Wk4-Free Choice: Thank You

I just wanted to say that this was a great class.  I especially like the Blogging format.  It allowed us to organize projects and thoughts in a central location.  The video tutorials were a good media to reinforce the content for the week.  I learned so much about Fair Use and Copyright that I did not know. I feel like I can advise others on the topic now.

My favorite was the last Wimba sessions because it gave me an opportunity to hear what my classmates have been working on for the past 10 months.  It also confirmed the importance of every research project.  The experience encourages me to continue to learn how I can impact my industry in the future.  The Art of Possibility was an excellent text selection for us at this stage in the program.  Normally, at the end of a program students are just anxious to get finished.  The Art of Possibility shifted that thought pattern to decide what I can do next.

Thank you!

Wk4 Publishing/Leadership Project

I have found that the eLearning Guild OnLine Forum is the best fit for my action research project. Therefore, I plan to submit a proposal to present at the October 6-7, 2011 event entitled Web 2.0 and Web 3.0: Best Practices (see http://www.elearningguild.com/online-forums/content/1854/2011-olf---oct-6--7).  The organization is looking for real-life examples of how Web 2.0 and 3.0 technologies and applications are being used to deliver e-Learning and how learning professionals might take advantage of these tools.

Thinking Out Loud

Here are the links to my “Think out Loud” blog spot the appropriate organizations were evaluated to determine the best fit for my action research project:

Publishing: Think Out Loud - #1

http://jacquelinejonesmedia.blogspot.com/2011/02/publishing-thinking-out-loud-1.html

Publishing: Think Out Loud - #2

http://jacquelinejonesmedia.blogspot.com/2011/02/publishing-think-out-loud-2.html

Publishing/Leadership Presentation

Delivering a presentation to other learning professionals in a conference or forum setting is the most appropriate platform to share my action research project.  Here is the link to my presentation:

https://files.me.com/jacqjones/tbbidy

Wk4 Publishing: Think Out Loud #2

Created by Jacqueline Jones using ToonDoo.

I discovered that ASTD is no longer accepting submissions to present at their four (4) conferences in 2011 and they have not announced the 2012 conference information. In fact, most of the learning organization like ASTD are being held in March of April, which means due dates have pasted. 

The eLearning Guild offers presenting opportunities through their Learning Solutions Conference, Online Forums and the mLearn conference.  The eLearning Guild goals and objectives are more aligned with my profession as an instructional designer and my action research project.  I am now investigating the dates and topics available for submissions.

Response to BROOKE McKAIG Wk4-Reading: Chapters 9-12

@ Brooke

I totally understand about paper samples. My daughter says that about me when I talk about creating media assets to support my training courses. Here is my rule about ‘face-to-face’ interaction versus email. If we are communicating electronically back and fort and there is no resolution, I will call you on the phone using after 3 times. Therefore, the forth time you will see me in person or hear my voice on the phone. I am always amazed at how surprised the other person is that I called or showed up at their cubicle. I bring that up because many people in the corporate world have become uncomfortable with face-to-face encounters. They have become so dependent on electronic communications tools that human interactive skills have diminished.

Photo: Jacqueline and Chuck Jones at ZOO ATLANTA.

Brooke said on her blog:
http://web.me.com/vampvisuals/Brooke_McKaig_EMDT_Portfolio/Blog/Entries/2011/2/23_WK4_Reading__The_ART_of_Possibility_9-12.html#

My favorite passage from this weeks reading was in the first chapter. The story of the boy talking about his father going to meet with a man in person rather than talking to him over the phone. I think it was profound to me because I very much agree with the quote, “Certain things in life are better done in person”. I still personally believe there is something powerful that happens when you have that personal interaction with someone. So much can be said through nonverbal communication. Enthusiasm and showing true interest in what you are discussing, sharing makes a big difference when getting your students engaged and intrigued about a topic. When they can hear and see your excitement often they what to know more of what it’s all about. My students tease me now about how excited I get over paper samples...

In the chapter “Being the Board” I agree with the perspective of not playing the blame game because it tends to just put everyone on the defensive. However, I found my calculated self not fully agreeing with my central self when it comes to more drastic circumstances and situations and being the board. Perhaps yes being a victim of circumstance in a car accident you can accept the situation and move forward from it but I still found myself thinking what are the repercussions for this irresponsible person? Not to benefit me but to make sure they don’t make this same choice again... I’m thinking everyone should just read this book with an open mind...

