The New York Times wants total ownership of freelance works. Times' editors are forcing all stringers, columnists and authors of one-shot features to sign blanket "work-made-for-hire" agreements for all future work. This would make the Times the legal author of the work, transferring all rights to the newspaper. Under the terms of the new contract, a writer's' "articles may be reused by the New York Times with no extra payment being made ...."

Writers and their organizations are justifiably incensed. Using e-mail, fax and traditional mail, members of the Authors Guild, the American Society of Journalists and Authors (ASJA), and the National Writers Union (NWU) are denouncing the Times' blanket work-for-hire policy.

The newspaper has not yet made similar demands on contributing illustrators and photographers, but whether it does may depend on how it imposes this policy on writers. To protect yourself (and to help fellow creators who write), graphic artists are encouraged to let the newspaper know what they think of its grabbing electronic rights and other extras for nothing. Also, let them know what you would think about expanding this policy to include illustrators or photographers.

Send a message to the four Times men named here (and send the Guild a copy of your message):

	Arthur Ochs Sulzberger Jr., Publisher

	e-mail: letters@nytimes.com  

	fax: 212.556.1434





	Joseph Lelyveld, Executive Editor

	e-mail: letters@nytimes.com  

	fax: 212.556.3690





	Kevin McKenna, Editor for Electronic Projects

	e-mail:  kemcke@aol.com  

	fax: 212.556.3690






	Dennis Stern, Associate Managing Editor

	e-mail: letters@nytimes.com  

	fax: 212.556.7126





	Or, write all four at:

			The New York Times

			229 West 43 Street

			New York, NY 10036

© Copyright 1995 Graphic Artists Guild