The same Kelvin MacKenzie who published a story about how Liverpool fans looted dead bodies and beat up police officers during the Hillsborough disaster?
This guy fired people for making up stories? Crivens.
Still to this day it's not to be recommended reading The Sun in public in Liverpool.
The same Kelvin MacKenzie who published a story about how Liverpool fans looted dead bodies and beat up police officers during the Hillsborough disaster?
This guy fired people for making up stories? Crivens.
There's making things up and there's getting the facts wrong. The travesty that was the Sun's coverage of the Hillsborough disaster was a case of the latter, not the former. The reason it was so offensive wasn't the purported 'facts', it was the spin put on them. People in a crowd crush situation do involuntarily empty their bladders, but the way the Sun told it you'd think they'd done it on purpose. I don't think anyone except MacKenzie would try and justify running that story.
Read 'Stick It Up Your Punter' if you're interested in what went on at the paper from Murdoch's acquisition through to the end of the 1980s.
And that's somehow different to any other large publisher's freelance writing contract?
I can't help thinking that trying not to write anything too libellous would be better advice.
Back in the Live Publishing days, there were no contracts that I recall.
Writing for the mag I write for has a kinder contract than the one I signed for Imagine Publishing a few years back.
Back in the Live Publishing days, there were no contracts that I recall.
Then the defacto contract applies, the same as when you send a letter to a magazine; first use-rights only. If Imagine has ever reused any of the content you created in the Live Publishing days you should send them a bill.
If you think shafting your contributors is a laughing matter I'm not surprised you're having trouble finding people to write for you.
Darran is offering people a chance to write about something they love, getting published and earning a few quid...and this is your answer?
That's rude and gives me a whole new view about you...
...now I'm even more indifferent towards you.
Darran is offering people a chance to write about something they love, getting published and earning a few quid...and this is your answer?
That's rude and gives me a whole new view about you...
...now I'm even more indifferent towards you.
No, Darran was rude in his dismissal of my warning to the unsuspecting. You go ahead and sign the contract. I look forward to seeing you get sued.
Oh and since you've contributed nothing to the scene ... who are you again?
Then the defacto contract applies, the same as when you send a letter to a magazine; first use-rights only. If Imagine has ever reused any of the content you created in the Live Publishing days you should send them a bill.
In all fairness to Imagine Publishing, taking on Retro Gamer was a bit of a gamble in terms of some of the egos it had to contend with at the time, or at least that was my reading into why the contract as it was at the time I signed. Alas I needed the money at the time, but now I wouldn't entertain working for ?60 per week nowadays.
In all fairness to Imagine Publishing, taking on Retro Gamer was a bit of a gamble in terms of some of the egos it had to contend with at the time, or at least that was my reading into why the contract as it was at the time I signed. Alas I needed the money at the time, but now I wouldn't entertain working for ?60 per week nowadays.
I suppose with something as niche as RG, there's not really a large pool of writers who are both interested and knowledgeable on the subject to draw on. So under those circumstances, if the old writers were a bit precious about their work, perhaps the carrot (here's some money) and stick (but we own you) approach may have seemed the only way to carry on. But it also acts as a barrier to professional writers, such as myself.
I never got as far as negotiating a rate, but I wouldn't expect Imagine to compete with the likes of EMAP and Dennis. ?60 for a feature wouldn't be so bad if they also paid reasonable expenses.
Oh and since you've contributed nothing to the scene ... who are you again?
Now that's rude....and comes across as more than a little pompous....
Just because people haven't "contributed" anything as you see it, doesn't mean they aren't important to the scene...
And yes, Sokurah was a little rude to you too with his "even more indifferent" talk, but I want you all to apologize, shake hands and stop this nonsense....Darran was just trying to be nice, and then you all start throwing your toys around!
If you don't behave none of you will get any supper.....
Now that's rude....and comes across as more than a little pompous....
Pompous. You've got a nerve. I'm not going to sit back and put up with personal attacks when the only reason I'm even here is to raise money for a good cause.
Just because people haven't "contributed" anything as you see it, doesn't mean they aren't important to the scene...
Generally I'd agree, but in this case the only contribution has been abuse.
And yes, Sokurah was a little rude to you too with his "even more indifferent" talk, but I want you all to apologize, shake hands and stop this nonsense....
It's not the first time and I'm not taking any more crap from passive-aggressives who don't know me. If anyone has an issue with me they can come to the next CSS meet and tell me to my face.
Darran was just trying to be nice, and then you all start throwing your toys around!
No he wasn't. He was trying to get some content for his magazine on the cheap.
If you don't behave none of you will get any supper.....