Response to PAMELA HICKMAN Wk4-Reading: Chapters 9-12

Created by Jacqueline Jones using ToonDoo.

@ Pam,

I feel your pain.  I have lost 2 siblings – my Sisters.  One was the result of a long time illness and the other was unexpectedly.  They were both young at the time. You point is what can we do to help others facing similar circumstances or prevent something that can be prevented.  What you describe in your post is ‘entitlement.”  I know in our discussion this week we were posed with the question about deserving our dream job.  To me, deserving something and entitlement are two different things. According to www.dictionary.com, deserve is defined as something to be worthy of or qualified for.  On the other hand, entitlement has more to do with having to right to something based on a preset criteria such as the law.  Billy Preston sang a song that says that nothing from nothing leaves nothing.  That is it in a nutshell.

Pam said in her blogspot:

http://pamelahickman.blogspot.com/2011/02/week-4-blog-post-2-art-of-posibilities.html

“This weeks reading was very good. I would have to say the whole book was very good I liked how it talks about like possibilities from every angle imaginable. I really enjoyed chapter 10 talking about our life being a game board. It seems like my students over the past couple of years have this sense of "entitlement" there is no self responsibility anywhere. I have noticed students will say "that teacher gave me an F" instead of "I earned an F in math." This generation of kids are looking to blame someone every time something goes wrong in their life. I like how the booked refers to life a board and we are going to make choices and mistakes, but we have to learn from them. Sometimes we have to put our pride to the side and say "yes this is my fault how do I fix it?" I try to teach my students you are not entitled to anything the successes you get in life are earned, but so many students think that they are going to make millions of dollars have a perfect life without hard work. I hate to say this but that is not reality.  People in general want to blame diffrent people for hardship and bad things, but the ugly truth is sometime we make mistakes and have to learn from them.

I lost my brother four years ago to this "game" called the choking game. I was so heartbroken over the lose of my brother. I just wanted to blame the kids that showed him how to "play." I wanted to blame the God, but I didn't want to blame him for doing it. I guess we never want to blame the people we love for bad things that hurt us. The ugly truth was my bother made the choice to play and the consequence was that he died at 19-years-old. I guess in that first year of losing my brother I just wanted life to stop and people to just piety my situation. I got alone with God and my Bible and realized life hasn't stopped people will not continue to piety my situation. I began to think OK this has happened know what can I do to make a difference. My family and I began to give speeches to youth groups in churches in the area about the dangers of the "Choking Game." My family and I didn't want this to happen to another family so we are trying to make a difference through educating parents and teens on the deadly game. My challenge to everyone is this when God allows bad things to happen to you use it to help others. God allows bad things to happen to good people because He knows that we can handle the bad thing and use it for His Glory.”

Wk4-Reading: The Art of Possibility, Chapters 9-12

I thought this video was a good way to end our study of "The Art of Possiblity." Enjoy!

Chapter 9. Lighting a Spark. It’s not about us. It’s about them. What are you doing to pay-forward from your universe of possibility?

My immediate response to this question is “not enough.” This is a great question because pursuing a higher degree puts you in a position to think about your personal achievement or advancement. Chapter 9 lets you know that if the focus is on others, your own advancement will most likely be a by-product of pay-forward actions. I started a company about 5 years ago providing instructional design services to corporate clients. As most companies in these economic times, my primary focus has been on increasing profits. About two years ago, I started investigating converting my company to a not-for-profit to service Charter schools or private Church affiliated schools. Now that we are approaching the end of the EMDT program, that concept has resurfaced in my mind. Last year, a golfing buddy of mine was involved in starting the first all male Charter school in Georgia. I thought that would be a great starting place.



Chapter 10. Being the Board: It’s not them. It’s not the circumstances. It’s me. It’s my choices. Now what do I do?

Life is all about choices. Someone said that making the same choices and expecting different outcome is insanity. So, in my efforts to avoid insanity, it is important to review previous choices and the results before making quick, uncalculated decisions. As mentioned in Chapter 10, sometimes we (me included) get caught up in the need to maintain a certain level of control over our life almost to a fault. The Zanders point out the importance of turning relationships into partnerships. I don’t think it should stop there. I think the quality of the partnership is just as important. This will require my spending the right amount of time to nurture the relationships into quality partnerships. Sometimes that means doing something for nothing.

