the long long slow slog...

No, not writing, although there's that happening, too.

In September 2002, I signed a contract to contribute an article to the Encyclopedia of Mythology and Folklore, from Sharpe Reference. The essay was due "on or before 9/1/02," and the payment ($100) was due on-publication.

Time passed. More time passed. Even more time passed....

I just got my contributor's copy. It is a lovely, lovely thing, I have to say. Not worth waiting six years for, mind you, but it is quite nice.

I have not yet, however, gotten paid.

Children, this is why "payment on publication" is a bad idea. Even when it's a small sum. Because six years of interest on $100 would not have been insignificant.


(had this been a solo project, I would have yanked it. Since I was merely a contributor, that wasn't really an option)

Robbie Greenberger

I see on the f-list that Robbie has left us. Damn. Just....damn. He fought the damn good fight against leukemia, but sometimes the good fight isn't the winning one. His dad's a friend, and I'd been hoping that my bone marrow profile would be a match.

Twenty years is not enough time on this earth.

Light a candle and raise a glass, and say a prayer for the easing of the way for those left behind.



And if you can, take a moment in his memory to register as a bone marrow donor. It takes a little cash and a few minutes to swab for DNA, and you just might be able to save a life....