MediaBistro Facing Some Stiff Competition
Contrary to popular belief, the hottest new resource for underpaid freelancers isn't MediaBistro or Gawker — it's jack-of-all-blogs Gothamist. From their "Ask Gothamist" feature:
I'm a freelance writer and usually work for bigger media outlets, so getting paid is no problem. Last January, however, I did some work for a private production company; five months later I have yet to be paid. I've invoiced a number of times (and spoken to the guy who hired me on the phone), and he keeps saying "I can't pay you until I get paid." I'm getting really frustrated! I'm reluctant to take legal action, because the invoice is only for $1,000. Short of busting knee-caps or stalking him on my BMX bike, how do I get my money?
The first step, in Gawker's opinion, would be to seek this kind of advice from outlets that actually pay their writers.