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Author Topic: Magazine wants some of my images for free  (Read 14276 times)

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« on: August 30, 2009, 14:21 »
0
A New York based web magazine has asked me to contribute some of my work to their website and "possible" publication in a hard copy magazine they expect to launch around November. I'm chuffed at the invitation and to me it presents an opportunity for some free marketing. The quality of photography on their site is generally high and they seem to be genuine.

However, I'm in two minds about giving away images. They are a start-up so I'm guessing cash is going into the launch. They say they plan to start paying contributors if the magazine picks up additional sponsorship.

Has anyone come across this in the business? Am I missing an opportunity if I pass on this.

Kind Regards.


« Reply #1 on: August 30, 2009, 14:34 »
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I don't like giving away my photos for free to some people and charging others.  They should be able to afford the small microstock fees.  While it might seem nice to have a few photos in a magazine, it feels much better when they pay you as well.  Mine are in lots of magazines now and they all pay me.

« Reply #2 on: August 30, 2009, 14:46 »
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Ask the magazine if their copy producers (writers), layout designers, and printer are also working for the credit and "free marketing" they will get from this publication and not getting paid in cash.  If they are all working just for credit given, then you go right ahead and join them.
« Last Edit: August 30, 2009, 14:53 by HughStoneIan »

PaulieWalnuts

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« Reply #3 on: August 30, 2009, 14:57 »
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How exactly is this free marketing? What are they agreeing to do for you and what measurable return do you expect?

Tell this magazine to send me a free unlimited subscription and I may consider paying for it some day. 

« Reply #4 on: August 30, 2009, 15:01 »
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Yes, I have linked this before, but this sums up the whole thing quite nicely:
Harlan Ellison -- Pay the Writer


(Maybe you should send the link to the magazine... :))

« Reply #5 on: August 30, 2009, 15:02 »
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It quite simply doesn't work in my opinion. They get free images and you get nothing. A credit line is worthless. If it makes you feel all warm inside and you get to show off to friends and this is important to you then it might be worth it. If you think it will jump start your career I doubt it. What are you going to do, show it to a prospective client who will likely understand that you worked for free? Getting paid isn't all that difficult.

« Reply #6 on: August 30, 2009, 15:07 »
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They're chugged theve got someone nibbling at their bait ...

m@m

« Reply #7 on: August 30, 2009, 15:14 »
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Yeah! I would like a 56' Hatteras Yacht for free too!... ;)

PaulieWalnuts

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« Reply #8 on: August 30, 2009, 15:15 »
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It quite simply doesn't work in my opinion. They get free images and you get nothing. A credit line is worthless. If it makes you feel all warm inside and you get to show off to friends and this is important to you then it might be worth it. If you think it will jump start your career I doubt it. What are you going to do, show it to a prospective client who will likely understand that you worked for free? Getting paid isn't all that difficult.

There may be some cases where you can benefit. But is there really an exchange of value? I give you something and I get something in return.

If you, or they, can't answer what value you're getting then there is no value and you are being taken advantage of by giving away something for free.


PaulieWalnuts

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« Reply #9 on: August 30, 2009, 15:17 »
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That video is hilarious.

« Reply #10 on: August 30, 2009, 15:26 »
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Perry - brilliant clip. Fortunately I haven't fallen off the turnip truck.

All - my gut feel about this is confirmed, which is why I'm ignoring their follow-up email. If they ask again I'll give them a price and they'll either go away or agree a way forward - on my terms.

As my Aunt Florence would say "you get nothing for nothing in this world my boy"

Cheers,
Ed

« Reply #11 on: August 30, 2009, 15:33 »
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Regarding the clip; that's what I was trying to say but could never do it so eloquently.

« Reply #12 on: August 30, 2009, 15:44 »
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Definitely, one of those things that comes up a lot. Will you do this for free or at a discounted rate? Why, so you can promise me the privilege of doing more free and discounted work in the future? I can't pay my bills with unicorns and rainbows. I always thought Harlan Ellison was a jerk. I guess he is my kind of jerk though.

