I’m excited to see that a group of freelance writers and photographers are circulating an appeal urging their colleagues to refuse contract terms demanded by Pacific Basin Communications, publishers of Honolulu, Hawaii Business, and other magazines.

Freelance writers in Hawaii have not been organized in negotiating fair contract terms with local publications, and this move is long overdue. I can only hope that it spreads and leads to other freelance reforms.

Pacific Basin standard contract gives the company 12-month exclusive publication rights, as well as future rights to republish all or portions “for archival, historical or editorial purposes.”

The group says:

This word “editorial” may be construed to mean that, at any time in the future, Pacific Basin can re-publish your freelance story or photograph in any of its present or future publications without being obligated to pay you any additional fee. In contrast, other publishers pay additional fees for subsequent editorial use. And the “Fair Contracts Statement” from The Society of American Travel Writers (1,300+ members) says that it “believes in fair and equitable contracts for the services of its freelance members. Payment should be per use, whatever the form or medium.”
Pacific Basin doesn’t even have to notify you that it’s re-using your work.

The group says that, for now, it is simply calling for dropping “editorial purposes” from the future publishing rights given to Pacific Basin, although other issues, such as being paid for each use, remain of concern.

Requests to have the contract language changed have been rejected by the company, according to the group.

Individually, we freelancers are powerless to affect the way we’re treated by powerful publishing companies. That’s why most Hawai‘i editorial freelance fees have risen so little over the last 20 years or so. But if we act together, we may cause the companies that rely on our skills and talent to treat us fairly.

The appeal is signed by Bill Harby, G. Brad Lewis, Robbyn Peck, Sophia V. Schweitzer, and Cheryl Tsutsumi.

Freelancers are encouraged to contact Bill Harby for more information at billharby(at)hawaiiantel.net or 808-985-8558.