Here we go again. I just found in my inbox a chance to “apply” for a research environmental experience, through a career/networking site… When you get down to it, its a photo contest. I had to read on, cause I was truly thinking, I can nail this…

But when I got to the rights section, I knew that it would say that they can do whatever they want with the image. But I was shocked to see that they not only do just that, they also state in there, as I interpret it anyway, that you also are transferring the copyright to them directly.

At the link here, http://www.experience.com/alumnus/channel?channel_id=earthwatch&page_id=official_rules

It says: 4. Rights and Releases

(a) By submitting an Application, all Applicants irrevocably transfer and assign to Experience all right, title and interest in the Application (including, but not limited to, all copyright and intellectual property rights) in any and all media, locations around the world, and derivatives of the original work in perpetuity.

(b) By submitting an Application, Applicants grant permission to Experience to use their names, likenesses, photographs, voices, answers and/or biographical information in connection with the Program and for all publicity relating to the Program without additional compensation. Applications will be used and shared on the site and in publicity materials for the duration of the Submission Period and after.

Does anyone else get out of this that you are essentially not only sharing your copyright with them, you are giving it completely away? Then what can you even do with the image after that, its not yours. Someone please correct me if I am wrong.