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• Say "NO!" to the Orphan Works Act
  by bchrisdesigns

  I found out about this ludicrous proposed law on Red Bubble...

  I found out about this ludicrous proposed law on Red Bubble and wanted to let everyone else know what they can do about it! If you have not heard about the Orphan Works Act, then you should research it and speak out before it is too late (especially if you are an artist, writer, and/or musician)! No, this Act is not about displaced children or found animals. It revolves around works of art (including fine art, photography, writing, music, etc.) that are not registered with newly proposed agencies. ANY work not registered would be considered in the public domain. This is a dangerous concept and just goes to show how greedy and capitalistic our society, government, and big businesses have become. According to GoPetition.com: “If the Orphan Works legislation passes, you and I and all creatives will lose virtually all the rights to not only our future work but to everything we’ve created over the past 34 years, unless we register it with the new, untested and privately run (by the friends and cronies of the U.S. government) registries. Even then, there is no guarantee that someone wishing to steal your personal creations won’t successfully call your work an orphan work, and then legally use it for free. In short, if Congress passes this law, YOU WILL LOSE THE RIGHT TO MAKE MONEY FROM YOUR OWN CREATIONS!” We would be forced into a world where big business can bully us and use whatever they wanted and not be penalized for it. And, this law not only affects artists, writers, and musicians. It also affect the everyday consumer! If you are planning to get your the photographs of your cousin’s wedding developed at a Wal-Mart or other big box retailer, then you better be prepared to get every image copyrighted or you may just end up seeing them on Wal-Mart’s billboards! Gone would be the days of having rights the minute you create something. Now, if you don’t pay to protect it, then it is like no one created the image and it is up for grabs! Who wants to live in this kind of world other than greedy politicians and businesses? And, it does not surprise me that this has all happened under the Bush administration. Who were the idiots that voted for him and thought he would do us some good? Well, seems like the joke’s on YOU! In an April 10th article in Animation World Magazine, award-winning animation producer/director and speaker, Mark Simon, writes: “It is currently against international law to coerce people to register their work for copyright because there are so many inherent problems with it. But because big business can push through laws in the United States, our country is about to break with the rest of the world, again, and take your rights away. With the tens of millions of photos and pieces of artwork created each year, the bounty for forcing everyone to pay a registration fee would be enormous. We lose our rights and our creations, and someone else makes money at our expense. This includes every sketch, painting, photo, sculpture, drawing, video, song and every other type of creative endeavor. All of it is at risk! If the Orphan Works legislation passes, you and I and all creatives will lose virtually all the rights to not only our future work but to everything we’ve created over the past 34 years, unless we register it with the new, untested and privately run (by the friends and cronies of the U.S. government) registries. Even then, there is no guarantee that someone wishing to steal your personal creations won’t successfully call your work an orphan work, and then legally use it for free.” So, what can you do about it? Well educate yourself on the issues, write to your congress men and women, and sign as many petitions as your can. To get your started, check out this petition, which I have already signed: Say ‘NO!’ to the Orphan Works Act on GoPetition.com Also, be sure to check out these resources for more information: Say ‘NO!’ to the Orphan Works Act on GoPetition.com Mark Simon’s Mind Your Business: You Will Lose All The Rights to Your Own Art IPA Orphan Works Resource Page for Artists U.S. Copyright’s Office Orphan Works Page ASMP’s Update on the 2008 Orphan Works Act You can also find more information about the Orphan Works Act on Red Bubble: Helen Bascom’s Protect Your Copyright – URGENT ACTION REQUIRED Erin Jay’s Something every artist should know about! Crockpot’s The Orphan Works Act of 2008 ~ RELEASE WanderingAuthor’s Writers’ Concerns bchrisdesigns’ Say ‘NO!’ to the Orphan Works Act The Red Bubble forum dedicated to this discussion Say No to Orphan Works Thread @ Burst Anime and Manga Mike Cressy’s IMPORTANT! READ AND ACT NOW!!!

• Bad Boy Burlesque
  by Jo O'Brien

  Wow, what a big weekend… It started with a band shoot, then a midsumma burlesque shoot where I stalked Adrian...

