Correcting Misinformation Concerning the FSC - GoFuckYourself.com

Redrob · 09-04-2011, 10:00 AM

For all you noobs, here is the history of the Free Speech Coalition:

Quote:

The Free Speech Coalition was founded in 1991 by a group of concerned industry professionals in response to numerous government attacks against producers and retailers of adult products. Its roots are embedded deep within the birth and development of adult entertainment in the United States, and the organization has continued to grow with the industry?s own explosive growth, now representing all segments of adult entertainment on a national level.

The concept of an organization as a rallying point for those who believe in the free expression of adult-themed works began as early as 1970. The first truly national group to emerge was the Adult Film Association of America (AFAA). At the time, adult entertainment was only available in adult theaters and bookstores, so early members were largely theatrical exhibitors. With the advent of inexpensive home videos, the AFAA morphed into the Adult Film and Video Association of America (AFVAA).

The next significant event that galvanized the AFVAA was the arrest of Hal Freeman for pandering. Prosecutors wanted to establish once and for all that paying performers to have sex in a film was an act of prostitution. Freeman won that legal battle, which redefined the use of the pandering laws relative to providers of adult product. As video productions became the dominant factor in the marketplace, theatrical exhibition diminished. Video chains and many independent stores in suburbs and smaller cities started carrying adult fare. Overzealous law enforcement officials subjected more and more retailers to "obscenity" charges.

In 1990, under the first Bush administration, the Federal government attacked most of the major manufacturers of adult video with a sting operation designed to destroy the industry. In response, the Free Speech Legal Defense Fund (FSLDF) was formed by industry leaders to protect the rights of members in all areas of adult entertainment.

In 1992, as the government attack was blunted, the FSLDF decided to select a name more reflective of its broadened role in the adult community and the Free Speech Coalition (FSC) was born.

The Mission Statement for the Free Speech Coalition follows:

Quote:

The mission of the Free Speech Coalition is to:

Lead, protect and support the growth and well-being of the adult entertainment community.

As the trade association for the adult entertainment we do this by:

Being the legislative watchdog for the industry;lobbying in California and in Congress.

Providing public education, research and reports to gradually change public opinion about adult entertainment.

Providing member publications, seminars, updates, advisories and coordinating member activism toward legislative change.

Improving members? business profit margins by introducing ?value-added? benefits, such as insurance, risk management programs, discounts, etc.

Engaging, as a last resort, in litigation.

Please note that litigation is used as a last resort and not the primary purpose.

Brad Mitchell · 09-04-2011, 10:22 AM

Thank you for sharing.

iamtam · 09-04-2011, 10:26 AM

now if they would just do as they said, we would have something!

Redrob · 09-04-2011, 10:52 AM

iamtam, please clarify.

V_RocKs · 09-04-2011, 11:06 AM

ok.. thank you

baddog · 09-04-2011, 11:14 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Redrob

iamtam, please clarify.

iamtam is a troll. No one pays attention to anything he says. No need to start now.

Robbie · 09-04-2011, 11:19 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Redrob

Please note that litigation is used as a last resort and not the primary purpose.

I remember when they were first starting up.

None of us ever thought they were going to BRING litigation. No...the only reason for their existence was for defense AGAINST the govt.
None of us were looking to sue anybody. heh-heh

I think a lot of people (me included) feel that they have lost their way and are now trying to find something or anything that will make them money.

I had said in another thread that the FSC isn't even IN the adult industry, and you corrected me and told me how it was full of folks from the porn biz.

You may be technically correct in that some big shot names in our biz from L.A. might be on some kind of council or something...but the people who really run that show on a day to day basis are not true pornographers. That was what I meant.

I wish that there was still a DEDICATED organization, like the FSC was supposed to be, that was a team of first amendment lawyers with great skills in the courtroom to help keep a repressive govt. at bay.

In my opinion...the FSC would be a better friend to the adult industry by focusing on BEATING groups like the AHF in court.

Now whether my opinion of the FSC is correct or not, it is the general consensus of most people in our industry that they are not doing the job they are supposed to be doing and instead seem to be reaching for money more and more.

Maybe it's just a PR problem for them. But as a business owner and a guy who has made and still makes a lot of money...I tend to recognize it when somebody is in business to make money. And that seems to be what the FSC is all about these days.

baddog · 09-04-2011, 11:22 AM

So Robbie, how much would you be willing to pay for something like that? A team of first amendment lawyers is not going to be cheap.

