IAM: THE INDEPENDENT ARTIST MAGAZINE

MONTH OF JUNE 2013

IAM

THE Independent Artist Monthly Magazine June features,

IAM Writer and Poet, M.A. Nevvis IAM Film Maker, Gar Rogala IAM Singer/Songwriter & Concept Design Artist, Virginia

The Truth About Copyrights: Are you really protected?

The answer to this question can get a little bit confusing. Theres no argument that, of course you are the intellectual property owner of anything youve ever invented, whether its a poem, song, painting, etc. Unless someone claims to have created something that you yourself so personally and authentically created, it becomes yours the moment the pencil pushes the paper or the chords turn into melodies. Now, can you sign away your intellectual property rights? Absolutely. The moment that most artists sign with a label, they are trading their rights for what the label would call "employment." Unfortunately, artist agreements I am speaking about, typically require slave labor or very minimal to no pay, so there ends up being no real trade off. I ask myself, "What about labor laws?" Some signed artists only ever receive a couple hundred dollars for a few years of work, apart from what is made at shows. How is that considered employee pay? Do most artists realize at the time that's the type of employee relationship they were signing an agreement for? No. So how do these companies continue to get away with slave labor yet are still collecting your half and their half of the royalties? Whether they distribute your portion to you is highly unlikely. Let's face it, these guys have new cars to pay for and your recoup will never get to the point of being paid in full. Not if your executives are staying in high-end hotels while you're in the Motel 6. The only person who is responsibility for recognizing this type of account misbehavior, is you. Trust me. No one is going to be there to watch your back. Unfortunately. Because who else is paying attention or even understands that this was what was happening? Especially when you're dealing with scammers from the beginning. Let's start from the source shall we? ASCAP, BMI & SESAC all claim to be for performer's rights. Let me just ask one question. What have they done for you lately? Do the sum of all payments received by them seem to add up to what you would think? If you have a truly awesome story to share that represents your experience with such companies, please send me a direct message on twitter @virginiahush. I am always open to hopefully hear better news than what I have to deliver. Unfortunately, the most people who are members of these supposed "associations" have never seen a dime other than a typical promotional offer to join some site or a 3 month coupon to belong to some other special group. Sometimes they may even make offers to save on the most up to date recording equipment. (continued on next page)

IN THIS ISSUE:
Pg 1, 2 & 4: Copyright's & Copy-wrongs Pg 3, 4: Fitness For Words Pg 5: Featured poetry by, M.A. Nevvis Pg 6,7 & 8: Get to know "Mean Gene" by: Gar Rogala. Featuring original Artwork & a scene from the script. Pg 8: Inspirational & words of poetic wisdom Pg 9: Interview with IAM Founder, Virginia Pg 10: Techonomy and online bullying Pg 11: Are you planning on going to school? First, make sure you're not being rushed to the poorhouse. Pg 11: Interesting, Bazaar & Useful Links. Pg 12: Join the IAM Independent Network and start contributing by voicing your creative ideas. Pg 13: Brand new Music Video By Virginia, Celebrating her new book plus much more!

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IAM: THE INDEPENDENT ARTIST MAGAZINE

Copyrights and Copy-Wrongs Continued !om page 1

MONTH OF JUNE 2013

Making sure you're protected before you nd yourself saying...OH

So, what happens if you never register your music? What if you decide that you want to opt out of all the lying and cheating? I say go for it. Just make sure that you know what you're doing before making that decision. It's not easy to manage all that work as an administrator while also trying to contribute as an artist. Eventually, you are going to have to know the business end of things if you want to become independent, however, there are still some things that can be outsourced. This would be a definite time to consider that option. Although SESAC, ASCAP and BMI may not be the most reliable of artist right's advocates, they're kind of the only ones. If you add all the international laws, additional licenses, policies, etc., you're going to find it more difficult to handle than if you just focused on what you love doing. So, in keeping an independent paycheck and lifestyle, there are some pros and cons. Most of them however, I have found to be pros. For instance. You don't have to answer to anyone else. Projects are enjoyable and usually fit your talent and creativity style. We are our own bosses, so essentially we pay ourselves. That in itself can be a scary idea, if you are a stickler for laziness, but if you have any ability to follow through on tasks, you should be set. Depending on the license you choose to dole out, the Creative Commons is quite a brilliant idea. It allows others to elaborate or use your material at no cost up front, unless you specify.

