Why do people complain about having to join FSC? (mooches)

[Lensman]

Christ sakes, I'm STILL fighting and spending $$$$$$$ on the Acacia case. I didn't cave like almost everyone else. Who benefits?? YOU! Has a single person offered money to help fight? Name me a SINGLE webmaster that has pulled traffic from a company that settled and sent it to me instead!

Now some expect other people to fight 2257 for them without contributing anything. Fucking unreal. Here's an idea: don't contribute and go it on your own.

[Sly]

I agree. Watching responses today is really pissing me off.

I joined a couple weeks ago and am about to pay for my webmasters membership. That $600 is saving me massive legal bills. There's no way I could fight the DOJ myself, but when 100 people put $600 together... great things start to happen.

[sicone]

Cheap, ignorance and the head in sand in general.

Are you going to pay for my membership too?

[smack]

Membership dues and contributions to the Free Speech Coalition, a 501(c)6 non-profit organization are not tax deductible as charitable contributions, but may be deductible as ordinary and business expenses.

it's a quick write off on your taxes too.

[Choker]

Originally Posted by Lensman

Christ sakes, I'm STILL fighting and spending $$$$$$$ on the Acacia case. I didn't cave like almost everyone else. Who benefits?? YOU! Has a single person offered money to help fight? Name me a SINGLE webmaster that has pulled traffic from a company that settled and sent it to me instead!

Now some expect other people to fight 2257 for them without contributing anything. Fucking unreal. Here's an idea: don't contribute and go it on your own.

Ummm, I thought you settled with Acacia. I think most others thought the same thing.

[GigoloJustin]

The title says it all =)

[Alex]

Originally Posted by Lensman

Christ sakes, I'm STILL fighting and spending $$$$$$$ on the Acacia case. I didn't cave like almost everyone else. Who benefits?? YOU! Has a single person offered money to help fight? Name me a SINGLE webmaster that has pulled traffic from a company that settled and sent it to me instead!

Now some expect other people to fight 2257 for them without contributing anything. Fucking unreal. Here's an idea: don't contribute and go it on your own.

In the end i am probably going to have to join to make things easier on me.

But i beleive that they should try to fight on behalf of everyone not just those who are members.

[Snake Doctor]

I started another thread about this also....just quit bitching and join already.

Nobody at the FSC owes you anything if you're not a member...quit trying to get a free ride and put up like the rest of us have.

[DWB]

Though I don't mind being a member of anything that helps the industry, I don't think you MUST be a member to be protected. Those of us with money have enough to fight it for everyone.

[$pikes]

No doubt Lensman

[tootie]

What about people who can't afford it? There are alot of little guys in this industry that are barely scraping a living out of it. $300 could pay alot of bills, and some people never even have $300 at one time. And yeah, they COULD get a job at McDonald's, but why should they? As long as they're making a living, why should they have any less right to exist in the industry than someone making $300k a year?

[Cory W]

Originally Posted by Alex

In the end i am probably going to have to join to make things easier on me.

But i beleive that they should try to fight on behalf of everyone not just those who are members.

You could discuss the Government's rational in the agreement without your approval, but to say that the FSC should have to fight for a non-member is rather ludicrous.

[Rexk]

Ive been trying to join all day..their phone and fax have been busy all day for obvious reasons

[Sly]

Originally Posted by Alex

In the end i am probably going to have to join to make things easier on me.

But i beleive that they should try to fight on behalf of everyone not just those who are members.

They are fighting on behalf of everybody! When all of this is over and the laws and regulations change because of their actions, my business and yours will be better off. Everybody will be impacted.

2257 is already in place. It is an active regulation. A group of people, the FSC, filed a case. The general public didn't file a case, the FSC did.

[Choker]

Originally Posted by Rexk

Ive been trying to join all day..their phone and fax have been busy all day for obvious reasons

try thier backup fax number 818-701-6630

[Alex]

To: Sly.

And what happens when they dont win?

During this grace period the DOJ has a list of FSC members who they can not visit and demand 2257 info.

What happens after the grace period?

They DOJ now has a list of targets and knows exactly who to hit.

[Cory W]

Originally Posted by tootie

What about people who can't afford it? There are alot of little guys in this industry that are barely scraping a living out of it. $300 could pay alot of bills, and some people never even have $300 at one time. And yeah, they COULD get a job at McDonald's, but why should they? As long as they're making a living, why should they have any less right to exist in the industry than someone making $300k a year?

If one can't afford $300 in legal fees, one should focus on a new, more lucrative occupation, rather than participating in a business.

