So I sent out several emails protesting the orphan works bill and here is the response I got back....

"Dear Mr. Vasquez:



           Thank you for writing about S. 2913, the "Shawn Bentley Orphan Works Act." I appreciate hearing from you.



           America's copyright industry is one of our most important economic engines, and giving artists the incentive to produce their works is vital to our country. As I am sure you know, the creative process is so important that our Founding Fathers put copyright protection into the U.S. Constitution. That is why I feel so strongly that we must continue to give copyrighted works the protection they deserve.



I understand your concerns regarding certain provisions in this bill. I believe that all artists should be able to maintain their right to be compensated for their hard work, and I worked with Senator Patrick Leahy (D-VT) to make improvements to the bill that would further protect the rights of visual artists. The bill now also requires the user of an orphan work to search for all persons and entities that can license the intended use of the work before they may use it.



On May 15, 2008, the Senate Judiciary Committee, of which I am a member, unanimously approved the orphan works bill. Please know that if the Senate considers this legislation any further I will be sure to keep your thoughts and concerns in mind.



           Again, thank you for writing. If you should have any further comments or questions, please do not hesitate to contact my Washington, DC staff at (202) 224-3841.

Sincerely yours,

Dianne Feinstein
        United States Senator"

Unanimously approved? Are you kidding me?

Did you notice...

On May 15, 2008, the Senate Judiciary Committee, of which I am a member, unanimously approved the orphan works bill.

Duplicate of

Orphan Works Bill 2008-HR5889 - Discussion thread
Orphaned Works S.2913, a letter from Sen. Graham (and others)
Orphan Works Act : Write your senators!
Orphan Works Bill 2008 - HR5889 - text of bill
Extremely Urgent - message from APA to photogs
Another pro photog assn speaks on Orphan Works (NANPA)
Listen up Mayhem! Copyright Emergency
"Orphan Works Legislation, photo theft on
Urgent: APA Position on Orphan Works 2008

time warner is trying to steal your stuff (locked)
stolen work (“Time Warner passing a bill”, locked)
Letter to you from Michael Grecco, URGENT (locked)
Fwd: ASMP Urgent: contact your Congressperson (locked: has contact info for members of the committee)
Write you orphan rights protest letter now!!!!!! (locked)
Orphan Works Act 2008-Horrid potential new law (locked)
Senate Bill: Say goodbye to your copyrights (locked)
Orphan Works Act from an Artists Point of View (locked)
urgent!!!! this impacts photographers!! (APA  stance, locked)
urgent industry news! (APA  stance—dupe of previous--locked)
Orphaned Works law and what it means to you. (locked)
orphan works update (locked)

Similar to:

Orphan artworks compromise proposed (Larry Lessig’s proposal)