I'm attending a writing workshop this weekend led by an editor at Disney-Hyperion, and the session includes first page critiques. Attendees must sign a release form to participate. Is this typical?
The following points in the form make me a little nervous:
4. I will not assert against you, and release all the aforementioned from, any claim based on plagiarism, infringement, confidential relationship, implied contract, unfair competition or any other claim arising out of any alleged use by you of the Project.
5. If, notwithstanding my release and covenant not to sue contained in this agreement, I should later claim that you have used the Project, or any portion thereof, without my consent or authorization, I specifically agree and understand that I will suffer no damages in excess of One Thousand Dollars ($1,000) and that such damages up to said limit shall be my sole remedy and shall be payable only in the event a court of competent jurisdiction shall find that you have wrongfully appropriated the Project from me.
I take it on good faith that professional editors are not out to steal ideas, so it's disturbing to me that this form defines the consequences of potential plagiarism in advance ("if we plagiarize your work, this is how much we'll pay you")! Am I overreacting?
The following points in the form make me a little nervous:
4. I will not assert against you, and release all the aforementioned from, any claim based on plagiarism, infringement, confidential relationship, implied contract, unfair competition or any other claim arising out of any alleged use by you of the Project.
5. If, notwithstanding my release and covenant not to sue contained in this agreement, I should later claim that you have used the Project, or any portion thereof, without my consent or authorization, I specifically agree and understand that I will suffer no damages in excess of One Thousand Dollars ($1,000) and that such damages up to said limit shall be my sole remedy and shall be payable only in the event a court of competent jurisdiction shall find that you have wrongfully appropriated the Project from me.
I take it on good faith that professional editors are not out to steal ideas, so it's disturbing to me that this form defines the consequences of potential plagiarism in advance ("if we plagiarize your work, this is how much we'll pay you")! Am I overreacting?
