How many People Here Only Paid the 50$ fee or FSC memberships.

[guitar riff]

Just was being curious as i find out my 50$ is fucking really useless as it doesnt cover any domains I run. just myself as a webmaster is what it covers. I got my mebership right after Greeny had mentioned it on his radio show so its not like i just got it and when i got mine this information wasnt on the signup page not that I can remember that is.

If you are an individual, that is to say, talent or someone who works for a company but is not a webmaster and owns no sites but still wants to be a FSC member, it's $50/yr, and you sign up under the Individual Memberships category. If you sign up under this one and you own adult websites, those URLs will NOT be included on the Master List, only you as an individual will be, and you must re-up under one of the following categories to have your websites or DBAs included.

[MadMax]

That's not accurate info Riff. I'm already a member, but a friend of mine just signed up by phone yesterday, and regardless of whether you sign up as a company or an individual they only take one website address. The list to the Special Master will be by name/company, not web address, which means your compliance pages had best be in order and include the name of the company and your name listed as custodian of records. (or just your name as custodian if you don't have a company.)

This is quoted from another board, since I can't remember if GG&Jim mind if I post links to threads on other boards.

_____________________________
Ok, so there's been some question about what it takes to join the Free Speech Coalition (and how much it is) so a webmaster can be part of the no inspection agreement worked out with the DOJ. Here's what Conner Young, who is on the FSC board posted in reply to Hammer's two questions; how much and about the secret list.

Spread it around to the other boards.

doc

"Hammer, I have never heard anyone say that it's "per website" at the $300 rate, it was my understanding that $300 is a "per webmaster" not "per website" rate. Otherwise people with like 200 free sites would be hosed. Joining as an "individual" would also get you on the list. Frankly I don't think the DOJ gives a shit if you joined as an individual or a website, as long as the entity that they are looking to check is on the list. They simply provide a name, and if that name is on the list then they don't go further. I will try to verify all this tomorrow if possible, but I'm pretty sure you'd be okay to join as either a webmaster at $300 or if you're hurting for cash as an individual.

I can also let everyone know at this time that the FSC will be setting up a special phone line where people can call in and join or contribute over the phone. As of 6:00 am Pacific Time Friday morning, June 24, 2005, through 2:00 pm, Saturday, June 25, 2005. Call 800.681.0403. Credit cards will be processed over the telephone. Please spread the word.

Regarding the list privacy issue... I did ask that question, and Tom Hymes made a good reply in return. The only way the DOJ will know if you are a member of the FSC through this deal is if they already had you in their crosshairs and knew about you and that you're in the porn business. And if that's the case, them knowing you are a member of the FSC isn't really the issue. The reason for keeping the list private is so that the FSC doesn't create a convenient list for the government that they can use without doing their own homework. Since they already know that I work in this industry, for example, it doesn't really matter if they know I'm a member of the FSC. The webmaster who is trying to lay low, however, will not be exposed as an FSC member unless the government already knows his/her name and that he/she is involved in adult. I think that's a reasonable response, and frankly I'm not sure how else we can get this protection."
_____________________________
Later post in the thread:
_______________________________
Hammer, I was confused by Conner's reply as well, so I asked for clarification. Here's what he posted:

"No, it is NOT $300 per website.

Here are your options:

1) Sign up as a corporation. The price will vary depending on your annual income, but your company and yourself and all company employees are covered. That's as cheap as $100.

2) Sign up as an individual. This will not protect your COMPANY should the governmnet come after your copmpany for whatever reason, but it will protect an individual person. Some of you never set up a corporation, and operate as independent webmasters. This would be an option for you, and it's only $50.

Do NOT, I repeat, DO NOT mail in your application today. If you mailed your application today or even yesterday then it will not arrive in time and you're fucked. Call the 800 number at 800.681.0403 and sign up that way. If you mailed it today or yesterday, call the 800 number and sign up again. You can also fax your application if you'd rather.

Unfortunately a LOT of webmasters waited until the last minute to become a member. The FSC is doing the best it can to accomodate everybody, but things like this never go 100% smoothly and the confusion over membership prices is just one example.

One more thing... if you have already signed up, do NOT resubmit your application over and over again. It only slows things down for the FSC. Only re-submit if you mailed your application today or yesterday and don't think it will arrive on time for the Saturday 2pm deadline."
_________________________

The FSC is obviously busier than hell right now, but this was the answer my buddy got from the phone signup people as well.

