July 24th, 2007
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July 24th, 2007
by Sue Tinnish
847.394.9857
stinnish@ameritech.net
You want new ….
You want different …
You want innovative …
You want to borrow from something done before…
Many of us have only a passing familiarity with the principles of copyright law and the area of intellectual property. The Internet’s technology, ease and flexibility have made it incredibly easy to have access to, copy or even forward information. For the first time, the average person sitting at a computer can gain access to a wide range of every type of copyrighted material and can easily copy or communicate that material virtually instantaneously.
In a digital format, it’s not so easy to determine if a work has been copied. Original photocopy machines left tell-tale signs that a work was a copy. Later, color copies made near perfect originals. Now it is next to impossible to ascertain whether and at what point in the process a copy has been made or a performance has occurred.
From students to authors to people involved in planning meetings, copyright law is important to understand. There is a price to innovation and in many cases it’s determined by copyright laws or other areas of intellectual property rights.
Copyright or © is a legal protection for authors. Copyright law affords protection from “copying” of material. Ideas and facts are not protected by copyright laws. Individual words can not be copyrighted. Copyright only protects the particular way an author expresses facts or ideas. Ultimately, copyright laws allow authors to profit from their work.
Like many laws, copyright laws have been amended since first created in 1790. Some parts of the law are ambiguous or poorly written. And no law can cover all situations in all circumstances. (And hence lawyers can make a profitable living!)
Materials that are protected by copyright include:
- Writings
- Musical works
- Cartoons
- Plays
- Photographs
- Maps
- Artworks, sculpture
- Movies
- Pantomimes and choreographed works
- Recipes
- Architectural drawings
Copyright law protects published and unpublished works. Copyright protection for all works created after 1978 begins the instant a work is created – whether it is registered or not with the US Copyright Office. It is not even necessary to publish the copyright notice. Some works may not be copyright protected but exist in the public domain. Public domain works are available for copying or using without gaining permission from the author.
How do you tell if a work is copyrighted? Unfortunately, there is no straightforward rule. To understand when a copyright has expired, you need to know when the work was published.
- Everything published in the United States before 1923 is in the public domain.
- Works published in the United States between 1923- 1963 and not renewed are in the public domain.
- All unpublished works by authors dated over 70 years are in the public domain.
- Foreign works published before 1901 are in the public domain.
- Foreign works published 1909-1923 with copyright notice are in the public domain.
- Copyright protection for current works (published after 1977) generally lasts for the extent of the author’s life plus 70 years.
- Works made for hire – that is works that are created as part of a job are protected for 90 years from the date of publication or 120 years from the date of creation whichever comes first. Examples: Training materials.
Examples of Public Domain works:
- Louise May Alcott’s Little Women
- Leonardo DaVinci’s Mona Lisa
- The Lone Ranger but not E.T. or Hopalong Cassidy
- Any facts
Copyrightis a complex issue. If you find a work that you want to copy, adapt or otherwise use and it is not in the public domain, you have three alternatives:
1. Find something that is in the public domain
2. Obtain permission to use the work
3. Use the work without permission relying on the principle of the “fair use” which allows copyrighted material to be used for free in limited situations.
Fair use is a concept only legally recognized in the United States. No other country in the world gives the public latitude to use copyrighted works without permission. Under the fair use privilege an author is permitted to make limited use of another author’s work without asking permission.
When is it fair to use someone’s materials?
- When you comment or criticize
- For news reporting
- For research or scholarship
Three other considerations for fair use:
- The type of work – factual works (technical, scientific) vs. works of fancy (novels, poems, plays)
- The amount and importance of the material used
- The effect of the use of the material on the potential market or the value of the copyrighted works
People sometimes unknowingly violate copyright laws. The wide amount of information available via the web and electronic distribution makes it easy to have access to information and to add it to a presentation, brochure or other marketing information.
You may not realize that you are infringing upon an author’s rights. Here are some flagrant examples of violating copyright laws:
- Copying training materials (this is an example of a work made for hire) to reduce the cost of purchasing additional materials from a training company.
