I've had some communication with Bartus de Ridder from Belgium who has had some interesting experiences on his journey to get published in a diving magazine.
You can read the full account on Wetpixel in this post
To sum up his experience and some harsh realities:
Bartus had witnessed some "ecology" problems in Central Sulawesi and was keen to bring them to the attention of the diving world. After e-mailing an editor with the background, he was asked to put together an article with pictures.
It sounds like he spent a lot of time and effort on writing up his piece. However, when it was published, his "objective" and "scientific" report had been turned into what he describes as, "a Hollywood drama story," and he, "barely recognised" his text. He was also upset that his photograph had been cropped and he hadn't been credited for it.
So, instead of feeling elation at being published, Bartus was deeply upset claiming, "having seen what they turned my text into, I will definitely read any other article in a different way..."
I've not seen the article or the original text, but this account is a familiar story. So, what can we learn from this?
Do not presume that a media outlet, either in paper form or online, will follow any rules. The harsh truth is, there are none, unless everything you provide is covered by agreements and contracts that are binding in the country (s) you are dealing with.
Can I tell you now, that in the world of diving magazine photojournalism, I've rarely heard of such contracts. However, what you will get with any reputable magazine, is an understanding based on a written agreement to pay a set rate, or for a ground breaking story, an enhanced rate. There will also be an agreement in respect of the editorial team having control over your work - after all, they have to make it fit the style of the magazine and its format.
Most budding photojournalists are quite happy just to get something published and they might not care where. I know there are some editors (who may have no media background at all) who will publish your 'stuff' in this knowledge. They won't be looking at developing new talent with budding photojournalists who will remain loyal to the magazine and who the readers will eventually associate with being a reliable voice.
If you write something that is "scientific" you can almost guarantee that most diving magazines will not publish it as it will not be in a format familiar to its readers. However, if they are desperate for 'stuff' to fill the pages, they'll take it and butcher it to suit their needs. And no, they don't have to ask you first, and no, they don't have to tell you what they are doing with your picture. And, yes, they might just break their own 'rules' in the knowledge that you, as a budding hopeful, will not challenge them legally.
But there are ways of avoiding this kind of mess. As I reveal potential sources where you could get your articles published I will try and provide some guidance in respect of any obvious danger signs.
Keep Writing....
Brendan
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