Whippersnappers, you have spoken! Ed has the results in on how you feel about the Hearst Magazines lawsuit (filed by former unpaid Harper’s Bazaar intern Xuedan “Diana”Wang) that was given class-action status last week.
Ed had you weigh in via poll on this industry-changing news. Nearly 300 of you cast your vote — and even Ed was surprised at the results. A whopping 78 percent of you are in favor of it!
Why is Ed surprised? Well, up to this point most of the responses on his Facebook and Twitter feed had been very critical of Wang. A lot of you said she should “pay her dues” like everyone else and she was “biting the hand” that fed her. Maybe the tide is changing? Or maybe those of you in support of Wang and her suit were too afraid to speak up with your names attached? Ed’s not sure, but it got him curious so he checked in with a bunch of recent former interns to get more feedback. Check it out:
“I think if it leads to more concrete regulations for magazine interns (like of the kind Conde Nast implemented this year), that’s great. Adding things like stipends, maximum hours, and mentor programs can only widen the range of students who can take advantage of internships—and it makes it a more valuable experience.” – Amanda F., former Lucky intern
“I do think the industry will change for the better. If the Hearst internship program changes to a paid opportunity, then fewer interns will be hired. This might seem unfair to some, but I really do think it’ll help weed out the less passionate.” – Grace G., former Woman’s Day intern
“I think the new rules will definitely prevent interns from being overworked, but if your school sets guidelines [i.e., not being able to get school credit until junior or senior year] like my own alma mater, it could be harder to get a position.” – Marianne M., former Good Housekeeping intern
“I can picture an industry-wide change hurting interns more than helping us. If editorial interns are paid, positions may be more selective and ultimately hinder hopefuls’ chances of breaking into the industry.” – Kelsey M., intern at Time Out New York
“I learned much more at my internships than I did in any college course, and I would never trade that hands-on experience for any amount of monetary value. Is there a college out there that pays you for going to class? If so, I clearly picked the wrong school!” Kayla H., former Harper’s Bazaar intern
From the Twittersphere:
“I had three grueling and unpaid mag internships in college (one at Hearst) and was a full time Assistant Editor within six months of graduation. Legal or not, it is the nature of this business and if you want payoff in the end you have to make sacrifices in the beginning. Entitlement won’t get you anywhere.”
“I don’t agree with it. Unpaid mag internships are paying your dues as everyone else did before you! It comes with the territory.”
“Case could be groundbreaking. I’m on her side. The whole intern structure is messed up in a lot of ways!”
“Unpaid internships meant I couldn’t afford going to NYC to do a magazine internship. Living expenses should at least be covered.”
“I think she should have said something during her internship. If you don’t speak up your voice isn’t heard.”
It’s not too late. You can join the conversation yourself on Facebook or if you prefer to share your thoughts anonymously send them to Ed at [email protected].
And be sure to check back this week. We have an exclusive interview with Wang all about why she filed the suit — and why she thinks if she wins it will also be a win for all future interns.
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