Article: The Orphan's Act

Crafts of Texture
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Friday, 25 April 2008
New Copyright Issues for all US Crafters, a Guest Writer Article by Pamela Baker (MagdaleneJewels.etsy.com)
THE ORPHAN WORKS ACT:

This is a link to the original article: Please read the brief information below also:

http://sarastexturecrafts.blogspot.com/2008/04/new-copyright-issues-for-all-us.html
THE ORPHAN WORKS ACT:I don't know if you have seen this article or heard about this Legislation which is being considered in our Congress. It is such an important article which needs to alert all artists - it basically calls for the rights of anyone to steal the ideas, thoughts, emotional feelings that an artist brings to his work. The fact that Congress can allow such an abomination of rights needs to be dealt with through letters to our Congressmen, Legistators, Senators who expect to become President! If such an impropriety can be allowed to desecrate the ideals of today's artists, what can we expect for our tomorrows, and where does that leave the many craftsmen whose own work is an extension of themselves. A lot of credit goes to Diane Clancy "dianeclancy.etsy.com" who brought this incredible information, of the "Orphan Works Act" to the attention of those in our Forum, I would like to further extend this attached article to the other artists and craftsman, who are here at Etsy. The Orphan Works Act is under consideration again and as artists and supporters of artists, I hope you will respond!! From different artists' groups, we have heard that the new draft of Orphan Works Act of 2008 is going to be released next week. Artists and supporters who have seen it are horrified. Quote from the Illustrators' Partnership "If these proposals are enacted into law, all the work you have ever done or will do could be orphaned and exposed to commercial infringement from the moment you create it. " At least 12 artists groups are working together to help get the word out so people can get informed and then TAKE ACTION!!! Lots of links below to get informed and please at least sign the petition. Anyone anywhere in the world can sign.Again, quoting from the Illustrators' Partners " forget the spin you’ve heard from backers of this bill. This radical proposal, now pending before Congress, could cost you your past and future copyrights" This includes those of you who are creating beautiful and fun works on your blogs - they can take and use them too. All of our work is fair game.Here's a link to a site where you can sign a petition against it. Why not sign and pass it on? This is so important to all of us!!! We MUST take action! Please sign ... YOU can sign - it is international. http://www.gopetition.com/petitions/no-to-orphan-works-act.html - No to Orphan Works Petition. Mark Simon has a webcast interview with Brad Holland. http://www.sellyourtvconceptnow.com/orphan.html - They have given permission to for this audio file to be copied, transferred and replayed ... they want this stopped!!Again, quoting from the Illustrators' Partnership, "for additional information about Orphan Works developments, go to the http://www.illustratorspartnership.org/01_topics/article.php?searchterm=00185 - IPA Orphan Works Resource Page for Artists