- Photocopying of articles from magazines for mass distribution.
- Using a song as background music in a video production.
Works on the Internet do not automatically qualify to be considered public domain. Nor does out of print mean out of copyright.
If you are concerned about copyright issues, you can:
- Research the topic in more depth using these resources:
1. US Office of Copyright http://www.copyright.gov/
US Office of Copyright
2. Brad Templeton writes a brief introduction to copyright law at http://www.templetons.com/brad/copyright.html
Brad Templeton’s Intro to Copyright Law
He also has the 10 Myths about Copyright which is definitely worth a read at http://www.templetons.com/brad/copymyths.html
Brad Templeton’s 10 Myths
3. Copyright website at http://www.benedict.com/
Copyright Website LLC
4. Using Copyrighted Works For Meetings, Seminars & Conferences by J. Wesley Cochran, Professor of Law, Texas Tech University, August 1999 at
http://www.unc.edu/~unclng/copy-corner12.htm
Prof. Cochran
- Ask permission to use the work. (This can be time-consuming.)
- Use royalty-free content. You can purchase for a one-time fee for unlimited use (with some restrictions) of music, stock photos or graphics in presentation materials.
- Use works of the United States Government. By statute, U.S. Government works are not protected by copyright. This would include photographs from NASA, database and statistics (like the US Census data).
- Gain explicit agreements from your speakers that protect your organization from claims that the speaker used copyrighted materials (e.g., a PowerPoint® presentation) without permission. Speaker agreements also should ensure that the sponsor has the right to record and replay the presentation or reproduce the handouts for distribution or sale to non-attendees. Speaker agreements also should include language that allows the sponsoring organization to reproduce the presentation materials in any form or media (e.g., on the sponsor’s Web site). This idea taken directly from Association Meetings, Dec, 2000 by Jed R. Mandel at http://www.findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_m0CXQ/is_6_12/ai_68965444
- Link Well. Links to web sites may be freely reproduced for hyperlinking. Always proper cite a website and depending upon your usage notify the web page provider. Also avoid deeply linking to a specific page. Some websites prohibit deep linking which allows you to avoid the home page.
- Obtain Music Licensing. Unless a song is clearly within the “public domain,” any music–live or recorded–played at an event is subject to copyright protection. Event sponsors may need copyright licenses from one or all of the music licensing organizations (ASCAP, BMI, or SESAC). Each organization has a “playlist” of music for which it is authorized to give licenses on behalf of copyright owners. They can provide you with a blanket license tailored to the meetings industry.
· Research sources for Public Domain works:
1. The on-line Books Page at www.digital.library.upenn.edu/books
On-line Books
2. www.ibiblio.org contains links to many websites with public domain materials
www.ibiblio.org
3. Wikipedia contains many links to public domain at http://en2.wikipedia.org/wiki/wikipedia:public_domain_resources
Wikipedia Public Domain
4. Audiovisual and sound recordings at the National Archives and Records Administration (NARA) at www.archives.gov
NARA
5. Maps at the US Geological Survey (USGS) at www.usgs.gov or the National Archives Cartographic and Architectural Branch at www.nara.gov
USGS
6. Art works through web searches using the artist’s name or check Art History Resources on the Web at http://witcombe.bcpw.sbc.edu/arthlinks.html
Art History Resources
Strive for new, different and innovativemeetings. But respect other people’s work. Plagiarism is an ethical issue. While you may no longer be in school and concerned about plagiarism, you should give credit for ideas and facts that you borrow from authors.
July 24th, 2007
Las Vegas continues to build upon its reputation as a vibrant showcase for the extraordinary. This is the city that attracts more than 38 million visitors a year by offering the grandest hotels, the biggest stars in entertainment, the highest caliber of award-winning chefs and master sommeliers, and, of course, the brightest lights.
