Excellence in Humour/Personal Essay Writing.

The evening was hilariously hosted by local member Dave Preston, and featured wine from Tinhorn Creek Winery, a delicious buffet dinner of local salmon and pork, chocolate and tarts for dessert, and music and dancing into the night. All this after a daylong schedule of fantastic professional development sessions and guest speakers. The Editors panel discussion saw four of BC's top editors share insights and tips with PWACers, and our Canada Research Chairs lunch speaker, Dr. Vincent Mosco brilliantly distilled organized labour's recent response to the growth of freelance cultural work.

Sunday saw PWAC take another long stride forward in our administrative evolution as we set a new land-speed record for the Annual General Meeting. PWAC's constitutionally mandated business was addressed in full detail in just under one-and-a-half hours, leaving plenty of time for important member discussion, a full lunch and the first PWAC Board of Director's meeting of the new association year.

Those who chose to stay on in Vancouver for an extra day were treated to a delightful train and coach tour to Whistler, BC on Monday. The tour arrived back in town just in time for interested participants to take in a reading by PWAC Executive Director, John Degen, who was promoting his recent novel at the UBC Bookstore in Robson Square.

All in all, casual feedback from the conference has been extremely positive, and PWAC will be asking attendees to complete a short post-conference evaluation in our continuing effort to respond to member opinion.

Thanks again to Jane Mundy, Beverly Cramp and the entire Vancouver organizing committee. On to Winnipeg in 08!

PWAC highlights at MagNet

To all freelance writer and writers-in-training thinking of passing through the big smoke in June. Make plans to attend MagNet, the magazine industry super conference.

PWAC is a partner in MagNet, helping to plan a professional development line-up designed to put freelance writers in touch with the Canadian magazine industry's most influential editors and publishers.

If you haven't already registered for this groundbreaking event, please do so right away -- the Early Bird Deadline is May 15.

All PWAC members are eligible for member pricing for the full conference (just another great reason to belong to PWAC, don't you think?), and affordable hotel rooms have been secured for those traveling to Toronto (you can stay at the conference venue, 89 Chestnut, for as little as $84/night for a single room and $94/night for a double.

Conference prices can be found at:

MagNet RateCard

Sessions include:

7-Minute Pitch: Speed Dating for Writers and Editors
Writers -- ever wondered what you'd say if you found yourself in an elevator with the editor of your dream magazine? Editors -- you know exactly what you want from a pitch; why don’t writers? Here's the chance for writers and editors to meet, put a face to a name, and inform each other of their talents and their needs. We will provide a room full of Canada's most influential and engaged magazine editors, some bottled water and a tight schedule. Writers have seven minutes with each editor to deliver a pitch (or pitches).

The Necessary Freelancer
More and more freelance writers are being used in the industry and yet a recent PWAC Survey Report found average annual incomes for freelance writers dropping over the last decade. It is time for serious discussion on the rates writers are paid, what is being bought for those rates, and how we as an industry can work together to maintain our overall economic health.

Whither Copyright? Rights and Compensation in Digital Use
How can magazines fairly compensate contributors for second-rights digital media use? Who owns magazine content? We all do! The Supreme Court has confirmed that writers own what they write and publishers own copyright in the layout and design of their product. As technology advances new uses for content, how can we make sure everyone profits? Join Rob Weisberg of Access Copyright as he untangles the legal issues around digital use and offers clear guidelines for a sound system of author compensation.

For full details, check out the MagNet website

Finkle fundraiser announced

All Toronto PWAC members not attending our National Conference in Vancouver are encouraged to get out and party with Derek Finkle on May 24th. The following press release contains all the relevant details:

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

TORONTO'S JOURNALISM COMMUNITY JOINS TOGETHER ON MAY 24 TO SUPPORT WRITER DEREK FINKLE'S LEGAL BATTLE

Canadian writers, journalists, and members of the publishing community are joining forces on Thursday, May 24 at WRITE AID, a fundraiser for Toronto author Derek Finkle in his legal fight against the subpoena ordering him to turn over all research material related to his writing on the Robert Baltovich case.

WRITE AID gets under way at 7:30 p.m. at Stones Place (1255 Queen Street West), and will include a live performance by 3 Chord Johnny, Toronto’s literary R&B band, featuring Toronto Life editor John Macfarlane, author and playwright David Macfarlane, and journalist and author David Hayes. The dancing will continue under the direction of DJ Dave Morris, Eye Weekly's music editor, and special guests.

Tickets are $25 in advance ($30 at the door) and can be purchased by going to www.WriteAid.ca.

In mid-October of last year, a subpoena was issued demanding that Derek Finkle turn over the research for his book No Claim to Mercy, which examines the controversial 1992 conviction of Robert Baltovich for the murder of his girlfriend, Elizabeth Bain. After a number of court appearances, on January 18, Finkle's lawyer, Iain MacKinnon, filed a motion to oppose the validity of the subpoena. In response, a two-day hearing is scheduled for May 29 and 30 before Mr. Justice David Watt, the Ontario Superior Court judge who will be presiding over Baltovich's retrial in September.

Finkle has been supported in his fight against the subpoena by PEN Canada, the Canadian Association of Journalists, The Writers' Union of Canada, the Professional Writers Association of Canada, and Canadian Journalists for Free Expression who have, through their own lawyer, John Norris, obtained intervenor status at the hearing.

For further information and interview requests, please contact Laura Sosin at 416-8730784 or email writeaid@sympatico.ca.

Longtime industry editor takes flight

PWAC wishes Bill Shields all the best as he departs his longtime stint as editor of Canada's magazine trade journal, Masthead. During Bill's tenure, Masthead has shown a real interest in the challenges of freelance writing in Canada.

Industry events won't be quite the same without Bill sidling up to folks and asking sneaky questions in his disarmingly friendly manner. Always an excellent editor, Bill has also been a tenacious reporter of industry news. Bill's number on the call display has always been a prompt to focus and make sure you have your story straight.

Bill leaves Masthead magazine to pursue other interests, including riding very fast on motorcycles and becoming a pilot.

Thanks to the Canadian Magazines blog for the tip.

Award winner, Heather Pringle teaching book proposals for PWAC

Congratulations to PWAC member Herather Pringle on her recent BC Book Prize. Ms. Pringle received the Hubert Evans Non-Fiction Prize for her book The Master Plan: Himmler's Scholars and the Holocaust (Viking Canada).

