[Vesuvius]

Francis Tsai and 'Quasar' were both mistreated. Can we do anything legally to aid them?

[sacrelicious]

I don't know what you're talking about, but we should do something!

[Vesuvius]

http://www.sijun.com/cgi-bin/ultimatebb.cgi?ubb=get_topic&f=5&t=006351&p=1

[MoleculeMan]

Maybe they could go to court together? I dunno, i am surprised that Palladium is still making books at all. I can never find traces of it selling much anywhere.

jake

[Satan]

Without knowing the ins and outs of what transpired between Palladium and both Francis and Quasar, its hard to know what to say to this
- however -
Palladium Books does have an 'Unsolicited Manuscript/Artwork Release Form' which must be signed before they accept any submissions

(Unsolicited Release Form)

which plainly puts the ball in their court as far as taking advantage of anyone hoping to work with/for them -
if its a case of failing to pay up once a contract has been agreed to, then i suppose its up to the artist to pursue it legally (if its worth the time,money and stress)
- personally, my view is that if you are to submit a portfolio to them, write it off - if you are lucky, you'll get a commision and get paid - if not, it appears to me that there is nothing you can do about it.
I haven't personally submitted anything to them as yet, due to this agreement as i am unwilling to give Palladium Books free reign over any work (see above agreement for specifics pertaining to portfolio restrictions) but i am afraid that P.B. are not the only publishers using this kind of policy.

[edit - grammar and spelling ]

[ January 18, 2002: Message edited by: Satan ]

[Enayla]

Fate, that's an awful release form =(

It honestly gave me a very cold feeling - it's as if it's designed to let them screw people over. Ergh.

[Vesuvius]

a quote from their form "By way of example, but not limitation, Palladium's receipt and review of your materials does not prevent Palladium from developing or publishing any similar work"
so very wrong.

[Satan]

Just to clarify - [edit] - as far as submissions forms go...
I find it neither right or wrong - harsh and offputting - yes, but at least they bring attention to it by having a seperate release form to read and sign ... like i said earlier - there are now several companies that i have come across, when, as part of the submission process, you agree to waive intellectual and copyright of what you submit to them - the warning is often found on their submissions page and doesn't always come as clear and obvious as a form to sign - but i feel that unless you have access to a lawyer or agent for contracts/agreements - the onus is on the freelancer to read and reread everything that pertains to 'folio submissions

The only way that i personally would approach PB would be if i took the time to produce a portfolio specifically for them, showcasing their ideas/designs -
ie. demons/mechs/characters etc.
in a style that fits their genre, that would be of no use to anyone else.
- and with a dozen pieces to do for a 'folio for them, it's not top of my priority list.


[edit - spelling....again ]

[ January 18, 2002: Message edited by: Satan ]

[ January 18, 2002: Message edited by: Satan ]

[MoleculeMan]

the worst part is that it seems that they can hold your piece in limbo forever. (if they dont reject it but dont accept it either)

jake

[Quasar]

They have screwed over more then just me and francis trust me !! I used to love Rifts that's why I did work for them but they did'nt veen want to pay me the 30.00 bucks they owed me. They only pay 10.00/drawing for there books...anyways I have meet a lot of other artists that have been screwed by that company. I suggest staying away. There is not much to be done . Cost to much to sue them so it's not worth it . Thanks for the thought though!!

[Vesuvius]

$10 a drawing and no royalty (no matter how small) that blows!