[HarleyD]

"Before Sternberg submitted his manuscript, Disney had him sign a two-page waiver that said he would be entitled to only $500 if he were to claim that the company used his material without permission or authorization.

A little less than the cost of a root canal.

[secret garden]

Dang dentists. Always trying to rip people off.

[gymbeau]

I once signed a similar type of waiver before submitting a script on spec to the old Newhart show (where he owned the lodge in Vermont).
The Story Editor had promised to either get back to me with why my script (my first) wouldn't work or pass it on to the decision makers if it was good enough.
Never heard from him again, but the following season there was an episode that was substantially different from mine but with enough similarites to make me really suspicious - and angry.

Such is the risk you take when dealing with faraway strangers. I've remembered that Story Editor's name ever since and always change channels when I see it on a show.
Immature, definitely, but it makes me feel better (and isn't that what it's all about? </sarcasm>).

Cheers
Jim