Robbie · 09-04-2011, 11:33 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by baddog

So Robbie, how much would you be willing to pay for something like that? A team of first amendment lawyers is not going to be cheap.

We all used to join the FSC and fly their banner on our sites. We actually were there when they started and paid in and everything. I stopped that a long time ago. But if I felt they were back to their original mission I would once again be supporting them.

And I'm not the only one who feels that way.

baddog · 09-04-2011, 11:40 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Robbie

We all used to join the FSC and fly their banner on our sites. We actually were there when they started and paid in and everything. I stopped that a long time ago. But if I felt they were back to their original mission I would once again be supporting them.

And I'm not the only one who feels that way.

For some reason I can't help but think that their coffers are not full enough to do everything everyone wants. Just my thoughts, of course.

So, how much would you be willing to pay on a monthly basis?

iamtam · 09-04-2011, 11:43 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by baddog

iamtam is a troll. No one pays attention to anything he says. No need to start now.

say what you want. you can go back and look at the horrible scare tactics used during the 2257 battle, and see what they did for the online industry. how did that turn out anyway?

no troll. just honest. too bad you aren't handling it.

Robbie · 09-04-2011, 11:46 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by baddog

For some reason I can't help but think that their coffers are not full enough to do everything everyone wants. Just my thoughts, of course.

So, how much would you be willing to pay on a monthly basis?

I'm not sure what it is that everyone wants. All I "want" is what they originally were. A group of attorneys defending the adult industry.

Of course they didn't just sit in their offices waiting for the phones to ring. They all had law practices that were their "real" jobs. But it always felt like IF the govt. came busting down your doors, that there was an organization that we in the adult industry could call upon.

As I said...maybe it's just bad PR on their part. But for myself, I long ago started finding my own attorneys.

Redrob is on a mission to help the FSC start looking "better" to people. So I'm merely piping in with my impressions. Maybe that will help him and the FSC to understand why folks feel the way they do and they can use this information to help them with whatever it is they do these days.

Redrob · 09-04-2011, 12:03 PM

The FSC has moved mountains on a mole-hill budget. The staff and board are dedicated to making this industry successful. The Board members all have their personal businesses to run and devote their time without compensation. The FSC has the huge staff of three individuals who have taken on the government, anti-piracy, Cal-OSHA, the AHF, replacing AIM with the APHSS, and a whole lot more.

Jesus, what else do you expect from three people?

In my opinion, the real problem is not willingness or skill sets; the problem is a lack of funds and the crippling effect it has on FSC's lobbying and PR work, hiring needed staff, and building the infrastructure that a industry trade association needs to best serve its membership and tackle our many industry problems.

Me, I donate more than my annual dues every year. Also, I ask my customers to donate which they do. I know many others in our industry that go far beyond their dues to raise funds for the FSC because they too believe in the FSC mission.

The FSC dues are too low in my opinion for what we expect the FSC to accomplish. Here in Texas, our adult trade group dues are $500/month when the legislature is out of session and $1,000/month when the legislature is in session. I know the price of freedom isn't free.

Consequentially, I chuckle when I see people bitching about a $50 Industry Professional annual membership. Nobody is going to be in 100% agreement with the actions of any trade association due to the scope and diversity of its mission. That doesn't justify not being a member in my mind.

In my eyes, a lot of people bitch about the FSC just to justify their being cheap-asses in order to get a free ride on the back of the stand up individuals who do join and contribute. I notice that those that bitch the loudest have never been a member that I can recall, or, let their memberships lapse years ago; and yet, have plenty of time to criticize those who continue to try and make a difference.

In reality, for the most part, the perpetual complainers do nothing, contribute nothing, and bitch without offering meaningful alternative solutions.

Just my personal opinion......

Robbie · 09-04-2011, 12:10 PM

I wonder if the whole thing would be better served if instead of turning themselves into a "trade association" they had merely kept it what it was in the beginning.

And then if they wanted to branch out in all these other directions they could do so as separate entities.

3 people should NOT be stretched out so thin. You're right about that. Those 3 people should be focused like an arrow on one thing and one thing only.

And I believe THAT would be the FSC that more of us would want to start supporting again.

That's all I'm saying.

Captain Kawaii · 09-04-2011, 12:14 PM

Their APAP program, in my opinion, was/is a useless money grab. I am with others, I wish they would get back to original core mission. I would support them again as well if they got back to the basics and save the money grabs for their practices as all lawyers do.

Redrob · 09-04-2011, 12:31 PM

Robbie,

The FSC is not now, nor has ever been, just a bunch of attorneys. Where did you ever get that idea?

