As she says, their contracts allow them to use our stories in multiple ways, yet still leave us with some rights, including being able to say they are our stories. As DCT also own My Weekly and The weekly News, and use the same contracts, I think we should be safe with them too.
20 comments:
It is reassuring news for now.
Shirley said regarding WW - 'A smaller staff requires … “efficiencies”. And having multiple contract types isn’t efficient.'
For those that don’t know, WW now have a centralised computer system called Desknet which means that selecting between a First Rights and All Rights contract is as simple as a mouse click in an options box. That isn’t going to overtax any employee no matter how small the team.
The First Rights contract reads -
- You retain the copyright.
- First Use with Extensions means that in return for TI Media Limited’s agreement to pay you the fees agreed with you for this commission you grant to TI Media Limited throughout the World and in any format: - the exclusive right to use the material(s), or an adaptation of the material(s) (“Use”) for the first time, in any or all of TI Media Limited’s products, services and media platforms, whether printed, electronic or otherwise (“all Media”) - the continuing unlimited but non-exclusive free right to Use or reUse the material(s), or any adaptation of these material(s) in all Media - the continuing unlimited but non-exclusive free right to licence the material(s) or any adaptations to third parties for Use in all Media.
I believe the current First Rights contract is fit for the digital age.
Please correct me if I’m wrong on any points… Ti Media.
IHY.
Good to know - thanks, Patsy (and Shirley)!
I wonder if all the public fuss is even seen by TI Media, let alone taken into a board meeting and discussed.
Good to hear Shirley's take on things. Thanks, Shirley and thanks Patsy. Shirley and the DC Thompson team are lovely people to work with. Long may they continue. Good wishes. Kate
I remember a few years ago when the DC Thomson contracts changed to take more rights (previously only first rights) and there was uproar on this blog about it. But the world didn't end. Sounds like WW have gone one step too far with their rights grab.
I'd never agree to giving away copyright. And no magazine actually NEEDS copyright.
Patsy you're doing a great job managing this debate here. Applause.
That is comforting to know re Shirley's comments, so thanks Patsy for passing that on. I have the highest of praise for DC Thomson as they have been lovely to deal with. Thank you Patsy for all your hard work in keeping us abreast of everything.
They've had a lot of emails (from lots of people, not just me), many mentioning blog posts, magazine articles and social media activity, so they should be aware of the reaction. Whether they're discussing it I can't tell you, as they don't respond to the emails.
Not sure if this link will work here but author Joanne Harris has now heard of the issue. https://twitter.com/Joannechocolat/status/1020041560753344513 If you're on Twitter please retweet the link.
As far as I can make out, they're the only ones who feel they do need all rights – and they're refusing to say why they think that.
It's great that some of the bigger names are refusing these unfair terms. If all their regular writers were to do the same it would have a big impact, but some seem willing to give up their rights and accept a pay cut rather than take the risk.
WW kindly changed the contract on my story (following my request) from All Rights -which I had signed - to First Rights with extensions. The email stated that from now on they will only accept stories on an All Rights contract 'unless expressly agreed otherwise.' Which is confusing, but also a bit hopeful.
That is VERY interesting – and a little bit hopeful.
Newbie, if you're willing to tell me more, could you email me please? (I won't reveal your name or anything you tell me without your permission.)
I would still urge people not to sign. Newbies please send to other markets, regulars do the same. Write to Ti Media and keep writing to complain. Don't buy the mags. Stay united. This IS going to take time.
UD
I agree. And if anyone is offered the all rights contract, query it – ask why they need them, ask if there's an alternative, and explain why you're not happy to accept those terms.
This may of already been mentioned, but has anyone requested a face to face meeting? Often things are resolved when people sit facing each other at a table, talking through their thoughts and reasons for actions from both sides of the table so to speak...
I don't know anyone at WW but I would think they want a good relationship with their writers. As I understand it, aren't the stories why people buy the magazine?
It's in everyone's interest to smoke the peace pipe and see what can be done to appease all.
Just saying...
Could a small group of you request a face to face meeting? It would make you guys feel more appreciated if you had an opportunity to speak in person I think...
Maria, no one from the magagement side will even reply to emails, let alone explain why they're doing this, so arranging a meeting would be very difficult.
Echo and ditto! I was invited to lunch with the MW team many years ago (when visiting my parents in not-far-off Falkland) and the PF team had one of my stories on the table being 'set' - can't tell you the pleasure I got out of that whole day, everyone within the DCT building so lovely! Long Live DCT!
Well...sadly that speaks volumes.
'It's our way or no way' springs to mind.
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