Taken for a ride
Prologue: The regional newspaper sent me an "evergreen" freelance assignment about chalk art on a local, non-motorized recreational trail. The editor was surprised when, several days later, I turned in a story about riding my bicycle down 18 miles of trail and conducting moving interviews along the way. The chalk art had all washed away but I had received a press release about a 600-person group ride at the end of the week. The editor said they already had run a preview piece about the group ride. I didn't know because the newspaper declined to provide a subscription or online account (or notice that they were publishing my work) for the nine months I was a regular contributor. The article was never published, although I had the option of devoting more time and effort for $150 and my byline over an interest piece about artists decorating hiking and biking trails. I declined. 600 (registered) riders expected for 18th Tour de TART The Traverse Area Recrational Trail organiz