When I took over the management of the jazz club in Ghana, it was in financial trouble and owed money to suppliers to the point they refused to make deliveries unless the account was brought current. My first act in my role as General Manager of the club was to visit all of the vendors. They were shocked that I made that effort and viewed me as a partner rather than an unpaid account on their books. The results? They extended the credit until I could pay it off while continuing to service the club. Those relationships also lead to sponsorships for special events at the club.

Chapter 11. Creating Frameworks for Possibility: How do I take this flash of insight and make it into daily thing? And how do I share this with others?

Nelson Mandela’s words quoted at the end of Chapter 11 are very powerful. My favorite line in that speech is: “Your playing small doesn’t serve the world” (p. 178). It is so tempting to be content with the status quo. I think reminding myself daily of this powerful truth is a start. In terms of sharing it with other, I believe it is important to encourage others with the knowledge we have gained from this book when the opportunity presents itself. Our society is bombarded with negativity through news, for example. Making it a habit to encourage others positions us to personally stay encouraged opening many doors of possibility.

Chapter 12. Telling the WE Story: I told you it wasn’t about you. Have you been able to tap into the power of combining your expertise and passions with someone equally gifted? Have you had the pleasure of lifting a teammate, student, stranger up enabling them to realize their dreams and exceed anything that you could have imagined?

One of the things I loved about training leadership in the corporate environment for many years was the opportunity to participate in seeing someone work toward personal dreams. I have watched individuals transformed in front of my eyes. That is amazing. I have absolutely had the opportunity to tap into others who are equally gifted and it is amazing as well. I think the hardest thing is to let go and welcome the input of others. Creative people sometimes get totally caught up in their passion and do not realize we need others for inspiration sometimes. Teamwork is so important. As an instructional designer in a very high energy develop shop, we are constantly collaborating to make sure we release the highest quality product possible. That is the bottom line. The return is not limited to a job well done. It sometimes creates a paradigm shift in how you will move forward.


Coda: Now what do we do?
The most important message is to get self out of the way. Be open to the passion and talents of others and be prepared to be amazed with the possibilities.

Wk3 Publishing: Think Out Loud #1

Created by Jacqueline Jones using ToonDoo.

As a corporate learning professional, a presentation is probably the best way to share my Action Research project. I first looked at the organizations I belong to such as ASTD. Some organizations offer several conference opportunities during the year. I have been looking at the opportunities listed here and will evaluate them based on the time schedule and the requirements:

Organization:  American Society for Training and Development (ASTD)
Web Site:  http://www.astd.org/
Main Conference Web Site:   http://www.astd.org/content/conferences/

ASTD Conferences:

The ASTD TechKnowledge Conference

Telling Ain’t Training Conference

ASTD 2011 International Conference and Exposition

The Learning Transfer Conference

Organization:  eLearning Guild
Web Site:  http://www.elearningguild.com/

eLearning Guild Conferences:

Learning Solutions Conference & Expo

OnLine Forums

mLearnCon

 

Organization:  Association for Educational Communications and Technology (AECT)
Web Site: http://www.aect.org/default.asp

AECT Conference:
2011 AECT Annual International Convention


Organization:   International Society for Performance Improvement (ISPI)
Web Site:  http://www.ispi.org/

ISPI Conference:

The Performance Improvement Conference 2011

Wk3-Free Choice: Art of Possibility FOR REAL

You may have noticed that I have been featuring some really cool photos in my blogs this week. One of my co-workers turned me on to this artwork just last week and I thought it was worth sharing. If you do not already know about him, I would like to introduce you to Terry Border, the author of “Bent Objects: The Secret Life of Everyday Things.” I ordered this book today because I think it really is a great representation of what we have been reading about in The Art of Possibility. This is truly thinking outside that box of 9 dots. Go to his blog to keep up with his latest and greatest (see link below). In the meantime, here are two more of my favorites:

These photos are being used for reporting and educational
purposes only under Fair Use. 

