Graham, sorry I didn't see your posting and so, didn't answer. I haven't been fortunate to see too many contracts for writing, but do know that whatever of mine is published in the newspaper or magazines I've written for, I retain all copyrights; also that, in most instances, as you will see in the advice in the update below, most writers sell First North American Serial Rights, which, as I understand it is a once shot deal for the pubs to use that piece of work for that one time only. Any additional use, they must pay extra. You could probably find more information about it at www.nwu.org or the website for the Writer's Market. It's been awhile since I've read up on it. I'll try to find an article for you. Thanks, kat

Here's the latest from NWU:

AOL/Time Warner has a new, work-for-hire contract they're pushing on writers. This contract demands complete copyright to the work without any additional pay or compensation for the creator. The NWU is currently forming a coalition to resist these contracts and we need your help.

If you or someone you know writes for a Time Warner publication (see list and link below), please do NOT sign the all rights/work for hire contract. This contract hurts you and all other writers in the union.

If you are under pressure to get a signed contract back to the publisher immediately, we suggest that you cross out the "work for hire" language and insert "First North American Serial Rights" in its place. In the Section (4)of the contract we have reviewed, we suggest you complete the first sentence as follows: "You hereby acknowledge that the Articles shall be sold on a First North American Serial Rights basis." The remainder of the section should be crossed out completely.

A partial list of Time Warner publications is below; for a complete list, go to

www.aoltimewarner.com/about/companies/timeinc.html It is crucial that we have solidarity and that everyone in the Union stand firm!

AOL Time Warner Publications: (Selected list of better known titles)

Time Magazine
Sports Illustrated
Sports Illustrated for Women
Sports Illustrated for Kids People
Entertainment Weekly
Fortune
Money
Teen People
Southern Living
Popular Science
Outdoor Life
Field and Stream
Gold
Yachting
Ski
Skiing
This Old House
Cooking Light
Parenting
Family Life
Health