As far as being pornographers, I'm sure that some of the board members would disagree with you. Many of the Board have ties in the industry going back into the 1970's and earlier. Many of us, our families and our businesses have been prosecuted over the years, fought lengthy legal battles, and won/lost our fights. We weren't being prosecuted for Disney films.

Anyways, I find your statement curious. Sorry if I seem a little crabby.......my apology.

My Pimp · 09-04-2011, 12:33 PM

Interesting read .

digitaldivas · 09-04-2011, 02:21 PM

FSC has always been super nice when i have called them in the past with questions or issues. Just my 2 cents.

Robbie · 09-04-2011, 03:01 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Redrob

Robbie,

The FSC is not now, nor has ever been, just a bunch of attorneys. Where did you ever get that idea?

As far as being pornographers, I'm sure that some of the board members would disagree with you. Many of the Board have ties in the industry going back into the 1970's and earlier. Many of us, our families and our businesses have been prosecuted over the years, fought lengthy legal battles, and won/lost our fights. We weren't being prosecuted for Disney films.

Anyways, I find your statement curious. Sorry if I seem a little crabby.......my apology.

You don't sound "crabby". You're just trying to explain your position.

I'm just trying to give you some feedback from out here in the real world.

As for them being "in the industry" and "board members". I would ask...isn't a board member pretty much just a title? And how many current board members are actively on porn sets in 2011?

As far as thinking they were a bunch of attorneys...well, that's kinda what we were all told it was going to be in the beginning. An organization formed to battle the govt. legally to defend our first amendment rights.
Now maybe I'm wrong about that...but that is what we all thought outside of the porn valley bubble. And it sounded like a tremendously great idea. Still does.

But again...somewhere along the line...the perception is that the FSC has lost it's way. Now it's a "trade association"?

Sounds like they need to get out and do some hand shaking and talking to the rest of the world's shooters that don't reside in California and explain themselves better. As I said earlier, it's definitely bad PR and posting on message boards isn't gonna change that.

I think the FSC should make a presence at some shows. If they have been, I haven't noticed them. And no, I'm not talking about "seminars". I'm talking about just plain old socializing and drinking and meeting people one on one in a social atmosphere and explaining what the FSC can really offer.

Right now, I'm unmoved. My perception of them is that they kinda bungled some legal things over the last decade and now are trying to move into areas that they don't have expertise in.

My opinion could be completely wrong...but that's what I've been led to believe observing over the years from a distance. And that is where the FSC needs to pick up their game, in communications.

NemesisEnforcer · 09-04-2011, 05:33 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Redrob

The mission of the Free Speech Coalition is to:

Lead, protect and support the growth and well-being of the adult entertainment community.

As the trade association for the adult entertainment we do this by:

Being the legislative watchdog for the industry;lobbying in California and in Congress.

Providing public education, research and reports to gradually change public opinion about adult entertainment.

Providing member publications, seminars, updates, advisories and coordinating member activism toward legislative change.

Improving members? business profit margins by introducing ?value-added? benefits, such as insurance, risk management programs, discounts, etc.

Engaging, as a last resort, in litigation.

To clarify, just for members of FSC rather than the entire "adult entertainment community"?

Redrob · 09-04-2011, 09:40 PM

In this world, it is said that we are like the tides,

We all rise together, and, we all fall together.

Robbie · 09-04-2011, 11:26 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Redrob

In this world, it is said that we are like the tides,

We all rise together, and, we all fall together.

Snatch the pebble from my hand grasshopper...

09-04-2011, 10:22 AM	#2
Brad Mitchell Confirmed User Industry Role: Join Date: Nov 2001 Location: Southfield, MI Posts: 9,812	Thank you for sharing. __________________ President at MojoHost \| brad at mojohost dot com \| Skype MojoHostBrad 71 industry awards for hosting and professional excellence since 1999

