Friday, December 12, 2008

Another one bites the dust...

...as an email, sent out a half-hour ago, informed me that another magazine I write for has abruptly closed down.

That's the third one this year.

Once again, I get to eat a lot of time spent on dealing with them -- and, probably, a sum of money owed to me for work already done or in progress.

Damn.

What now?

I start selling myself again tomorrow. It gets more difficult every time I have to start clawing my way back up in the pile.

14 comments:

Anonymous said...

How depressing. I know times are tough for a lot of publications that depend on advertising.

I feel like having a job is a real treasure right now. I am trying my hardest to behave and keep mine.

Anonymous said...

You really make me reconsider leaving my kushy day job to freelance. It scares me...

MrScribbler said...

Puzzle -- It scares me, and I'm considered a pretty damn good writer. I don't think freelancing is quite as safe a career as clearing minefields these days....

Bridget said...

I've always been too afraid to let go of full-time employment to really branch out on my own. Once I don't have so many familial responsibilities. . .who knows?

Every time I'm clawing my way back up I wonder, is it worth it? Once I'm back on my feet I realize the answer is YES!

Best wishes.

Anonymous said...

Are they hiring in the minefield clearing bidness? I may have to resort to that myself.

S

Anonymous said...

*speechless*

Anonymous said...

Sorry once again to hear this. As you must know, many very well-known newspapers are in danger of going under.

I guess the future of more than one talented writer lies on the internet of all places.

Fin

Doug said...

Magazine publishing has never been easy. It took Automobile Magazine five years to become profitable. I have no idea how they are doing now. Others have folded or have been absorbed by other entities.

It's the staff that gets screwed in every case.

Anonymous said...

Sorry that happen to you. Hope things get better.
Roz

Anonymous said...

MrScribbs...I wish I had some wonderful wise words to say like you always do.

Anonymous said...

Probably a bit late in time to start a new career in the mine clearing business.......
I feel for ya, man, I really do. I lost OT hours and that's a hard bullet to bite on. Too many people are feeling the same thing right now. Lord knows where the light at the end of the tunnel is. I don't don't see it, yet.

John0 Juanderlust said...

Sometimes it seems as if we are dealing with the buggy whip syndrome when it comes to magazine publishing. Things are changing unpredictably as far as what the ultimate landscape is going to be. Things keep up and we may be laying minefields.

Dorrie said...

As you know, I was considering leaving my relatively good payin, but stressful, job to return to the States. But the financial crises hit and I had to change my mind.

People are losing jobs over here, too, yet it isn't as bad as over on your side of the pond. And being self-employed, like you, is even harder! I do hope your talents open some doors for you!

I'll put up with things here for some time longer I'm afraid... *sigh*

At least I can come over to visit... see you in January???

Anonymous said...

Its hard this side of the pond too, every day we hear of friends losing their jobs and big companies going under. We have had to cut hours at work but have still got jobs thank goodness.Am hoping and praying something will break soon...for the good...