I had an object lesson today in how organisations eventually grow to further their own ends rather than the purposes for which they wer founded. The Living Archive was started up by brilliant, imaginative and enthusiastic people who cared enough about Wolvertons heritage to create something permanent. People naturally responded to this and freely gave their photographs, memorabilia, memories and recordings. And we should be glad of that and pay due tribute to the organisers and the multitude of volunteers and donors. I have a niggle. A few days ago I sought permission to use a photo taken during the McCorquodales strike of 1915 for John Taylors forthcoming book on Wolverton during WWI. Today I was told that I could use it on payment of £75. Well, sorry! I struggle to cover costs on most of the books I publish. Where I do have a surplus this money goes towards the next project. Im happy to do the work but I draw the line at unsupportable costs. If I went to a commercial photo library I would expect to pay, but I also know that a royalty is paid to the originator of the image. Fair enough! But the Living Archive has built its library entirely on donations, mostly I would imagine from people who had no idea that their donation would be used to generate income. Hmmm! I say. - well maybe a little more than that.
Posted on: Wed, 10 Sep 2014 18:43:40 +0000
Trending Topics
Recently Viewed Topics
© 2015