Writers stunned over Boston Globe's hoggish contract

July 7, 2000 - "Holy poop, this is scary." "I shall keep up on this one. "Let's hope this gets defeated!" "Yes, being from Boston, I'd say that if the Globe wins that suit, that is pretty scary."

Shocked writers expressed themselves over the American Independence Day holidays to a posting in online writing forums by Wooden Horse Publishing's Meg Weaver, regarding The National Writers Union losing a request to stop the newspaper The Boston Globe from requiring all freelance workers to sign a new, oppressive contract by July 1.

The National Writers Union, Local 1981 of the International Union, UAW, filed a suit together with the Graphic Artists Guild, Local 3030 of the International Union, UAW; and the American Society of Media Photographers (AMSP) on June 12. The lawsuit was filed after the Globe told freelance workers, like writers, photographers and graphic artists, to sign a new contract which demands all rights -- in all mediums -- to all past, present, and future works.

"It seems really odd that governments (as represented by the judiciary), who profess such concern over the copyright of "intellectual properties" would allow such a decision," wrote another author. "Of course a freelance writer is not Microsoft or any other large corporation."

"Most writers seemed disturbed that someone could even think of demanding such outlandish "rights". Others expressed hope that a court of law would side with the writers," said Meg Weaver, the Editor and Publisher of the writers' website, www.woodenhorsepub.com. "However, the judge has already ruled in favor of the newspaper, so how much hope is there for us writers?"

Read more about it:

Wooden Horse Publishing: Boston Globe can continue to rip off freelancers - other publishers may follow. (July 2, 2000)

Linda Weltner, former columnist for The Boston Globe: Are you wondering: Why is "Ever So Humble" no longer in the Globe?