The Orphan Works Act
Legalese is not my second language.
Some of you may have noticed the copyright overlay appearing on my most recent uploaded images to this blog. This was a first step in trying to protect my copyright of my images. Currently copyright is inherent. I don’t have to file anything with the government, pay any fees or really do anything at all. These golden days of copyright protection however, may well soon end.
I have been putting off writing about the Orphan Arts Bill for a very long time now. Partly because I was waiting for something decisive to come of it and partly because all the technical language that most of the information on the subject is written in, is way above my comprehension level. I really need things spelled out for me as if I am a small dull-witted child. But with some straining of the brain cells I think I have a grasp on the issue and I am going to share.
The bill (in a nutshell) was created so those who found stuff (like art, music, writing or your family photos) online, could use them for their own purposes (whatever that may be) as long as they put reasonable effort in finding the original owner to get permission for use. The Act will take away the automatic copyright currently granted and force artists (writers, musicians and maybe even your personal online photo album) to register everything for a fee. (Um Hum . . . thats right) And most importantly if the searcher doesn’t find you in the registry or you don’t reply in time, they can use the image (again, for whatever purpose) and you have absolutely no recourse. (scary huh?)
For More Information:
Two places you can look for more information on the Orphan Works Act as well as everything else for the art business are:
ArtCalendar.com I highly recommend this magazine and website for any artist. I’ve been a subscriber for over a decade now and find something useful in just about every issue. Also in regards to this topic they have email templates that you can use to send letters to your legislators as well as review progress reports.
Also you can look into Katherine Tyrrells blog Making A Mark. She’s a fabulous resource for many things art business oriented. She has commented several times on the Orphan Works Act and supplies numerous links to research the subject further.
Tags: business
Oh Pants. That is scary. Especially as I don’t have the emotional warewithal (as my mother in law would say) to deal with it all. I’ll just have to hope no one nicks me stuff! (Might try to add a watermark though - nice idea, thanks)
Hey Undaunted. I am so sorry I haven’t been able to get back to you. If you’ve read the current post you’ll understand why.
So I gotta ask what does “Oh Pants!” mean? Is it something like “Oh crap!”
This is a US law and I have no idea what the world wide implication would (or possibly could?) be. What it the current copyright law in your part of the world?
I have no idea (about the law I mean) I suppose I should look into it, in case I produce something worth stealing!
Yeah, “Oh pants” is a bit like “Oh crap”! But I think pants in the US is trousers isn’t it? But pants here is short for underpants. What do you call them there?
Pants, jeans and trousers are pretty much the same thing. Trousers is very rarely used.
Underpants is correct here also but rarely used except for a more formal description. Undies, tighty whities, panties, drawers, Mostly panties I suppose.
We appear to be having our own little cultural exchange.
Yes we do!
Surely panties is for girls? We call those knickers! What are mens undergarments called? Someone told me loads of differences in words before, but I can’t remember them now. I was amazed though!
Yes panties is for girls, though I have been known to refer to some of my husbands Undies as “man panties.” Depends on one’s personal taste but the line of gender style underwear is kinda blurred here.
For instance I like a brand of Hanes that look likes boy’s underwear. (with the exception that they are pink and red and have funky girlie patterns) They are soooo comfortable and don’t ride up. Since I am active with animals and artshows, not pulling the bloomers out from whence they should not go, is a high priority.
Plus I think it’s cute.