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Subject:RE: National Writers Union (NWU) From:"Giordano, Connie" <Connie -dot- Giordano -at- FMR -dot- COM> To:"'Fredrick Rea O'Keefe'" <fredrick -at- tech-center -dot- com>, TECHWR-L <techwr-l -at- lists -dot- raycomm -dot- com> Date:Wed, 28 Jun 2000 13:41:12 -0400
Rick,
Pertinence of advocacy is in the eye of the beholder, as is the concept of
what constitutes freeloading. If someone spends their own funds for
membership in an organization, they expect some benefit, whether job lists,
legal services, networking or something else.. Your expected benefit may
not be the same as others, but it's really poor form to accuse someone of
freeloading because of such a difference. According to your own definition,
as soon as you have occasion to use its legal and support services, you're a
freeloader.
If this organization is combative, then it may not be serving the purposes
of many writers out there. Combat is hardly my goal as a writer, so I think
it would not be the best choice for me. Which makes me no less concerned
about the welfare of writers and the writing professions. I'm not out to
"screw" anyone, but I have no desire to join an organization that assumes
such about those who don't join. It fairly reeks of dogma and propaganda.
If anyone else reacted the way I did to your post, you probably did more
harm than good for the reputation of the organization.
MTC
Connie Giordano
-----Original Message-----
From: Fredrick Rea O'Keefe [mailto:fredrick -at- tech-center -dot- com]
Sent: Wednesday, June 28, 2000 11:47 AM
To: TECHWR-L
Subject: National Writers Union (NWU)
I have been a member of NWU for several years because I believe in the
efficacy of collective bargaining, and the value of having resource people
to support me when I need them. So far, I haven't needed the readily
available support in such areas as contracts, legal, jobs, contract
enforcement (getting paid), copyright protection, .... But, it is available,
and for a freelancer, that's most important. This is affordable and
effective!
I did not join the union just for what I could get out of it (I'm not a
freeloader), nor solely for any job lists. I joined to take part for the
welfare of writers.
Is the NWU combative? I sure hope so, when called for in dealing with
objectionable "employers", publishers, and so-called recruiters - to protect
writers of any type, including tech-writers.
Despite the inherent problems of any organization, My overall view is that
those who don't become members of a pertinent advocacy group usually state
clearly - "I've got mine, screw those who don't, or can't, or are plain
unlucky."
Cordially,
Rick O'Keefe, Wordsmith
fredrick -at- tech-center -dot- com
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