Writing News Roundup

A look at publishing, writing, and freelancing:

• Golly, Former Tech Staffers Freelance -- Two CNET reporters turn into talking heads, covering how a former tech journalist is now freelancing. Of course, they don't interview him on camera, and the incredulous air of "You mean he can really find work in this tough environment; don't all the newly manufactured journalists create competition?" The lack of understanding, especially as they wonder whether the public will want "professionals" without bias, is profound. (CNET)


• Where's Your Online Pulitzer, Baby? -- The Pulitzer Prize will accept nomination from online-only publications, showing that the change in the landscape might now be considered official. (The New York Times)


• Reed Elsevier Pulls Mag Sale -- Publisher Reed Elsevier, which owns LexisNexis, has decided to end its attempt to sell its trade publication business, which, in the U.S., includes a whole lot of titles, some of which are Variety, Publishers Weekly, and a whole bunch of prominent names in construction, electronics, food service, and publishing. As the company can't sell off the assets, I do wonder whether it will start shutting down more of its least profitable titles, many of which use freelancers. (The Telegraph, Reed Business Information U.S.)


• Three Kills and a Classic -- Think the younger crowd is lost to publishing? Then consider that Nintendo, the manufacturer of the two top gaming consoles in the world, is partnering with HarperCollins to sell ebook versions of classic literature on a subscription basis for the portable Nintendo DS, turning the game device into an ebook reader. (London Times)


• All Things Cut -- NPR cuts seven percent of its workforce and will can two shows in March. (Wall Street Journal)


• Newsweek to Thin Magazine and Staff -- Newsweek is going to undergo an editorial makeover that will likely result in a thinner magazine, and it's going to cut additional staff. (Reuters)


• Living the YouTube Life -- There are people making six figure incomes, including one doing a humorous celebrity show with the investment of $2,000 in a camera, $6 in fabric for a backdrop, and some unknown amount for worklights from Home Depot. Income doesn't necessarily mean writing service pieces for a consumer glossy. (The New York Times)


• What's Not to Love -- or Hate? -- Fortune makes the case for and against Sam Zell's acquisition of the Trib. (Fortune)