09-04-2011, 12:03 PM	#13
Redrob Confirmed User Industry Role: Join Date: Oct 2004 Location: In a refrigerator box by the tracks. Posts: 4,790	The FSC has moved mountains on a mole-hill budget. The staff and board are dedicated to making this industry successful. The Board members all have their personal businesses to run and devote their time without compensation. The FSC has the huge staff of three individuals who have taken on the government, anti-piracy, Cal-OSHA, the AHF, replacing AIM with the APHSS, and a whole lot more. Jesus, what else do you expect from three people? In my opinion, the real problem is not willingness or skill sets; the problem is a lack of funds and the crippling effect it has on FSC's lobbying and PR work, hiring needed staff, and building the infrastructure that a industry trade association needs to best serve its membership and tackle our many industry problems. Me, I donate more than my annual dues every year. Also, I ask my customers to donate which they do. I know many others in our industry that go far beyond their dues to raise funds for the FSC because they too believe in the FSC mission. The FSC dues are too low in my opinion for what we expect the FSC to accomplish. Here in Texas, our adult trade group dues are $500/month when the legislature is out of session and $1,000/month when the legislature is in session. I know the price of freedom isn't free. Consequentially, I chuckle when I see people bitching about a $50 Industry Professional annual membership. Nobody is going to be in 100% agreement with the actions of any trade association due to the scope and diversity of its mission. That doesn't justify not being a member in my mind. In my eyes, a lot of people bitch about the FSC just to justify their being cheap-asses in order to get a free ride on the back of the stand up individuals who do join and contribute. I notice that those that bitch the loudest have never been a member that I can recall, or, let their memberships lapse years ago; and yet, have plenty of time to criticize those who continue to try and make a difference. In reality, for the most part, the perpetual complainers do nothing, contribute nothing, and bitch without offering meaningful alternative solutions. Just my personal opinion...... Last edited by Redrob; 09-04-2011 at 12:06 PM..

09-04-2011, 12:10 PM	#14
Robbie Leaner, Meaner, Faster Industry Role: Join Date: Aug 2002 Location: Vegas Posts: 20,959	I wonder if the whole thing would be better served if instead of turning themselves into a "trade association" they had merely kept it what it was in the beginning. And then if they wanted to branch out in all these other directions they could do so as separate entities. 3 people should NOT be stretched out so thin. You're right about that. Those 3 people should be focused like an arrow on one thing and one thing only. And I believe THAT would be the FSC that more of us would want to start supporting again. That's all I'm saying. __________________ -Robbie ClaudiaMarie.Com

09-04-2011, 12:31 PM	#16
Redrob Confirmed User Industry Role: Join Date: Oct 2004 Location: In a refrigerator box by the tracks. Posts: 4,790	Robbie, The FSC is not now, nor has ever been, just a bunch of attorneys. Where did you ever get that idea? As far as being pornographers, I'm sure that some of the board members would disagree with you. Many of the Board have ties in the industry going back into the 1970's and earlier. Many of us, our families and our businesses have been prosecuted over the years, fought lengthy legal battles, and won/lost our fights. We weren't being prosecuted for Disney films. Anyways, I find your statement curious. Sorry if I seem a little crabby.......my apology. Last edited by Redrob; 09-04-2011 at 12:39 PM..

09-04-2011, 02:21 PM	#18
digitaldivas ..I Heart Cannibal Corpse Industry Role: Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: California Posts: 4,328	FSC has always been super nice when i have called them in the past with questions or issues. Just my 2 cents. __________________ ...

09-04-2011, 10:26 AM	#3
iamtam So Fucking Banned Join Date: Feb 2010 Posts: 1,211	now if they would just do as they said, we would have something!

09-04-2011, 10:52 AM	#4
Redrob Confirmed User Industry Role: Join Date: Oct 2004 Location: In a refrigerator box by the tracks. Posts: 4,790	iamtam, please clarify.

09-04-2011, 11:06 AM	#5
V_RocKs Damn Right I Kiss Ass! Industry Role: Join Date: Dec 2003 Location: Cowtown, USA Posts: 32,406	ok.. thank you

09-04-2011, 11:22 AM	#8
baddog So Fucking Banned Industry Role: Join Date: Apr 2001 Location: the beach, SoCal Posts: 107,089	So Robbie, how much would you be willing to pay for something like that? A team of first amendment lawyers is not going to be cheap.

09-04-2011, 12:14 PM	#15
Captain Kawaii So Fucking Banned Industry Role: Join Date: Oct 2007 Posts: 6,748	Their APAP program, in my opinion, was/is a useless money grab. I am with others, I wish they would get back to original core mission. I would support them again as well if they got back to the basics and save the money grabs for their practices as all lawyers do.

09-04-2011, 12:33 PM	#17
My Pimp Confirmed User Join Date: May 2003 Posts: 1,201	Interesting read .

09-04-2011, 09:40 PM	#21
Redrob Confirmed User Industry Role: Join Date: Oct 2004 Location: In a refrigerator box by the tracks. Posts: 4,790	In this world, it is said that we are like the tides, We all rise together, and, we all fall together.