Tag Archives: CNN

Freelancing: Economic Forecast?

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If you are currently freelancing–or just thinking about taking the plunge, now is probably as good a time as any. Freelancing is maintaining its viability even as other fields slip and slide. CNN ran a piece today that highlights a few of the reasons that freelancers are becoming a more frequently chosen option for some companies, including things such as project-based work and greater flexibility. Companies don’t have to pay freelancers any benefits and they don’t have to take care of taxes for them either. That is attractive.

This is actually a good time to be a freelance writer; but you have to choose your work wisely. Many writers work for next to nothing or find themselves involved in projects that they don’t like or want. While we aren’t always able to pick the very best assignments of the bunch, I would argue that you can be somewhat selective in those projects you take on. Or at least strive for some type of balance so that you are working on projects you enjoy at the same time you are doing ones for the $$$.

From what I’ve seen so far, freelancing should be a good career path to follow in 2009!

Check Your Facts: CNN Blows it on Breaking News

CNN’s coverage of the F-18 crash in San Diego on Monday, December 08 was a prime example of sloppy journalism. It may seem like a small thing to call an F-18 an “Air Force aircraft” as opposed to a Marine aircraft, but the error in fact is large enough to warrant an on-air correction. Believe it or not, folks, there IS a difference. It’s roughly the same thing as saying you drive a Ford Mustang when you really own a Yugo. Both have four wheels, a set of brakes and a windshield, but there’s a massive difference between one and othe other.

How easy is it to make such a mistake? As easy as making the assumption that since it’s an airplane, the Air Force must be in charge of it. Never mind that the Navy and Marine Corps both operate fighter jets, and the Army has helicopters.

Why am I obsessing over these nitpicky details? Continue reading Check Your Facts: CNN Blows it on Breaking News