  Wow, what a big weekend… It started with a band shoot, then a midsumma burlesque shoot where I stalked Adrian on his first real photography gig, then a gay pride march shoot and then I totally crashed into bed and today I feel really yuck (not hung over in case you were presuming, just bloody tired). Anyways, I have only had a few minutes to even look at my shots from the first two shoots. I’m really new to this concept of event photogrpahy. As in where people are relying on you to produce something more artistic than a happy snap. So here are a few of my shots from Saturday evening. Constructive criticism, comments, advice all very welcome. I want to learn! Here is the full gallery

• Bush to relax protected species rules
  by Crockpot

  “The Bush Administration plans to rollback protections for America’s imperiled wildlife by re-writing the regulations of the Endangered S…

  “The Bush Administration plans to rollback protections for America’s imperiled wildlife by re-writing the regulations of the Endangered Species Act. According to leaked documents obtained by the National Wildlife Federation, the proposed changes would weaken the safety net of habitat protections that have helped protect and recover endangered fish, wildlife and plants for the past 35 years.” Read full articles: AP IMPACT: Bush to relax protected species rules National Wildlife Federation: Bush Administration to Launch Sneak Attack on Endangered Species Act Take Action Now

• Kind Acts of Randomness
  by bribiedamo

  When I was down at the bluesfest, on the Saturday I wore a T by Flower68. practice kind acts of randomness and I had so many good react…

  When I was down at the bluesfest, on the Saturday I wore a T by Flower68. practice kind acts of randomness and I had so many good reactions to it, I was stopped by a few peole to get shots with it, I had people walking by and I could see them smiling at it, went to the cloakroom and the girls there loved it so much, they put the words up on a big board, had one girl come over from, this may have something to do with her comment, the Jim Beam tent and looked at it, pondered it a bit then said “na ….too deep for me, man”. I was standing outside one of the bars, just randomly standing there of course :) when this guy missed the rubbish bin with his chewing gum and stopped and picked it up, I said to him that not many people would do that and he replied that he wouldn’t like to stand on some gum and get it on his boots, then he noticed the T and we both laughed and I said to him that he had just done one…......cool…...so, not only a great T but a great way to meet people…......and instant feedback for flower….........ciao

• ORPHAN WORKS ACT?!!!!!?!?
  by justjason

  Have any of you heard about the Bill in Congress RIGHT NOW!!!????This Bill is designed to strip YOUR Rights to your ART AWAY from YOU!!!!...

  Have any of you heard about the Bill in Congress RIGHT NOW!!!????This Bill is designed to strip YOUR Rights to your ART AWAY from YOU!!!!!! Please help speak out against this HORRIBLE IDEA…please goto the link below to oppose this BILL..it takes 2 minutes… http://capwiz.com/illustratorspartnership/home/ you can also listen to Illustrator Brad Hollands interview about this here… / http://www.sellyourtvconceptnow.com/orphan/orphan_works_information.mp3 / PLEASE HELP STOP THE OPPOSITION TO FREE EXPRESSION!!! / PROTECT YOUR RIGHTS TO YOUR CREATIONS NOW!!! / noyou / yesme

• Writing a play...creating characters
  by Anni Morris

  I love listening to plays on the radio and often down stream them from the BBC on my pc. Many times I have wondered what it must be like…

  I love listening to plays on the radio and often down stream them from the BBC on my pc. Many times I have wondered what it must be like to write a play and have it performed, whether it be radio or stage. / Over a year ago myself and some friends started going to a creative writing class held at a local High School. We went for a few hours every Wednesday night for about 8 weeks and enjoyed it so much, we thought we should continue to meet and write together. / So for the past 12 months we have continued to write and meet each month. Three weeks ago we were approached by a local group and asked to write a play. It would be performed before an audience of approximately 100 people. The brief was, it needed to have 5 characters (all women of similar age) and last for a duration of 20 – 30mins. After short discussion we agreed to give it a go…liking a challenge. / The last few weeks have been very enjoyable. We have thought of character profiles, decided on plot/setting/stage direction and have the first scene almost finished and started on the second (final). There have been so many laughs on the way, copious cups of tea/coffee drunk and plenty of scribbling. / I find myself now listening in to conversations I over hear when I am out…jotting down notes here and there…and giggling to myself when I type dialogue on my pc. Oh the freedom and power of creating characters. / I don’t want to give details of the plot away yet, until it is performed. Hopefuly the audience will laugh as much as we have during its writing.

