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Whistleblower: MTV Sweatshop Sponsored by Charity
New York, 8:10 AM
Thu Dec 3
48 posts in the last 24 hours
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12/22/08
freelance is just another word
for starving while you get fucked.
12/22/08
12/21/08
12/21/08
12/21/08
I also knew that many folks at MTV News were working their asses off to try and get us paid. And I knew they weren't the ones holding the purse strings, and I respected and appreciated their efforts. It really was out of their control.
Having lived here, and seen the protests that happened in December '07, I can't say that I was surprised by this situation. But that doesn't mean it doesn't frustrate and disappoint me, too.
12/21/08
12/21/08
12/21/08
Therefore, so you can attract the best freelancers, if I was in management I'd treat the freelance people like gold and try to cut costs via the full time employees (who, if I shit on them enough, might quit before I had to have the sucky job of laying them off.)
I suspect that over the next few years the companies that treat their freelancers well will be the ones to survive because that's where the talent will migrate.
12/21/08
12/21/08
MTV in general has always paid terribly and attracted its young employees almost completely on the cachet of its brand, as well as 'cool' celebrity-rich work environment and projects. Maybe that will all change soon, maybe not. Its still a pretty powerful draw for a young kid to be able to work at MTV.
12/21/08
On the other hand, I worked 14 hours days (plus going to school) for a career-making internship (which turned into a poorly-paying job), and was happy to do it. It remains one of the best jobs and experiences of my life.
I wouldn't do it now, but it was worth every sleepless and energy draining hour.
It's not a path for everyone, but it worked for me.
12/22/08