Writers copyright:
Camille Paglia v. Julie Burchill
Battle of the Bitches re-enacted (2010)

(Automated music) Inspired by the classic cross-Atlantic fax war by Paglia and Burchill (1993), R.J. Preece shows his email replies—art mag editor to editor—about a writer copyright battle. But when will art writers organise themselves, like others already have, and collectively take their power back?

Billie Ray Martin. The Crackdown (Light Programme Remix) featuring Stephen Mallinder.

This presentation is best viewed in a Mozilla browser for blinking activation.

The ADP editor at work: Hmmmm. Time to check the email...

Christ, not them again...

Opening the editorial email box at Art Design Publicity.

Highlight the redactions with your mouse if you like.

From: ArtDesignCafe
To: [American art mag editor]
Sent: Monday, September 27, 2010 6:08 PM

Dear [American art mag editor],

We have two lawyers on both sides of the Atlantic who actively advise artdesigncafe.com about copyright, and this was discussed with [the writer 11 months ago]. Then and now, if you can produce a letter that [the writer] signed giving away [his/her] writing copyright to [your magazine], or agreeing the text be a co-copyright, then that would be new information, and the [text] would be removed immediately with an explanatory note provided for readers. I specifically asked [the writer] if [s/he] signed off [his/her] copyright or gave verbal permission to give up [his/her] copyright—[s/he] informed “no” [also noting that the writer wasn’t a part-time or full-time employee.] If [s/he] had, I would have chosen another [text on that topic, obviously requesting permission from another writer]. I understand [s/he] contacted you as a matter of local politeness.

I’m afraid the next step is for your lawyer to send a letter which I will then send to my lawyer.

We are coincidentally soon to release a comic strip by M. Contraband, Esq. which discusses this very issue about writer copyrights and print art/design mags produced in consultation, with yes, the two lawyers—for Side [A: Crackdown]. Here’s the preview.

Of course, we could follow this up—and in the footsteps of Camille Paglia and Julie Burchill. I’m sure the readers would be interested, especially the art writers.

If you cannot secure advice from a copyright lawyer, the National Writer’s Union in your country has an informative website. You might want to take a look at the "Copyright defense" section.

Best,
R.J.

From: ArtDesignCafe
To: [American art mag editor]
Sent: Monday, October 04, 2010 11:02 PM

Dear [American art mag editor],

This matter has been reviewed again with my copyright lawyer and the position stands. [Your read] sounds like a humanities interpretation, not one versed in copyright law... The agreement was for usage and [the copyright holder is] free to reprint [the text] as they wish.

R.J. Preece

From: ArtDesignCafe
To: [American art mag editor]
Sent: Tuesday, October 05, 2010 12:03 AM

Take it to a lawyer. I’m finished with this conversation.

From: ArtDesignCafe
To: [American art mag editor]
Sent: Tuesday, October 05, 2010 12:24 AM

Good! Every editor should be clearly informed about copyright from a copyright lawyer.

Our writer copyright articles will be released with[in] 10 days. [Editorial note: sorry, we got busy with more interesting material...]

Best wishes from Art Design Publicity.

Now closing the editorial email box at Art Design Publicity.

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