• Entr'acte
  by John Douglas

  Entr’acte

  Entr’acte

• Orphan Works .... One more time ...
  by Harry Murray

  Some simple questions … Do you believe you should have the right to OWN YOUR CREATIVE PROPERTY, affectively defend that right, have …

  Some simple questions … Do you believe you should have the right to OWN YOUR CREATIVE PROPERTY, affectively defend that right, have that right respected world wide, and have that right protected? I see people talk about copyright infringement and their images being stolen all the time on here and other POD’s. And some get quite upset about it. Will you be able to afford a per image fee to protect all the images you have created and will create? Will you be able to afford it for the rest of your life or have to stop creating at some point? OR worse … just let others steal your work. We really need to get to work and help stop the Orphan Works Act of 2008. The House subcommittee has already voted in favor of this legislation. The only way to stop it now is to literally flood both Houses of Congress with faxes and letters … phone calls even if you have an ear. We need to convince them we don’t want it and that it is not a good piece of legislation. WE NEED TO FIGHT FOR AND PROTECT OUR RIGHTS … no one is going to do this for us. Keep an eye on this Red Bubble FORUM thread Illustrators Partnership has set up a way to send faxes If the people who want this legislation win … WE ALL LOOSE!

• Conservation and Change
  by Carmen Mandel-Cesáreo

  / / / I have the great honour to host in…

  / / / I have the great honour to host in the group Art for Conservation compassionate, talented and generous members who support conservation and animal rescue organisations with sales proceeds from their artwork. / / If we want a change, we need to work towards it. No deed is too small, no voice is too weak, no donation is too little, no effort goes in vain. Educating the general public about conservation issues, about species in the brink of extinction, about healthy earth-friendly habits, about animal welfare, about humane wildlife management, about the fragility of eco-systems and about a responsible natural citizenship, sparks ingenuity and fosters new ideas. / / Take a moment to enjoy and be inspired by the splendid art featured in this gallery, learn what the artist conveys through the images and narrative, visit their supported charities and consider purchasing a fine piece of art knowing that you will be aiding a good cause. / / Enter the gallery >here / / Browse the list of conservation organisations supported by the artists in this group to learn about concerning issues round the world >here. / / This group and the list of supported conservation organisations are further promoted by me on the Web through my conservation works. / / Globalisation enables us to act together in a cohesive way unthinkable of time ago. Let us take advantage of this opportunity to generate a positive change. / / / / Thank you / / Carmen / Creator of Art for Conservation / / /

• Just received on Orphan Works Act
  by richardredhawk

  I just received a letter today from both my Representive and Congressman on the / “ORPHAN WORKS Act of 2006” / The bill was not passed and…

  I just received a letter today from both my Representive and Congressman on the / “ORPHAN WORKS Act of 2006” / The bill was not passed and has to be reintroduced into the legislation again and as of their letters dated one on 23 April and the other on 15 April appears that the bill has not been reintroduced for consideration by the legislator and congress / So it might be that the bill will not be introduced but you can never tell but at this time it is not on the docket that is as of 23 April 2008 / So write you legislator and congress person and let them know how yuu feel if the bill gets reintroduced. / Beleive me that my house of representives hears from me almost quarterly so they know when I disilke something I don’t let it rest and let them know

• Senate Judiciary Committee endorsed their Orphan Works Act.
  by Cacciatore Del Demon

  May 19, 2008 FROM THE ILLUSTRATORS’ PARTNERSHIP Call to Action / Last Thursday the Senate Judiciary Committee endorsed their Orphan …

  May 19, 2008 FROM THE ILLUSTRATORS’ PARTNERSHIP Call to Action / Last Thursday the Senate Judiciary Committee endorsed their Orphan Works Act. / It is now headed for the full Senate. If you’ve written before, now’s the time to write again. / Urge your senator to oppose this bill. Because it has been negotiated behind closed doors, introduced on short notice and fast-tracked for imminent passage without open hearings, ask that this bill not be passed until it can be exposed to an open, informed and transparent public debate. We’ve drafted a special letter for this purpose. / You can deep link to it here: / Contact your Senator in opposition to S.2913 NOW / http://capwiz.com/illustratorspartnership/issues/alert/?alertid=11389061 The House Judiciary Committee is considering H.R. 5889, the companion bill now. Please write them again: / Contact your Congressman in opposition to H.R. 5889 NOW / http://capwiz.com/illustratorspartnership/issues/alert/?alertid=11389081 2 minutes is all it takes to write your senator and representatives and fight for your copyrights. Over 68,000 e-mail messages have been sent so far. Don’t Let Congress Orphan Your Work Please forward this message to every artist you know. If you received our mail as a forwarded message, and wish to be added to our mailing list, email us at: ipa@twcny.rr.com / Place “Add Name” in the subject line, and provide your name and the email address you want used in the message area.