Visit Terry Borders blogspot: http://www.bentobjects.blogspot.com/

Response to TIM BREHMS Wk3-Reading: I See the Light

@ Tim
Thanks for sharing that story. You reminded me that we all thought like that when we were kids. As we get older, we start to store memories of someone telling us we can’t or “that’s not right.” Kids have a can do attitude in general who are threatened to grow up to be a “won’t do” adult in fear of how the world will respond. The earlier chapters in the book talked about this. It really hits home when you link all the chapters together. So, I too see the light.

Photo by Terry Border: http://www.bentobjects.blogspot.com/

Tim Brehms said on his blog post: http://www.tjbrehm.com/

In my last reading post I had stated I wasn’t real thrilled with our reading, well, I have seen the light! I can’t believe how much this book is touching my heart. The content is not only good to use in education, but in all parts of my life.

On the subject of leadership, I agree with the text wholeheartedly. I feel if we let children partake in their education, play an active part in educating themselves, we give them relevance for what they are learning. During my AR Cycle 2, I asked the students to try a new technique with the 3D modeling program, wether they saw it on the internet or made it up them selves. Then I had them share it with the class. I told them it didn’t matter if they able to make it work or not. At first they seemed embarrassed if the procedure they tried had failed. After the presentations I asked the class how can we make these procedures happen? How can we make these good idea’s work? After a brief silence, suggestions started flying out of their mouths so fast I couldn’t keep up with writing them all down. We were able to complete a few during class, but what is most surprising to me was a few days later they had still been working on some of the ideas, as a group, on their own time. Each was a leader in their own right. There was no making fun of a procedure that had failed, only a group of leaders working together to reach a common goal. If only the leaders of all the countries in the world thought and worked together like this…..

As for “Rule #6″ I learned that one after Desert Storm. Life is to short don’t take it or yourself to seriously. Enjoy and be blessed.

Response to PAMELA HICKMAN Wk3-Reading: Chapters 5-8

@ Pam

It is interesting that you point out the skill “listening.” I think the Zanders are telling us that we have to listen to ourselves as well as our students. I believe in order to be good at what you do is to become as lifelong learner as you mentioned. If everyone took that attitude, the world would be a better place. But listening is a very important skill that has heavy consequences when not exercised. Many times expectations are not met because we did not hear or listen to the requirements in the first place. One of my favorite songs from the Dream Girls movie was “Listen” performed by Beyonce.

Check it out: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w1rLZfAfQLM&feature=related




Pam said on her blog post:
http://pamelahickman.blogspot.com/2011/02/week-3-blog-post-1-ch5-8.html

After reading this week’s reading the most valuable thing that I took away from it was teachers are enablers. We teach students skills such as reading, writing, math, etc. but it is completely up to the student what they do with it. The only way a teacher can be great is by the work produced by the students. I liked how the reading pointed out that a conductor cannot be great without the orchestra. The students we teach everyday are our orchestra we as teachers have to be willing to learn from our students in order to be great teachers. My mother has always told me "your leadership is only as good as how well you listen." If you don't listen to what your students are trying to teach you as an educator than how can we properly service our classrooms? When I became an educator I devoted myself to life long learning and sometime that means swallowing my pride and learning from my students.

Wk3-Reading: The Art of Possibility, Chapters 5-8

You know, if everyone saw themselves as a leader, individuals would take more responsibility for their own actions. And, they would appreciate what others have to offer to the team. I use to facilitate a leadership program in a company and we called it "niche" leadership. The concept promoted the idea that each person was a leader in their assigned roles and others depended on them. This concept is hindered when Rule Number 6 is violated.

I went through this period of time where I too myself too seriously. I am probably more challenged by my calculating self on a personal level. Now, if I can't laugh at work, it is probably not the right environment for me. The example in the book where the executive posted "Remember Rule Number 6" in the work area for all employees proves that sometimes the violation of that rule comes from the top. So, if we are temporarily trapped in an environment where Rule Number 6 is being violated, we have to lead from our chair and make a positive impact.

Chapter 7 was an eye opener because reality does have its place. In the opening dialogue, the Duck says, "The way things are stinks." Here is a photo by Terry Border, the Bent Objects Artist, that illustrates this point. Let's take for instance the how the economy has affected people.  My Pastor shared a story about an executive who lost his job.  He was unsuccessful in finding anything comparable to his previous position.  He omitted things on his resume to get a job at Subway making sandwiches so he could feed his family.  In that role, he lead from "his chair," which was noticed by the higher ups. Well, within six months he was promoted to manager and later to district manager.  He was what the Zander's call "present" in the way things were but he did not accept it.

