Time is Anything But Timely

The bane of many freelancer's existence (myself included), is getting paid. Every publication has a different system and most involve submitting a ream of "independent contractor" related paperwork each time you write for them.

And then there is the pre-or post publication policy. I am actually hard pressed to think of anyone who pays you before publication--as in when you sign a contract. As to how long it takes after the article comes out, well that is also up for grabs. Let's just remember that you contract for these articles months before they are published, to meet their deadlines. But they seem to have their own set of rules when it comes to reimbursing you for making them look good.

This is not a new gripe. It is as old as the profession but it seems that lately, across the board, payment is taking longer and longer. However, things reached a new level at Time, Inc. recently where they instituted a new policy to speed up payment for their freelancers. You pay them.

You heard me right. J. P. Morgan, which administers the company's invoicing, sent out an email with the instructions to Time's stable of freelancers. Called "Pay Me Now," it offers you the option of getting paid in as little as three days by relinquishing 4% of your fee. You heard me correctly--you pay Time, Inc. for paying you for work you have done for them.

Of course, if you wait the promised 30 days, you get to keep the entire fee. But I have heard through the grapevine that Time RARELY pays in 30 days. Sounds to me like they are admitting they are slow and now want to charge those who are already making them look good, for paying their bills on time.

Something ironic about Time, Inc. charging for paying in a timely manner. Once again, don't let your children grow up to be freelancers.