Many podcasters who conduct interviews have started using legal releases for the use of the guest’s voice and/or likeness. Obviously this is a good idea, yet it can be a bit of a hassle faxing forms back and forth. As a result, people don’t always follow through.
A few months back I was out at lunch with Denise Howell and we got to discussing how to make the release process more user friendly for podcasters. We came up with the idea of a click through acceptance form on a website. Over the holidays I had one of my blog developers put together a plugin for WordPress to accomplish this.
It is simple and straightforward. The plugin, when installed, creates a Podcast Release page on your site and provides a link to send to your interview subjects. It also sets up an admin page in your WP admin section to enter whatever release text you require. When your guest comes to the page, they enter their name, email and check that they accept the terms. The plugin then sends an email to both you and your guest with the release text, name, email and the IP address of the submitter.
The plugin is not distributed with Release Text because it should be custom tailored for your particular use case. You can cut and paste your current release text or create your own. If you need a example, the Podcast Brothers have posted a release on their site. (It is located in the section right above the shows.)
If you want to see how it works, I have a sample page setup here.
Installation instructions:
1. Download Podcast-Release Version 0.1
2. Extract the files to the wp-content/plugins/ directory. (Just copy the whole folder)
3. Activate the plugin via your WP admin console.
4. Within the WP admin console navigate to Plugins -> Podcast Release
5. Complete the required setup information, including your preferred “Release Text”.
6. You will have a new page on your site.: http://yoursite.com/podcast-release/.
Please post any feedback, comments or suggestions.
Download: Podcast-Release 0.1
Download: Podcast-Release 0.11 (For WordPress 2.1)
Disclaimer: I make no representations or warranties as to whether or not this process of release authorization is considered enforceable. Use it at your own risk.