I love working in a creative environment.  In fact, when I talk about my work as an instructional designer, people always respond with the word "passionate."  I am also fortunate to work around others who are passionate about what they do.  I have been on the other side of the fence and it is not a nice situation.


Artwork by Terry Border: http://bentobjects.blogspot.com

Wk2-Project: AR Web Site

McNiff, Lomax, and Whitehead (2003) described action research as “an insider research (not outsider research), which means that the researcher is inside the situation and will inevitably influence what is happening” (p. 12). When I started this project, I was very excited about the expected results. I had no idea what would actually happen.  The biggest uncertainty was how the participants would respond.  I was amazed at how receptive the target audience was to exploring something totally new to them.  Here we had seasoned learning professionals in the corporate world running around in SmallWorlds through their avatars excited about this new experience.  I really feel I could do a Cycle 3 and 4.  I am determined to not let this research die even after the program is over.  The work is too important and the impact it could have on the industry translates to many possibilities.

Reference
McNiff, J., Lomax, P., Whitehead, J. (2003). You and your action research project.(2nd ed.). New York: RouteledgeFalmer.

Response to JONNIKA DIXON Wk2-Reading: Possibilities

@ Jonnika
I totally agree with the use of the word “revelation” to describe this week’s reading assignment. You bring up a important point about the impact of the way the world utilizes measurements such as grades. It is a sad state of affairs when educators are forced to teach to a test instead of being able to focus on performance. As you said, grades are forgotten but performance has a lasting affect. When we tie this all together with The Art of Possibilities, an important question must be answered: Are we teaching students to get an A or to GIVE an A as described by the Zanders?

Jonnika posted on her Blog: http://www.jondiconsult.com/week-2.html
"As I read over chapters 1-4 of Zander's Art of Possibilities, immediately i gained a sense of revelation. New insight that connected me spiritually to what my pastor had been preaching all of these years, and not realignment of myself and my goals. The first chapter talks about how it is "All Invented," which made me challenge myself and to wonder how I assessed situations, and did not recognize that I was limiting myself from becoming successful. We make assumptions by the constraints we see, or what we have been brain washed into believing. The idea is to think outside of the box, and turn your attitude around to knowing and believing that anything is possible. Chapter 2 discusses how we live in a world of measurements. In school we aspire to make high grades. Grades are a way of measuring the skill or knowledge we have in the area or subject. (Well supposedly) However, the real measure occurs when this knowledge and skill needs to be applied. So then do we measure the grade against the application? In my opinion, the answer is "No" the grade is long forgotten and the application is the new measurement. So the challenge lies in reversing the mindset of just measuring up to now demonstrating the skill or knowledge. In education I am a firm supporter of project based learning, where the quality and demonstration actually proves whether the student has gained the knowledge or skill, rather than giving a grade, to say well you measure up! Chapter 3, discusses giving an A, my simple comment is that no one gets an "A" people should always try to give more than what is expected, achieve higher. Chapter 4, discusses being a contributor, Zander points out that resources become available to you when you give. He also says that, "the conductor does not make a sound, he relies on his power to power others." In this very lesson I once again connected the dots to my spiritual journey and the psalm that says it is far more greater to give than receive. Notice how a leader is not a great leader unless he is a servant, a good servant. Zander references to Dr. Martin Luther King Jr, a servant of the people, a legacy, a great leader. So thus far this book has empowered me to think outside of the box, apply my knowledge, achieve higher, and use my talents to serve."

Comic art created by Jacqueline Jones using tools at ToonDoo.com

Response to SARAY TAYLOR-ROMAN Wk2-Reading: Possibilities

@ Saray
Great collage and great story! All it takes is one person to believe in you to change your life. Your parents opened the doors to possibilities. Your story made me stop and question, who received an "A" from me today? And did we tell the person they were getting an A. Or, better yet, did we show them.

Thank you for sharing that story! That is fabulous!

Saray wrote on her Blog:

http://thetaylor-roman.blogspot.com/2011/02/wk2-reading-initial-response.html#comment-form

"Ok. So this was a great read: The Art of Possibility by Benjamin Zander and Rosamund Stone Zander.


