Text of an email I've sent to the E.D. of CPAWS. Couldn't send it to the E.D. of the B.C. chapter because the email address format isn't the same as for the national body. The email I sent does include links to the contest page, the Pro Imaging Artists' Bill of Rights and the Rights Off list. Pissing and moaning about it on here won't do anything. If you're that upset about it, take some action.
ehebert-daly@cpaws.org is the email address of the E.D. of the national organisation. I'm not divulging private information. The organisation's website specifies how to email any individual on staff. His first name is Éric.
Mr. Hébert-Daly,
Good day. I've recently become aware of a photo contest being run by your B.C. chapter. The Terms and Conditions (last paragraph) are very broad and have the effect of removing any copyright protection that anyone who enters the contest may have with respect to submitted photos. On top of that, they have to pay for the privilege of giving up their legal rights.
I'm also writing to make you aware of an organisation that is working to make people aware of contests such as this one, educate people on what their rights are and that they should not give up their rights as well as to promote a set of terms and conditions for organisers of such contests that is respectful of the rights of those creating the photography. It is understood that photographers must grant some usage rights to contest organisers in order to allow the organisers to run the competition and replicate winning and/or submitted entries. It is possible to to that; however, without the broad and overreaching terms such as those used in the contest your B.C. chapter is running. It is possible to do that despite what your B.C. chapter's lawyers may say.
I urge you to read the information on the Artists' Bill of Rights website and to instruct the executive of the B.C. chapter to amend the Terms and Conditions of this, and any future, contest such that the terms are in line with the Artists' Bill of Rights. You'll see on the website that this organisation produces a 'Rights On' list and a 'Rights Off' list. The Rights Off list is, essentially, a blacklist of competitions to which people should not submit. There are some pretty big names on that list. Should I not hear back from you and have comfort that the terms of the competition your B.C. chapter is running have been amended to be in line with the Artists' Bill of Rights, I will, sadly, have to submit the contest; and by extension your organisation, for inclusion on the Rights Off list.
Thank you and regards
Bob Fisher