The speaker at our meeting on Oct 25, 2000, veteran all-rounder Tony Weaver had these tips to offer his colleagues.

1. Never turn down work -- unless you really have no time
2. Work for all media
3. Don't piss off the editors -- cultivate them actively Know your target for pitching your story -- and keep pitching
4. Once you've got the commission, present your work professionally. No sloppy copy.
5. If you're a writer but have to take your own pics, learn how to do it. Otherwise leave pics to the photographers.
6. Deadlines are critical. If you are going to miss one, get an extention well in advance. And NEVER miss a revised deadline.
7. Send your invoice with your story.
8. Develop brand identity for yourself. Get heard -- talk to radio, community meetings, Rotary, etc
9. If you're offered a freebie, ask what is expected in return.
10. Never promise what you can't deliver.
11. Always pay for your own drinks.
12. If you've promised a source a copy of publication in which the article is published, send it. You never know when you might need to follow up with your sources, so keep them sweet.
13. Almost everything is tax deductible. Get a good tax advisor, i.e. Snowise & Khan.