Today? I still write, carefully and selectively, for a few publications. I have six books about the Internet coming out this fall – and have profiled the freelance issue in one chapter so as to build awareness.

I try to take a public stance on the issue when I deal with the media – which I do frequently. I try to educate Canadians that we have the situation that exists in Canada today in which the rights of many thousands of writers across the country are being stomped on by the likes of Conrad Black, Ken Thomson, and Paul Plesman.

I try to encourage people to become as revolted by the situation as am I.

* * * *

Finally, I do know that I am lucky – lucky that I could afford to take the stance that I have taken.

Yet there are many thousands of writers out there affected by this issue. I hear from them via e-mail, and talk to them at conferences, and see their own postings online about the issue. Sadly, I see a lot of good writers, torn by the need to earn a buck, a need that conflicts with their desire to take a stand for their rights. They continue writing, have signed the contracts, and have given up the products of their mind without so much as a whimper.

To any of these people, I’d offer the simple comment that you should do what you think is right. It isn’t an easy decision, but there are a lot of us out here who will offer you our support, guidance and courage as you wrestle with the issue.

Let’s not enter this brave new electronic world in which we no longer own the products of our mind.

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