digital media conference

National Writers Union Digital Media Conference
Oct. 16-17, 2009
Northeastern University
Boston, MA, USA

America's labor organization for freelance journalists, book writers, and business and technology writers - the National Writers Union - has called this conference to discuss how writers can continue to survive and thrive in a climate where technological advances have changed the playing field for the creative professions.

Panel and workshop speakers will explore the most crucial questions that writers of all genres face today

* Is there a future for the writing trade in a digital culture that validates amateurs and disparages professionals?

* How do we keep control of the rights to our work in all media?

* How can we make a living when creators are increasingly expected to give away our work for free?

* Can our need to get paid coexist with society's need for democratic communications?

* What are alternative models for selling our work online?

* How can we identify best practices in our industry and enlist supportive publishers to help propagate high-road digital media contracts for writers?

* How can we make best use of the latest technologies?

* How can we get government stimulus money to help thousands of professional writers survive the recession?

* How can we make common cause with other creators to improve our collective ability to effect positive political and economic change?

* How can we support young writers struggling to become professionals and help us keep our craft moving forward?

* What can the experience of the American labor movement offer us in these difficult times for working people?

Co-sponsors include:

• Open Media Boston
• John D. O'Bryant African-American Institute at Northeastern University
• PEN-New England
• Grub Street Writers
• Women's National Book Association
• Organizers' Collaborative

Tickets: $50, $30 students/low-income - $10 discount for members of the NWU and co-sponsoring organizations. Click here to register.