NASW JOINS INTERNATIONAL WRITERS' NETWORK

by Beryl Lieff Benderly

NASW has joined forces with a dozen other writers' organizations in the Creators Network (CN), an informal, international coalition that allows writers to share information about the legal challenges they face trying to protect their rights in today's fast-changing marketplace. Initiated by the American Society of Journalists and Authors (ASJA), a leading organization of freelance nonfiction writers, CN also aims to promote the "exchange of ideas, suggestions and support" and help writers "present a united front in support of freelance....rights."

More than 60 organizations have received invitations to join and over a dozen have thus far responded favorably. Organizers anticipate that additional writer groups will be joining as time goes by. Though members of these groups write on a diverse range of topics and live in several different countries, all share a common interest in protecting ownership of their creations in the dramatically new environment of cyberspace. Each organization designates a CN liaison who receives e-mail reports and alerts and is responsible for distributing information within the organization they represent.

Member groups also have the option of endorsing a series of "White Papers" being developed by ASJA on various issues and of sharing with the entire Network their own efforts and documents. Two position papers-one on all-rights/work-made-for-hire contracts and another on indemnification clauses-are currently available on the ASJA Web site at www.asja.org.
Belonging to CN imposes neither cost nor obligation on NASW. But, according to Sophia Dembling, one of CN's organizers, "Together, we can forge a strong network that will amplify the voices and strengthen the message of thousands of creative freelancers."

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Beryl Lieff Benderly is a freelance health and behavior writer in Washington, DC and a member of the NASW board. She is chair of the freelance committee and is the NASW liaison to the Creators Network.