(no subject)
http://fstoppers.com/photographer-set-to-sue-syfynbc-for-copyright-infringement
here is my opinion this:
YES. it was wrong for SYFY to use images without obtaining the Rights to republish. YES. A Photographer has a right to claim their copyright. One Caveat, don't act Like Jack Thompson about it. Publicizing your intent all over the community to create bad PR for the people you're trying to Punish? Sorry Kids, this isn't Davey and the Giant. Painting yourself to be an 'underdog' in the fight against the big bad corporation does not sway me in any way. Why? You aren't the Underdog.. yeah sure NBC has loads of GE Fat cash... but ultimately THE LAW is on your side. If you have a case... puffing out your chest and creating a circus isn't the most advisable way to go about things if your copyright was the true issue.. I did Mention GE'S FAT CASH RIGHT?
in the Con/Cosplay Community we have enjoyed operating in this wonderful frontier of Grey area. By doing this selfish act you [the photographers intending on litigating] could ruin it for the rest of us. Most Photographers operating the aforementioned community do not operate with release forms in hand.... SmartPhone App or Otherwise.
Yes. SYFY should have done due diligence and contacted the actual copyright holders. As Should have the Cosplayers.
Speaking of. if this does go to court and SYFY rejects the settlement... this means that the cosplayers themselves will likely [I'M GUESSING] Held as co-defendants due to the contracts they signed with SYFY, If this happens... The worst of it? We'd all have to standardize and operate under scrutiny. At very Least the Photographers taking SYFY to court will be ostracized from the community... because honestly who'd want to work with THEM after that? I don't care how talented you are... People will always associate the bad more than the good.
Ok Smart Guy what would YOU DO If placed in this exact situation?
Naturally, I'd consult Legal consul and have them generate a letter asking for credit for the photos at very least. At the most i'd demand to have a feature or a job on the show. When it Comes right down to it.. is it worth it to me to go after the giant for a pittance over losing my credibility with the community? Nope. I guess money is more important to some people. I wouldn't bring down my community for a lousy 28K...
While we're on the subject of the SYFY show "Heroes of Cosplay." Here is my Opinion
I don't watch it. Yes, Several of my Friends are on the Show. I support them personally, not through a Television Show.
here is my opinion this:
YES. it was wrong for SYFY to use images without obtaining the Rights to republish. YES. A Photographer has a right to claim their copyright. One Caveat, don't act Like Jack Thompson about it. Publicizing your intent all over the community to create bad PR for the people you're trying to Punish? Sorry Kids, this isn't Davey and the Giant. Painting yourself to be an 'underdog' in the fight against the big bad corporation does not sway me in any way. Why? You aren't the Underdog.. yeah sure NBC has loads of GE Fat cash... but ultimately THE LAW is on your side. If you have a case... puffing out your chest and creating a circus isn't the most advisable way to go about things if your copyright was the true issue.. I did Mention GE'S FAT CASH RIGHT?
in the Con/Cosplay Community we have enjoyed operating in this wonderful frontier of Grey area. By doing this selfish act you [the photographers intending on litigating] could ruin it for the rest of us. Most Photographers operating the aforementioned community do not operate with release forms in hand.... SmartPhone App or Otherwise.
Yes. SYFY should have done due diligence and contacted the actual copyright holders. As Should have the Cosplayers.
Speaking of. if this does go to court and SYFY rejects the settlement... this means that the cosplayers themselves will likely [I'M GUESSING] Held as co-defendants due to the contracts they signed with SYFY, If this happens... The worst of it? We'd all have to standardize and operate under scrutiny. At very Least the Photographers taking SYFY to court will be ostracized from the community... because honestly who'd want to work with THEM after that? I don't care how talented you are... People will always associate the bad more than the good.
Ok Smart Guy what would YOU DO If placed in this exact situation?
Naturally, I'd consult Legal consul and have them generate a letter asking for credit for the photos at very least. At the most i'd demand to have a feature or a job on the show. When it Comes right down to it.. is it worth it to me to go after the giant for a pittance over losing my credibility with the community? Nope. I guess money is more important to some people. I wouldn't bring down my community for a lousy 28K...
While we're on the subject of the SYFY show "Heroes of Cosplay." Here is my Opinion
I don't watch it. Yes, Several of my Friends are on the Show. I support them personally, not through a Television Show.