Take a deep breath, cool down... the shit hasn't hit the fan.

Okay, a lot of you have been reading everywhere about the Orphan Works Bill, and a lot of you are freaking out like crazy. Don't get me wrong, I was too earlier, but more information has come to light, and my initial suspicions about all of it are seeming to prove true.

Did all of it seem too crazy to possibly be real? Well, it's probably because it is. I thought all these ideas about 'legalized theft' were asinine, and the government taking away our rights seems ridiculous, but I fell victim to the hype at first as well. Then `adonihs linked me to an article: 6 Misconceptions about Orphaned Work.

This does a good job of explaining why Mark Simon's article, the one that probably got most of you (and me) in an uproar is full of all sorts of crap... Did anyone else not notice how poorly written it is and how worked up he gets? You can't get solid, truthful information from someone who's steaming from the ears.

Remember, this bill didn't pass before, and it's pretty unlikely it will this time. It's a definite concern, but please read the 6 Misconceptions article. I think it'll help set most of you straight, and it also provides links to sources to help you understand better. I honestly don't think the government will make a mistake as big as everyone is blowing this thing up to be. Do the research, don't take one guy's word for it. Mark Simon is probably single handedly responsible for creating this sudden uproar. If anyone should receive letters, it's him about handling things better.

Also, check out the below links if you feel so inclined. Your deviantART staff members seem to have their heads on their shoulders. Thanks $spinegrinder for compiling these. Check out his dArama rant here.

Orphan Works by $lolly
The Orphan Works Act by $realitysquared
Orphan Works by $Moonbeam13
Don't gotta be an orphan! by $FallenRox
U.S. Copyright Office - Orphan Works Study Report
U.S. Copyright Office - Orphan Works Statement

Take care everyone, we'll see what happens.