There was another path here - collective bargaining. When small individuals are bullied by large corporations it's because those corporations want something from the small individuals... they certainly don't care about one or two small artists walking away from the platform - but if artists can organize and bargain as a group they can ensure a fair outcome.
I think the modern world has become too complacent in terms of labor organization - the time of plenty left a lot of people content to take whatever was given to them because there was such a glut of excess that it was freely shared. That sharing is coming to an end and we're returning to a time when we need to demand fair and equitable treatment.
Re:Don't Fire Your Illustrator
by EatingWithForks on Monday August 21, 2023 @02:38PM
(#37213608)
Freelancers in the united states are not allowed to bargain collectively for better prices, as that's considered market manipulation/price fixing. ["Independent Contractors" are literally banned from forming a union in the USA.]
Re:Don't Fire Your Illustrator
by Buildstarted on Monday August 21, 2023 @03:28PM
(#37214194)
Serious question: Are actors, writers, etc not considered "Independent Contractors" in the US?
Or, sure, you can also terminate your record deal. Hope you have 500 grands around just for that.
Frankly I don't see it ending much better for visual artists.