The win lends a little extra authority to Ms. Pringle's upcoming seminar presentation for PWAC -- Writing the Killer Book Proposal -- in which she will instruct writers on how to sell their book ideas to publishers.

The upcoming professional development day at PWAC's National Conference (Saturday, May 26) features 6 fascinating and informative seminars, plus a panel discussion with some of British Columbia's most influential editors, and a keynote address from David Beers, editor in chief of BC's brilliant alternative web magazine The Tyee.

Non-PWAC members are welcome to the Saturday conference line-up, and can register online at:

Public Registration

Awards Season

Finalists have been announced for both the Kenneth R. Wilson awards (for excellence in Canadian trade magazines) and the National Magazine Awards (for excellence in Canadian consumer magazines).

As usual, we find PWAC members listed among the writing finalists. Congratulations to the following PWACers:

Julie Stauffer - Finalist, Best Professional Article, KRW Awards
Eve Lazarus - Finalist, Best Retail Article, Best Merchandising/Marketing Article, KRW Awards
Graham Chandler - Finalist, Best Resource/Infrastructure Article, KRW Awards
Jim Middlemiss - Finalist, Best Profile of a Person, Best Regularly Featured Department or Column (2), Best Feature Article, KRW Awards
Kevin Marron - Finalist, Best Regularly Featured Department or Column, Best Feature Article, KRW Awards

Christopher Moore - Finalist, Columns, National Magazine Awards
Marci McDonald - Finalist, Investigative Reporting, Politics & Public Interest, National Magazine Awards
John Degen - Finalist, Service: Lifestyle, National Magazine Awards

Upcoming local PWAC events

Here is a short list of some upcoming PWAC local events:

Toronto, ON:
Mon. April 23, 7 - 8:30 pm: Copywriting - The ins and outs of breaking into the corporate market as a copywriter and writing ads, brochures and other marketing material.

Wed. May 16, 7 - 8:30 pm: Self-promotion - How to promote your name, work and reputation.

Location: Northern District Library (Room #200), 40 Orchardview Blvd. (west off Yonge, just north of Eglinton).

Time: 7:00 pm to 8:30 pm

Fee: PWAC members - Free; General public - pay what you can ($10 suggested)

St. John, NB
Writing Workshop: Beyond the First Draft with Russell Barton. The schedule for this weekend workshop begins Friday evening with readings, a question and answer period and a light lunch. On Saturday and Sunday, sessions look at various topics including recognizing your manuscript's viewpoint, editing and revisions as well as creating suspense through editing techniques and preparing a final packaging of your manuscript for agents and publishers. The facilitator for the workshop is Russell Barton, an award-winning author and editor with over 27 years of creative writing experience.

Open To: Members and non-members

Cost: $100.00 - includes textbooks, handouts, coffee and lunch in Saint John, NB

What is Stephen Harper reading?

Today, writers and artists will gather on Parliament Hill for what The Writers' Union of Canada is billing "an awakening." TWUC is leading a protest of sorts to draw the federal government's attention to the importance of the arts in Canada.

This awakening follows closely the Canada Council for the Arts' 50th Anniversary celebrations in Ottawa.

One Canadian writer has come up with a unique strategy for helping Stephen Harper's government to a greater appreciation of writing and the arts. Yann Martel, who was present for the CC's 50th celebration (and unimpressed by the government response) has built a website dedicated to filling Stephen Harper's bookcase. As he writes:

For as long as Stephen Harper is Prime Minister of Canada, I vow to send him every two weeks, mailed on a Monday, a book that has been known to expand stillness. That book will be inscribed and will be accompanied by a letter I will have written. I will faithfully report on every new book, every inscription, every letter, and any response I might get from the Prime Minister, on this website.

The first book on Mr. Harper's new reading list is The Death of Ivan Ilych, by Leo Tolstoy. We await a full report.

Thanks to THIS Magazine for the tip.

PWAC founder June Callwood dies at 82

June Callwood passed away at a Toronto hospital this weekend. She was 82 years old when she died.

Despite failing health, Ms. Callwood gave an inspiring speech to a packed house at last month's Writers' Trust Awards at the St. Lawrence Centre in Toronto. She received a standing ovation.

PWAC is among the many organizations and services helped into being by the inimitable June Callwood. Ms. Callwood's is the second name on PWAC's original Letters Patent from 1976, and she was active in the organization for more than twenty years.

Obituaries can be found in The Globe and Mail and the Toronto Star.

American novelist Kurt Vonnegut dies

The death yesterday of American fiction giant Kurt Vonnegut is today's top Internet story:

CBC.ca

The New York Times

The Guardian

BBC News

Vonnegut.com

"fools, knaves, blowhards and nuts."

Over at cbc.ca, columnist Heather Mallick is writing about the effect of blogs, unmoderated comment threads and social networking sites like Facebook.com on our society's relationship with free speech and the act of writing.

Here's a sample:

There is wonderful writing online, but it is frequently thoughtless and foul, racist and frightening. It is so free that blogs, chat lines and talk threads are often the chosen destination for embittered, deranged people, repelling the intelligent readers who were supposed to make the internet a new haven for humanity.

Sub-contracted writing?

This very strange story comes from the Canadian Magazines blog.

Someone has been advertising on the New York Craigslist for a ghostwriter for magazine stories.

It seems the contracting writer has more story ideas than s/he can possibly write. The ghostwriter is expected to surrender copyright to the work, and expect no byline. The pay is below 40 cents per word.

Is this writer as exploiter, or the return of the old apprentice system? After all, Rembrandt didn't do all his underpainting, but it's still his name on the canvas.

Thanks to PWAC Quebec President, Craig Silverman for tipping the CMblog. Craig, if you want a mention on PWAC's blog, you can contact us directly.

NB: If this is an April fool's joke, everyone cheated. The Craigslist ad is dated in March, and the CanMag posting is dated today.

How they do things down south

PWAC provides its members with a formal intervention procedure to help in instances of non-payment, late-payment or any other misunderstanding between writers and their clients. It is polite and professional, and for the most part PWAC is able to facilitate some sort of resolution.

PWAC hopes to formalize this process even further for the entire industry through our Industry Task Force project (currently in the "awaiting funding" phase).