[Choker]

Originally Posted by tootie

What about people who can't afford it? There are alot of little guys in this industry that are barely scraping a living out of it. $300 could pay alot of bills, and some people never even have $300 at one time. And yeah, they COULD get a job at McDonald's, but why should they? As long as they're making a living, why should they have any less right to exist in the industry than someone making $300k a year?

They can join for $100 man. http://www.gofuckyourself.com/showthread.php?t=484413

[Cory W]

Originally Posted by Alex

Guess i was under the impression that they are fighting for Free Speech.

Not another laywer who is taking on clients to protect.


My mistake.

Sure, the end result of litigation will benefit everyone. That said, the difference is the current agreement, which like any legal agreement, normally only covers the plaintiff.

They and their members are plaintiffs.

Why would they list non-members that do not contribute to the litigation for protection?

[BuggyG]

I tried faxing
but line was always busy

not only do I want to help fight it.. I also want me a hoodie!!

[tootie]

Originally Posted by WEG Cory

If one can't afford $300 in legal fees, one should focus on a new, more lucrative occupation, rather than participating in a business.

See, that's exactly what I'm talking about. I know at least 10 designers and text writers in this business that are making decent livings, better than working at a fast food joint, but just enough to scrape by. These people don't have any less right to exist in the business than anyone else. Period. $300 is an unbelivable amount to some of them, and even $50 would be a stretch. I really feel for alot of people that want to join and just can't.

[Cory W]

Originally Posted by Alex

To: Sly.

And what happens when they dont win?

During this grace period the DOJ has a list of FSC members who they can not visit and demand 2257 info.

What happens after the grace period?

They DOJ now has a list of targets and knows exactly who to hit.

If anyone took this serious, they would never post on GFY.

[BradShaw]

Sheep.



baaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa

We joined the FSC as soon as I had a good understanding of what they were doing in 2257.

[Buddy]

I'm with Lens on this.
They are fighting this and that costs money.
It's as simple as that, why would they be looking out for you if you aren't a member?

I'm a member so that I feel like I contributed in some way to fighting this.

The only concern I have is that membership list falling in to the wrong hands and becoming the source of a witch hunt.

[3piece chicken Dinner]

Originally Posted by tootie

What about people who can't afford it? There are alot of little guys in this industry that are barely scraping a living out of it. $300 could pay alot of bills, and some people never even have $300 at one time. And yeah, they COULD get a job at McDonald's, but why should they? As long as they're making a living, why should they have any less right to exist in the industry than someone making $300k a year?

You don't have less rights. Go down to your local courthouse and file the necessary paperwork against the Attny General, and have your day in court.


If you are scraping by in a hostile work enviornment, why bother? Seriously to not have 300.00 at one time to protect yourself is NOT making a living. People spend money on computers, ISP's, software ( Photoshop aint cheap, and don't think they won't check software licenses while they are waiting for you to get your encryption key or database password from blah blah program) 6 dollars a fucking week thats all we are talking about, your telling me people haven't saved 6 dollars a week??

if not it might be time for a new industry choice .

[Eric]

Originally Posted by tootie

What about people who can't afford it? There are alot of little guys in this industry that are barely scraping a living out of it. $300 could pay alot of bills, and some people never even have $300 at one time. And yeah, they COULD get a job at McDonald's, but why should they? As long as they're making a living, why should they have any less right to exist in the industry than someone making $300k a year?

Wow here is a novel idea... You actually have several choices here...



1) Join the FSC and be protected by the injunction as it is written, that the FSC has fought for

2) Fight for a TRO on your own dime and with your own Lawyers

3) Wait and see what happens and hope you don't get inspected

4) Make your sites compliant with the current Regulation as is and not have to join anything and if you get inspected then you are fine.

5) Been an adult.com affiliate and have gotten 8 checks from us and we will pay your FSC fees.

So to say that you don't have options is horseshit.

[Sly]

Originally Posted by Alex

To: Sly.

And what happens when they dont win?

During this grace period the DOJ has a list of FSC members who they can not visit and demand 2257 info.

What happens after the grace period?

They DOJ now has a list of targets and knows exactly who to hit.

The DOJ does not have a list of members. A third party does.

And you know what, even if the DOJ did have a list, I wouldn't care because if the FSC does fail I'd probably be fucked either way. So what would it matter?

[BradM]

Originally Posted by tootie

See, that's exactly what I'm talking about. I know at least 10 designers and text writers in this business that are making decent livings, better than working at a fast food joint, but just enough to scrape by. These people don't have any less right to exist in the business than anyone else. Period. $300 is an unbelivable amount to some of them, and even $50 would be a stretch. I really feel for alot of people that want to join and just can't.

