ASMP - Photographers! Your action is required!

This is a note I received yesterday from the American Society of Media Photographers. Please take a moment to read this and act now, especially if you make your living as a photographer:

You may have heard that the U.S. Copyright Office is in the process of hiring a new Register of Copyrights. The former Register of Copyrights, Marybeth Peters, retired in December, and Maria Pallante has been appointed to be the Acting Register of Copyrights during the search process. For more information about the Register of Copyrights and Maria Pallante, read this press release.
The Copyright Alliance (of which ASMP is a member) has been engaging in many discussions with Maria about the important role that the Copyright Office plays in our society, and how all creators rely on the Copyright Office to be a strong advocate for artists’ rights. The Alliance and ASMP have also encouraged the Office to select a candidate that has an appreciation of the history of copyright, a deep understanding of copyright law, and strong commitment to the principles of copyright enacted by Congress and interpreted by Courts.
Eugene Mopsik, ASMP’s executive director, met directly with Ms Pallante a few weeks ago. He briefed her on ASMP’s views on the issues that photographers face. Now, it is your turn to share your own views.

Share Your Thoughts

Maria Pallante is giving creators a unique opportunity to provide the Copyright Office with thoughts from artists about the important role of copyright and the Copyright Office in our society.
Lucinda Dugger, the Copyright Alliance’s Director of Outreach, will be compiling all of the input into one document and passing it on to Maria. So, please send her your thoughts by Monday, March 14, 2011.
I know you are busy, but a sentence or two (or more) from you would be most helpful. So, if you feel so inclined, please follow these simple steps:

• Jot down your ideas. You may want to comment on:
  
  • The importance of copyright in your life;
  • That it is important for the Copyright Office to hire someone who is willing to understand and advocate for the creative community.

• Remind the Copyright Office that the viewpoints and actions of pro-piracy groups affect creation, innovation, and the economy. Tell the Office that you disagree with these groups who:
  
  • Seem to represent illegal downloaders;
  • Advocate that all artists should give their works away for free (and find another way to make money);
  • Oppose practical piracy solutions from the creative community;
  • Insist that consumers’ opinions on artists’ rights are more important than creators’ perspectives on artists’ rights.

• Also include your name, your profession, city, state, and — if it is okay for the Copyright Office to contact you directly — your email address or other contact information.
• Email your thoughts to Lucinda Dugger at ldugger@copyrightalliance.org.
• Meet the deadline of Monday, March 14, 2011.

Thanks for taking a moment to weigh in on this important issue. It is important that the voice of the entire creative community be heard. Please feel free to spread the word of this request.

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I encourage all professional photographers to support ASMP by joining it. They provide education, legal support, help pros get software at discounted prices and connect professionals in the industry. My ASMP profile can be viewed here