Comments on: Walmart Photo Processing Copyright Farce

By: Chris Garrett

Chris Garrett — Tue, 30 Nov 1999 00:00:00 +0000

I don’t think it is a “sacred or special” thing more in a lot of places Walmart (or local country version) is all you have when in a fix. They have pretty much eaten up many of the smaller places leaving fewer choices.

By: Aaron B. Hockley

Aaron B. Hockley — Tue, 30 Nov 1999 00:00:00 +0000

What’s sacred or special about Wal Mart? It’s just like any other business. If they won’t provide the services you need, take your business elsewhere…

By: Chris Garrett

Chris Garrett — Tue, 30 Nov 1999 00:00:00 +0000

Good tip Bill

By: Jon

Jon — Tue, 30 Nov 1999 00:00:00 +0000

Walmart is particularly bad about this sort of thing, but even worse is what they do if you bring them a picture of your infant, nude in the bathtub. Nevermind that taking these photos is an integral part of raising your child (How else will you embarrass them when they bring home the first girlfriend/boyfriend?). Walmart not only won't print them, but they will enclose a preachy and condescending note implying that you are a truly horrible human being for having taken the photo and for asking Walmart to print it.

I worked for Ritz Camera in college, and we were the only game in town aside from Walmart, so I saw the photos they wouldn't print all the time. I understand that Walmart doesn't want their employeed to have to walk the line between child porn and babies in the bathtub, but they don't have to be snooty about it. And they won't print ANY nudity. At all.

Anyway, my point is that I imagine they do this to make it easier for their employees by taking the decision out of the employee's hands with a blanket policy that's much more restrictive than it has to be.

By: Bill Rogers

Bill Rogers — Tue, 30 Nov 1999 00:00:00 +0000

I anticipate this problem, and when I take family photos and give the family member a CD, I also provide a copyright release. Wal-Mart has accepted this signed release. Wal-Mart also has their own copyright release form.

By: Chris Garrett

Chris Garrett — Tue, 30 Nov 1999 00:00:00 +0000

There was a newsreader here in the UK who ended up with the police knocking at her door for trying to get a film developed with bathtime pictures of her kid. As a parent I understand that these companies are being wary but it is a shame that something innocent is blanket tarnished by the perverts.

By: Chris Garrett

Chris Garrett — Tue, 30 Nov 1999 00:00:00 +0000

I would quickly take a memory card somewhere else, or appeal to another customer service person (or their supervisor) and if that fails try what you suggest

By: vna1116

vna1116 — Tue, 30 Nov 1999 00:00:00 +0000

I just ordered some pictures online and went to pick up today instore and they refuse to sell them to me without a release form faxed to their store from the “professional” who took the photo. Sorry, but this was not taken professionally and I can’t get a hold of the friend of a friend who took the photo of our family. Should I forge a letter head and make up the professional who doesnt exist in order to get my christmas cards out to my friends or family or just leave them with my prints? Do you think they will verify the fax?