FSC - Food for thought

[gonzo]

Far-L posted this on another board. I figured I would repost it here since he has summed all this up far better than I could and from his personal experience.
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Allow me to set the record straight because posts like yours go a long way to undermining the FSC by creating hostility and suspicion.

Only if the FSC attorneys can prove that there are constitutional and or legal grounds for changing 2257 would it affect everyone. The injunction would only be applicable to FSC members in the meantime.

It is similar to our Acacia fight. If we get out on non-infringement, all those that licensed are still going to have to pay their license fees. Only if we break the patent would everyone not have to pay including those who licensed. Everyone loves to say they support the fight, blah, blah, blah but when it comes time to ante up all you hear is crickets. 99% of the cost of that fight has been on a handful of companies that stepped up to the fight.

The legal bills for work like this are huge and someone has to pay the attorneys. I for one am very grateful for the FSC and its efforts. I used to doubt their integrity too but years ago I went on a lobbying mission with FSC in Sacramento to fight a tax on porn in California. Our effort was successful and proved to me the importance of a trade organization like the FSC to help protect our industry.

IMO, everyone is there to congratulate FSC when they affect a positive change but everyone pisses and moans when FSC asks for help paying the bill by beating the drums for membership. Everyone here can afford the $50 per year dues and some can afford more than that.

Finally, remember, they are a business trade organization and not the ACLU.

Please excuse me if it seems like i am only responding to your issues since I am directing this to all those who are critical of FSC for asking money.


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Ive been reading Oprano the last couple of days --- just want to put in my 2 cents worth. Im enjoying a lot of you bragging about how you are compliant. You must have some mighty fine lawyers to be able to decypher all of that to even begin to understand what full compliancy is. Add to that a very small amount of content to worry about as well.

Its going to be very interesting in 12 months to see the impact of this on all of us as well as whos left as the last man standing.

[Rolo]

Far-L is right and he summed it up very nicely... focus on the goal, the change of the 2257 rules, and its no-brainer. FSC is the only one fighting this battle...

[Nickatilynx]

I see no harm in what FSC is trying to do.

Frankly if Far-L is behind it , thats good enough for me.

[gonzo]

More of Far L's points...
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I see so many inaccurate and irresponsible comments being made regarding the FSC. For the record:


FSC is a TRADE ORGANIZATION for the adult industry, not the ACLU.

FSC is not charging $300 per website. (you think dave cummings paid $300x450 sites?)

FSC membership is available for as cheap as $50 per year.

FSC is not trying to "scare" people into joining. They are doing everything they can to protect ALL of us. They are quite willing to accomodate those that cannot afford the higher rating schedule.

FSC works on behalf of its MEMBERS but much of its efforts do benefit the ENTIRE adult industry.

FSC filed its lawsuit on behalf of its MEMBERS, there is no way that a TRADE ORGANIZATION has to be responsible for the rest of the world... especially since the rest of the world would include those that have no intention of trying to operate lawfully anyway.

Just because you think the FSC SHOULD be doing something for you because you "support" them in the ethereal sense doesn't mean they have to listen to anyone that is not a membership supporter in the literal sense.

Those are the facts... now, imo...

I am appalled by the venom toward the FSC here. Most of what FSC has done all these years has benefitted each and every one of you. Show some respect and stop expecting something for nothing. Being in the adult industry has a price in this country and if you are not willing to make the sacrifice and pay it... and I am not just talking about member dues in FSC... but also the toll paid by those that have gone to jail, or been fined, or even shot for your right to make and publish adult material then maybe you should consider another biz to be in.
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Ill add that Nick and I had added a button free of charge for the FSC on Oprano as a show of support and goodwill. You all need to be aware.

And yes Ive made my contribution as well. You decide if its worth it to you. I will add that I don't like being told or scared into doing antyhing. Its my rebellious nature to do the other direction. I spent a long time with each of the 3rd amendment lawyers and specifically Eric Bernstien. I understand the situation better now.

IF you dont see the value of this trade organization... then dont join. But I suggest at least a consultation with a lawyer. I hope you can find a first amendment specialist in your town. I coudlnt fnd one suitable in Atlanta.

[TheEnforcer]

I have zero sites with content on them but when people I respect say stuff like this it's hard to ignore. I have some domains parked and waiting to be used so i might as well move to protect my interests should I decide to move forward with them rather than buying mainstream domains and going that way initially instead. I'll be submitting an app first thing tomorrow as I have to get my car fixed and do other errands here in a little bit today.

[ThrobX]

Thanks for posting Far-L's posts. Nice to hear educated thoughtful analysis, rather than shoot-from-the-hip conspiracy theories for once. Some of the threads on this here are rather zoo-like. <_<

[Mike AI]

Originally posted by gonzo@Jun 24 2005, 11:43 AM
More of Far L's points...
***************
I see so many inaccurate and irresponsible comments being made regarding the FSC. For the record:


FSC is a TRADE ORGANIZATION for the adult industry, not the ACLU.

FSC is not charging $300 per website. (you think dave cummings paid $300x450 sites?)