In the meantime, it's interesting to take note of how other writing markets handle the same issues. The American website Writers Weekly ran a piece last summer entitled Do You Owe Writers Money? Advice For Deadbeats!.

Here are some highlights:

First, know there are three types of deadbeats. There is Deadbeat #1, who is actually not really a deadbeat. This is someone who started a business, got in over his or her head, and is desperately trying to earn the money to pay off the mounting bills. Then there is Deadbeat #2, someone who had good intentions initially, but who now thinks he doesn't have to pay his bills because he's not making any money. And then there is Deadbeat #3 - a true criminal who may have started out like deadbeats number 1 or 2, but who now intentionally hires freelancers with no intention of paying them at all.

What should you do if writers start posting complaints about you online? What should your response be if the press contacts you? First, research the United States Constitution, particularly Freedom of Speech. Some people think it's illegal for someone to post their experiences about a company online. It's very legal, provided the poster tells the truth.

Basically, it all boils down to this. If you owe someone money and then get hostile, make up excuses, and lie, your reputation is toast.

But, if you apologize, immediately try to right your wrong, and take quick action to correct your mistakes, things will turn out just fine in the end.

Very Little for Independent Cultural Workers in Federal Budget

After high-level consultation with the federal government, the Professional Writers Association of Canada (PWAC) was looking for more focused support for cultural professionals than appears in yesterday's federal budget.

At its National Conference in Ottawa last May, PWAC shared the disquieting results of a comprehensive Canadian Professional Writers Survey with the current government through meetings with the Department of Canadian Heritage and the Ministry of Labour. The report's recommendations included specific tax incentives for the creation of Canadian written content.

As a representative of small business owners, PWAC acknowledges potential benefits to our members from new provincial transfers, the capital cost allowance and increased funding for skills training, but remains disappointed that the importance of cultural workers to the overall economy is not addressed.

"What's really missing from this budget," former PWAC President Tracey Arial notes, "is a recognition that self-employed creators are important knowledge economy workers. Cultural sector investment pays this country back at an incredible rate of return, yet professional creators remain economically threatened."

PWAC has also advocated strongly for increased and sustained funding for all Canadian cultural workers through the Canada Council for the Arts. PWAC remains committed to working with this government to strengthen Canada's vital cultural economic sector.

PWAC, established in 1976, is the national organization representing 600 freelance writers and journalists in Canada.

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More information:

John Degen, Executive Director
jdegen@pwac.ca
(416) 504-1645

Conrad Black -- patron to all writers?

It would be difficult to find a professional writer in Canada who has not received some sort of a pay cheque from Conrad Black at one time or another.

As Lord Black defends himself in a Chicago courtroom, thousands of former employees watch and wait with him. Here is one scribe's note of support, from The Observer:

My debt to Mr Black

Writers headline artist gathering in Ottawa

The Canada Council is being thrown a big party in Ottawa next week, and writers are front and centre. Here's the release:

Fifty of Canada's most outstanding artists - including writers Michael Ondaatje, Yann Martel and Nicole Brossard, visual artists Mary Pratt and Joe Fafard, actors/directors Martha Henry and Albert Millaire, and dancers/choreographers Marie Chouinard and John Alleyne - will be in Ottawa on March 27-28 to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the Canada Council for the Arts.

The Canada Council, Canada's national arts funding agency, was created by Parliament on March 28, 1957, and the Council has designated Wednesday, March 28, 2007 as "A Day of the Arts".

Each of the 50 artists will represent a different year in the Canada Council's history, from actor Jean-Louis Roux (1957) to violinist Marc Djokic (2006). The artists will come from across the country, and from all areas of the arts.

Highlights of the Day for the Arts will include:

A reception hosted by the Speaker of the Senate and the Speaker of the House of Commons on March 27 for Parliamentarians and representatives of the arts community (by invitation only).

A mentoring conference with aspiring artists from high schools, universities and colleges in the National Capital region. The students will have an opportunity to interact with the artists in plenary sessions and workshops and learn what it is like to make a career in the arts. The conference will take place on March 28 from 10 a.m. to 12:30 in the Panorama and Fountain rooms of the National Arts Centre, and will include an informal lunch. This event is open to the media and will include a photo opportunity with the participating artists.

Recognition of the artists in the House of Commons on March 28.

A dinner at Rideau Hall on March 28, hosted by Her Excellency the Right Honourable Michaëlle Jean, Governor General of Canada, and Mr. Jean-Daniel Lafond (by invitation only).

Karen Kain, Chair of the Canada Council and Artistic Director of the National Ballet of Canada, will participate in the activities and speak at the mentoring conference.

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Online Censorship, Threats to Free Expression, and the Implications for Copyright

At PWAC's annual general meeting in Ottawa last May, members held a spirited, passionate discussion over concerns that certain Internet companies were playing fast and loose on free expression and human rights in their dealings with the government of China.

Here's a quick round-up of recent related items:

Dissident's Wife Says She Will Sue Yahoo

Yu Ling, the wife of imprisoned Chinese dissident Wang Xianoning has announced that she will sue US-based Yahoo because information they provided to the Chinese government from their Hong Kong office helped in the arrest and imprisonment of Xianoning. See the full story at Voice of America.

Exporting Censorship

Techno-journalist, Xeni Jardin reports in the New York Times on how many American Internet technologies are being used by other governments to control and censor their citizens' Internet experience. She writes:

"One of our most laudable national goals is the export of free speech and free information, yet American companies are selling censorship. While some advocates of technology rights have proposed consumer boycotts and Congressional action to pressure these firms into responsible conduct, a good first step would be adding filtering technologies to the United States Munitions List, an index of products for which exporters have to file papers with the State Department. While this won't end such sales, it will bring them to light and give the public and lawmakers a better basis on which to consider stronger steps."

"If American companies are already obligated to disclose the sale of bombs and guns to repressive regimes, why not censorware?"

Google's Book Search

The Toronto Star recently reprinted a Financial Times editorial, taking search engine giant Google to task for "playing fast and loose with the intellectual property of others in order to attract users to its services."

The editorial states:

"Blather about it being in the public interest for the world's information to be made searchable is beside the point. Companies, especially powerful ones, cannot get away with riding roughshod over the wishes of smaller enterprises just because it suits them. Microsoft has discovered that painfully over the years. Now it is Google's turn."

