I just got a link to this interesting article about compensation models for production partners. Note how the value of creative content is mentioned, how new technologies are changing perceived values and risks, and how shared ownership is being discussed (see Christopher Guest part).
Now, before you have a fit about shared ownership, take a breath and read the article and just think about it. Nothing has to be decided today–I’m certainly not taking a position yet myself–but with the change in business and technology and media, new models should be considered carefully and not rejected just because in the past something that sounded similar was the worst thing for creatives.
It may be that creatives could financially benefit in the long run from shared ownership–if you had designed it, wouldn’t you like to get a penny every time the Nike shwoosh appears? Or this may be a bad thing that will cause creatives to lose control and long-term income. It is just too early to tell.
But looking at new ideas and thinking about them is never a bad thing to do.
Remember, you can always say “no.” 🙂