Even as it wreaks mischief in the wider media world, the Web has created many opportunities for writers. And much of the work can be done from anywhere — home office, cafe, library or beach cottage.

But news isn't much good without context. So first, as we like to do, we'll put down the brief backstory.

FROM COLUMNISTS TO TWITTERERS

Essentially, the Web is removing (dynamiting might be a better word) barriers between creators and consumers, across the board.

Not long ago, if you wanted to be a writer, you studied journalism and got a job at a newspaper. You'd usually have little direct contact with your readers, and topics were assigned by editors who were often taking their "best guess" about what would sell papers.

Click forward to today. Anyone with a Web connection can be a writer, and you'll soon know what interests your readers from their comments and click-throughs (clicks on hyperlinks) and emails. You can set up a blog in minutes using Blogger or TypePad or Tumblr (just to name a few), plug in Google AdSense for ad revenue (Google.com/adsense), and you're off to the races.

If you need writing experience, you can sign up at Helium.com or Squidoo.com and start building a portfolio of work. You can even have a shot at advertising or other revenue at those sites.

Many writers simply put out microbursts on Twitter. Reference your webpage or some other place where you sell something (ads, e-books, coaching, etc.). Voila, extra income.

Of course, it's not easy to build a fan base, aka a "platform," and you usually won't earn much until you do. Second, you'd better choose topics or themes that you care about or burnout can come all too soon. Finally, mass writing has driven down the pay rates for many freelance gigs, so it won't be a walk on the beach.

The good news? You have many options, and if you scribble well and market hard, you can earn six figures or even more.

SO WHERE ARE THE GIGS?

For blogging and related freelance jobs, take a look at the job boards at ProBlogger.net and BloggingPro.com. We, ourselves, often post their jobs on our own board at RatRaceRebellion.com (linking back, of course), and they've helped many people find work.

For journalism jobs generally — both employee and freelance — see JournalismJobs.com and Mediabistro.com. You'll also want to check out Allena Tapia, an excellent resource, who posts jobs and writes about freelancing at freelancewrite.about.com.

And while we're on recommended experts, see Michelle Goodman, who covers freelancing at ABC News and other venues. She can be found at anti9to5guide.com. Christine Durst and Michael Haaren are leaders in the work-at-home movement and advocates of de-rat-raced living. Their latest book is "Work at Home Now," a guide to finding home-based jobs. They offer additional guidance on finding home-based work at www.RatRaceRebellion.com. To read features by other Creators Syndicate writers and cartoonists, visit the Creators Syndicate Web page at www.creators.com.