The Chicago Tribune is offering a "new" blanket contract that tries to define "publication rights" as including the right "to use and reproduce all such material and derivatives of it in various databases, and in conjunction with any other products, including ... microfilm and CD/ROMs." Further, this tricky language is included: "In addition, your endorsement of any Tribune check issued to you shall constitute your confirmation of the continued existence of this agreement." Word from the front is that art directors are claiming they would not be permitted to work with anyone who refused to sign it. If that's true, perhaps the entire fee structure needs to be reevaluated.

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