Some free opinion:

The public interest is often cited in a lot of the digital media issues with which PWAC engages, such as copyright reform and publishing contracts. Writers are forever being told it is in both their own and the public interest to have their writing distributed as widely and freely as possible... as if this is something working writers might not understand.

As all of these stories illustrate, the public interest does not have a particularly stable definition, nor does it refer to a public separate and distinct from the industrial sectors it contains.

PWAC feels it is in the public interest for society to maintain a financially viable population of independent writers, even as it encourages greater and easier access to information. And one of the ways society can balance these important concerns is with strong copyright protection for its writers.

We see in the New York Times piece how censorship and selective filtering of Internet searches is one way the public interest can be subverted in its own name. Denial of individual copyright protection over one's own writing is certainly another.

PWAC Fills 2007 Conference Schedule With Professional Development, High-Profile Speakers and Awards

PWAC has completed the essential scheduling for its National Conference 2007 in Vancouver BC (May 24-27).

Keynote speaker David Beers, editor-in-chief of British Columbia's ground-breaking online journal The Tyee kicks off a very full weekend of professional development opportunities, pub crawls, parties and award presentations as PWAC begins its fourth decade in style in sunny (?) Vancouver.

PWAC member Heather Robertson will give a lunch talk, detailing her recent Supreme Court of Canada experience, and where her class-action lawsuit about digital rights is going from here.

Other events include a writer/editor panel discussion on media independence, and a full slate of professional development seminars on freelance writing for beginners and veterans alike. Many of the PD events are open to the public.

Keep checking our public page about the Conference for details as we add them.

PWAC would like to thank its PWAC National Conference Sponsors:

Access Copyright,

Magazines Canada,

Westjet,

Delta Hotels,

Opus Hotel,

Sutton Place Hotels,

Tinhorn Creek Wines,

Simon Fraser University Harbour Centre,

Rocky Mountaineer Tours,

Canada Research Chairs.

Self-marketing tips for freelance writers

Longtime PWAC member, Paul Lima is a freelance writer, writing coach and author of The Six-Figure Freelancer: How to Find, Price, and Manage Corporate Writing Assignments. He finds it ironic that while most freelancers could write marketing material for a client without any problem, they often hesitate to use those same skills to market themselves and their own business as writers.

He has put together a five-part plan for improved self-marketing, called Place Five Arrows in Your Marketing Quiver.

PWAC members will find it here (on the Professional Development Materials page in the members-only section of the site -- password required).

Non-members might want to check out this page.

Visit Paul online at www.paullima.com.

PWAC founder June Callwood honoured with Writers' Trust award

June Callwood received the Writers' Trust Award for Distinguished Contribution last night in a ceremony celebrating the best in Canadian writing. Her acceptance speech referenced her long career as both a writer and a social activist.

"If any of you happens to see an injustice," she said, "you are no longer a spectator, you are a participant, and you have an obligation to do something."

Callwood was among 11 Canadian freelancers who came together in 1976 to create what was then known as the Periodical Writers Association of Canada.

Full details of last night's awards can be found in this Toronto Star article.

Information about The Writers' Trust and the great work they do on behalf of all Canadian writers can be found at their website.

PWAC Board of Directors brave Toronto storm

(PWAC photo from Flickr)

PWAC's entire Board of Directors made their way to Toronto for two full days of meetings this past weekend. Especially dedicated directors Kate Merlin (Atlantic RD) and Sandy Crawley (Treasurer) also attended the Access Copyright annual general meeting on Friday morning, where Sandy was elected to the AC Board of Directors as PWAC's nominee.

Meetings all day Saturday and Sunday at PWAC's National Office covered all of PWAC's current business including ongoing planning for the Vancouver National Conference and the many efforts PWAC is making to improve the freelance writing business in Canada.

Full meeting minutes will be available soon in the member-only section of our website.

PWAC staff wants to thank our dedicated volunteer board for their leadership and direction. The board members are (standing left to right) Bruce Wilson, Quebec RD, Tanya Gulliver, Ontario RD, Suzanne Boles, President, Kate Merlin, Atlantic RD, Gordon Graham, Past President, Tracy-Lyn Moland, Prairies & the North RD, Bev Cramp, BC RD; (and front row) Carolyn Gibson, Vice-President, Sandy Crawley, Treasurer.

Doris Anderson, giant of Canadian periodical writing and editing, dies at 85

Doris Anderson passed away last Friday in a Toronto hospital. She was 85.

A detailed obituary appeared in Friday's Globe and Mail.

As editor of Chatelaine magazine for approximately twenty years, Ms. Anderson was a giant in the world of Canadian periodical writing. From her editor's desk, Ms. Anderson called for more women in Parliament, and even ran for office herself. She was a key figure in the fight to include women's rights in the Canadian constitution.

As D. B. Scott writes on the Canadian Magazines blog:

"... she will always be remembered as the woman who gave the term "women's magazine" a new meaning for a whole generation of Canadian women and who provided a platform for some of the best women magazine writers in this country."

Interesting public dialogue between freelancers and editors

In the spirit of the Magazine Industry Task Force PWAC will be leading in the coming year, we bring you this snippet of dialogue posted on the excellent Canadian Magazines blog.

It is a recent exchange on an e-mail list frequented by both Toronto freelance writers and magazine editors. It shows, as does the task force project, that the industry is ready to talk about how we work with each other:

I know every editor is overworked, but why isn't it a high priority to deal in a timely fashion with queries - from the people who fill your publication with its valuable content? If an editor receives an obviously unpromising query, why can't a boilerplate "Thank you for thinking of us but your idea doesn't meet our editorial needs at this time" be a keystroke away? (a freelance writer)

There's also the issue of how to politely turn down the terrible writer who queries every week with a completely useless idea. Sometimes you get query fatigue and hope the person will take the hint and just go away (not the most common scenario, but it does happen). (an editor)

Please go to the CanMags link above to see more of the exchange.

PWAC National Executive meeting this weekend

PWAC Executive members Tracy-Lyn Moland, Kate Merlin, Tanya Gulliver and Associate Director Clare Leporati at September 2006 Executive meetings in Toronto.

PWAC's governing body will meet this coming weekend in the National Office boardroom in Toronto. This represents the third of four National Executive meetings for the 2006/07 PWAC year, with the final meeting scheduled for the National Conference in Vancouver in May.

Your hard-working elected Executive have two full-day agendas in front of them, with discussion of every PWAC priority project and committee on the schedule.

