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Newsletter: Independent writers are an important facet of the media ecosystem, but a recent legal threat helps to remind me that it’s not the path for everyone.

citationneeded.news/i-am-my-ow…

#newsletter #CitationNeeded #journalism #IndependentMedia

in reply to Molly White

The Washington Post’s choice not to endorse a candidate is only the most recent example of a bad decision by legacy media outlets prompting people to urge their staff to quit and go independent. I love being independent, but it’s also not without its challenges.

#newsletter #CitationNeeded #journalism #IndependentMedia

in reply to Molly White

I am my publication’s writer, editor, fact-checker, software team, legal department, customer service representative, social media intern, marketing branch, accountant, and everything else. Not everyone wants to wear that many hats.

#newsletter #CitationNeeded #journalism #IndependentMedia

in reply to Molly White

But for some people, like me, it’s an enormously rewarding option, and I’m always happy to help others who are interested in pursuing the same dream. The price of independence may be high, but the cost of silence is even greater.

#newsletter #CitationNeeded #journalism #IndependentMedia

This entry was edited (3 weeks ago)
in reply to Molly White

I'm wondering if they could band together for a new outlet, complete with corporate veil and shared resources?
Unknown parent

Molly White
@shonin There are some independent media cooperatives (@flaminghydra comes to mind), though I don’t know what their legal support is like.
in reply to Molly White

Regarding legal risks, would there be any benefit to operating as a corporation or nonprofit?
in reply to Boris Barbour

@BorisBarbour probably a better question for a lawyer, i’m not sure. perhaps in terms of insulating assets, but there are ways to do that as a solo writer too
in reply to Molly White

If you have time to outline them, what are those methods for insulating assets as a solo writer?
in reply to Molly White

Have the folks in your world talked about forming some kind of professional association? Something that could provide legal cover and representation, as well as setting technical and ethical standards.
in reply to sleepy62

various folks have gone in various directions — coops, worker-owned organizations, etc. i’m also a part of the national writer’s union which has the freelance solidarity project. i’ve definitely thought about trying to band together with other writers in some way, but organizing that would also be another hat i’d have to wear!
This entry was edited (3 weeks ago)
in reply to Molly White

@sleepy62 Just a thought, but I see volunteer moderators on Twitch and volunteer sysadmins in other places. For the right kind of person a volunteer/side gig job organizing protection and mutual support for a coop would be a rewarding gig.
in reply to Molly White

That first footnote is beautiful, I've heard about the fake DMCA takedown attempt, but not about them backdating it to before the arrest. Excellent work people, no notes.
in reply to Molly White

I had no idea Citation Needed was your full time job (or the scale you were doing this at). Amazing work.
in reply to Ian Ramjohn

@iramjohn thank you! yes, it’s been my primary gig for almost exactly a year now!
in reply to Molly White

If you can pass on a small typo to your editor, looks like there's a word missing in:

The abject terror of “what [if] this

in reply to Molly White

those pictures look like a set of trading cards.

« Wow, you have a 3D foil sunglasses Molly! »

in reply to Molly White

@Molly White This is similar to the lesson I learned doing freelance programming. You get more "freedom" but you end up having to do a mountain of other unpleasant stuff that distracts from the stuff you're actually passionate about.

At least I don't have to worry about being sued for libel though. I don't envy you that.

in reply to Molly White

You are one of my heroes. Cory Doctorow @pluralistic, had a great article a while ago about using chatGPT to write emails and other communications that sound like they are coming from a lawyer. It seems like a good use of GenAI. This post inspired me to pass this idea along to you.
in reply to Molly White

One of the big benefits of being your own legal department is that you actually have your own interests at heart.

Anyone who thinks a corporate legal department or a corporate HR department is looking out for the interests of the employee is living in fantasy land.

HR and Legal are there solely to protect the corporation. Never think otherwise.

This entry was edited (3 weeks ago)
in reply to Molly White

Sorry you had to deal with this BS. I've had to do it too being an solo-preneur and a newsletter writer too.

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