Freelance writing’s unfortunate new model
With many outlets slashing pay scales, the well-written story is in danger of becoming scarce. The hustle is just beginning for new and seasoned freelancers.
A Good Read: The LA Times on Tina Brown
J'Sticks
THE WEB
A low-key Tina Brown stares down a new beast, daily
A queen of old media resolves to profitably adapt it to what’s new.
Esquire on Jay-Z = Epic Fail
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Someone over at Esquire thought it’d be cool to write about Mr. Empire State. Can’t fault them there. He’s coming off a big year. But then they went and gave the writer, Lisa Taddeo, the greenlight to cover him this way:
“Jay-Z is black black. He is old-school double-dark-chocolate-chunk black. He is black the way Labatt is blue. He is not white black, Barack black, like our president. Or the kind of black that doesn’t curse and deplores the n-word, the genteel black, like Oprah. He is, arguably, the first black-black guy to cross over into Oprah-land and Bill Clintonworld without making the Oprah-sized no-look-back forward flip that means you’re selling not necessarily your soul but perhaps something fleshier, a little more external.”
To make matters worse, they highlighted the above text for dramatic affect. Before you go thinking that it’s only black people who are thinking WTF other’s have sounded off on Esquire missing the mark.
Slate.com
The Unbelievably Bad Metaphors in Esquire’s Profile of Jay-Z
The Village Voice
On the Esquire Profile of Jay-Z That Is Making the Rounds Right Now
Oh and Happy New Year.
NYT's Color Style Guide (Really?)
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Of Color | Stylish Gifts
Somali fashion, do-it-yourself henna kits, children’s books that draw inspiration from the lives of Barack Obama and Sonia Sotomayor: it’s not hard to find gifts created for and by people of color this holiday season. Here are some possibilities.
This could be a case of when “keeping it real goes wrong”. Sure we all shop and knowing what to get for the holidays is key but making a separate list for people of color instead of incorporating it in the rest of the guide is a bit much…
VIBE Unveils Relaunch Covers
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After going under in June, VIBE was acquired by new investors , rebranded and relaunched in just a few months.
Yesterday, they debuted their cover - a split between new rap sensation DRAKE and problem posterchild Chris Brown.
What do you think?
Essence Lays Off Digital Team [Updated]
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After relaunching their website last week, Essence magazine laid off its web team today citing budgetary reasons.
“They told us it was downsizing,” says one Essence employee. “We’re very confused. We worked so hard for the relaunch.”
Another insider tells J’sticks: “This is normal practice. Companines relaunch with new [site] schemes that allow them to do more with less, then they cut staff.”
In addition to letting go of the web team, Essence also let go of some magazine staffers.
Update:
The site’s managing editor, Emil Wilbekin, is still on staff. Steven Psyllos, deputy editor for Essence.com remains as does the photo editor.
Otherwise the ENTIRE web team is gone, appx 12-15 ppl.
4 cuts from Essence staff include: Fashion Assistant,Work & Weath Assistant, one of 3 deputy editors and a special projects director who’s been with the magazine since the 70s.
Bloggers To Come Clean Starting Dec 1
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FTC: Bloggers must disclose payments for reviewsPHILADELPHIA — The Federal Trade Commission will require bloggers to clearly disclose any freebies or payments they get from companies for reviewing their products.
It is the first time since 1980 that the commission has revised its guidelines on endorsements and testimonials, and the first time the rules have covered bloggers.
But the commission stopped short Monday of specifying how bloggers must disclose any conflicts of interest.
The FTC said its commissioners voted 4-0 to approve the final guidelines, which had been expected. Penalties include up to $11,000 in fines per violation.
The rules take effect Dec. 1.
Copyright © 2009 The Associated Press. All rights reserved.
BREAKING NEWS: Conde Nast Shuts Down Several Titles
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Call it Black Monday over at Conde Nast.
J’Sticks has learned that the publishing powerhouse has shut the doors of several magazines today including Gourmet, Cookie and Bridal magazine.
Story Developing…
Tea Party Anyone?
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We’re still trying to understand the end game of these tea party protests (and how they aren’t considered racist).
The Detroit Blog: Evoking Change One Post at a Time
J'Sticks
This past weekend Time.com launched The Detroit Blog: One year. One city. Endless opportunities. It’s purpose is to have journalist live, work and report on the city’s rebuilding process.
What if they created similar blogs for other troubled or rebuilding cities?
How about:
The South Central Blog
The New Orleans Blog
The Newark Blog
Just a thought.