[juggernaut]

I signed up for the $300 just to make sure everything was cool. I heard if they have over charged me I might get a refund. Im not counting on it. But I did get my e-mail this morning stating they have all my stuff and are shipping it out. Still have not seen a bill tho.
Holly crap just reread this
"2) Sign up as an individual. This will not protect your COMPANY should the governmnet come after your copmpany for whatever reason, but it will protect an individual person. Some of you never set up a corporation, and operate as independent webmasters. This would be an option for you, and it's only $50.:

Well that would be me so I will be calling them after all this crazyness they are going threw and ask if my refund will be there. Unless I get lucky and the person who runs the card will see it should only be for $50. well either way I dont care as long as I'm covered.

[Useless]

I love the fact that the DOJ allowed the FSC time to beef up their membership before taking action. Nice marketing.

[Bill]

I joined with the $50 individual, largely because I wanted to test their join system. I'd already donated $50, and expect to donate considerably more _IF_ the FSC improves it's support for small business internet webmasters.

I operate my business as an individual proprietorship, I'm a one person company (well, my wife helps a bit), so, on that basis, I don't qualify to be either a DBA company (I don't have a company name, I use my own name for my business), or a corporation.

I think Individual is the correct category for me to join with.

I could give a fuck if all my 350 domains and thousands of individual websites are covered. I joined for political reasons.

The DOJ can come arrest me. I'm willing to be a test case.

Stop with all this nervous nellie bullshit.

[guitar riff]

Mad Max Your friend Got Fucked Too then because they need all your url's and DBA,s for the So Called Master List "If there is not enough room for you to list all your DBAs or URLs on the application, compile them into an email, with enough information so that we know who you signed up as, and email it to execdir@freespeechcoalition.com. We will make sure you have applied to be a member, and the DBAs and URLs will be included on the Master List. This part can be done after today's 2:00 p.m. deadline ONLY if you have already become a member. Please take care of membership first! But in the interest of time and the avalanche of work we have to accomplish before Wednesday, please send the email with DBAs and URLs by the end of day tomorrow, Monday. I won't specify time zone, since we aren't imposing a strict cut-off. I do not know if DBAs or URLs can be added after the Master List has been compiled and sent to the Special Master, so please don't risk not having all your names on the list.



And Bill i'm not doing the nervous nellie bullshit I just was making a point to let some people know that think they will be covered just might not be fully covered like they think. So if thats being nervous nellie to you Ok but to me it's looking out for some of the other Webmasters here.

[plateman]

Well I did just now join and they asked for all my domains and I only have 3 and I am a single person BIZ and it costs 50.00 and you can make CC payments they said - guess I just got scared and they said I am now protected and what the fuck its only 50.00 and they are helping us -

[MadMax]

Where did that quote come from Riff?

[madleinx]

I'm not sure if I should post this or not. If I'm out of line, I apologize. I'm not trying to stir anything up. Anyway, this post was made this morning and I am quoting it directly:


"from tom hymes:


Hymes here, responding to a request for clarification. Sorry I haven't come sooner, but Brandon called me last night while I was on the road, and I asked him to do it for me. I think he has, but let me reiterate, because I know the FSC website is not as clear as it should be.

Ues this page as a guideline, whether you apply by this method or not:

http://www.freespeechcoalition.com/online_app.htm

If you are an individual, that is to say, talent or someone who works for a company but is not a webmaster and owns no sites but still wants to be a FSC member, it's $50/yr, and you sign up under the Individual Memberships category. If you sign up under this one and you own adult websites, those URLs will NOT be included on the Master List, only you as an individual will be, and you must re-up under one of the following categories to have your websites or DBAs included.

If you are a webmaster, that is to say, you own, run or maintain your own adult websites, you can either use the $300 webmaster category under Individual Memberships OR the Corporate category that reflects your annual sales volume. EITHER ONE WILL DO. If you have already signed up for the individual $300 webmaster category, and you realize that you could have signed up for less under the corporate, do not worry, the difference will be refunded to you (unless you want to donate it to the cause!), but please do not sign up again at this time; instead, send an email to execdir@freespeechcoalition.com explaining the mix-up, and someone will contact you to fix the problem when the dust has settled and our immediate work signing people up and compiling an accurate Master List is done.

