Was out with the clan a few weeks back, and went into a store to buy much needed replacements for my torn, tattered, patched jeans… I had no problem with them but someone was sick of patching them and said they could no longer vouch for the integrity of the repairs given the state of the original material to which it was being adhered.
Anyway, I succumb to the persistent suggestions and we went to take advantage of a 2-for-$109 offer, only to find that they were reduced to 2-for-$89… but that’s not important.
Having selected my two pairs of jeans, we were paying for them and the kids saw something on the counter promoting a photography competition being run by the clothing chain, and they suggested I enter.
I’m not a big fan of such competitions, but had an image in mind that I thought would meet the criteria. However, upon inspection of the “terms & conditions” I decided NOT to enter. The particular item I object to, and that is quite common in such photography “competitions” was this:
All entries become the property of the Promoter. The Promoter collects personal information about you to enable you to participate in this promotion but no further use of this information will be made without prior consent
That’s right… even if a photo does NOT win, the “Promoter” own the photo. I can understand (though, don’t necessarily agree with) the winner handing over ownership of the rights in exchange for the prize… there’s been an exchange of items of value… but to claim ownership of photos merely for entering a competition is a bit unfair. However, clearly the multitudes of people that entered either
- don’t mind giving away their photos to a corporation that may use it advertising without a single cent of compensation to the person that took the photo
- don’t read the terms and conditions
I’m betting most people would tick BOTH those categories… that is, until they DON’T win and then see their photo being used, and they’ve got NOTHING to show for it.
Me, however, would rather retain ownership of my photos unless I’m properly compensated for it, or give them as a gift to someone deserving i.e. not a multination clothing retailer that tricks people out of ownership of their own images.
About this image: This was taken 2 and a half years ago, out at Port Melbourne beach. Five of my six kids playing on the beach on a hot January evening.
