Struggle for Equitable Writer Compensation
The Wegener Mail ✉ PERSPECTIVE My well-wishers frequently challenge the value of my dedication to writing articles for newspapers, questioning its economic merit with remarks like, “Tere likhne se kuch nahi hoga, Apna keemti waqt zaaya mat karo” - "Your writing won't lead to anything, don't waste your precious time." Such comments prompt a moment of introspection on my part, leading me to justify my passion for writing. Yet, beneath my explanations, I harbour doubts about the wisdom of investing my energy without financial return, especially as a student with limited time. This internal debate compels me to reflect on the predicament faced by column writers who invest considerable effort in their craft—meticulously editing, conducting plagiarism and AI checks, among other tasks—only to be rewarded with their name in the editorial section. Is the recognition worth the effort? Does the effectiveness of one's writing matter if the newspapers do not adequately compens...