IE. you.
That's what happens when people with no talent and social skills try to get by. I suggest getting a real job.

[Bill8]

The problem is the growing perception and belief that FSC ISN'T fighting the regs, but only trying to make a special deal with the DOJ for FSC members alone.

And the perception that the FSC isn't fighting for the internet webmasters, but only for the big production companies.

[Cory W]

Originally Posted by tootie

See, that's exactly what I'm talking about. I know at least 10 designers and text writers in this business that are making decent livings, better than working at a fast food joint, but just enough to scrape by. These people don't have any less right to exist in the business than anyone else. Period. $300 is an unbelivable amount to some of them, and even $50 would be a stretch. I really feel for alot of people that want to join and just can't.

This is a high risk business. Period. It comes with a "cost of operations."

If you get hired at Chilis as a waiter, you have to buy the shirts out of your own pocket. Cost of employment.

In addition, the FSC is fighting for everyone's benefit, but only donors are listed on the plaintiff list. That is normal.

Having a business is not a right. It is an option that cost money to operate.

[AlienQ - BANNED FOR LIFE]

Serge once called webmasters Ingrates.

He was right then and times have not changed a bit.

[3piece chicken Dinner]

Originally Posted by Alex

To: Sly.

And what happens when they dont win?

During this grace period the DOJ has a list of FSC members who they can not visit and demand 2257 info.

What happens after the grace period?

They DOJ now has a list of targets and knows exactly who to hit.

In all honesty if you don't have your shit together TODAY , you really should have shut down your operation! Everyone was told to get compliant by TODAY.

[FilthyRob]

I am joining today.

[Alex]

Originally Posted by Sly

The DOJ does not have a list of members. A third party does.

And you know what, even if the DOJ did have a list, I wouldn't care because if the FSC does fail I'd probably be fucked either way. So what would it matter?

Niether will i. I will be compliant

[Alex]

Originally Posted by 3piece chicken Dinner

In all honesty if you don't have your shit together TODAY , you really should have shut down your operation! Everyone was told to get compliant by TODAY.

I am compliant.

Text and non nude from here on out.

[Pipecrew]

The fax machine for them is broken, i bet they havent got a donation all day.

[Rui]

Thats a bit biased to say the least but hey whatever works for you people...

[sherie]

Because a lot of them do not take this industry seriously and do not plan to be in it for the long haul, thus riding off the sweat of others. Most will sit back and wait for everyone else to fight for them just like they do in life. Most don't see that paying a due of $30 a month is a lot cheaper than retaining a lawyer. Most do not see this as a group standing up and fighting on their behalf. Some are just plain stupid!

[FunForOne]

Originally Posted by Lensman

Christ sakes, I'm STILL fighting and spending $$$$$$$ on the Acacia case. I didn't cave like almost everyone else. Who benefits?? YOU! Has a single person offered money to help fight? Name me a SINGLE webmaster that has pulled traffic from a company that settled and sent it to me instead!

Now some expect other people to fight 2257 for them without contributing anything. Fucking unreal. Here's an idea: don't contribute and go it on your own.

I liked your option to hook up your trusted webmasters with memberships.

I've sent my request in to ramos, but he is extremely busy. Anything we can do to make sure we get that done in time?

[Linkster]

I would love to join - however I dont have an extra $540,000 laying around - and their application says I have to pay $300 per site - not $300 per person - and most of those are sites that dont do more than 2 hits a day - but Ill be damned if I can find that kind of money right now. If they would allow a company to join based on something else rather than the number of sites they have, Id be right in there - hell Id even donate extra.

[iwantchixx]

Wow, ok for one thing. Try getting your own TRO... good luck. Cost ya as much as a car.

Secondly, so if people can't afford $300 to protect their business then really, they failed as a business and need to look elsewhere's for work.

Thirdly, so if after the grace period is over you still have to comply, big deal, that $300 just BOUGHT you TIME to comply. Most of you are not compliant yet, it's impossible to comply in 30 days for some of us, trust me, I know how it is but fuck off, this could mean having that much more time to actually become compliant and save your asses.

Stop whining people.

Join the damn thing. If you can't afford to join maybe you should count how many checks Adult.com sent you, if you still can't get in, you failed somewhere. Comply the best you can and hope nothing happens. Really though, if you have sooooo much stuff to comply with and are in such a worry, you'd think you would have made enough by now to at least aford $300 to protect your ass for another couple months. If not, and you have all this shit to comply with, your business model is horseshit and this is survival of the fittest taking shape. You don't belong in this industry then. Try another career.

