A couple of weeks ago, I posted a thread about a newspaper's unauthorized use of one of my images in a special travel/tourism supplement. I wrote the editor of the newspaper a letter, and sent a copy to the Dean of the journalism school which oversees production of the paper. Within 2 days, the general manager of the paper called me and made an offer. I told him I'd think about it and get back to him, knowing I wouldn't take the offer because it was still way below market rate. I sent him an e-mail explaining I was declining due to this fact but that I was open to discuss reasonable offers.
He called me again today, and after a little bit of wrangling with him, he came up to about 2X the low-end of the prices I had researched, and I accepted. I decided 2X the rate I probably would have received had they called me first was enough punishment. They will be cutting me a check within the week. He was very professional and didn't try to bully me and apologized profusely that the infringement occurred and assured me they took this issue very seriously.
I appreciate everyone who commented and/or had suggestions on how to deal with this situation, one which I never imagined would happen to me. If I wouldn't be a member of this great community (who possesses so much knowledge), I really would have been lost! Thanks!
Good for you, Angela. I'll bet the manager explained that is is their policy never to use unauthorized photos. Any idea how they happened to publish yours?
Thanks for the follow up Angela. It's nice to know you were able to affect the outcome positively and have the added marketing bonus of the exposure of your fine image is getting.
Discussion
12 repliesHe called me again today, and after a little bit of wrangling with him, he came up to about 2X the low-end of the prices I had researched, and I accepted. I decided 2X the rate I probably would have received had they called me first was enough punishment. They will be cutting me a check within the week. He was very professional and didn't try to bully me and apologized profusely that the infringement occurred and assured me they took this issue very seriously.
I appreciate everyone who commented and/or had suggestions on how to deal with this situation, one which I never imagined would happen to me. If I wouldn't be a member of this great community (who possesses so much knowledge), I really would have been lost! Thanks!
Rodney: Yes, they pulled the image from the web as soon as the infringement was brought to their attention.