A number of PWAC Executive members will also be attending the Access Copyright annual general meeting this coming Friday.

Minutes of the Executive meetings will be posted in the Members-Only section of the website soon after the meetings.

PWAC's Application for Intervention Accepted into Baltovich Trial

An affidavit signed by PWAC Ontario Regional Director Tanya Gulliver was this morning accepted as an intervention in the ongoing Robert Baltovich trial in Ontario.

PWAC has joined with the Canadian Association of Journalists, Canadian Journalists for Free Expression, The Writers' Union of Canada and PEN Canada in support of an application to quash a subpoena issued to Toronto writer and editor Derek Finkle.

Derek Finkle is the author of No Claim to Mercy, a book about the first Baltovich trial. He was served with a subpoena in October compelling him to produce "all documents or notes" related to the trial.

PWAC's intervention states, among other things, that "a party seeking access to a writer's work product should be required to specify detailed particulars of the material sought... and the relevance of the material to an issue at trial."

For more details about this issue, please see PWAC's media release from last week.

Google sues Polish poets over URL

Google, the mighty Internet search engine company, which has recently been criticized by creator groups for a somewhat clumsy approach to the concept of intellectual property (see this New Yorker article for an excellent overview), is suing a group of Polish poets over ownership of the URL gmail.pl.

Almost everywhere else in the world gmail stands for Google Mail, a powerful e-mail tool offered by the search engine. The company, however, did not register its URL in Poland, much to the delight of GMAIL, the Grupa Mlodych Artystow i Literatow (Group of Young Artists and Writers) who were pleased to be able to register a domain in their acronym.

Read the full story at this link. And here's a somewhat ironic excerpt:

"We bought the name legally, with our own money. Nobody gave it to us for free. We refuse to be deprived of what we consider is our property."

Krawczyk said that Google had not proposed a financial settlement.

"Their lawyer told me that his client had no intention of paying for something which belonged to him," she claimed.

Investing in quality news product increases profit

From a recent Reuters news report:

"If you lower the amount of money spent in the newsroom, then pretty soon the news product becomes so bad that you begin to lose money."

While the study focuses primarily on the loss of staff jobs within newspaper newsrooms, the findings do suggest that in print media (and presumably digital text-based media), money spent on the writing is an investment toward overall profit.

The report continues:

"I am delighted to see them post proof that quality precedes profit," Philip Meyer, a professor at the University of North Carolina and author of the book "The Vanishing Newspaper," said of the study.

"I don't share the authors' confidence that the industry will appreciate the importance of their result and act on it," he added. "Too many owners are more interested in harvesting than investing."

Thanks to bookninja for the tip.

ACTRA's digital negotiations

The Professional Writers Association of Canada is closely monitoring developments in the recent labour dispute between ACTRA, representing 21,000 television, film and radio performers, and producers from the film and television industry.

As has been widely reported, one of the central issues in the strike is the use of performances with new media such as the Internet and cell phones.

"Canada's freelance writers face similar challenges," says PWAC President Suzanne Boles," and therefore we are very sympathetic to ACTRA's position on digital media."

"PWAC has documented a direct parallel between the rise of written content use in new media and the decline in writers' overall incomes," added Executive Director John Degen. "Canada's creators must not be expected to subsidize the growth of the new media business model by sacrificing earnings."

PWAC, established in 1976, is the national organization representing 600 professional freelance writers and journalists in Canada.

More information:

Suzanne Boles, PWAC President
suzanne@writeconnection.org

John Degen, Executive Director
jdegen@pwac.ca
(416) 504-1645

TORO to cease publication

image courtesy of TORO

A minor earthquake hit Canada's magazine industry today as TORO, a high-end men's title distributed in the Globe &Mail, announced it will cease publication immediately. The March issue, already prepared, will not be distributed. TORO's announcement to contributers delivered the sad news while assuring that work already completed for the magazine will be paid for. The TORO offices will remain open until February 23.

Canada Council turns 50!

image courtesy of the Canada Council

The Canada Council for the Arts has launched a new website focused on their 50th anniversary.

2007 is a year to consider the last 50 years of Council-supported Canadian arts and culture.

Professional Writers Association of Canada members, many of whom have received direct support from the Council through individual grants or block grants to their publishers, will also be celebrating the continued operating support the CC provides to Canada's National Arts Service Organizations. PWAC's important work in the service of Canada's freelance writers has long been recognized and supported by the Canada Council.

Here are details from the CC's press release about their new site:

2007 is the 50th anniversary of the Canada Council for the Arts. For five decades, the Council has given Canadians access to their own stories through the imagination of artists in every corner of the country.

Want to know more about Canadian artists?

Check out the artists' stories and historical timeline.

Looking for arts events in your area?

The Council has up-to-date information on arts events, including over 100 events across Canada dedicated to the Council's 50th anniversary.

The 50 for 50 Arts Challenge!

Seek out 50 special arts experiences this year that will put you in closer touch with the artistic life of your community. Tell us about your experiences at 50@canadacouncil.ca. You may see your contribution on the web!

Enjoy our 50th anniversary web site. Share this information with friends and colleagues. www.50.canadacouncil.ca

PWAC Intervening on Behalf of Writer Derek Finkle

The Professional Writers Association of Canada has joined with Canadian Journalists for Free Expression (CJFE), the Canadian Association of Journalists (CAJ), PEN Canada and The Writers Union of Canada (TWUC) as official interveners in the Robert Baltovich trial now being heard in a Toronto courtroom.

PWAC's intervention is on behalf of Toronto writer and editor Derek Finkle who has been subpoenaed by the court to turn over all of his research materials for the book No Claim to Mercy. Mr. Finkle wrote the book about the original Baltovich trial, and it contains information attained through confidential interviews with various sources, including the accused.

PWAC supports Mr. Finkle's contention that neither the prosecution nor the defence should use his confidential work; and rather that agents of the court should present their own investigative work at trial. Mr. Baltovich remains free on bail as he appeals his controversial earlier conviction in the murder of Elizabeth Bain.

The hearing on the subpoena continues on February 19th, and PWAC will be present in support of Mr. Finkle.

More journalists pressured to reveal sources

Macleans.ca is today reporting that lawyers for Maher Arar have suggested it is now time for reporters to reveal the confidential sources for reports about government information on Arar's alleged terrorism links.

