I would not say it is not a rights grab but it is pretty slimy, typically those terms apply to those winning. Which is okay in my opinion.
However, IMHO the contest is nothing more than a way to collect photographs for Scuba Diving to use royalty free.
Here are the folks to contact:
http://www.scubadiving.com/contact-usHere is my letter:
So let me get this straight regarding this year's contest:
Scuba Diving's 2010 Photo Contest | Scuba Diving Magazine
1) I pay $10 to enter
2) Win or lose you get to use my photo without any compensation forever:
By entering, you grant to Sponsor a nonexclusive, worldwide, royalty-free license to edit, publish, promote, republish at any time in the future and otherwise use your submission, along with your name and likeness, in any and all media for any purpose, without further permission, notice or compensation (except where prohibited by law).
3) Further, you get sell my info to others to pimp their promotional materials:
By entering, you agree that the information you provide may be sent to promotional partners of the Sponsor. You may be contacted by the Sponsor and/or promotional partners with future promotional offers.
So what do I get out of this other than someone judging my photo? Do I get a written critique from the judges? No. Do I get a T-shirt that says "I entered Scuba Diving's 2010 Photo Contest and all I got was a T-shirt"? No. Do I get a complimentary certificate for a free air fill from my dive shop? No.
Hmm, I am finding a hard time understanding why I should enter the contest. Especially given that last years rules:
2009 Photo Contest | Scuba Diving Magazine
were much more friendlier to contestants.
Do not mistake my sarcasm as the contest is nothing more than a way to collect photographs for Scuba Diving to use royalty free. I find this contest to be nauseating.
I would suggest that the rules be changed so that 2) apply to ONLY the winners for a period of not more than two years. Further, allow contestants to opt out of 3).
Allen
Edited by allen, 03 April 2010 - 03:10 PM.