The hot topics today:

Is ten cents a word a joke? Not if you've been taking a nickel a word. Or less. But sometimes you have to take ten cents a word before you can ask for a dollar a word.

Keeping in touch with the HR and editors at Conde Nast and elsewhere. On the other hand, some people say just to bypass HR.

Are there any publishing jobs in the Boston area? Oh, you guys have the World Series and now you want a job, too? Selfish.

What do you do when you have a bad case of tunnel vision?

Where to look for a gig in corporate communications.

What do you do when you get the job of your dreams and you hate it? You mean other than write a tell-all book about it?

Should you get a Masters Degree? If you have the time and money, any chance to improve your writing and make contacts is a good one.