Shoppers Paradise
Drawing an influx of designers and upscale specialty boutiques, Las Vegas has become one of the premium world-class shopping destinations in the country. Headliners such as Harry Winston, Manolo Blahnik, Juicy Couture, Jimmy Choo, and Dolce and Gabbana now populate the Strip at the Fashion Show, Forum Shops at Caesars, Mandalay Place, Desert Passage, Grand Canal Shoppes, Via Bellagio and the shops at Wynn Las Vegas.
Relax and Recharge
No longer the domain of women, the spa experience has arrived in Las Vegas. Now home to 4 Mobile 4-Star Spas, more than any other city in the country, Las Vegas resorts offer the most luxurious and varied spa experiences anywhere, from the famous Canyon Ranch Spa (The Venetian), the sleek and modern BATHHOUSE (THEhotel at Mandalay Bay), to the young, hip vibe of the Rock Spa (Hard Rock).
Entertainment Capital
Year round, Las Vegas offers unmatched entertainment, guaranteed to impress from the Strip to Downtown. Joining headliners Celine Dion (Caesars Palace), Barry Manilow (Las Vegas Hilton) are Broadway favorites Avenue Q (Wynn Las Vegas), Hairspray (Luxor) and Mamma Mia! (Mandalay Bay), Phantom of the Opera (opening Spring ’06 at the Venetian) plus Cirque du Soleil’s KA (MGM Grand), the showgirl classic Splash! (Riviera) and comedic pair Penn & Teller (Rio).
Sizzling Nightlife
The city famous for having “something for everyone” furthers the proof to its claim when the sun goes down. After dinner, your clients can experience a variety of night spots with personalities as varied as their own. From elaborately themed clubs to the new wave of upscale “ultra lounges” sweeping the Strip, attendees can choose from a wide array of offerings, including Ivan Kane’s Forty Deuce (Mandalay Bay), Pure (Caesars Palace), RA (Luxor), Rain in the Desert (Palms), Red Square (Mandalay Bay), Studio 54 (MGM Grand), Tao (The Venetian) and Whiskey Bar (Green Valley Ranch). Tryst (Wynn Las Vegas) is one of the newest, while Drai’s (Barbary Coast) is one of the nightlife pioneers. With hip surroundings, signature drinks and an “anything goes” attitude, ultra lounges have redesigned Vegas nightlife, providing a new way to party on the Strip.
July 24th, 2007
SEAL Inc.
847.394.9857
stinnish@ameritech.net
Do your meetings fall victim to Corporate Attention Deficit Syndrome?
The message of your meeting is the most important aspect of your meeting. Food, drink, sleeping rooms…yes these are all important. But the ultimate reason for a meeting is to deliver a message. Even an incentive trip to the most exotic, luxurious destination would go awry if the “message” sent to the participants wasn’t correct.
The message must be well crafted (clear, articulate, and consistent).
The message must be delivered (physically heard).
The message must received (fall upon receptive ears).
Presenters or paid speakers certainly shoulder responsibility for crafting their messages. But how can you create the optimal environment to allow that message to be heard and received?
Today’s meeting audiences are typically filled multi-tasking and over-tasked individuals. Many have likened the challenge of getting and keeping our audiences’ attention as Corporate Attention Deficit Syndrome.
The book, The Attention Economy, outlines what we pay attention to and divides our attention into 6 types:
- Attraction (victory, super models)
- Aversion (car wrecks)
- Captive (bad weather, movies)
- Voluntary (hobbies, print advertising)
- Front of Mind (discussion, task at hand)
- Back of Mind (to do list, commuting)
The authors, Thomas Davenport and John Beck, promote the idea that understanding and managing attention is now the single most important determinant of business success.
You can help meetings be an attraction. You can help create environments where our audience feels they are participants not captives.
The majority of people are visual learners (60%). They retain information best when they can “see” the information. Numerous surveys show that retention increased by 70 - 80% when visuals are used. That’s one reason every speaker seems to use PowerPoint. (In addition, to the fact that speakers find it a great crutch!)
Beyond PowerPoint, consider changes in your meetings to make presentations more visual so you and your presenters shine:
- Stories This is not your traditional visual. However, stories woven within a presentation create pictures in people’s minds. Stories work to grab attention and create emotional connections. When done in support of a point in the presentation, stories help increase retention and interest.
