Brave Enough to Burn

Seems there's a bill (technically two) being fast-tracked in Congress that severely alters the way copyright law will work. So far, what I'm reading does not thrill my soul, as it seems to essentially open up any "found" artwork or photos to general use. In theory, it's clarification of Fair Use; in reality...it seems to remove the right of the independent artist to protect their work, unless they officially register the work as "theirs." And it affects art of all kinds- illustration, fine art, photography, graphic design, your online photo album- all unregistered works would be considered "orphaned" upon passing of the bill, and thus Fair Use applies. There's some recourse available, but not enough to be worth the trouble.

Now I'm still reading up and researching, but right now, I'm opposed to the Orphan Works bills.

If you would like information on the bills:

Orphan Works Act of 2008 as posted in the Library of Congress, legalese and all.

YouTube video of a discussion of the bill at the recent Craft and Hobby Association trade show.

Orphan Works Opposition Headquarters, also has some good info, as well as a petition against the bill, if you are so inclined.

Er, yeah so I haven't actually done the big update...yet. But I did finish my fic for this month's genrechallenge. This month's genre was fantasy, and I'm glad I finished- even if I did wimp out and take the 1 time extension.

So if you're interested in a ficlet...

follow the fake cut to my entry

And while you're there, check out some of the other submissions. Read! Review! We all enjoy Constructive Criticism! Seriously, there's some really good authors in the group.

I just signed artist Ron Spencer to be the guest artist at Regionals in a few weeks! Wheeeee!