[photobyfelix]

Hi to all that submit their photos to various contests:

I recently was about to submit an image to a National Geographic traveler Magazine contest (sponsored by Bestbuy) and decided to read the rules before submitting. What I discovered is - just by the act of submitting my image, I was turning over all rights and ownership of that image to the contest owners. The wording of the rule is as follows:

"Entering a photo in this contest constitutes entrants irrevocable assignment, conveyance and transference to sponsor, any and all right, title and interest in the photo, including, without limitations, all copyrights."

Just by entering you are "gifting" your image to the contest owners. I decided not to enter, and also wrote them a letter telling them how disgusted I was to see their rule, and that I would never submit as long as that rule is in affect.

If any of you belong to any type of photo club or association, I suggest you alert your fellow members AND also write to any contests where you see this rule used.

Thanks,

Felix