* * * * *

                      “Just sign on the dotted line … ”

> 1. Name. Likeness, etc., Promotional Activities. I hereby consent to
> Producer's filming, taping and/or recording of me for use in and in
> connection with the Series (including, without limitation, whether I am
> aware or unaware of the photographing, videotaping, filming or recording of
> same, and by requiring me to wear a microphone at all reasonable times, at
> Producer's discretion) and agree to cooperate fully with Producer in such
> activities. **I acknowledge and agree that Producer will be the sole and
> exclusive owner of all rights and material filmed, taped, and/or recorded
> pursuant to this Agreement.** In addition. I hereby grant to Producer the
> **unconditional right throughout the universe in perpetuity to use,**
> simulate or portray (and to authorize others to do so) or to refrain from
> using, simulating or portraying, **my name, likeness** (whether
> photographic or otherwise), voice, singing voice, personality, **personal
> identification or personal experiences, my life story, biographical data,
> incidents, situations and events** which heretofore occurred or hereafter
> occur, including without limitation the right to use, or to authorize
> others to use any of the foregoing in or in connection with the Series (or
> any episode or portion thereof) and the advertising, promoting or
> publicizing of the Series or any Series episode by Producer, the Network,
> its operations, activities or programming services and with any
> merchandise, tie-in, sponsor, product, or service of any kind by Producer,
> the Network, or any of its programming services, and in any other manner
> whatsoever as Producer may elect in its sole discretion. I understand that,
> in and in connection with the Series, I may reveal and/or relate, and other
> parties (including, without limitation, other contestants, the judges,
> Producer and the host and/or co-host of the Series) **may reveal and/or
> relate information about me of a personal, private, intimate. surprising,
> defamatory, disparaging, embarrassing or unfavorable nature**, that may be
> **factual and/or fictional.** I further understand that my **appearance,
> depiction and/or portrayal** in the Series and my actions and the actions
> of others displayed in the Series, **may be disparaging, defamatory,
> embarrassing or of an otherwise unfavorable nature and may expose me to
> public ridicule, humiliation or condemnation.** I acknowledge and agree
> that Producer shall have the right to (a) include any such information and
> any such appearance, depiction, portrayal, actions, and statements in the
> Series as edited by Producer in its sole discretion, (b) broadcast and
> otherwise exploit the Series containing any such information and any such
> appearance, depiction, portrayal or actions, and (c) use such information,
> appearance, depiction, portrayal, actions and/or statements in any manner
> whatsoever, in Producer's sole discretion. The waivers, release and
> indemnities in this Agreement expressly apply to any such inclusion and
> exploitation.
>

Via randomly ever after [1], Kelly Wins Idol—Now What? [2] (emphasis in text
added)

It's hard to be satirical when reality beats you to it.

I certainly hope that Kelly's career is worth the price she paid (Salon:
Slaves of celebrity) [3]. And the sad thing is, if she didn't sign it, there
were 9,999 other people willing to sign that contract for a shot to stardom
(American Idol, Indentured Servent) [4].

Just one more reason not to trust your life's work (Dave Sim's Pro-Con '93
Speech) [5] to a corporation.

[1] http://spies.com/~gus/ran/0209/020918.htm
[2] http://blogcritics.org/archives/2002/09/05/204941.php
[3] http://www.salon.com/ent/feature/2002/09/18/idol_contract/index.html
[4] http://idolonfox.msn.com/home.htm
[5] http://www.celshader.com/tips/dave_sim/procon.html

Email author at [email protected]