• A world without.....
  by Patricia L. Ballard

  Julia Child and Paul Newman. It’s odd as many wonderful people die everyday unnoticed. But these two celebrities have been a part of my l…

  Julia Child and Paul Newman. It’s odd as many wonderful people die everyday unnoticed. But these two celebrities have been a part of my life since I was little. Both have contributed some amazing work to our culture. My family watched the French Chef from the beginning. Julia was not a natural in front of the camera, but she was smart and learned quickly. Part of my love of cooking comes from her TV shows and cookbooks. She’s been dead several years, but I still mourn her loss. That she was a spy during WWII has recently been discovered. Let’s hope that someone writes a book about that part of her career. Paul Newman was not my usual type of man. Blue eyes have never been a turn on for me, but some people transcend our normal attractions. He was one of them. In addition to his amazing good looks, he had brains, style, a political conscience, and was a devoted family man. What more could anyone want in a human being. He’s going to be missed in so many ways. Pat Ballard

• A Kind Act of Randomness
  by bribiedamo

  I just got home from work and feeling pretty tired but it will still take awhile to wind down from the day. Left this morning around 10 …

  I just got home from work and feeling pretty tired but it will still take awhile to wind down from the day. Left this morning around 10 to start work at 12 down in Brisvegas, had the usual busy day at work, we are trying to catch up with things at the moment, we have a few people waiting for procedures and the push is on to get through as many as possible, which means plenty of people working long hours under quite a bit of duress, we also had a patient with some problems late in the day and there was quite a lot of activity with that, hopefully there will be a good result there. Finished at 8/30 a cruised off up the highway, ran into the usual roadworks before the Bribie turnoff and got held up for about 15 minutes and then continued on, I was just going thru Ningi when I noticed the steering a little funny and a bit of noise around the back, slowed down and figured that I had a puncture. Luckily the servo was just about to close and the girl there, Karen, was more than kind and got out the air hose for me and I checked the tyre, bummer, big hole, must have picked up something on the roundabout, but whatever. Tried to buy something to fix the puncture but there was nothing available, so I was thinking about getting a taxi home and then Karen offered to drive me home to Bribie, such a nice thing to do, thanks so much Karen…...a kind act of randomness…....bugger of a day but I have been left with a lovely glow from it and hopefully I have made another friend….....think I will drop off a bottle of wine in appreciation….....and one of my cards….....lol…......method to my madness….............ciao

• PETITION AGAINST ORPHANS WORK ACT BILL
  by caroline caux-evans

  For all ARTIST / petition against the ORPHANS WORKS ACT BILL / check the petition site ! and sign! / if you feel called to do it! Orphan …

  For all ARTIST / petition against the ORPHANS WORKS ACT BILL / check the petition site ! and sign! / if you feel called to do it! Orphan Works Act Bill Some one said one day ,: “Art is a sublime mission, even unto fanaticism” / and THIS person added :”The only lasting realisation of the work and human energy of man on this earth is ART”! “The higher thought which can be shared and expressed,by the most grandiose form, that what must be the untirerying guide of THE ARTIST For me : THE ARTIST = THE HEARTIST Online petition – Say

• 77 Conservation Organisations Supported through "Art for Conservation"
  by Carmen Mandel-Cesáreo

  / It lies in the palms of our hands / / ...