In an article posted today, Chris Selley writes:

By far the more common reading is that [the media] provided a forum for the series of government leaks that cast vague - and not-so-vague - aspersions on Arar both before and after he was freed by Syria in October 2003. And now, the lawyer who represented Arar in his lawsuit against the federal government is calling on the journalists involved to take it upon themselves to reveal those sources.

PWAC continues its active involvement in this issue with support of Toronto journalist Derek Finkle, who has been subpoenaed by an Ontario court to reveal source material for a book he wrote about the Robert Baltovich trial.

Join PWAC in Vancouver, May 24-27

Heather Robertson and David Beers to Address PWAC in Vancouver

The 2007 PWAC National Conference and AGM in spectacular downtown Vancouver, is shaping up to be another must-attend event for Canadian writing and publishing professionals.

Our keynote speaker will be David Beers, founder and editor of BC's groundbreaking and influential web-based magazine The Tyee.

Beers is the former editor of Mother Jones magazine. Over the past two decades, his work has been published in magazines including Harper's, The Los Angeles Times Magazine and The New York Times Magazine. In 1993, The Crash of Blue Sky California won him a Canadian National Magazine Award for best essay and became the foundation for his book, Blue Sky Dream. In 1994, We're No Angels -- which outlined his dissatisfaction with Vancouver as a "post-modern fantasy city" -- was a finalist for the same award.

As well, PWAC member and heroine Heather Robertson will be on hand to deliver a "report to the class" concerning last October's Supreme Court of Canada decision in Heather Robertson et al vs. Thomson Corp. et al, the fundamental digital copyright test case in defense of writers' rights.

Other events include a writer/editor panel discussion on media independence, and a full slate of professional development seminars on freelance writing for beginners and veterans alike.

As always, PWAC will be celebrating our fabulous volunteers and award-winning members with our annual Saturday evening Awards Dinner (and dance).

It all takes place right in the heart of one of Canada's most picturesque cities. All meetings and seminars will be held at the Simon Fraser University Harbour Centre, and guest rooms for all budgets are available at both the downtown Delta Hotel and the YWCA.

Registration costs and information on how to sign up will follow by mid-February, but in the meantime, book May 24-27th in your schedule.

PWAC would like to thank Access Copyright and Magazines Canada once again for their generous support of our National Conference.

NB: Travel to the PWAC National Conference &AGM is being sponsored by WestJet, who are offering a discounted fare to Vancouver from any WestJet boarding point for all conference attendees. If you wish to book your flight now you should complete and submit a booking request form. Booking request forms available from PWAC National Office at info@pwac.ca. WestJet’s flight schedule can be accessed on their website -- www.westjet.com

PWAC member blog up for award

Congratulations to PWAC-Quebec Chapter President Craig Silverman whose popular media-related web-log regrettheerror.com is a finalist for Best Canadian Web Log in the 7th Annual Bloggies (web log awards).

Regret the Error tracks and publicizes media errors and corrections, and publishes and annual "best-of" list called The Crunks.

If you wanted to help Craig win this award, and we know you do, you can vote for Regret the Error at the Bloggy link above.

Writers' Union criticizes Supreme Court decision

In a press release loaded to their website yesterday. The Writer's Union of Canada criticizes the Supreme Court of Canada for missing free speech implications in the long-running case of Vancouver's Little Sister's Bookstore.

From the release:

In 1990 Little Sister's Bookstore, a gay and lesbian bookstore in Vancouver, launched an action against Canada Customs with respect to its seizing books and magazines destined for the store -- materials that Canada Customs claimed were "obscene."

The latest decision of the SCC deals with an issue of advance funding for the bookstore in their ongoing dispute with Canada Customs. Read the full release at the TWUC site.

Was the 2006 Giller Prize rigged?

In a column on the Geist magazine website, Stephen Henighan suggests the 2006 Giller Prize (awarded to Vincent Lam for Bloodletting and Other Miraculous Cures) was a case of the old guard acting as kingmaker.

Interestingly, one of the "old guard" to whom Henighan refers, Alice Munro, has a story published in the latest issue of Geist. Coincidence?

Thanks to the Canadian Magazines blog for the tip.

PWAC stands behind writer

Toronto witer and editor Derek Finkle was back in court yesterday morning, where his lawyer presented a motion to quash a subpoena demanding the notes and research material from Finkle's book No Claim to Mercy, about the Robert Baltovich murder trial.

Quoted today in the Globe & Mail, Mr. Finkle said "This issue goes beyond me. This affects all journalists and their ability to gather information. If I had known that all the research material I gathered over four or five years was going to be used for the purpose of prosecuting someone -- or for any other purpose at all -- I probably wouldn't have written the book."

PWAC attended the proceedings yesterday, in support of Mr. Finkle, and we will be back in court when the matter resumes on February 19th.

Toronto retreat for writers

Writers looking for some concentrated "away" time to start, continue or finish a particular project are encouraged to apply to the Gibraltar Point International Artist Residency Program for Summer 07.

In this juried program, accepted applicants are given a private bedroom and a private work studio for the entire month of June 2007, in an exclusive arts centre on Toronto Island. All meals are provided. The only responsibility of the artist is to work.

Gibraltar Point provides a unique locale for the work of a writer as it is secluded, private and wild, yet just minutes from the heart of downtown Toronto by ferry.

PWACers have participated in this program in the past, and it is highly recommended.

The deadline for applications for the coming session is February 21st.

How much, exactly?

Maclean's magazine columnist Paul Wells, who gave a very entertaining keynote at our Ottawa conference last May, has published a very interesting detail indeed on his popular web log, Inkless Wells.

Talking up some recent changes to the main Maclean's website, Wells wrote (emphasis ours):

Those of you who come straight here to your bookmarked Inkless home-away-from-home will have missed many changes to our main macleans.ca page, spearheaded mostly by Adam but with substantial input from our boss Ken Whyte, who is frequently reminded by his bosses that Rogers makes a lot of money on this internet thing and that it should seek to do more.

So, bottom line: if you're only reading Maclean's on paper, you're not capturing the complete Maclean's experience.

Does this signal the official death of "well, no-one really knows how to make money from web content yet, so we can't pay you for those rights" as the standard reason to not compensate freelance writers for their web rights. And this freelancer is excited to anticipate the announcement that Rogers Media will be leading the industry into a new era of fair compensation for valuable web content.

