About 10 years ago, or so, I started sending in shop tips to several magazines. Most were accepted and I was paid $25 or $35 for any that were published. Before I received the money, I had to sign away any and all rights to the tip or tool idea. That was fine with me, I couldn't see them making much profit out of my tip anyway. Then I picked a popular tool catalog and saw my tool idea slightly altered and published under "Exciting new tools" After that day, I quit submitting ideas.

 Now skip forward to today. I saw a new magazine, called the top 300 tips of all time. Inside was one of my tips. A simple idea, but they are still making money off of it.

I am somewhat flattered that it was chosen, but still think that if it was one of the top tips of all time, it should be worth more than $25. 

I think the publishers rely upon our desire to be "noticed". They pay a minimal amount and have us release all rights to the idea. It's theirs and they can use it in what ever way they see fit. Woodcraft still uses my pepper grinder in their catalog even though they Photoshopped the adjustment knob off of the top. I think it must be a pretty standard practice. 

By the way, That's a really cool idea!! It would be nice if they sent you a free copy of the book!

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Lew Kauffman-
Wood Turners Forum Host

Time traveler. Purveyor of the world's finest custom rolling pins!

Ron, a couple of years ago I had a short article published in a well known woodworking mag.  When they sent the release I was shocked.  It was like 3 pages long and I thought I was signing away my first born male child.  That was my first and last flirt with woodworking fame.  They definately play on your ego.

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Ron Dudelston
Site Administrator

Above and Beyond WoodWorks

I did come out OK. I asked a question about wood turning and my name was tossed in a hat of all entrants. I won a Jet mini lathe and turning tools. I had always wanted one but didn't figure I'd use one much. It is one of my favorite machines and I use it as much as I can. I love to turn wood, even if it is only to see what the grain looks like inside.

You did better than I did.  I got a copy of the magazine that I was printed in.

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Ron Dudelston
Site Administrator

Above and Beyond WoodWorks