OL to Movie Writers: You’re Fired, But We’d Love It If You Write for Free

[Blue_Tires]

Until this morning, it wasn’t clear what would happen to freelance writers for AOL properties Moviefone and Cinematical in the wake of the Huffington Post takeover of the editorial side of the company–especially since editor-in-chief Erik Davis just resigned. But an email sent this morning, Subject: Moviefone/Cinematical – Status of Writers, somewhat cleared things up!
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"Dear Moviefone/Cinematical Writers,

I know there’s been a lot of uncertainty regarding the future of freelancers and your status as a writer for the site. I personally apologize for the lack of communication, but I’ll tell you what I can…

Sometime soon–this week, I believe–many of you will be receiving an email informing you that your services as a freelancer will no longer be required. You will be invited to contribute as part of our non-paid blogger system; and though I know that for many of you this will not be an option financially, I strongly encourage you to consider it if you’d like to keep writing for us, because we value all of your voices and input."
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The freelancers will be replaced by staff positions, although some will have the chance to apply for positions and some exceptions for specialized writers may apply, the email says.

http://www.betabeat.com/2011/04/05/aol-to-movie-writers-youre-fired-but-wed-love-it-if-you-write-for-free/

[JustAnotherGen]

1. Of all the cheap dirty . . .

I have an ezine - It's still small and I'm not making a ton of money -

But every. Single. Freelance. Writer. Gets. Paid.

[Brickbat]

2. Gosh, who'd'a thunk it?

Why buy the cow...

[gratuitous]

3. "We value all of your voices and input"

Just not enough to, you know, pay you.

[blondeatlast]

8. In other words,

[LiberalAndProud]

4. "we value your voices and input" ... Isn't that a warm fuzzy piece of fluff?

Value in this society = $. Isn't that right, Arriana?

[rurallib]

5. how incredibly republican of them

we want your work, but refuse to pay

[Dappleganger]

6. Now we know exactly why AO-HELL wanted Arianna...

she figured out a way to get decent writers to contribute for nothing.

Now, they want the same done everywhere.

Fuck you Arianna and AO-HELL.

[jsamuel]

7. "we value all of your voices and input" - yeah exactly $0 worth

[Blue_Tires]

9. kick

[truebrit71]

10. "We value all of your voices and input, just not enough to pay you..."

Assholes.