If there is not enough room for you to list all your DBAs or URLs on the application, compile them into an email, with enough information so that we know who you signed up as, and email it to execdir@freespeechcoalition.com. We will make sure you have applied to be a member, and the DBAs and URLs will be included on the Master List. This part can be done after today's 2:00 p.m. deadline ONLY if you have already become a member. Please take care of membership first! But in the interest of time and the avalanche of work we have to accomplish before Wednesday, please send the email with DBAs and URLs by the end of day tomorrow, Monday. I won't specify time zone, since we aren't imposing a strict cut-off. I do not know if DBAs or URLs can be added after the Master List has been compiled and sent to the Special Master, so please don't risk not having all your names on the list. EMAIL THEM IN BY TOMORROW.

If you have any further questions, please feel free to email m at tom@freespeechcoalition.com. I've been answering them and forwarding them on for the last several days, and will be here throughout the day today if you need me. Well, maybe not the whole day, but at least until well after the deadline has past. I am in L.A.

Thanks everyone, and I hope this helps to ease some of the confusion.

Tom
tom@freespeechcoalition.com"

AND

"quick update from tom:



Oops. I meant to say, get us all DBAs and URLs by Monday, which is not tomorrow. Tomorrow is Sunday, unless you are in Australia! Sorry.

Tom"



Hope that helps somebody.

[Lemmy]

I signed up as an individual, as instructed by the person taking my application at the FSC and I consider myself "covered".

I don't have a company or a corporation and only do business as me, myself, and anyone who wants to know that name can look up my whois. That, I assume, is what's going into the Master List. My domains/websites aren't legal entities. I am.

[MadMax]

Originally Posted by guitar riff

"If there is not enough room for you to list all your DBAs or URLs on the application, compile them into an email, with enough information so that we know who you signed up as, and email it to execdir@freespeechcoalition.com. We will make sure you have applied to be a member, and the DBAs and URLs will be included on the Master List. This part can be done after today's 2:00 p.m. deadline ONLY if you have already become a member.

This doesn't sound like anyone is getting fucked to me, it sounds like them saying "send us the info and you're good."

[Lemmy]

But then again, madleinx's post makes me wonder if anybody at the FSC is actually talking to each other. I'm back to fuck it all. It's a sad day when the best people we can find to fight our cause can't even agree among themselves what a membership costs and what form of membership applies to you. Let's hope they're better lawyers than office managers.

[MadMax]

madleinx: Where was that post made? PM me please. Thanks

[Lemmy]

Just sent the FSC an email requesting clarification.

[madleinx]

Done.

[MadMax]

Trading emails with Michelle Freridge (FSC exec. director) right now

[WannaShagg]

I signed up as individual because after all I am naked all over the internet and my pussy is spread out there for everyone to see. I have websites and I have an LLC, however, the main purpose of my business hinges on the fact that I am the model. I am talent. I better be covered on all my sites. I am one entity either way and my company owns my images, but I am the naked one. And yes I am a webmaster, so what, not all webmasters are taking off their cloths for a living. All my 2257 statements lead back to my company. Anyway, if they can't give a girl a break then shame on them. I consider myself totally covered regardless of speculation here. No one has contacted me to say, oh, you are covered but not your site. That is bull. I think talent, models are given a lower price because without our contribution, webmasters would have nothing to sell. Either they are really interested in getting a defense together, or they are interested in making money. And if money buys the best defense, they shuold have enough to kick the DOJ ass, even for $50. I paid my dues the minute I took off my clothes. If they make a bunch of loop holes and excuses to exclude anyone, it will shed a very poor light on them. I think they and we should all be covered and go forward as team and work together so our industry can thrive. Have a 2257 compliant day.

[WannaShagg]

So now you are a member of the FSC. Does that mean you can continue to circulate hardcore sponsor content until the hearing in August? Then if the decision doesn't go our way take down the contnet at that time? Can I still submit this type of content since I am an FSC member? I'd like to promote this stuff intil then. Can I still use hardcore banners from sponsors? Need feedback, and I'm sure I'll get it |blowkiss|

[MadMax]

Well, this is what I just got in an email from Tom:

Sorry, I don't see Connor's post there. I Just tried calling him. but he isn't around. My post and statements have been vetted by FSC Board chairman and attorney Jeffrey Douglas and Executive Director Michelle Freridge. This is not my area to experitise or responsibility, but I'm trying to help out. I asked Jeffrey specifically, if you own websites and sign up for $50 as an individual, are you only covered as an individual or are the websites covered too. He said the websites are not. You will only be listed as a member and on the Master List as an individual, and if the DoJ calls the special master and says, is "such and such" company or website, which you own, on the list, the answer will be no. Michelle reiterated that to me, and also made clear that signing up either for $300 as Individual Webmster or for less (if it applies) as corporate will include all DBAs and URLs.

