Austinist Panel Part of Latest SXSW Interactive Additions

SXSW

The session is part of SXSW's Core Conversations series. These take place in slightly smaller rooms than do panel discussions. And even better, they involve a lot more interactivity than the more traditional panel format. Rather than presenting an expert opinion to the audience, a Core Conversation involves leading the audience in a discussion on the topic at hand. And given the number of talented freelance writers in Austin, we're expecting a great event.

Early ideas for the "Freelance Isn't Free" session include exploring how nearly anyone can publish their work today for free and reach an audience somewhere online. But that great opportunity has made life harder than ever for freelance writers, who must convince people to pay them to publish their work to an audience. Has creative writing become a commodity? Is journalism now a vocation, an avocation, or both?

Today's announcement came as part of the latest confirmed programming from SXSW. This batch, combined with about 100 titles announced last month, makes up only about one-third of the scheduled sessions.