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Freelancer vs. stringer
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Joanna M. Carman
Jul 24, 2000, 3:00:00 AM7/24/00
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Hello, I'm a new editor at a daily newspaper (my first time at such
job). I was wondering if anyone had input on the difference between a
freelancer and a stringer, particularly in the area of rights. I
understand that with a freelancer that is settled before purchase of
copy (I do some freelance writing). As far as a stringer goes, however,
I'm not sure if that's just another word for freelancer, or if it means
the stringer has an obligation for to the paper. Another words, they
cannot try to sell the same copy elsewhere. Anyone have a clue?
job). I was wondering if anyone had input on the difference between a
freelancer and a stringer, particularly in the area of rights. I
understand that with a freelancer that is settled before purchase of
copy (I do some freelance writing). As far as a stringer goes, however,
I'm not sure if that's just another word for freelancer, or if it means
the stringer has an obligation for to the paper. Another words, they
cannot try to sell the same copy elsewhere. Anyone have a clue?
Joanna
Barbara Lake
Jul 25, 2000, 3:00:00 AM7/25/00
to
I'm worrying this bone from the other side. When the Bee assigns an
article, I guess I'm technically a stringer and I do not begrudge the
Bee the rights they assume. However, when I pitch my own story idea and
it is accepted (no contract), later turn in copy specifying first North
American serial rights, I expect to own the copyright. At this point I
may have to fight the Bee to get them. This does not make me terribly
happy.
Barbara
--
http://www.mindspring.com/~bglake
Joanna M. Carman
Jul 25, 2000, 3:00:00 AM7/25/00
to
That's how I see it as well. Thanks for your input.
Joanna
tim banse
Jul 25, 2000, 3:00:00 AM7/25/00
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A good place to visit on these issues is the national writer's union,
regardless of your opinion of unions in general of nwu in particular.
ActiveVerb
Aug 1, 2000, 3:00:00 AM8/1/00
to
Rights is a legal issue that depends on the contract you have with the person
involved. Whether you refer to that person as a freelancer or a stringer is
irrevelant.
involved. Whether you refer to that person as a freelancer or a stringer is
irrevelant.
rak...@gmail.com
May 7, 2014, 10:45:06 PM5/7/14
to
On Monday, July 24, 2000 1:00:00 AM UTC-6, Joanna M. Carman wrote:
> Hello, I'm a new editor at a daily newspaper (my first time at such
> job). I was wondering if anyone had input on the difference between a
> freelancer and a stringer, particularly in the area of rights. I
> understand that with a freelancer that is settled before purchase of
> copy (I do some freelance writing). As far as a stringer goes, however,
> I'm not sure if that's just another word for freelancer, or if it means
> the stringer has an obligation for to the paper. Another words, they
> cannot try to sell the same copy elsewhere. Anyone have a clue?
>
> Joanna
> Hello, I'm a new editor at a daily newspaper (my first time at such
> job). I was wondering if anyone had input on the difference between a
> freelancer and a stringer, particularly in the area of rights. I
> understand that with a freelancer that is settled before purchase of
> copy (I do some freelance writing). As far as a stringer goes, however,
> I'm not sure if that's just another word for freelancer, or if it means
> the stringer has an obligation for to the paper. Another words, they
> cannot try to sell the same copy elsewhere. Anyone have a clue?
>
A stringer indeed is a freelancer but one who, rather than pitching ideas to a newspaper, magazine or other medium, is paid to do a specific job for various reasons. (See http://handbook.reuters.com/?title=Dealing_with_stringers.) The stringer is free to work with other news organizations, but to my mind and I'm sure the legal department at one where he/she sold specific copy, re-selling the same copy would violate the original publication's automatic copyright of it. I started as a stringer on the police and justice beat for a small Southern California newspaper in 1977, when I was 15, but also sold pieces to other newspapers and once phoned in a tip to the L.A. Times which I read to the desk reporter in the form of a lead paragraph -- and it was published verbatim the next day on page 2 with an added quote from the police source I provided.
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