Copyright Alliance Report for April 4 - 8

[Rowena, Group Owner]

Shared with permission. Attribution and credit to director Lucinda Dugger.

Dear Copyright Advocates,

This was a busy week in Washington, DC for policymakers who are concerned about the impact of digital theft on artists and creators. Here are some highlights of what went on this week:

On Monday, April 4, support for artists, workers and creators in the copyright, and other intellectual property communities was on powerful display at a news conference in the U.S. Capitol held by a bipartisan, bicameral group of congressional leaders to highlight the impact of digital theft on America's economy and jobs. Read more about it here.

http://blog.copyrightalliance.org/201...

On Tuesday, April 5, House Energy and Commerce committee members Walden, Bono Mack, Terry, Blackburn and Weiner sent a letter to Google's CEO Larry Page seeking more specific information about how the company plans to implement the pro-active steps to help protect copyrighted works on-line that were announced in December.

On Wednesday, April 6, the House Intellectual Property Subcommittee held a second hearing on rogue sites. Testifying were John Morton, Director of ICE; Floyd Abrams, Partner at Cahill Gordon & Reindel, LLP; Kent Walker, Senior VP and General Counsel at Google; and Christine Jones, EVP and General Counsel at Go Daddy Group. Google's internal policies and procedures on their treatment of illegal sites was the focus for many of the questions from members of the Committee.

http://judiciary.house.gov/hearings/h...

Also on Wednesday, April 6, co-chairs of the Congressional International Anti-Piracy Caucus sent a letter to the Ad Council asking that they make every effort to remove their logo from various illicit websites as it lends credibility to such sites. To read more about the letter, click here.

http://blog.copyrightalliance.org/201...

I imagine that in the coming weeks there will be more and more going on in Washington, DC in relation to these very important issues for artists and creators. So keep an eye out for updates!

Be well,
Lucinda Dugger
Director of Outreach

ONE VOI©E: SPEAK UP FOR CREATORS' RIGHTS

[Rowena, Group Owner]

I should like to join Lucinda Dugger in encouraging all writers to make time this week to speak out for the benefit of Congress about how e-book piracy is affecting us.

If you haven't noticed it, check out wiredshelf.com (but do not subscribe, because ... if you think about it.... why would you entrust your credit card info to Chinese/Russian pirates who make their living ripping off authors?).

This is a message from Lucinda Dugger, Director of The CopyrightAlliance.org, shared with permission.
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Dear Copyright Advocates,

Rumor has it that legislation addressing the issue of rogue sites and digital theft will be introduced this week by the Senate. If that happens, folks across the country will be speaking up in favor of or opposing the legislation. I'll keep you posted about these developments in Washington, DC as they happen. But, in the meantime, I'd like to pass along a couple ways in which you can speak up about the impact of digital theft on you and those around you.

1. Check out this new website http://www.artistsagainstdigitaltheft.... This website talks about how digital theft affects the lives of artists, creators, and those working in creative fields. It also talks about policy developments related to the issue and highlights some good articles and blogs from the artist's perspective. Finally, the website gives ideas on how you can take action in support of legislation that addresses the issues of rogue websites and digital theft.

2. Tell your Congressmen. It takes about 30 seconds to send this online letter to your elected officials. The letter basically says, 'Hey, digital theft harms all creators and also the communities you represent. Support legislation that addresses this issue.' You can sign the letter by going to the website above or just go here:
http://www.capwiz.com/musicrightsnow/...

3. Get published in your local newspaper. Letters or guest columns in your local newspapers go a long way toward making your voice heard. Contact me at ldugger@copyrightalliance.org if you have questions or need suggestions for how to accomplish that.

Expect to hear more from me in the coming days and weeks about this issue. Until then, speak up. It's your work, your livelihood - if you don't speak up for yourself, who will?

Best,
Lucinda Dugger
Director of Outreach

ONE VOI©E: SPEAK UP FOR CREATORS' RIGHTS
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[Rowena, Group Owner]

wiredshelf.com has an identical site which I assume is a mirror, run by the same thieving copyright infringers.

It's called ebooktrial and one can assume that they have the same wretched, pirate generated, malware ridden files, and also that they cannot be trusted with credit card information.

http://ebooktrial.com/book/forced-mat...

[L.J.]

I think you're right. My anti virus software won't let me access the site.