Since you've been good enough to contribute to my appeal I'll let that one pass.
If you'd been here long enough to know the history of this forum you'd understand why I don't take prisoners any more. That's not a criticism of you though.
Darran is offering people a chance to write about something they love, getting published and earning a few quid...and this is your answer?
That's rude and gives me a whole new view about you...
...now I'm even more indifferent towards you.
This kind of posts made me sad.
Personal attacks really shouldn't belong in this forum. Can we please stop now?
I think this has gone OTT. Darran was just offering the chance to someone. Our very own jdanddiet (and Merman) have written some great articles in the past for RG.
The chances of Imagine re-writing the article, offending someone or some company so bad that they sue (and the freelancer is 'responsible') about a retro games article must be sooooo slim? It hasnt happened so far in 90 issues
Bit like refusing to go out the house as there's a chance a meteor might hit you
If you'd seen the contract you'd be warning people about it yourself. I feel sorry for anyone who signed it as one of the many clauses is that it prohibits you ever writing on the same subject again (during your lifetime) for any other publication. That clause is so broadly defined it means if that's the contract jdanddiet and Merman signed they can never write about the Spectrum for anyone other than RG, and could be held liable for damages if they do.
That clause is so broadly defined it means if that's the contract jdanddiet and Merman signed they can never write about the Spectrum for anyone other than RG, and could be held liable for damages if they do.
If that is there (and I've not seen it to comment), I seriously doubt it's enforcable. Even some of the most stringent non-compete agreements in the world are usually restricted to a one year period, as beyond that they'll never stand up in court.
If that is there (and I've not seen it to comment), I seriously doubt it's enforcable. Even some of the most stringent non-compete agreements in the world are usually restricted to a one year period, as beyond that they'll never stand up in court.
I've been trying to find out if the Unfair Contracts Act applies to employment contracts but I haven't managed to turn up a definitive legal opinion. In the EU, non-competition agreements aren't worth the paper they're written on as they restrict freedom of labour. However, if a publishing house takes a lone writer to court, without liability cover the writer will end up out of pocket even if they win the case.
If you'd seen the contract you'd be warning people about it yourself. I feel sorry for anyone who signed it as one of the many clauses is that it prohibits you ever writing on the same subject again (during your lifetime) for any other publication. That clause is so broadly defined it means if that's the contract jdanddiet and Merman signed they can never write about the Spectrum for anyone other than RG, and could be held liable for damages if they do.
Thanks for all the interest guys, but based on the way this thread has spectacularly derailed I don't think I'll be offering this opportunity now, as I'm obviously an evil man with my own personal agenda, despite the fact that I've managed to keep the same staff on the team for the past 5 years.
It's rather sad that this has happened, but I'll wait until one of our regular writers is available to write this article. If they can't then it simply will not happen.
Sorry guys, I just wanted to make the best possible feature by hopefully getting someone who knew about the system to do it the justice it deserved, but that's obviously not going to happen now. I think I'll head back to the Retro Gamer forums now, it's a lot friendlier there.
Toodle Pip.
I won't be returning, so if anyone does want to contact me, feel free to contact me at the usual Retro Gamer email address.
I'm completely puzzled as to how telling someone that you are "indifferent towards" them, suddenly constitutes personal abuse. What joker "reported" that ??
It's a real shame that Darran has withdrawn the offer. I'm sure there are many people here that would have produced a very good article.
Comments
Still to this day it's not to be recommended reading The Sun in public in Liverpool.
simple as that
Depends where you publish. If you publish in the UK you get protection under the UK act.
There's making things up and there's getting the facts wrong. The travesty that was the Sun's coverage of the Hillsborough disaster was a case of the latter, not the former. The reason it was so offensive wasn't the purported 'facts', it was the spin put on them. People in a crowd crush situation do involuntarily empty their bladders, but the way the Sun told it you'd think they'd done it on purpose. I don't think anyone except MacKenzie would try and justify running that story.
Read 'Stick It Up Your Punter' if you're interested in what went on at the paper from Murdoch's acquisition through to the end of the 1980s.
Writing for the mag I write for has a kinder contract than the one I signed for Imagine Publishing a few years back.
Regards,
Shaun.
Then the defacto contract applies, the same as when you send a letter to a magazine; first use-rights only. If Imagine has ever reused any of the content you created in the Live Publishing days you should send them a bill.
http://twitter.com/#!/philfordesq/statuses/65735357701959680
Darran is offering people a chance to write about something they love, getting published and earning a few quid...and this is your answer?
That's rude and gives me a whole new view about you...
...now I'm even more indifferent towards you.