I was so inspired that I made this visual collage from pictures that I have taken over the years. Take a look at it! (Link to visual collage: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Vj_IOQixKD8 )





I was touched in so many levels by the first four chapters of this book. And, I feel like sharing this personal anecdote.

In 1996, my whole family moved to the U.S. from Mexico because my dad was getting his master's degree. My sister and I did not know any English and this was the day before school. Our parents called us to the living room and told us something that went like this: we want you to know that to us you are the most beautiful, intelligent, funny, and amazing daughters in the whole world and nothing or no one will make us think differently of you. We know that you don't know any English. We know that you will struggle, and when you get a failing grade, we want you to know that we will see an A because we see the effort you put in, because we see you growing, because we see you becoming women of outstanding character. Don't worry about grades, go live and enjoy our two years here. Make the most of it and if in the way, your grades happen to be A's, so be it... That evening, a huge weight was lifted from my shoulders, I was no longer scared, I was ready to take over the world!


Needless to say, my sister and I did extremely well. Due to language immersion, we were proficient in English within 4 months. I went on to tutor in Spanish, French, and Chemistry after school and took some extra courses to graduate a year early. My parents believed in me and that made the difference. I was given an A and the rest was history."

Wk2-Reading: The Art of Possibility

What does this book have to do with this course or program?  Everything!  Now that we know what we CAN do, we have to DO something.  I think this book is perfect for where we are in the program as well as a great handbook to send us on our way to new possibilities.

My posting this week is a video.  Click PLAY to view:

Wk1-Free Choice

The copyright issues discussed this week is a great reminder of another important component of our media projects – permission to use the images of a person in our projects.  I remember hearing in New York about a woman who saw her picture on a calendar featuring events held in New York City throughout the year.  The West Indian Festival is held every Labor Day in Brooklyn.  Apparently, that is where the photographer captured this woman in a photo that was featured in his calendar the following year.  The person who told me about this said the woman was going to sue but I do not remember hearing anything else about it.  The real question:  What IS the law about this?

 

The case of Russell Christoff v. Nestle USA, Inc. brings some clarity to this issue.  He is that guy whose picture appeared on the Taster’s Choice coffee jar for over 16 years without his knowledge.  (Obviously, he was not a coffee drinker). Someone he knew pointed out that the person on the jar looked like him.   Well, it did turn out to be him on the Taster's Choice jar.  Although he did sign a release and was paid $250 for a singe-use publication, the law became very blurry regarding the real definition of “single-use.”  In the first ruling he was awarded $15 million, which was reversed later in an appeal trial.

As Action Researchers, I think we need to know about this as well.  Here are the websites:

http://blogs.wsj.com/law/2009/08/17/a-man-a-coffee-label-and-a-lawsuit/

http://www.morelaw.com/verdicts/case.asp?n=S155242&s=CA&d=41048


Photo: "Fair Use" for educational purposes only.

Response to ANDREA SHIKE Wk1-Reading: Copyright Issues

@ Andrea

We are very fortunate to have been exposed to the resources to create our own music, media and unique content through this program. I have to admit that prior to entering this program, I was unaware of Creative Commons and not really sure of how “fair use” worked. This makes me wonder about how many people are just ignorant to the new copyright protocols or standards. My instructional design clients always stipulate in the contract that they will own the copyrights to the materials created for them. Therefore, I require them to provide the content and any images being used in the training materials being developed. The same practices we viewed in the Good Copy, Bad Copy film are prevalent in some corporations. I have seen managers intentionally “borrow” and alter content they did not own. In my observations, these actions reflect the values of an individual decision maker rather than a company policy. I think the public must be educated about how copyright practices affect them personally. For instance, a typical corporate training video could cost $900. This video includes a licensing fee to cover the cost of the company using the video multiple times within the organization. Basically, even if they purchased single-use content, the production company knows they will try to leverage the investment as much as possible by copying the DVD. So, they cover the expected infringement by accompanying the purchase with a licensing agreement. Good post!

