Graphic Artists Guild Contract Monitor Reviews
Date filed: August 4, 2002
Date updated:
Name of Company/ Parent Corporation: Cricket Magazine Group/ Carus Corporation
Address: 315 Fifth Street PO Box 300 Peru, Illinois 61354-0300
Phone Number: 812 939-1500
URL: www.caruspublishing.com
Type of Company: Children's Magazines, Books and Media
Names of Publications: Cicada, Cricket, Spider, Ladybug, Babybug, Muse, Front Street/ Cricket Books 
CEO or Publisher's name: Marianne Carus, Editor-in-Chief, Vice President
Overview: The typical All-Rights Contract, the media publisher pays a fee (usually single payment) and purchases the right to use and re-use the piece, in any medium, any number of times. The artist, in exchange for that fee, gives up any and all interest in, and control over, the use of the image. In some cases, the artist is even agreeing to give up the boards and computer files with which the image was created. An overwhelmed and overworked rights and permission staff has necessitated Cricket Magazine Group/ Carus Publishing to issue a new contract that simplifies the whole process by taking the artistŐs all rights to the work she/he has created.
Contract Highlights: 

TThe Carus Corporation contract is short, one page. In one sentence, you sell, transfer, assign and convey to the Carus Corporation all your right title and interest, including but not limited to the right to copyright and publish and use the work in any way that Carus shall be determine.

N The Carus new rights contract asks for the "right, title and interest..." in the work. "Title" means the company owns the original, like owning the title to a car or house. You are no longer the legal owner of the work that your created. Carus Publishing owns your original work, and can do with it what it wants and profit from your creativity over and over

The Carus Corporation magazines have been traditionally a showcase for young talented illustrators. But before you sign on the dotted line, remember to ask yourself the question - Is the exposure really worth what you are giving away, all the rights to what you created?

 This information is true and accurate as of the date specified, to the best of our knowledge and belief, and is provided by the Graphic Artists Guild to help artists make informed choices.