« Reply #13 on: August 30, 2009, 15:47 »
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Yep - I really should learn from my recent experience with a brief (lawyer). He had a clock and a calculator within easy reach and he used them all the time, every time.

 :)

« Reply #14 on: August 30, 2009, 15:48 »
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Definitely, one of those things that comes up a lot. Will you do this for free or at a discounted rate? Why, so you can promise me the privilege of doing more free and discounted work in the future? I can't pay my bills with unicorns and rainbows. I always thought Harlan Ellison was a jerk. I guess he is my kind of jerk though.

"In my world everyone is a pony, and they all eat rainbows, and poop butterflies." - Horton hears a who...

« Reply #15 on: August 30, 2009, 15:50 »
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It is interesting how some people can call this kind of crap an opportunity. If I were you I would tell them to come back when they are ready to pay you. If I am going to miss an opportunity for that kind of response then so be it!

A New York based web magazine has asked me to contribute some of my work to their website and "possible" publication in a hard copy magazine they expect to launch around November. I'm chuffed at the invitation and to me it presents an opportunity for some free marketing. The quality of photography on their site is generally high and they seem to be genuine.

However, I'm in two minds about giving away images. They are a start-up so I'm guessing cash is going into the launch. They say they plan to start paying contributors if the magazine picks up additional sponsorship.

Has anyone come across this in the business? Am I missing an opportunity if I pass on this.

Kind Regards.


« Reply #16 on: August 30, 2009, 16:09 »
0
It is interesting how some people can call this kind of crap an opportunity. If I were you I would tell them to come back when they are ready to pay you. If I am going to miss an opportunity for that kind of response then so be it!


Agreed again. I'm new to this business but rapidly understanding I have to be as hard-nosed about this as I was when working in sales. Anyway, I've written back advising them I will contribute at standard UK journalism rates. I'm not going to accept any magic beans for my cow.

Thanks

hqimages

  • www.draiochtwebdesign.com
« Reply #17 on: August 30, 2009, 17:57 »
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omg Perry!!  ;D ;D ;D Thanks for posting that, lol!!

Xalanx

« Reply #18 on: August 30, 2009, 17:57 »
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Don't do this. It will have absolutely no effect, you'll just give away your work for free.

The video is absolutely brilliant.

« Reply #19 on: August 30, 2009, 18:11 »
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I just wanted to add that despite my bitter and frustrated response on here (and laughing at the clip), I try to always be polite to potential clients. Even if their offer is totally ridiculous or they try to insult me. I just think it is not professional and a complete waste of time to argue with potential clients. I just try to answer all their questions in a cordial way, even if I don't think I'm going to end up doing the job. Hey, you never know, so you might as well be nice.

wilddingo

    This user is banned.
« Reply #20 on: August 30, 2009, 19:36 »
0
Has anyone come across this in the business? Am I missing an opportunity if I pass on this.

The majority contributing to microstock are actually losing money on every $1 sale they make.

If you're asking these people for advice on gauging business opportunities, then dude, you're either worse off than they are, or a complete novice in stock.
« Last Edit: August 30, 2009, 19:44 by wilddingo »

wilddingo

    This user is banned.
« Reply #21 on: August 30, 2009, 19:48 »
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Don't do this. It will have absolutely no effect, you'll just give away your work for free.

You are the man!  Dude, I agree wholeheartedly! 

Don't give your work away for free when you could be paying someone to take it from you.

Topic for next discussion: What does "wholeheartedly" mean anyway? 

« Reply #22 on: August 30, 2009, 20:19 »
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.....Hello?.....Did somebody say something??

m@m

« Reply #23 on: August 30, 2009, 20:24 »
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^^^Naaah, I think it was just dog gass ;)
« Last Edit: August 31, 2009, 21:57 by m@m »

« Reply #24 on: August 30, 2009, 20:29 »
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Dude what does mine say?

 ;D
C moan Dude  ;D


 

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