Fuck, I only make a measly salary and a bit of extra on top form my own shit compared to most of the people in this industry but if I had to, I would fork over the $300 with my CC and deal with it. It's no big deal, $300 or not paying could mean either paying 1000's in lawyer fees or just making 14.95 a month payments on your credit card

make your choices. Stop bitching.

/rant

[Sly]

Originally Posted by Linkster

I would love to join - however I dont have an extra $540,000 laying around - and their application says I have to pay $300 per site - not $300 per person - and most of those are sites that dont do more than 2 hits a day - but Ill be damned if I can find that kind of money right now. If they would allow a company to join based on something else rather than the number of sites they have, Id be right in there - hell Id even donate extra.

I think they assumed people only have one site. They aren't exactly Internet savvy. I have hundreds of domains and paid $300.

[MyNameIsEmily]

Lensman,

I agree in full. You should sticky this topic and the other one you did.

I've been out of the business for 3 years and I'm still promoting the FSC like a bitch. Unlike some people, I value my constitutional rights... Free Speech is all we have.

I don't understand how a webmaster in the business can NOT be supportive of the Free Speech Coalition, as to put a banner on their site.

Especially the bloggers piss me off. They're always looking out for one person. They have the power to transmit to thousands, but they continue to write about Vegas...

But there's some stupid fucking people in America. Probably wouldn't even be in this position if people weren't so self-centered.

[MyNameIsEmily]

And another thing,

Don't join the FSC just to get temporary releif. Join for the future of a free America.

[Sarah_Jayne]

Originally Posted by MyNameIsEmily

And another thing,

Don't join the FSC just to get temporary releif. Join for the future of a free America.

no kidding. What is pissing me off with these threads are people that are asking what happens if you donate and their injunction request, etc fails. WELL you would have just helped to go down fighting, you are helping to fund a great cause AND more importantly the FSC isn't just the 2257 campaign group..so yo are supporting their other fights.

[mahoney]

I think if more webmasters paid attention to who settled and who didn't it would make a difference in terms of traffic. Anyone who isn't willing to join the FSC isn't really serious about doing this for a living

[Atticus]

Here's a novel approach. Just be compliant. Jesus Christ people. Every industry has rules and regulations imposed by them from the government, especially industries that can affect children. (alcohol, tobacco, television, film) Please spare me the free speech soapbox. This isnt an issue of free speech. Distributing a DP scene on a tgp is not free speech. Im curious how many of you free speech warriors are mebers of the ACLU? There's a reason why real civil liberty groups such as this one have not taken up the 2257 cause and left it up to the "FSC". This industry has proven to not be able to regulate itself and now its paying the price for that, much like other industries (tobacco) in the past.

If you're an affiliate, either pony up the bucks and purchase you're own content and keep the required documents or show only softcore.

If you're a content producer, you'll have an even larger potential customer base of people needing new exclusive content.

If you're a site and are worried about losing affiliates who cant comply, how about actually doing the work yourself and stop depending on affiliates to get signups. Get rid of the middleman. If you're a smaller program and cant afford to do this. Tough. Deal with a smaller members area or buh bye.

As someone previously said, this is survival of the fittest. This industry is 5 years past due for a massive overhaul that is needed. Affiliates, stop depending on $50+ payouts for distributing weak old content. Program owners, stop depending on charging $40 a month for shit content. I find it laughable that the people who are donating money to the FSC and then say they are fighting for the industry, but at the same time delivering an inferior product at unreasonable prices to the end consumer.

Sorry for the rant and maybe this wasnt the thread for it, just sick and tired of people in this industry screaming "free speech" while they package and sell shit to the consumer and then bitch when the government starts to regulate.

[Linkster]

Just so that everyone doesnt try - when they say their office hours are until 5pm - they mean it

Just trying to get some clarification on the per-website issue from them as Id love to support them but really cant afford half a mill

[iwantchixx]

Originally Posted by sarah_webinc

no kidding. What is pissing me off with these threads are people that are asking what happens if you donate and their injunction request, etc fails. WELL you would have just helped to go down fighting, you are helping to fund a great cause AND more importantly the FSC isn't just the 2257 campaign group..so yo are supporting their other fights.

Not only that, should they truly not give a shit about free speech they still fail to realize that that $300 just bought them some very valuable time to comply even if the law doesn't get struck down. Cause lets face it, I doubt anyone here is 100% compliant yet.

[tony286]

people are used to doing adult for close to nothing , change will be hard for them. It will take time some will re evaluate their business and decide what to do. When I had my lingerie business I had to do that and I had already spent 15 grand .