Bankrupt news

Bizarre story about writers and a new magazine on the early editions of CBC Radio's "World Report" today. (I assume it was dropped from later editions, because it's not part of the latest show available online.)

The story began with the assertion that these are tough times for writers. Well, maybe. Certainly they are tough times for journalists, whose papers are being shut down all over the place. I've rarely been busier than I am now -- and I know plenty of other writers who aren't hurting either.

So let's assume the story means these are tough times for staff journalists.

It then goes on to say that there's a new magazine from Vancouver that has sprung up to give emerging writers the opportunity to publish. It's called Bankrupt, and -- here's the hook, I guess -- it doesn't pay contributors.

Now, wait a minute. Did the story mean these are tough times for literary writers? Times are always tough for literary writers.

A look at the magazine's website indicates that it's mission is "showcasing the latest stories from Vancouver writers."

The magazine launched about six weeks ago.

I'm trying to figure out how any of this is national news.

• Timely? Magazine launched six weeks ago.

• Innovative? Writers have been putting up with the same old crap ("We don't pay but you get exposure" forever.)

• National in scope? It's an online Vancouver litmag.

• Recession? Yes, I guess this is it. The mag is called Bankrupt, and we are in a recession.
  

Therefore it is news that a) a little online journal with a clever name has launched, doing the same thing little online journals have always done, and b) it features emerging literary writers -- many of whom not only don't mind being kicked but will line up, ask you to kick them and then thank you for it. In any kind of economy.