I generally try to keep this blog on topic, but I feel that I must use it today somewhat as soap box (sopa box?). Here is the letter that I have sent to my Senators and Congresspersons. Feel free to use, if you like, but this is an extraordinarily important issue if you don’t want the US to become China with regard to control of the Internet.

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Dear Senator XXXXX,

I am writing to express my very serious concern regarding the pending legislation (SOPA/PIPA) mentioned in the subject of this email. I cannot believe yourself or other Senators would consider instituting a China-like censorship on Internet Service Providers or Content Providers in the United States, nor allow one entertainment industry to dominate the freedoms that we Americans have come to enjoy.

I understand the concern of Hollywood companies as well as those in the music industry regarding the piracy of protected works to which they have a right to enjoy profits; however, the predominant threat seems to come from overseas and censoring Americans is an absurd approach to stopping illegal activity on foreign soil. Surely there are methods and approaches already underway that address foreign piracy.

Furthermore, I am greatly troubled and continue to be troubled by expanding reach of copyright interpretations. The origin of copyright was to ensure the progress of science and useful arts by encouraging creation–to do this, creators were awarded protections to their rights for their creation for a specified period of time during which they might enjoy the fruits of their labor. But this time period was to expire to allow future creative persons the ability to benefit from and use what came before. Now copyright seems to be viewed as a means to enrich and maintain the economic interests of grandchildren of the original creator–sort of a “you don’t have to work because your grandfather/mother did” attitude. Or worse, for the protection of a cartoon character. One need only look to the United Kingdom to see how stifling copyright laws can stagnate and destroy creativity and economic growth.

Therefore I strongly request that you consider the long-term consequences of any legislation that restricts and inhibits American rights and freedoms–as I am sure you do always. These pieces of legislation are bad for America and the rights of Americans and I hope you will not support them or will at least work to modify them so they balance important Constitutional concerns and place the onus for enforcement on the interested parties, not on those who provide access to the marketplace of ideas.

Very Best Regards,

XXX

Upcoming Ohio Event – November 12

On Saturday, November 12, 2011, from 9 a.m. until 3:45 p.m., the Ohio Region is hosting DIY: SELF-PRODUCTION FOR PLAYWRIGHTS, LYRICISTS AND COMPOSERS – and those who advocate for them. Registration begins at 8:30 a.m.

Dramatists Guild of America

Event Location:

The event takes place at PlayhouseSquare, 14th Street Theatre, 2037 East 14th Street, Cleveland, OH 44115. Visit www.playhousesquare.org and click on “Plan Your Visit” for a map and directions.

The program includes:

* A two-hour “Self-Production Primer: Brass Tacks,” with Guild Director of Membership, Roland Tec. Fundamentals of budgeting and scheduling will be mapped out in simply, easy-to-digest terms by Tec, who draws on his 20-plus years of experience as a producer of independent theatre and film. It is meant as an introduction to the more hands-on, in-depth exploration of his all-day “Self Production Boot Camp,” offered every January in the Guild’s New York offices.

*David Faux, DG’s Director for Business Affairs, presents a session on “Author as a CEO.” Learn to maintain and protect your intellectual property portfolio through properly structured licensing agreements.

*David Faux also offers his “Review of the Dramatists Bill of Rights,” the distillation of the rights of all writers as set forth in the U.S. Constitution and the Copyright Act of 1976. These rights have been further defined and bolstered by case law and almost a century of industry practice. They express themselves in specific ways for dramatists. If you write for the stage, you need to know your rights. And this lecture presents them with a minimum of legalese.

About PlayhouseSquare:

PlayhouseSquare is the nation’s second largest performing arts center (after Lincoln Center). They have graciously offered to host the event, as well as conduct an optional tour of the complex following adjournment on Saturday afternoon. For a complete list of performances on the weekend of Nov. 11-13, consult www.playhousesquare.org.

This DIY workshop is offered free of charge, but registration is essential and requested by November 10th. There is ample parking in adjacent lots and free street parking (for those who arrive early enough.) Coffee and snacks will be provided; lunch will be on your own.

For further information or to make a reservation, contact Faye Sholiton, DG Ohio Regional Representative at fsholiton@dramatistsguild.com.