FSC membership is available for as cheap as $50 per year.

FSC is not trying to "scare" people into joining. They are doing everything they can to protect ALL of us. They are quite willing to accomodate those that cannot afford the higher rating schedule.

FSC works on behalf of its MEMBERS but much of its efforts do benefit the ENTIRE adult industry.

FSC filed its lawsuit on behalf of its MEMBERS, there is no way that a TRADE ORGANIZATION has to be responsible for the rest of the world... especially since the rest of the world would include those that have no intention of trying to operate lawfully anyway.

Just because you think the FSC SHOULD be doing something for you because you "support" them in the ethereal sense doesn't mean they have to listen to anyone that is not a membership supporter in the literal sense.

Those are the facts... now, imo...

I am appalled by the venom toward the FSC here. Most of what FSC has done all these years has benefitted each and every one of you. Show some respect and stop expecting something for nothing. Being in the adult industry has a price in this country and if you are not willing to make the sacrifice and pay it... and I am not just talking about member dues in FSC... but also the toll paid by those that have gone to jail, or been fined, or even shot for your right to make and publish adult material then maybe you should consider another biz to be in.
********

Ill add that Nick and I had added a button free of charge for the FSC on Oprano as a show of support and goodwill. You all need to be aware.

And yes Ive made my contribution as well. You decide if its worth it to you. I will add that I don't like being told or scared into doing antyhing. Its my rebellious nature to do the other direction. I spent a long time with each of the 3rd amendment lawyers and specifically Eric Bernstien. I understand the situation better now.

IF you dont see the value of this trade organization... then dont join. But I suggest at least a consultation with a lawyer. I hope you can find a first amendment specialist in your town. I coudlnt fnd one suitable in Atlanta.
:okthumb:

[gonzo]

http://www.wired.com/news/politics/0,1283,...tw=wn_tophead_1 (http://www.wired.com/news/politics/0,1283,67991,00.html?tw=wn_tophead_1)

[Peaches]

Originally posted by gonzo@Jun 24 2005, 01:19 PM
http://www.wired.com/news/politics/0,1283,...tw=wn_tophead_1 (http://www.wired.com/news/politics/0,1283,67991,00.html?tw=wn_tophead_1)
They were apparently referring to plaintiff Dave Cummings, a 65-year-old adult industry entrepreneur in San Diego who touts himself as the world's oldest male porn performer.

Under the new regulations, sites that post his weekly sexual exploits would need to prove he's over 18.
Hehehe :awinky:

[mikeyddddd]

I'm a member.

[Hell Puppy]

The only way to be 100% sure you're in compliance is have ZERO pics and videos.

And that includes banners, thumbs, etc.

[WWCDonMike]

Thank you for posting these Gonzo. It amazes me to see all these people slamming the FSC on a lot of the boards. What do they think is going to happen? That it's all going to go away? Why slam the only organization who's doing something to help the adult industry in this battle? And the injunction may be only for the members of the FSC at this time, but if they succeed in getting the regulations dropped or at least modified, will that not help everybody? :blink:

Sorry, just wanted to throw my 2 and a half cents in there.

[Red]

Originally posted by Hell Puppy@Jun 24 2005, 11:17 PM
The only way to be 100% sure you're in compliance is have ZERO pics and videos.

And that includes banners, thumbs, etc.
That's why text is going to be very important.

[DrGuile]

Not only are we compliant, but we're also a canadian company, but we still joined the FSC. It just makes sense to help protect our affiliate, and to an extent, customers....

[gonzo]

Originally posted by DrGuile@Jun 28 2005, 09:46 AM
Not only are we compliant, but we're also a canadian company, but we still joined the FSC. It just makes sense to help protect our affiliate, and to an extent, customers....
HOLY SHIT! Its a voice of sanity!

[Trev]

Originally posted by gonzo+Jun 28 2005, 03:47 PM--></div><table border='0' align='center' width='95%' cellpadding='3' cellspacing='1'><tr><td>QUOTE (gonzo @ Jun 28 2005, 03:47 PM)</td></tr><tr><td id='QUOTE'> <!--QuoteBegin-DrGuile@Jun 28 2005, 09:46 AM
Not only are we compliant, but we're also a canadian company, but we still joined the FSC. It just makes sense to help protect our affiliate, and to an extent, customers....
HOLY SHIT! Its a voice of sanity! [/b][/quote]
Really? :huh:

[Bhelliom]

Originally posted by Red+Jun 27 2005, 05:02 PM--></div><table border='0' align='center' width='95%' cellpadding='3' cellspacing='1'><tr><td>QUOTE (Red @ Jun 27 2005, 05:02 PM)</td></tr><tr><td id='QUOTE'> <!--QuoteBegin-Hell Puppy@Jun 24 2005, 11:17 PM
The only way to be 100% sure you're in compliance is have ZERO pics and videos.

And that includes banners, thumbs, etc.
That's why text is going to be very important. [/b][/quote]
Subtle Red

[Brad Mitchell]

No matter what, the FSC is the one who is fighting. Support is necessary. Good thread.