  / It lies in the palms of our hands / / / This is the list of Nature conservation and animal rescue organisations supported by members of this group. The generous donation from sales proceeds support these conservation charities / / Consider purchasing artwork from the talented members in Art for Conservation. / / Take a moment to visit these charitable places and learn about concerning conservation and rescue issues round the world. Every single effort makes a huge difference for those who rely only on our compassion. Donate to a chosen charity or volunteer with them. / / / Click a name below to access the corresponding Web site and learn more: / / / Noah’s Lost Ark Sanctuary / / Pets In Need / / PAWS Progressive Animal Welfare Society / / Australian Koala Foundation / / Vegan Action / / Eagle’s Heritage / / Baboon Matters / / PetRescue / / Natural Resources Defense Council / / Churchill Northern Studies Centre / / White Bird Appaloosa Horse Rescue / / Oregon Trout / / Gorilla Haven / / Your Water Your Say / / International Gorilla Conservation Program / / Algonquin Park / / Australia Koala Foundation / / Thoroughbred Retirement Foundation – TRF / / Save The Jaguar Fund / / The Cougar Fund / / National Wildlife Federation – donation page / / Virginia Zoo / / Wilderness Society / / Blue Iguana Recovery Program The Wildlife Information Rescue and Education Service The International Reptile Conservation Foundation / / The World Wild Fund / / The Royal Society for the Protection of Birds / / The Wildlife Trusts / / Kangaroo Protection Coalition / / Friends of the Everglades / / Raptor Rescue / / Lower Moss Wood Wildlife Hospital / / Sloth Bear Foundation / / Nature Canada / / The International League for the Protection of Horses – ILPH / / Save The Tiger Fund / / Galapagos Conservation Trust – UK / / The Humane Society of the United States / / The International Union for the Conservation of Nature and Natural Resources IUCNR / / Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine Center for Plant Conservation / / Black Hills Wild Horse Sanctuary / / World Wildlife Fund / / American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals / / Butterfly Conservation Society – UK / / The Mitchell Centre for Equine Rescue and Education / / Caribbean Conservation Corporation Steve Irwin’s Wildlife Warriors / / Greenpeace / / IFAW International Fund for Animal Welfare / / World Bird Sanctuary / / The UK Wolf Conservation Trust / / The Society for Animals in Distress / / Toronto Humane Society / / Animal Friends of North Central West Virginia / / The Australian Conservation Foundation / / Teaming with Wildlife / / Marine Conservation Organization Snow Leopard Trust. American Bird Conservancy Bush Heritage Australia Tasmanian Devil Appeal Defenders of Wildlife Nature Conservation Council Wildlife Conservation Society Cheetah Conservation Fund Children & Nature Network Farm Sanctuary Redwings Horse Sanctuary Shiloh Horse Rescue Equus Sanctuary Sea Shepherd Conservation Society The HEARD Natural Science Museum Massachusetts Natural Heritage and Endangered Species Program Save the Crows Operation Migration Greendale Wildlife Shelter —-—-—-—-—-—-—-—-—-—-—-—-—-—-——- / This list is updated regularly. Carmen / Creator and moderator

• He should act his age....
  by louise

  My Dad returned recently from his annual skiing trip to America and Canada. / No big deal though he is only 76 … / I am just photoshoppin…

  My Dad returned recently from his annual skiing trip to America and Canada. / No big deal though he is only 76 … / I am just photoshopping some images for him… / A little surprise – I intend printing a book for him…as he thinks that / this trip- may have been his last. / I am pretty impressed with his photography…though he has had many years of practice… / What do you think?? (see latest downloads)

• The Orphan Act Bill -- The End of Free Creative Expression?
  by doanart

  Back in May I wrote about a very problematic bill being proposed by Patrick Leahy (D-VT) and other Senators. You can read about what I sa…

  Back in May I wrote about a very problematic bill being proposed by Patrick Leahy (D-VT) and other Senators. You can read about what I said here. / http://doanart.blogspot.com/2008/05/call-to-action-for-artists-and-non.html Well, now that the country is caught up in the scare tactics of the government over the financial crisis the Orphan Acts Bill was slipped into the senate where it PASSED because no one was present to vote against it! Please take a moment to write your representative now! If you value art, writing, music either as a creator or a collector, this bill will effect you dramatically. Use these templates to send out a letter to your representatives: / http://capwiz.com/illustratorspartnership/home/ It is best to copy and paste the letter template into a hard copy and mail the letter out. I was informed by an assistant to a senator that emails go to a junk folder and are never opened. The best way to have yourself heard is by sending a letter and addressing the envelope by hand. Here is the Orphan Acts Bill as proposed: / http://thomas.loc.gov/cgi-bin/query/z?c109:H.R.5439: DoAn Donate now! / https://www.fracturedatlas.org/site/contribute/donate/1343 DoAn Art is a sponsored project of Fractured Atlas, a non-profit arts service organization. Contributions in behalf of DoAn Art may be made payable to Fractured Atlas and are tax-deductible to the extent permitted by law. All artwork and text © Copyright 2005-2008 DoAn Art (Antony Galbraith) unless indicated otherwise. All Rights Reserved. Any downloading, copying or use of images on this website is strictly prohibited without express written consent by Antony Galbraith.

