23 Comments
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Jodi Sh. Doff's avatar

That we now need to specify that you cannot use AI is horrifying to me. I understand why, but that anyone would even consider it, especially for a creative piece is just so....disheartening? depressing? I can't even.

I've tried AI for generating images, mostly to side step copyright issues, but honestly, I don't want to know any more than I do. I want it to away. But, Pandora's box...

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Open Secrets's avatar

I agree it's disheartening, but necessary. During our previous calls for essays, I received many AI-generated submissions. I almost didn't post another public call because those are a waste of time to open but I decided to do it anyway and hopefully that line will deter people from trying it. Almost all the AI ones were also off topic and not personal essays. -- Rachel

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Winter Ross's avatar

For those of us who are professional illustrators and photographers, thanks a lot for side stepping copyright issues: selling reproduction rights is how we make a living, ok?

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Open Secrets's avatar

We only publish personal essays. All accompanying artwork is by our authors or via stock photo sites that allow editorial use, with credit.

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Jodi Sh. Doff's avatar

Understood.

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Anna Sansom's avatar

Thank you for opening submissions. I'm keen!

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Stella Fosse's avatar

Sent mine July 27! "I, Zebra" is all about a health condition hiding in plain sight.

Many thanks for the invitation!

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Claire Polders's avatar

Thank you for this opportunity! I will submit an essay for review soon.

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Buku Sarkar's avatar

Are you open to photo essays. Ie words and images?

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Open Secrets's avatar

We can include up to 3 photos per essay.

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Lia Jane's avatar

Thank you for sharing! I’ll definitely be submitting an essay 🌻

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T. R. Enchant's avatar

Oooh DO I have secrets…. I will be saving this one for a revisit

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Gerardo Manzo's avatar

It's a bummer that I'm seeing this only now. I'll subscribe so I can submit my essay next time.

Great job for giving us such an opportunity to share our stories.

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Sofi Jiménez's avatar

I'll send something over!

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Brenda Usher-Carpino's avatar

I'm ready to submit an essay but I don't see where/how that is possible. I've carefully perused the site and I don't see a portal for submitting, just guidelines. Can anyone show me where this rope is hiding? I'm a subscriber.

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Open Secrets's avatar

See the section above under "How do I submit an essay to Open Secrets Magazine?" All the information on how to submit is there.

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Brenda Usher-Carpino's avatar

Dang. I totally missed the 'email' part. Thank you!

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karen steele's avatar

Just joined - hope to continue correctly. I plan an essay of an open secret I really knew nothing about.

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Phil Tanny's avatar

Ok, so $50. That's something.

Other than that, a giant pile of words about what we're supposed to do for you.

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Jackie Fishman's avatar

Hi Open Secrets, I submitted an essay on October 15 entitled Scarlet-The Secret Women Keep. I am hoping to hear at least a rejection from you sometime soon. Thanks for your response in advance.

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anaika kakoty's avatar

this is so cool,, I'll definitely try to submit something !!

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Good Humor by CK Steefel's avatar

What a wonderful, wide range of offerings. Thx for the opportunity.

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Mahevash Shaikh's avatar

Hi Rachel, I just emailed you a deeply personal relationship essay from shaihmahevash@gmail.com. Hopefully, it will speak to you!

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