Blogger Asks For Payment From A Newspaper
I’m calling this episode “YouTube to the Rescue!”
As a freelance writer, when I don’t have an assignment, I’m in the practice of writing witty and pointed opinion pieces to keep my name out there. I send these articles out to op/ed editors around the country. Some papers pick up my work. Many don’t. I’ve been doing this for years.
Well, a month ago I found via Google Alert a piece of mine was published in the Tampa Tribune. They never contacted me prior to publishing it. I sent them an email telling them I was never asked for my permission. The editor Jeff Stidham, responded explaining my unsolicited submission didn’t ask for payment or permission. Which is not how copyright works.
Anyway, I wrote them back, sending them an invoice for $75, which is the amount newspapers of their size and circulation normally pay guest columnists. I have not heard back from them.
So now my only recourse is putting a video up on the Internet to plead my case.
Enjoy!
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This is hilarious. I laughed. I cried. I certainly didn’t understand it.
I don’t understand why you did not copyright the piece, say it was copyrighted and that if they wanted to publish it, it would cost them $XX. Then it seems you’d have a case. But otherwise, isn’t it just like sending a letter to the editor? ??
It is copyrighted. My understanding of the law is that you obtain a copyright as soon as you create it. There’s the burden of proof which is what registering helps with. That’s in court.
Letters to the editor are not 650 word essays from pro writers. What was published was a guest column.
In response to another comment. See in context »If you were a poet, they’d be refusing to give you a free subscription instead of money, so you’re way ahead. Yes. Kidding. Good luck.
Hi, I’m here to nitpick. The line from Evita is:
But Senora Peron
It’s an easy mistake
I’m still called an admiral
Though I gave up the sea long ago.”
I’m not gay or anything. Probably.
Oh, shit. It’s “yet I gave up the sea.” I’m going to go away now.
In response to another comment. See in context »[...] a minute to read and watch Tinas story and the outcome of that story and come back and tell me that’s not brilliant. I dare you. [...]