• Important Info about Orphaned Works Act, Please Read...
  by Jessie M

  More info about the greed of the U.S. legislation and our artwork/photography: Originally posted by: Mike Cressy...

  More info about the greed of the U.S. legislation and our artwork/photography: Originally posted by: Mike Cressy Sorry to be serious for a moment but this concerns all of us! Hey friends….I hope you can give us artists a hand on this issue. It is time sensitive, urgent and critical that as many people as possible speak up. The financial crisis is providing cover so this bill is able to sneak through. Because of the scramble on the bail-out bill, this Orphan Works bill was passed in the Senate under the radar. It’s about our copy rights for visual artists, writers, photographers and songwriters…anyone in the creative field. If this Orphan Works bill passes through the House , we artists will be obliged to pay Google, directly or indirectly, $200 for each piece, song, image, etc. we create in order to protect our copyright. At this time, all we have to do is sign our work, put the date and the”circle c” and we have a copyright. If we want more protection, ie. from court costs on infringement issues, we can send our images and $30 to the Copyright Division of the Federal Government, and then we are registered. I don’t think any of us want to further enrich an huge and very wealthy company and make it easier for them to catalogue and use artist’s work without their consent. As we have seen, especially in the recent weeks, the corporations (and the government in cahoots with them) have not served well for the ordinary US citizen. And, for most of us artists, our copyright is one of our most valuable assets. If we have no protection unless we pay, what for most of us, is big money for each creation, then we have no way to make a living. Please click on the site provided…there is a form letter there and it’s easy…send it out and help your artist friends. I included quotes from some of my friends and the Illustration Society, if you want to read more about it. Thank you so much. Jennifer Carrasco Here’s the site http://capwiz.com/illustratorspartnership/issues/alert/?alertid=11980321 “While this is marked “low importance”, it’s exactly the opposite—congress is trying to hotline a bill through that would significantly change the copyright laws. As individuals involved in the generation of creative works, you would be required to register your work with two bureaus for $100 a piece—if not, then your work will be considered “orphan” and you will lose your ownership rights. Please read more about this bill, and if you agree, send a letter to your congress people letting them know how you feel—links are below in the e-mail to do this, already written out, etc. As you know, copyright is granted automatically in the US when the work is created—you would lose this under this addition to the copyright code. Interestingly enough, Google is a huge supporter of this legislation, as it will eliminate having to get your permission for them to catalogue your work, and repurpose it however they see fit. Thanks for your time, and thank you for reading.

• OK so it wasn't my last entry on the Orphan Works Act
  by Harry Murray

  I said that in that entry because I felt I was getting a bit obsessed about it … but anyway … I just wanted to share this … well…

  I said that in that entry because I felt I was getting a bit obsessed about it … but anyway … I just wanted to share this … well cuz it made me feel good and like I was at least trying to help make a difference. I got this e-mail from Brad Holland of IP today … —-—-—-—-—-—-—-—-—-—-—-—-—-—-—-—-—-—-—-- Dear Harry, Here’s the way I’ve re-worked your letter. We’d like to use this on our advocacy site. I’ve obviously changed it some, for various reasons, but the draft you provided was invaluable to me in structuring this – and there are so many of your specific lines that were absolutely perfect. I hope this version is ok with you. You’ve done us all a great service by letting us use your letter as a resource. We hope to take the site live in a day or two, so look for it there. We’ll publicize the link. Don’t hesitate to contact me about this anytime. Thanks again, and best wishes, Brad —-—-—-—-—-—-—-—-—-——- .... The final wording of the letter they will post isn’t all mine and it is based on an earlier version of the letter I finally sent to the Copyright Office and the folks who represent me in Congress. I don’t have a problem with their changes. I’ve never done anything like this before … I’ve mostly been a non-participant in the process who felt there never really was anything I could do about these kinds of things anyway … so this e-mail kinda blew my mind a little bit. Maybe Ralph is right … maybe … just maybe … WE do have the POWER to change things … But I do know one thing for sure … it WILL take ALL of us.

