Quote:
Originally posted by goBigtime
1) The IMPA (goes to defense fund??)
The Defense fund
The Defense group
The FTPF (pledges only?)
Now Chokers idea.
2) The only thing that sort of bothers me about the FTPF pledge drive is it's timing. Brandon has over $25,000 in pledges from people who may now feel that by making that "pledge" they have contributed to in helping to invalidate Acacias patents & this feeling may prevent them from contributing NOW to the organization or group or whatever, that is CURRENTLY IN THE COURT SYSTEM.
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1) There are 3 entities on the table an 1 unknown:
a) IMPA - an association
b) Defense Fund / Defense Group - made up of 11+ defendants sharing/pooing financial resources
c) FTPF
d) TGP group
I have been very clear and open about my plans and execution path, but what has never been clear, is if someone donates to IMPA, where does the money go.
I have posted many times that money donated to IMPA doesn't go towards the Defendants defense. IMPA has a membership structure.
Why aren't people being told to join as members (
http://www.impai.org/join.html) AND make donations (
http://www.impai.org/fund.html)?
Is IMPA a non-profit? Doesn't seem to be, because on the donation page it says "Contributions or gifts to the IMPA are not tax deductible as charitable contributions."
Does the money that has been donated so far to IMPA go towards the defense fund?
Where does it really go?
I have had many conversations with Spike and Far-L over this issue about making it clear to people what is up with IMPA. So many people blindy say "donate to IMPA".. but they don't seem to know about the Membership structure, and MANY, MANY people think the money goes to actually fighting against Acacia.
I believe I know the issues from talking to Far-L and Spike, but would make sense if someone from IMPA step forwarded.
2) It is a ridiculous myth to think that just because someone pledged $100 to support FTPF, that they can't also DONATE or become a MEMBER of IMPA for another $100.
goBigTime, i know you support what I am doing in concept, but let's look at the reality.. do you really believe that webmasters only have $100 in their pocket? And that the $30K+ that I have pledged means i have stolen this from IMPA?
Maybe I have been doing a better job at telling the story about how I intend to make a difference, and that's why they supported it. A dollar pledged to support FTPF, is not a $1 stolen away from IMPA.. people make their own decisions.
And i have to constantly say this, its a PLEDGE... there is no hole in someone's pocket..... NO MONEY has been taken for FTPF.
Once the goal has been reached, those pledges become donations, and FTPF can start to fight in this Acacia issue... by teaming up with the DEFENDANTS.. by providing financial assistance for their attorney bills, for helping to bring forward EXPERT WITNESSES, who otherwise may not care to help P*RN companies....
People seem to forget that mainstream doesn't care too highly for the Adult Industry. Many IP firms won't take your case, despite having money. Many expert witnesses may otherwise not wish to come forward to take time out of their lives to help.
I am not on some lofty intellectual mission, there are short term problems and long term problems, and i have been very specific and clear in various threads on my intentions and solutions....and they overlap very nicely with IMPA.
I understand Choker's point about wanting to be sure that the money supports this TGP group's interests.... Form your own group, but fully understand the ramifications... if you do, I will help an provide what assistance i can in my current incarnation as just a one-man personal crusade with FightThePatent.com
I have already suggested that maybe the TGP/MGP guys should run under IMPA, but you can't run a subdivision of IMPA, it would have to be IMPA executing in your best interests, if you become a Member or Donate to them. You can't control the direction, just help to influence it as Members.
Running an organization is a FULL TIME effort..... is anyone doing this full time? I think I am the only one, besides the attorneys.
Everyone else runs their own businesses and are busy doing so.
JMM's frustration is he sees all the bills that the Defense Group has to pay for, and the rest of industry who has not settled are not helping to shoulder the costs that will inevitably SAVE them from Acacia when they INVALIDATE the patent.
I believe there are enough webmasters that can contribute just $100 pledge/donation to FTPF and STILL donate/invest maybe more than $100 to the DEFENSE FUND or IMPA.. depending on how they can explain themselves and how things work.
As much as I have been working with the IMPA guys, I will be the first one to say that IMPA has done a poor job in getting THEIR message out, and I hope that with this new found energy by the TGP guys, that they take this opportunity to take a LEADERSHIP position, or risk having a splintered group.
FTPF does not splinter anyones efforts unless the reality is that webmasters ONLY have $100 in their pocket.
If my post leaves you confused about the differences/relations with IMPA and Defense Fund, then it means I am confused too.
Fight the Patent!
(sorry for the length, i have been trying to make shorter posts, but had alot to say)