The New Trend - Interview Release Forms
I just signed on to take an assignment from a new client yesterday. Included in the package of materials, which included the usual writer's guidelines (tho 13 pages of them), tax forms, contract, etc. there is an interview release form.
They want me to have my expert sources sign this form, which basically says (in legal speak) the publication (online) has the right to use their name and image and releases the publication from any claim against them for defamation, "invasion of privacy" etc.
While I've had parents sign photo releases on children, I've never had an interview release form - never even heard of one. I'm told this is a new and scary trend in publishing.
Anyone else ever heard of this? And if so, what is the reaction by sources? It seems to me at the very least, this opens me up for a whole discussion about seeing the article before publication (which I never do), and at worst, will make my sources want to flee when they see attorney language coming at them.