Thanks to Chris for the tip.

Writer back in court

Derek Finkle, a Toronto witer and editor, returns to court Thursday, January 18th to continue his fight against an order demanding he turn over research notes, interview transcripts and confidential source information to prosecutors in an infamous murder case.

PWAC will attend the latest hearing and continue to monitor this case in support of Mr. Finkle's right to protect his source material.

the value of good writing

A recent piece in the New York Times suggests the experience of reading a high-end print magazine remains valuable even in today's digitally-mad media landscape.

From the article (by David Carr):

Magazines that are prospering now offer an environment that cannot be replicated online. You cannot open your browser and have an experience akin to the September issue of Vogue, with its hundreds of pages of brutally trendy ads mixed in with aspirational articles. The thingness of a magazine, its physical properties, have become increasingly important.

That is part of the reason that Conde Nast is betting tens of millions on a new high-end business magazine -- Portfolio -- at a time when the Web is full of every manner of business information being pushed and pulled at and by consumers.

Of course, the 'thingness' of a great magazine starts with great writing.

Thanks to the Canadian Magazines blog for the tip on this article.

The value of writers

After years of consultation and research, the government of Ontario has released its official report on the Status of the Artist. PWAC contributed to the creation of this report through consultation and ongoing advocacy.

The report is essentially a wide-ranging call for improvement of the socio-economic status of working creators, including freelance writers; a recognition of the valuable and measurable economic and cultural impact professional creators have on society; and an important step toward meaningful Status of the Artist legislation in Ontario. A strong Status Act in Ontario would help writers across Canada, since many of the major Canadian writing markets have their corporate headquarters in the province.

Here are a couple of recommendations from the Executive Summary of the report:

LEGISLATION TO IMPROVE ARTISTS' SOCIO-ECONOMIC STATUS

That the Minister of Culture introduce legislation that formally recognizes the unique economic and social contributions of Ontario's artists. This legislation should also include:

-- A range of tax benefits which will reflect the unique nature of artistic activities and encourage new creative output in Ontario, e.g., a provincial tax credit based on a range of eligible expenses; expansion of the existing PST exemption program to ensure more artists have access to the program, and that more supplies are subject to the exemption

-- Measures to provide standard protection for children in the performing arts.

COLLECTIVE BARGAINING

That the Ministry of Culture establish a time-limited process where parties with a direct interest in any mandatory collective bargaining regime are invited to meet with representatives of the Ministry of Culture and the Ministry of Labour to work toward consensus.

PWAC repeats our call to Ontario Culture Minister, The Honourable Caroline di Cocco to introduce meaningful legislation, including a collective bargaining component, before the next provincial election.

You can download a PDF of the full report by clicking the link below:

REPORT ON THE SOCIO-ECONOMIC STATUS OF THE ARTIST IN ONTARIO IN THE 21 ST CENTURY

Steelworkers support creators

The United Steelworkers union (USW) has announced their support for the ACTRA strike. The strike focuses on the issue of digital usage of creator work, and the USW makes a clear call for fair compensation for digital uses.

Here is the complete press release:

9 JANUARY 2007
STEELWORKERS STAND BEHIND STRIKING CANADIAN ACTORS:
ACTRA negotiations plummet

TORONTO -- United Steelworkers' (USW) National Director Ken Neumann said Tuesday that the first strike in 64 years by Canada's film and television performers would not have begun if independent producers recognized the value they get from Canadian performers.

"Some producers have already come to their senses and signed interim agreements with the Alliance of Canadian Cinema, Television and Radio Artists (ACTRA,) which allows current productions to continue," said Neumann. "But the Canadian Film and Television Production Association (CFTPA) is reacting by threatening to take ACTRA to court, not only calling the agreements illegal, but even calling into question ACTRA's right to represent actors."

USW and ACTRA have a formalized strategic alliance that includes working together on public policy, organizing, education and mutual support in the case of labour disputes. The alliance was signed at the USW International Convention in April, 2005.

Neumann said CFTPA's actions call into question its commitment to ensuring that current productions are able to complete their schedules.

"The CFTPA's position is about as destructive as it gets," he said. "Producers can demand all the tax incentives and preferential conditions they want, but without actors there isn't going to be a show. These workers must be paid fairly for their talent and skills."

With a major sticking point being use of performances in such new media as the internet, the two sides were unable to reach agreement on how residuals would work.

"The future of our careers is based on how payment is made down the line," said veteran Canadian actor Eric Peterson. "Performances are like styrofoam. They last forever -- on film, on DVD and now the internet. We don't work for free in movies or on television, and we won't work for free on the internet."

Neumann said Steelworkers will support ACTRA in any way they can for as long as the dispute continues. "If there are picket lines we will be there. This is about Canadian culture and Canadian workers' rights. It's as simple as that."

In Canada, the USW represents more than 280,000 men and women working in every sector of the economy. ( www.actra.ca ; www.usw.ca )

-30-

CONTACT: Ken Neumann 416.487.1571; 416.558.2510

Creators' Rights Watch

With a 97.6 percent strike vote, ACTRA, the union representing 21,000 television, film and radio performers has advised members not to report to work until fair compensation for digital use (cellphones, internet, etc.) are negotiated with producers. The Toronto Star has a full report on the state of the strike, including productions who have signed agreements with ACTRA to avoid work stoppage.

Digital use compensation is also at the heart of many freelance writer contract disputes, and was in fact the centre of the recently decided Supreme Court of Canada appeal in the Heather Robertson vs.Thomson Corp. class action.

Welcome to PWAC's New Blog

As you can see, PWAC has migrated our popular writing industry blog onto our beautiful new website.

All of the content from the old blog is, unfortunately, not available to you in these archives, but we have placed a link to the old blog in the right hand menu, and that will allow you to seek out and re-read all of your favorite PWAC postings from months past. And who wouldn't want to do something like that?

upcoming seminars (Toronto)

Start planning your New Year's professsional development. If you are in Toronto over the next couple of months, be sure to spend an evening at the Northern District Library with PWAC-Toronto, who always have a fabulous event on offer:

Wed. January 17, 2007, 7 pm to 8:30 pm:
Specialist or Generalist: Jack-of-All-Trades or Master of One.
Should freelancers specialize in one particular area or try to cover a wide, general body of knowledge? Find out what our informed panelists, some of Canada's most successful freelance writers, think and do.

