Sign of the times: helping freelancers go legal
Dr Mumbo has a lot of empathy for the tough life of the freelance journo.
Top of the list of gripes is slow payment, even from some of the bigger media companies.
So he finds himself not entirely surprised by the latest offering from freelancer notice board Rachel’s List: a friendly lawyer to help get that invoice paid.
For $350 they’ll help write a letter of demand.
And for $850 they’ll help start legal proceedings.
Given the parlous word rate these days, Dr Mumbo rather fears that the winners, as usual, will be the lawyers…
“… the winners, as usual, will be the lawyers…” Too true: $1200 for one-off legal advice would probably wipe out the payment many freelancers would be expecting for a a single article. For about the same amount, a freelancer can can get legal assistance and a range of other services and benefits including insurance, a trustmark, media access card, and access to Walkleys and other training events through MEAA’s FreelancePro membership.
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Oh … I didn’t know Mumbrella was running union advertorials in the comments section. Can anyone do it?
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Neither did I ex ABC. Simply because Mumbrella is not running any advertorials or unions.
Yes MEEA is a union.
And yes a commenter referenced it – not Mumbrella.
So I suspect that through your jaundiced eye you are suggesting that Mumbrella censor the comments that your political spectrum doesn’t like. I feel sad for you.
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Okay everyone, take a breath and relax – and play nice.
Great to know ALL the options we have at our fingertips – and thanks Mumbrella for letting us know.
Rachel’s List has become a brilliant resource for all freelancers in the game, and great to know they are putting more resources into the mix. As someone who waited for 7 months to get paid recently, good to know there’s this kind of package on offer.
The MEAA has also always been brilliant in supporting and helping out where they can. But there have been times when extra power has been needed, so thanks for letting us know about it.
It’s Friday. Everyone go have an early drink.
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