Looking for opinions...
@butterflydawn (297)
Canada
February 26, 2007 9:32pm CST
I was contacted by a group on the internet that publishes short stories to it's readers and it's free to join. They rely upon people to submit their stories freely, which I know a lot of the sites seem to do. Apparently someone read one of my stories that I placed on Gather.com, and sent it to this group with my info. They in turn contacted me asking my permission to use my story in their publications.
Does anyone else submit their stories to any free publications? Do you think this is a good idea to do?
1 person likes this
5 responses
@TinWolf (184)
• United States
27 Feb 07
I've been a writer for a long time and one of the downsides of the WWW is "theft"
I suppose being referred is an affirmation in a positive sense. My problem with it would be, retaining the rights to my work. Having MY Name associated with the piece, as the author. Getting every line I ever write coypwrite protected. Knowing if they want to use it FOR FREE. wanting to know if they will profit from my work and any others, without compensating me.
I'm not trying to sound like a Pirate, or a money hungry fool. God knows, writers better learn to enjoy Peanut Butter. I'm not opposed to charity either, unless my words are used to promote a publication that won't acknowledge me as the author at least, regardless of whether they compensate me or not.
The issue with copywrite, is a tough one, especially given that the WWW is available to Multiple millions, and one hardly has time to track something they wrote to publish, to determine if it's been stolen or plagarized. Then even if such is the case, how might one go about getting justice?
Steven Wolf
@butterflydawn (297)
• Canada
27 Feb 07
Thanks Tinwolf. Lots to consider. I suppose anything that is made public can be stolen and published elsewhere. It would be very difficult to track down or in getting justice as you say.
The place that wanted me to submit my stories said I would retain copyright, and my name would be kept with the stories, along with a short bio. I suppose all I can do is trust that information, and wait and see with a few pieces.
@winterose (39887)
• Canada
27 Feb 07
hon, you know that is how storytime tapestry works it is free. I started out in the business writing for free e-zines, many writers do, it is a way of getting your name out there. For me gather is still free, I don't get a dime from them. Now I sell my stories. But when you do an internet search and your name comes up all over the place it is a good thing.
2 people like this
@butterflydawn (297)
• Canada
27 Feb 07
Thanks winterrose. I forgot about that, and I did submit one story to you before. I was also looking at it that way too, that hopefully it would be a way to get my name out there. It certainly sounds like they are interested in some of my stories, and are also considering starting up a section for poetry, although they don't presently have one.
@clownfish (3272)
• United States
27 Feb 07
Hi! A lot of writers feel that this is exploitation, that writers deserve to be paid for the work they have done. Do they make money off the publication that you donate your work to? If so, then you should decline because you deserve the fruits of your labor, not them.
Another thing to consider is that you might lose your rights to your own work by allowing someone else to publish it in their name.
I suggest if your work is considered to be publishable, try to publish it yourself! Submit it to publishing houses or self publish. You should benefit from your work, not others! :-)
@butterflydawn (297)
• Canada
27 Feb 07
Definitely some things to consider clownfish. Thanks for your comment. Much appreciated.
This particular publication does not make money and told me I would retain copyrights, but I have not idea what else to ask or find out, thus my request for opinions and info.
