The Dependent

The Independent is fast becoming the paper for contributors with "independent means". One freelance had a bill for telephone expenses turned down -- the accounts department demanded an itemised phone bill. That policy would mean that you often wouldn't be able to submit expenses invoices until three months after you've made that hour-long call to Johannesburg -- and then you have to wait a month or two for the Dependent to pay up.

Freelance Organiser Jacob Ecclestone advises: "If you are discussing a commission from the Independent, demand an agreement in writing about what expenses will be paid, when and how."