• Some more of my humble opinion on the Orphan Works Act
  by Harry Murray

  I keep reading the support for the legislation and the 2 big examples they keep tossing out are these … 1. Works of historical signi…

  I keep reading the support for the legislation and the 2 big examples they keep tossing out are these … 1. Works of historical significance. 2. The family that wants to get a family heirloom photo redone. The second I think is inane. I’ll gladly try to touch up or fix anyone’s old family photo for them. I don’t really know how but for a professional to refuse to do anything in that situation seems a little silly to me. I can’t imagine that the photographer if even alive would get their panties in a twist and if they did … they are just being an A$$. The first … certianly there is a better solution … like some sort of an exception or modification to the current laws for historically significnat materials and materials over say 100 years old??? Does the whole system really need to be changed??? No it only needs to be changed if the things they don’t want to admit that the legislation does are the REAL reasons they want the legislation passed. Like creating opportunities for private entities now to make millions from registering things that for years haven’t had to be registered by outsourcing a function of our Goverment that we pay taxes for them to do. Will they close the US Copyright office and fire all the employees too … like the person speaking out in defense of this legislation? I guess this comes under the heading of jobs creation legislation and growing the economy.

• Oppose the orphan works act? read on and DO SOMETHING!
  by Cacciatore Del Demon

  FROM THE ILLUSTRATORS’ PARTNERSHIP Take Action: Don’t Let Congress Orphan Our Work We’ve set up an online site for visual artists t…

  FROM THE ILLUSTRATORS’ PARTNERSHIP Take Action: Don’t Let Congress Orphan Our Work We’ve set up an online site for visual artists to e-mail their Senators and Representatives with one click. This site is open to professional artists, photographers and any member of the image-making public. We’ve provided sample letters from individuals representing different sectors of the visual arts. If you’re opposed to the Orphan Works act, this site is yours to use. For international artists and our colleagues overseas, we’ve provided a special link, with a sample letter and instructions as to whom to write. 2 minutes is all it takes to write Congress and protect your copyright: link Please forward this message to every artist you know. If you received our mail as a forwarded message, and wish to be added to our mailing list, email us at: illustratorspartnership@cnymail.com / Place “Add Name” in the subject line, and provide your name and the email address you want used in the message area.

• On acting on the issue of such a travesty of art
  by Thomas Josiah Chappelle

  I wish that i had dealt with so many issues as decisively in my life…..this one goaded me in the worst way…..it was a travesty not o…

  I wish that i had dealt with so many issues as decisively in my life…..this one goaded me in the worst way…..it was a travesty not only of our sensibilities but of our integrity as artists…There are plenty of sites to exhibit “garbage”. The web is replete with them – BUT THIS AIN”T IT! I treasure of all things the wonderful folks that I have engendered a comradery with ….we do not need to be daunted by having to compete with those who desire to market such for featured positions. So far to my knowledge , I have been placed four times as a group’s featured “artisan” and feel immense esteem because of such a placement….To find my work displayed on the front pages that appear to a world where the sun “never sets” at a particular moment where for a brief interval of time, it has its billet of “fame”.....would shoot me through the roof with “faerie dust”.....to such decadence as that being touted….......need I say no more!

• career start!
  by Chrissy erskine

  ive always been a creative child never a very achedemic one though… / today i made that final decision im going too try and get into the…

  ive always been a creative child never a very achedemic one though… / today i made that final decision im going too try and get into the theater by us… / im sooo nervous because lets face it i have no sef confidence and no faith in me! / so come on guys wish me luck :(

• .... a shameless act of thievery.
  by Spartacus

  .... a shameless act of thievery. if you live long enough, you know 2 things…...... all great love ends with an act of great sad…

  .... a shameless act of thievery. if you live long enough, you know 2 things…...... all great love ends with an act of great sadness….....and all great art begins with a shameless act of thievery. so steal the logo. win the contest at picmees.com. go on to internet fame and cheap artistic glory….......just remember that Spartacus said so…..God’s Holy Messenger of Art. / Andalusian Foothills. 1913.