I agree they do go in with open eyes. Unfortunatly their vision is often blurred by "what if". Their vision also has no time related depth. So they have no idea of the potential value the future may bring to them shoud they retain those rights. 99% of images created have little or no value when you consider all the times shutters are tripped each day. But you may record the one that does, and most people including pros do not know how to handle the once in a lifetime shot. NG is hoping that you will provide it to them, gratis. There are camera clubs all over the country that challenge their members to create better images and compete with one another at local, regional and national events. And they retain the rights automatically granted to the artists. The same with pro orgs like NPPA, and PPofA. AFAIAC contests like NG's are just another way for them to gain valuable stock without paying. Les -----Original Message----- >From: Qkano <snapper@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx> >Sent: Mar 6, 2006 10:08 AM >To: List for Photo/Imaging Educators - Professionals - Students <photoforum@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx> >Subject: Re: Photo contests and copyrights > > > > >>Unlimited usage rights is the functionally the same >>as signing over copyright. >Not quite: if you sign over copyright then you lose the right to them > > >>You compete with Nat'l Geo to license your >>image to other users. >Alright, I guess that is what you meant. >Either way you retain the moral right (to be identified as the author) but not much else. > > > > >>Unlimited usage is just that - they can use it any way >>they like as many times as they please. >That's what it says. >Good luck to them. > >There a lot of amateurs out there producing VERY good work that will otherwise likely as not never see the light of day. In the(unlikely) event that one image "harvested" by these competitions achieved the sort of exposure that say "Afghan Girl" did then the hitherto unknown photographer would have their 15 minutes of fame and more. > >People do generally go in with open eyes ... > >Bon > > > > > > > >