[Image from Microsoft Clipart Gallery]

Andrea Shike said on her Blog:
http://4shikes.blogspot.com/2011/02/week-1-copyright.html?showComment=1296790705900#c5769726401723032448

“Oh, the world of copyright. To be honest with you, it scares the crap out of me. As a teacher, I make my kids cite all the sources they use in research and creating presentations. As a student, I use things that are mine personally (pictures) to be sure that I am not violating copyright laws. It's easier for me to use my own images, than to try and use something from Creative Commons and use it wrong. If I need music, I'll create my own GarageBand loops or find something from freeplaymusic.com. I know I am not distributing my work for profit, but I still freak out to think I am possibly violating some law.

Good Copy, Bad Copy was interesting to watch. It's eye opening to see so many artists and producers out there sampling from each other. I am not sure if I think it's right or not. I can't imagine music without other music. So many times, you hear a song on the radio that sounds like another song, or has been redone by another artist. This is more exposure for the artists, but at what point does the song writer get credit for this. Some recording artists are mega millionaires, but what about the song writers, the behind the scenes people, producers, mixers and so forth. When do they get all the public recognition and mega millions?”

Response to GREGG EILERS Wk1-Reading: Copyright Issues

@ Gregg
 I think a good example of the fair use dispute in action can be found in the Associated Press (AP) vs. Shepard Fairey lawsuit regarding the Obama HOPE poster. Artist Shepard Fairey claimed the AP photo he used as inspiration for the poster fell under “fair use” as you discussed in your blog post. AP said it was an outright copyright violation. Ram (2011) reported that the lawsuit was settled out of court and both parties agreed to share the rights to the image. AP could not dispute the fact that Shepard Fairey made the photo famous. Bottom line? AP just wanted Fairey to ask for permission. I wonder if they would have said yes if he had not acted on the “Fair Use” assumption. How does this outcome impact copyright laws in the future? Does this outcome create more opportunities for artistic collaboration in similar situations?


[Image created by Jacqueline Jones]
 
Reference:
Ram, A. (2011). Lawsuit over Obama “hope” poster settled. News Briefs. Retrieved February 3, 2011, from http://news-briefs.ew.com/2011/01/12/lawsuit-obama-hope-poster/

Greg said on his Blog:
 “Many thoughts ran through my head as I watched the plethora of videos regarding copyright laws, Fair Use, and Creative Commons. Albeit, most of my thoughts were those of confusion and how my brain was dissecting the confusion. However, after digesting all the information, I feel that I have a better understanding of how copyright works and how organizations like Creative Commons is attempting to bridge the gap in allowing the creative mind the freedom to create and/or re-create. As technology continues to advance and public domain forces copyright laws to change and modify its parameters, Creative Commons, Fair Use, and all the other attempts to assist the freedom of creation will continue to expand. I really felt that the TED video featuring Larry Lessig put all of this into a grand perspective for me. There were many great aspects of his presentation, but I think the thing that struck me was his comments on how the "RW" (read/write) culture turned into a "RO" (read only) culture in the 20th century. Obviously we are seeing a major paradigm shift in this way of thinking because of the rapid change in technology advancement and the speed of the Internet at the turn of the 21st century. At any rate, copyright laws, Fair Use, and Creative Commons have their place, but its what is done to work with/around them to keep challenging culture to create and re-create something new and different for future generations.”

WK1-READING: Copyright Issues

Good Copy Bad Copy confirmed that there is an active conversation about copyright. That is a good thing. I have to share a true story with you. I lived in Ghana (West Africa) for three years where I managed an international Jazz club. We paid an annual fee to the National Copyright office there. Supposedly, that fee gave us permission to play all of the copyrighted music performed in the club for that year. I thought it was interesting that no one ever asked us for our playlist for the year or anything. I finally concluded that the fee was to pay the light bill at the copyright office opposed to feeding into some international fund that would make sure the Artist was actually paid. The good thing about the experience is that I heard some wonderful original music. There was a strong music industry there. CDs were distributed in local shops as we saw on the Good Copy Bad Copy film. Most promotions were done via the radio stations.

I am not sure American record companies will ever be able to enforce copyright laws for American music illegally downloaded for remix in smaller markets as we saw on the video. One reason is because it is just taking too long to figure out what will really work for everyone right here. Unfortunately, the copyright conversation is still a bunch of blah, blah, blah.

Credit: Image created by Jacqueline Jones using tools at http://www.toondoo.com/.