PSICOM Publishing Faces Criticism Over Contest Rules
PSICOM Publishing Inc. initiated a writing contest called SOPAS (mga kuwentong inspirasyunal) Writing Contest. The good thing about this contest that it opens up opportunities to writers, especially amateurs and aspiring writers to get their work published.
Recently there has been a lot of clamor regarding these specific rules:
” All entries will become the property of PSICOM Publishing Inc. and may be used for future publications.”
” All non-winning entries that will be published in future publications will have a compensation of P 700 cash.”
Because of these rules, the contest is currently taking a lot of criticism which fueled debates on their forum and on their facebook page here. Some people are against this rule because they think that this is not fair (especially since contestants also include minors) and that PSICOM is not being transparent or clear with regards to its rules. But for some, the rules are okay with them and that bragging rights is what they really are after.
For a bit of good news, we’ve learned that some people from PSICOM is trying to talk to people and freelance writers who are opposing and questioning their rules. And that it is possible that the contest rules may change.
We’ve also learned that the group – Freelance Writers’ Guild of the Philippines, will be holding a seminar regarding the issue (check out the official event page here). Details for the event are:
Writers, young and young at heart, are invited to attend a talk and round table discussion about copyright, writing contests and tricky fine print statements in the publishing scene. We think that this is a great opportunity for aspiring writers to raise questions and know more about the publishing scene.
March 24, 20126:00 p.m.
Chef’s Bistro, Scout Gandia St. near Tomas Morato, Quezon City FREE AND OPEN TO THE PUBLIC Organized by the Freelance Writers’ Guild of the Philippines For details, call Ime 09179378617 or Teena 09153913129
So what do you guys think of this kind of rules regarding publishing, royalties and rights as an author? Do you think that this rules are tricks or plainly “sneaky moves”? Let us know your stand.
Tony Tuason