- Props Props help make information tangible. Props should illustrate or emphasize a key point. Several suggestions for presenters when using props:
1. Make sure the prop is large enough to be seen
2. Allow sufficient time for the audience to see the prop
3. Don’t let the prop become a distraction from you or your presentation
- Handouts Handouts need not be the PowerPoint slides reproduced. Handouts can include background information, supplemental charts and statistics, anything that supports the presentation. Handouts have the following advantages:
1. Handouts can help fill in gaps in the audience’s knowledge and understanding of the topic
2. Add to the presenter’s creditability
3. Keeps everyone focused
4. Serve as a place to take notes
- Flip Charts The old fashioned flip chart is still a work horse in small to mid-sized meetings. Flip charts allow a presenter to:
1. Create group interest and attention
2. Focus the group on key points
3. Allow people to visually trace their conversation
- Change the scenery The same part of your brain that controls long-term memory also controls large motor skills. Who among us hasn’t sat through a mind-numbing presentation? When a presenter asks the audience to move, they get their attention and re-awaken the part of their brain that controls long term memory.
- Questions Questions ask the audience if the picture is complete for them. Presenters can ask rhetorical questions or they can ask the audience to respond to a question. Additionally, PowerPoint slides can be crafted in such a way that each slide asks questions thereby inviting the audience to reflect and possibly express their opinions and feelings.
You can fight Corporate Attention Deficit by creating visually more interesting meetings. Work toward well crafted (clear, articulate, consistent), well delivered (physically heard) and well received (fall upon receptive ears) messages. Both you and your meeting participants will be glad you did.
July 24th, 2007
There is no other city like Las Vegas and we all know that there is no other city that we are always trying to find the best discounts, deals and free hotels and meals.
It’s summertime, one of the top travel times, and when it comes to vacation hotspots, Las Vegas is hot, hot, hot! Though it’s true the city is trending upscale with some of the finest dining, shopping and entertainment available world-wide, you don’t need to break the bank to have an unbelievable experience on The Strip. From room rates to attractions to nightlife, MGM MIRAGE resorts are full of values sure to save every Vegas vacationer a bundle. Here’s a sample of how you can get the most bang for your buck - from start to finish - on your next Strip excursion.
Internet Discounts to Rival Any Competitor
When you’re ready to book your room, head to the Internet - and not those typical travel sites that everyone uses! Go direct to the source at the web sites of the MGM MIRAGE resorts (all accessed through www.mgmmirage.com). You’ll find amazing deals, especially if you sign up for the property email alerts which provide up-to-the-minute bonus specials at unbelievable prices. Or check out MGMMIRAGEVacations.com, where you can find deals complete vacation packages. An added bonus tip - be sure to ask the front desk attendant at check in if there are upgrades available. Based on the time of your visit, you may be able to change from a standard room to a suite for an additional $25 a night. What a steal!
So Many Attractions . . . So Little Time
Ready for a day full of fun and exciting attractions, but don’t know where to start? Pick up a “Power Pass” for $62.50 for adults and $40 for kids and receive admission to more than 20 attractions including Siegfried & Roy’s Secret Garden and Dolphin Habitat, Bellagio Gallery of Fine Art and many, many more - a value worth more than $250! Power Pass can be purchased online at www.powerpasscard.com. Or, try Circus Circus Adventuredome, an amusement park experience packed full of 23 rides and attractions, including the world’s only indoor double-loop, double-corkscrew roller coaster. Guests can purchase an unlimited-ride wristband for only $22.95 for adults and $14.95 for kids - even better, admission is free! If you only have time to fit in one ride, head over to the Manhattan Express Roller Coaster inside New York-New York and get the “Family Fun Flight.” A $70 value, you can get four individual rides and two 5 x 7 souvenir photos for only $49.99. Luxor’s “Pass to Adventure” provides admission to the Tomb and Museum of King Tutankhamen, Pirates 4-D showing in the Atrium Showroom, one of a variety of films in the IMAX® 3-D Theatre and all three IMAX® Ridefilms – for $34.99. Let the fun begin!
