Thread by @RGAMeyer

So. My not signing with Opera News months ago was actually ZERO to do with money. It's why I said it will take me time to show why.
I wasn't going to, but in life one must speak up, so others do not make mistakes.
Or lump you in same money-is-my-sole-motivation basket. Ugh
THREAD

DISCLAIMER: I don't begrudge anyone who signed with Opera. Their choice. It is why I also didn't prioritise speaking about it. But when I see media folk missing the point why I'd never advice anyone to sign such a contract? It is time to speak up. My people, dis thing pass MONEY!

At first, I even tweeted about eagerly seeing what the Opera model was going to be, and RT'd some of my faves, randomly. I was not looking for extra work as I was still recovering from surgery etc. Then I was contacted. When my lawyers read my contracts, they cover money last.

That's my rule, because I don't work solely based on money, much as I love money LMAO.
So, when they got back to me, the first thing which I always ask for was the use of the content, and my image, likeness etc. THAT is always what I prioritise, and will focus on in this thread.

To explain in layman's terms, Opera wanted to operate a model where they would be able to take whatever I wrote, (never mind the paltry sum they were going to pay) and be able to alter it across any platform, or medium in an country they chose, for as long as they chose.

Fam, what this means is that they would be free to profit from your intellectual property well beyond Nigeria, for whatever period they chose. The second thing was if I signed, Opera would be able to use my image and likeness across any platform, medium etc as they chose

This is where I said I shut my advisers down immediately. E no reach 2 minutes. Why?
Because AI, &what I know of how our media industries are changing, and because China. Basically, today, AI images are being used to replace online fashion models and sex workers in adult movies

Look, it's likely that if you are foolish enough to sign away your image&likeness in 2019, u can die in 2020& end up being used in a video game, an adult film, etc...and it will all be legal.
So, who benefits? And what say do u have, when u Ariel have signed Ursula's agreement?

For instance, look at this news story on what I describe, if you have the time. It shows you that in these times, you need to be careful what you sign - it is not about arrogance, or money alone, but rather being smart and up on the times.
bbc.com/news/av/techno…

Next, add to this the fact that in that contract, there was a cap on your number of articles, and publishing would be mainly at the discretion of the editor - it didn't matter if you already seen time writing. Another RED flag. I was also wary, and my immediate questions were:

Why take all this data from us?
What is the end-game of this entity?
When I don't have answers, or can't be bothered to find them? I cut lose immediately. I mean, I'm a journal. I read news. Do news. This was the same country noted as denying this news: cfr.org/blog/african-u…

But fam, guess what made me SHUT DOWN, thank my advisers and say ODABO?
Uhm, I was also to take myself, transport myself to their office, and go and sign myself into this "contract."
That's like telling Kunta Kinte to bring his own shackles for the boat-ride at Badagry. LMAOOOO!

Then apparently, I was to also be prepared to smile and snap a photo to boot!
😂😂😂😂
Anyone who knows me WELL, knows that because I was the daughter of a materially poor journalist, I will NEVER lower this profession. We soak garri rather than cheapen Nigeria.
I was done. ✌

So please o.
It was not, and will NEVER be money, when it comes to data collection in 2019.
There was no amount of money Opera would offer to make me take that deal.
I refuse much more money DAILY.
My little image, likeness and brand will only go on my terms, to the FAIREST.

I suggest that in 2020, we all read up, and be WOKE in the true sense. I look at many following the crowd, performing for puppet masters. Justify your education o by opening your eyes! You hear someone said no to something? No, it isn't arrogance. Na Waffi sense. Receive sense!😂

*I'm a journo*

*already spent*

PS - I don't even blame Opera.
I blame the environment that allows the exploitation of journalists and creatives.
And for anyone who said no? WELL DONE.
It is never easy but it is necessary to stand up & speak out even if it means you don't benefit.
Opera, play fair. Or GEDDIFOK.

Opera Winfrey staff recruited to sew threads on my TL will be BLOCKED.
Do it on your TL and in your cubicles.
Who's looking for clout now, huh? Lmaooo
#Blockedt

This is what ONE individual photographer can "achieve" in today's world.
So, I'm NOT SORRY for not bothering to find out how far a tech company will go with their
"vision" seeking manually signed away rights.
Not my circus, can't be my monkeys.

https://twitter.com/ShubnumKhan/status/1023160235589025792?s=19