Recently, the U.S., Google has proposed to dozens of famous artists give their work for use in its new Web browser, where they will be able to see millions of users. It would seem that the prospect is very bright. But not all was so simple.

Teksali Gary (Gary Taxali), an illustrator from Toronto, whose work appeared in such publications as the Times, Newsweek and Fortune, refused to participate in the new Google. In April, he phoned from the marketing department of the company and explained that the artists will be used to create additional covers in the web browser Google Chrome. «The first thing I asked the question:" What is the fee? "», - Told in an interview Teksali. And when he said that Google did not pay for this author, he flatly refused.

In a few weeks among illustrators, communicating through a site Drawger, picked up a wave of discontent against Google. Joe Chardiello (Joe Ciardiello) from New Jersey, whose drawings often appear on the covers of New York Times Book Review, was also among refused: «If someone can pay the artists and designers, is a company which earns millions of dollars ». Indeed, the Google officially reported profits of 1.42 billion dollars for the first quarter of this year, an 8 per cent more than during the same period last year.

In a statement provided by Google, said that the model for the new program has a similar project last year, used on personal pages of iGoogle. Then, artists, actors and even the entire company (including Jeff Koons, Bob Dylan and Gucci) to provide images for the covers of the copyrights. «Because we usually do not offer monetary compensation for such projects and has so far received only positive feedback, we believe that these programs primarily provide an opportunity for artists to show their work to millions of people», - stated in the declaration.

But not all agree that the availability of a wide audience in itself was sufficient compensation for work performed. «I do gift cards, which are sold in stores across the country, as well as animation for channel Nickelodeon, which is spinning 24 hours a day on cable television throughout the world. These projects have a high level, available to the general public. However, both the customer still paid me », - told the illustrator from Brooklyn back Melinda (Melinda Beck), also refused to accept any Google. It is estimated that the preparation of original work, which would meet the requirements of the company, it would need to week.

Life illustrators who earn over the Internet, already are not easy. Of course, some online publications such as Salon or Slate, specially hired artists, but most of them use cheap or even free catabatic illustrations. In addition, opportunities to earn in the print editions, which in recent times are often reduced or even shut down, becoming smaller. «A lot of concern is the fact that newspapers and print media becoming endangered species. And when a company like Google, makes a public announcement and hopes that the market simply because it will provide for free the necessary works, it creates a very dangerous precedent », - explained another refused illustrator Brian Stauffer (Brian Stauffer) from Miami, whose work appeared in Rolling Stone, Esquire and Entertainment Weekly.

In an official statement, Google has been said that, despite the large number of vigorous denials, he still managed to find many people willing to cooperate. «We do not wish to disclose the names of the artists participating in the project before it is launched. We are now working with dozens of authors who are happy to join with us », - says in a statement. The exact date of launching a new program for Google Chrome is not yet reported.

material produced Catherine Onuchin, AI

Source: nytimes.com , artinvestment.ru