As some of you may remember from a little while back, as well as about 2 months ago, I made a video of the Kryptonite lock hack. Still shots from my video mysteriously appeared in this month's edition of
Bicycling magazine. This surprised me, as no one asked permission to use the material. I sent off an email through their generic mailer system and subsequently wrote it off.
Well just the other day I got this reply:
Hi Peter,
I am sorry about the confusion regarding your images of the Kryptonite lock in our December issue. That news item was a last minute addition and I received the website and misunderstood. I thought we had permission to use the images. I apologize profusely and can offer you useage fees to try and make up for this. Would $400 be okay? Please let me know as soon as possible.
Thank you,
Stacey
Stacey Emenecker
Photo Editor
Bicycling and Moutain Bike Magazines
135 N. Sixth Street
Emmaus,PA 18098
610-967-8744
This caught me off guard, especially their unprompted willingness to compensate me for the images. I sent off this as a counter-offer:
Ms. Emenecker,
Thank you for your prompt reply, I appreciate your willingness to accommodate me in this situation. It was just rather shocking to see the images in a publication without my knowledge, however, I understand how mistakes can be made.
In my previous experiences with stock photography I have typically been compensated $475-500 for usage fees, which I feel is representative of the industry. I would also appreciate some form of print recognition for the work, in order to validate it for future inclusion in my portfolio, etc.
Also, I believe that my subscription may have recently expired, but that would only be a pleasant nicety and is not essential by any means.
Thank you again for your reply; I look forward to hearing from you and resolving this situation amicably.
Sincerely,
Peter A. H*****
************
Portland, OR ***
I thought myself to be professional as well as reasonable in its content. Plus, it never hurts to ask for more
Today I got this back:
Hi Peter,
I would need an invoice to process the usage fees. I can give you $475. The invoice needs to include your address and social security number or tax id. We also require a W-9 form which you can find at
www.irs.gov/pub/irs-fill/fw9.pdf
You can send both the invoice and w-9 form to the address below.
I have told the mail section editor about printing a correction so you will receive proper credit. I cannot provide you with a subscription. The system was abused years ago so we aren't allowed to do that anymore.
Thank you,
Stacey
Well, needless to say, things worked out well and in my favour. As much as I loathe
Bicycling magazine, I have to respect Rodale for their quick response and willingness to correct the situation. I just thought I would provide the resolution to that story for those of you that care....
Any suggestions of what to blow the cash on? I am leaning pretty heavily towards a torch and tube/lug set.