My games for the Spectrum: Dingo, The Speccies, The Speccies 2, Vallation, SQIJ.
Twitter: Sokurah
bizarre
No, Darran was rude in his dismissal of my warning to the unsuspecting. You go ahead and sign the contract. I look forward to seeing you get sued.
Oh and since you've contributed nothing to the scene ... who are you again?
Regards,
Shaun.
I suppose with something as niche as RG, there's not really a large pool of writers who are both interested and knowledgeable on the subject to draw on. So under those circumstances, if the old writers were a bit precious about their work, perhaps the carrot (here's some money) and stick (but we own you) approach may have seemed the only way to carry on. But it also acts as a barrier to professional writers, such as myself.
I never got as far as negotiating a rate, but I wouldn't expect Imagine to compete with the likes of EMAP and Dennis. ?60 for a feature wouldn't be so bad if they also paid reasonable expenses.
Now that's rude....and comes across as more than a little pompous....
Just because people haven't "contributed" anything as you see it, doesn't mean they aren't important to the scene...
And yes, Sokurah was a little rude to you too with his "even more indifferent" talk, but I want you all to apologize, shake hands and stop this nonsense....Darran was just trying to be nice, and then you all start throwing your toys around!
If you don't behave none of you will get any supper.....
:p
Pompous. You've got a nerve. I'm not going to sit back and put up with personal attacks when the only reason I'm even here is to raise money for a good cause.
Generally I'd agree, but in this case the only contribution has been abuse.
It's not the first time and I'm not taking any more crap from passive-aggressives who don't know me. If anyone has an issue with me they can come to the next CSS meet and tell me to my face.
No he wasn't. He was trying to get some content for his magazine on the cheap.
Since you've been good enough to contribute to my appeal I'll let that one pass.
chill the fuk out man!
If you'd been here long enough to know the history of this forum you'd understand why I don't take prisoners any more. That's not a criticism of you though.
Personal attacks really shouldn't belong in this forum. Can we please stop now?
I've reported this post.
Games List 2016 - Games List 2015 - Games List 2014
Bytes:Chuntey - Spectrum tech blog.
I think this has gone OTT. Darran was just offering the chance to someone. Our very own jdanddiet (and Merman) have written some great articles in the past for RG.
The chances of Imagine re-writing the article, offending someone or some company so bad that they sue (and the freelancer is 'responsible') about a retro games article must be sooooo slim? It hasnt happened so far in 90 issues
Bit like refusing to go out the house as there's a chance a meteor might hit you
If you'd seen the contract you'd be warning people about it yourself. I feel sorry for anyone who signed it as one of the many clauses is that it prohibits you ever writing on the same subject again (during your lifetime) for any other publication. That clause is so broadly defined it means if that's the contract jdanddiet and Merman signed they can never write about the Spectrum for anyone other than RG, and could be held liable for damages if they do.
Personally think it's nothing to worry about. Seem to be no issues so far with RG
Again thought Darran was just trying to be nice
And at least one of them *is* in breach of contract.
How do you know?
That's possible. But given his attitude I rather doubt it.
If that is there (and I've not seen it to comment), I seriously doubt it's enforcable. Even some of the most stringent non-compete agreements in the world are usually restricted to a one year period, as beyond that they'll never stand up in court.
I've been trying to find out if the Unfair Contracts Act applies to employment contracts but I haven't managed to turn up a definitive legal opinion. In the EU, non-competition agreements aren't worth the paper they're written on as they restrict freedom of labour. However, if a publishing house takes a lone writer to court, without liability cover the writer will end up out of pocket even if they win the case.
Well you tell me. As launch editor maybe you got better terms?
Oh and I enjoyed your article. Hope you're getting a bit more to eat these days. :)
It's rather sad that this has happened, but I'll wait until one of our regular writers is available to write this article. If they can't then it simply will not happen.
Sorry guys, I just wanted to make the best possible feature by hopefully getting someone who knew about the system to do it the justice it deserved, but that's obviously not going to happen now. I think I'll head back to the Retro Gamer forums now, it's a lot friendlier there.
Toodle Pip.
I won't be returning, so if anyone does want to contact me, feel free to contact me at the usual Retro Gamer email address.
It's a real shame that Darran has withdrawn the offer. I'm sure there are many people here that would have produced a very good article.
Getting a bit tiresome now.
Surely whether anyone signs a contract with RetroGamer is:-
(a) Down to them.
(b) Their own fault if they don't read it carefully or get it checked out by a legal type person.
This can only isolate us Spectrum users from the rest of the 8 bit community and that can only be a bad thing.
Disappointed...