Monday, June 02, 2008

When it rains, it...

...floods.

I was preparing for this afternoon's unpleasantness this morning, when I got a phone call from photographer D.: a magazine we work for is shutting down.

There goes roughly 60% of my income, maybe more. This was the pain-in-the-ass publication that has given me enormous doses of grief over the years -- my first piece for them appeared in 1987, as I recall -- but also a fair-sized pile of work.

No word yet on whether the two or so issues still to appear will use up the half-dozen stories I've done for them. If not, no pay; contributors only get their money when the issue containing their stories is actually published.

I'm speechless. And somewhat numb. It's getting a bit late to build up the energy to start trying -- again -- to line up fresh clients in the ever-shrinking pond.

I'm not a paranoid. Really. But it sure seems as if something out there is working hard to feed me to the crusher.

It's succeeding, too.

11 comments:

Doug said...

That certainly sucks. Time to change to the political field, maybe? Start your own publication? Blog for money?

Anonymous said...

Even though we don't communicate much anymore, I always think of you and pray that you find happiness in your work and personal life. Take care, MrS.

Dorrie said...

well, the way he did business (not paying up to contributors, for example) it's no wonder he's folding. I hope you find a solution soon!! Maybe you really should get together with kittenheel and get your own thing going....

Anonymous said...

Wow. I'd be freaked out. What a hit. I am sorry to hear this and hope something changes in a positive way for you soon.

Anonymous said...

Devastating news. I am truly sorry.

Anonymous said...

Sorry my friend. I hate to hear news like that - this economy is ripping away at all kinds of things that might have once been thought of as untouchable. You're very good at what you do - I hope something breaks for you.
bb

Kimmywoo said...

Ah shit.

Anonymous said...

I second Betty's commen:. Wishing you happiness in your work and personal life Mr.S.

Cathy

Anonymous said...

With your literary skills and your accumulated lifetime of knowledge, you'd think there would be other writing avenues open to you. Any ideas which direction you'll head? I've said before and I truly believe..."Things happen for a reason." Maybe this will be something you'll look back on someday and realize was a turning point (for the better) in your life. Hard to see that right now, though, huh? Good luck Scribbs. :)

S

Anonymous said...

"In the Middle of Difficulty Lies Opportunity." Einstein

Scribbs..... you have been dealt a crappy hand. Surround yourself with positive people. Look for the solution. It is there. There is light at the end of the tunnel. One day you will look back and see that this is a good thing that you don't recognize at first as a good thing.

Stay strong.

S

paulafrances said...

I am so sorry.
:(