Dinner and a Show
From the best of Broadway to the dynamic shows of Cirque du Soleil, MGM MIRAGE is home to a mix of the nation’s top entertainment. Add dining options that make Las Vegas a culinary trendsetter and you have an unmatched evening. The only thing to make it better? - A great deal, and the MGM MIRAGE resorts have that covered as well. Purchase two tickets to the Broadway show that started The Strip craze, MAMMA MIA! and get a $50 voucher good for dinner at any Mandalay Bay or Mandalay Place restaurant. MGM Grand spices up the KÀ experience by adding spectacular pre-theatre dinner packages at seven of the resort’s acclaimed restaurants. The dinner packages pair a sensational meal with terrific seats for KÀ, the latest creation from Cirque du Soleil featuring circus acrobatics, martial arts, puppetry and pyrotechnics. The KÀ pre-theatre dinner packages are priced at $175 per person and $199 per person.
Nightlife on a Nickel (or Less)
A Vegas vacation wouldn’t be complete without sampling the city’s legendary nightlife. But there’s no need to wait in long lines and pay expensive covers when you’re a guest of MGM MIRAGE. Hotel guests at MGM Grand enjoy free admission to two of the hottest nightclubs on the Strip: the world-famous Studio 54 - a pulsating party that goes all night long, and Tabú - a chic, cosmopolitan ultra lounge that features funky furniture, marble and wood floors and tables with reactive imagery. Treasure Island guests receive free admission and a line pass to Tangerine Lounge & Nightclub. Tangerine features an indoor lounge and outdoor deck with DJ music and live musical interludes by a jazz trio highlighting a burlesque performance. With its deck overlooking Sirens’ Cove, Tangerine offers premium views of the steamy Sirens of TI performances and the Las Vegas Strip.
Enjoy One of the Few Free Rides in Vegas
While it may look like a short trip to the end of The Strip, making the six-mile journey on foot takes too much valuable vacation time. Save time, energy and money when you catch a ride on a free tram. Connecting Mandalay Bay to Luxor to Excalibur and The Mirage to Treasure Island (TI), guests travel up and down The Strip in comfort and ease. Even more importantly, unlike other transportation options in Las Vegas, it won’t cost a dime! If you choose to drive, you’ll experience a phenomenon found rarely in a big city – FREE PARKING at every property. Should you win big at the tables, splurge on valet parking, where the tip is the only charge.
A trip to Sin City doesn’t have to break the bank. Those are just a few of the many ways that the MGM MIRAGE resorts make it possible to leave Vegas without losing your wallet. I’d love the opportunity to speak with you more about these and other great tips that make it easy to visit Las Vegas on any budget. Please let me know if you have any questions or need more information.
July 24th, 2007
Establish yourself as an expert in front of meeting professionals. We are seeking articles on the following meeting topics immediately. If your article is selected, we will provide your name as the author and a link to your website from our populare Heres Network Cities. We are seeking the following topics:
· Meeting planner Tips
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· Conducting a meeting Tips
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If you are interested, please direct all articles and inquiries to: Heres Editor: heresnetwk@yahoo.com
July 24th, 2007
SEAL Inc.
847.394.9857
stinnish@ameritech.net
Innovative meetings occur where there is a good match between speakers, topic, your requirements/needs, desired outcome and the setting with a twist of the right chemistry.
The best speakers create in audiences the desire to change, the confidence to act, and the knowledge or tools to succeed. Speakers can impact people’s:
· Attitudes (how they feel)
· Knowledge (what they know)
· Actions (what they can or will do)
Before even previewing or considering a single speaker, be clear on your objectives for hiring a speaker. “Because we always have a keynote speaker.” is not a good reason to hire a speaker again this year.
Clarify why you want to hire a speaker. Select speakers who will deliver the outcomes you want/need. Some common objectives include the desire to:
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