Thurs. February 22, 2007, 7 pm to 8:30 pm:
Professional Interviewing Techniques
Tips on how to get information from subjects, featuring experienced journalists and others who interview for a living, such as police officers, psychologists, and so on.

Location:
Northern District Library (Room #200), 40 Orchardview Blvd. (west off Yonge, just north of Eglinton)

Cost:
PWAC members - Free; General public - pay what you can ($10 suggested pay at the door)

Afterwards:
Join the panelists, PWAC members. and other writers for Cheers with Peers in the Manchester Arms pub--conveniently located downstairs from the library.

Details:
www.networds.ca

... and remember to keep an eye on your local PWAC chapter website for information on upcoming events in your area.

Promising New Year

Happy New Year to all PWAC blog readers. We start 2007 with a bang:

The Canadian Magazines blog has proposed a New Year's resolution for the entire Canadian magazine industry -- raise the rates for freelance writing.

Read all about it here.

Thanks once again to D.B. Scott over at Canadian Magazines for championing the rates issue. Our two blogs referred to each other and linked up often in 2006, setting up an unprecedented dialogue between the writing and publishing corners of the industry. Here's hoping for much more of that in 2007!

And please note -- PWAC's blog will very soon be switching to a new format. At the launch of PWAC's brand new website, this blog will be incorporated fully into the PWAC homepage, and will look significantly different. Keep an eye out for the switch and follow us to our new look and location. We'll give you plenty of warning and we'll leave a trail of breadcrumbs.

holiday fun

PWAC-Quebec Chapter President Craig Silverman has published a listing of 2006's greatest media errors and corrections (called The Crunks) on his very entertaining website Regret The Error.

Here's a holiday baking tip from The Crunks:

From the Daily Press of Newport News, Virginia:

A correction in this column Thursday about a June 14 Taste section recipe for French coconut pie incorrectly suggested that the recipe called for a pint of vodka. The accompanying recipe for homemade vanilla extract uses the vodka. The pie recipe then calls for one tablespoon of extract. Here's the corrected recipe for vanilla extract, adapted from Lacy Smith's "Sugar Daddy's Treats": Drop one vanilla bean in a one-pint bottle of vodka, and six months later, you have vanilla extract.

and not unrelated...

From The Oregonian:

A headline on Page One on Saturday should have made clear that Oregon Health &Science University will be studying the effects of meth, not cooking it.

The Crunks has been mentioned and/or linked to by many media outlets across North America, and Mr. Silverman appeared this morning on CBC Radio's The Current, reading a selection of his favorite 2006 media errors.

CFU Release

The Canadian Freelance Union has sent out the following release, in support of PWAC's call for freelance writers to NOT sign Sun Media's (a Quebecor company) latest contract:

Freelance writers say 'no' to Quebecor's rights-grabbing contract

OTTAWA, Dec. 13

Canadian Freelance Union (CFU) is deeply concerned about recent actions of Quebecor Media over its treatment of independent freelance writers.

Small independent writers are being forced to sign away virtually all rights to their work without reasonable compensation or even recognition of the value they bring to the newspaper. This is unfair and unacceptable, says CFU President Michael OReilly.

"Quebecor is one of Canada's largest media giants. It has revenue of over $6.3 billion worldwide, yet it wants to squeeze even more from some of Canada's lowest paid workers," says OReilly. "This is the most one-sided contract I have seen. It takes everything and leaves the writers with nothing but the legal liability should someone decide to sue. We are advising freelancers not to sign."

The CFU is a Local of the 150,000-member Communications, Energy and Paperworkers Union, which represents about 25,000 media workers across Canada.

CEP Vice-President, Media, Peter Murdoch says "this attack on freelancers is a direct result of staff cuts to newsrooms. In the rush to the bottom line, media corporations are eroding the wages of freelancers and jeopardizing the standards of the craft at the same time"

"CFU has the full weight of CEP and fellow media unions in calling on Quebecor to come to the negotiating table to discuss a fair deal," he says.

Last week Quebecor, through its Sun Media subsidiary, issued a 'take it or leave it' contract to its freelance writers. It demands that writers give the newspaper complete control over their works for no additional payment. It also demands exclusive use of the articles, "and any substantially similar content," for up to 60 days after publication.

"We are more than happy to work with our publisher colleagues to license whatever rights they would like. All we ask is to be treated fairly," adds OReilly.

For further information:

Michael OReilly, President, Canadian Freelance Union,
Communications, Energy and Paperworkers Union, Local 2040,
(807) 251-6536,
freelance@cep.ca

Link to release:

CFU Release

billable hours

The Canadian Magazines blog has posted a funny, sad, poignant (choose your own adjective) analysis of the freelance writer's billable hours based, in part, on PWAC's Professional Writers survey.

The conclusion:

Freelancers in Canada make an average of $14.26 an hour, or just about double the national minimum wage. Again, choose your own adjective to describe these findings.

See the full posting here

Mag Awards

If you have written for a Canadian magazine in the past year, please be reminded of the 30th Anniversary National Magazine Awards call for submissions, which opens December 1, 2006 and ends January 10, 2007. The 30th Anniversary Awards Gala will be hosted on June 15, 2007 at the Carlu in Toronto.

The submission process, instructions and guidelines, a list of categories, and other relevant information are available at the NMA website.

PWAC members are always in the list of finalists for these awards. Make sure you ask your assigning editor to submit your work for the NMAs, and good luck!

PWAC Media Release Writing Seminar

John Degen on the lay of the land as copyright reform proceeds:

http://johndegen.blogspot.com/

Great research tool on HR

After consulting thousands of cultural workers and employers from across Canada the CHRC’s Cultural HR Study is now available online!

Your participation in the research project (be it through the online survey, regional focus groups, telephone interviews or consultation sessions) helped make this one of the most comprehensive cultural studies ever undertaken. Copies of the HR Trends and Issues report and the Labour Market Information report are available for free download at:

http://www.culturalhrc.ca/research/HRStudy2010/index-e.asp .

On behalf of the Cultural Human Resources Council and The Conference Board of Canada, we thank you for your ongoing interest and support in this project.

GG Finalists

Read the Canada Council announcement here:

http://www.canadacouncil.ca/news/releases/2011/bv129624096630803016.htm