However, it is confusing and attorneys weigh in with differing opinions. At Cybernet Expo, someone asked whether individuals (say, the Board of Directors) who work for a corporate entity that's a FSC member should also become individual members for $50, and they all said yes. None of them, by the way, was a FSC attorney. it was just their opinion.

So... I still maintain that if you are a webmaster who owns websites, you need to sign up as a company, and if you overpaid by signing up in another catgory, that money will be refunded.

I can't apologize enough for the confusion, but I would suggest that you quickly sign up under corporate for $100, and then we'll sort out the details later.

Hope that helps,

Tom


At The Same Time This came in from Michelle:

The only real problem is if you own/operate a company... but joined only as an individual. FSC will make sure that all members are covered in the appropriate categories - even if we have to change your category. If you overpaid or underpaid we will sort that out later afte the list is completed.

Thanks,
Michelle



So, I would say make sure you send an email to execdir@freespeechcoalition.com as they requested, include all your domains and info. That email address is monitored by Michelle and her assistant.

[Lemmy]

I emailed FSC explaining my dilemma. Independent webmaster, no company/corp, 6 domains, individual membership. Am I covered?

I got this reply from Kat Sunlove, legislative affairs director:

I am not certain, but my understanding is that you needed to sign up at the lowest company level of $100 in order to be included on the TRO list. Please call the 800-681-0403 number again and see if you can change your membership to the company level. Sorry you had this problem. I will send your URL's to be included in the list, however, but you should try to correct the membership level, if you can.

So that's what I did. I'm now a member at the lowest corporate level so I guess I'll be adding CEO after my name.

[Lemmy]

Originally Posted by WannaShagg

So now you are a member of the FSC. Does that mean you can continue to circulate hardcore sponsor content until the hearing in August? Then if the decision doesn't go our way take down the contnet at that time? Can I still submit this type of content since I am an FSC member? I'd like to promote this stuff intil then. Can I still use hardcore banners from sponsors? Need feedback, and I'm sure I'll get it |blowkiss|

According to this statement on FSC's website I'd say it's business as usual for all members until Sept. 7.

The Free Speech Coalition (FSC) announced today a stipulation between the parties in Free Speech Coalition et al v. Alberto Gonzales, under which the U.S. Department of Justice agrees that the regulations relating to the federal record-keeping and labeling law, 18 U.S.C. §2257, will not be enforced against plaintiffs and all FSC members until September 7, 2005.

[Chop Smith]

This is one fucked up mess. How many of you feel comfortable in the hands of the FSC?

[juggernaut]

It does sound like a mess but it also sounds like they are cleaning it. If you guys are getting responses and they know who you are then thats a good thing. I would give them a few days to clear or orginize this nightmare. Call them middle of next week and sort it out. I think if they have your money and your membership then all should be cool. I did not read anything in this post that they said nothing could be changed in the membership. I don't think the government is going to kick down any doors soon. Besides if you are a member you should be covered in the event of something happening with the government. I'm sure if this happened and you have your e-mails saved then all should be cool. Let them get their shit in order, this was a big rush of people to them in the course of really 24 hours.

[spookyx]

Originally Posted by Chop Smith

This is one fucked up mess. How many of you feel comfortable in the hands of the FSC?

I will never Join FSC and do not support what they did, in fact, this hurts non members, which is most adult webmasters (IMHO). Since they delayed an injunction until aug the DOJ is free to bust non members as they wish, had they gone ahead and got an injunction this prolly would not be the case. The DOJ has nothing to lose and a lot to gain from this, It gives them a LOT of free time to arrest people since there is no injunction to stop them.

I am not an lawyer, but I did stay at a Holiday Inn Express once.

[venturi]

They've had FOURTEEN (14) years to get their shit together!

Shit, it's now 2:05pm PDT. Oh well, even if I had considered joining after all the quotes from them in this thread I still wouldn't have known what to send them besides a blank fucking check...