The key element here is that the artist sets their preferences on how they choose to enable the public to stream, download or otherwise use your work. Remember that streaming and online airplay is another form of royalty that you should be receiving. So, if someone else is using your music, as long as those royalties are properly situated, your opportunities and likelihood for success could nearly double or triple. By not allowing any outside parties to contribute or otherwise expand on your work, will have a limiting affect on your chances of breaking through. I remember when I was around 18 years old, I met with both Virgin and Sony Records in New York. On both occasions, the meeting ended with one question. Was I willing to work and collaborate with other writers? I guess I never understood the magnitude of that question. My proud self repeatedly

that seem to be constantly struggling, is the willingness to remain open-minded. Suddenly, without realizing it, we're sabotaging our own futures. So, just because someone tells you that doing this or doing that is a form of selling out, or otherwise lessoning your true capabilities, doesn't at all mean that's the right answer for you. Being cautious is one thing, but completely closed off is another. I suppose there are still some old wounds that need some healing. In the meantime, I've learned to do most of my listening with eyes behind my head, open ears and a closed mouth. It must be remembered that there will always be bad apples that will use you for everything you're worth. Some of those rotten apples are being forced to rewrite their terms of use and privacy policies. Yet, still the language is confusing, negating and way too long to read if anyone ever expects to be more productive than reading company website policies. After all, the company will gladly offer you an 80 page hard copy for you to read in your spare time. In all actuality, based on some of these company scams, a person should probably have an attorney by their side ensuring that they're not breaking any company policies. Never mind your personal rights or respect for your time. There's no consideration for you. Anyhow, some of these policies will say outright that their rights to your privacy or even intellectual property is credible on the account that it is information openly offered to them. Companies know better than to ask private details about a person, so instead, they ask that you sign in using your Facebook or Twitter account that already provides all the information they need. (conclusion on page 5)

responded that I wasn't comfortable with anything accept my personal process and writing rituals. All that I knew was that my answer was no. I was never going to sell out and that was that. Twelve years later, I still wish I had been more open minded and at least gave it a shot. Sometimes, the only thing that separates successful artists from those

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IAM: THE INDEPENDENT ARTIST MAGAZINE

MONTH OF JUNE 2013

FITNESS FOR WORDS

By: Virginia Marie Hush Visit http://www.FitnessForWords.com
This wouldn't be an artistic magazine if it didn't cover every angle. This article is an introduction to the future of this column and its purpose, which is to share the point of views of all our questions about life, love and idealizations about both. "What is the meaning of life?" This is big question, but sometimes to get to the big question, we have to reflect on a series of smaller questions. It is open for further elaboration and discussion at FitnessForWords.com.The website is a free-for-all and I hope every one of you choose to contribute. I will be doing my best to make sure that all of our voices are heard by as many people as possible. It is also a tribute to the continuous shifting of dimensions that take place right here on Earth, our Home. Nonetheless, it is a doormat for our dirty shoes in the same sense that every form of life is welcome, even as a form of natural destruction. A place that allows every form of change while we're carrying out our own human goal oriented patterns, ideations and collective thought processes. "I never wanted to be a part of any kind of social media group. I felt they were scandalous and fake. If you wanted to get to know me, I always felt it would be most beneficial to meet face to face. I wasn't considering the entire world out there. I guess I lived with the idea that anything outside the US was scary. After all, that's how 9/11 and the entire 90's had me believe." What happens when you have one idea about the world, but the world says something completely different? What happens when your news becomes the topic of conversation, but you're not invited? It looks to me as though we have put together a tool for misleading information. Instead of bringing people closer, we're pulling them a part or otherwise connecting them to the ties that we want them to be bound to. Who are you really, if your not exactly who you say you are? How can anyone question it? Most websites online refuse to guarantee anything because of third party use and open-source data rights? If human trafficking is illegal, how is an open-sourced internet considered safe? It's just another way for people to get a hold of our private information and ultimately, steal our livelihoods. It can be considered a virtual form of human trafficking. It no longer has to be physical. We have maps that will lead us in wrong directions. We have five different profiles for the same one person, yet none of us know which one, if any, represent a true depiction of the person behind the screen. Sure, we all want to personify a certain image, even if it means using an idealized image that looks nothing like us. Maybe some of us have a picture of ourselves that just so luckily happened to capture our decent attributes. This soon becomes the only image we can even imagine of people, even if we've known them for years. Somehow the legal system disconnected from the reality of the internet and the internet disconnected from the reality of life. How does an entire world stay connected when all the do-gooders are becoming the wrongdoers, vice versa and how does the government know the difference when there is so much misinformation tossed around? Open source software was originally created to expand and create new levels of human connection? I know that the moment I learned of such an open ticket to freedom, I had to stop and question my own morals. Not because I am a criminal, but because I am a human being with a heart and a brain that continuously sends information to the rest of my body. When I'm nervous, I do nervous things, when I'm happy, I do happy and helpful things. You get the point. If any one of us moved to Mars, we would make a huge deal out of their every homecoming. So, how does Mars treat its tenant whenever he or she returns? Usually the we believe that we are treated the same way that we treat others. In other words, we get what we give and therefore whatever we put out is essentially what we get back. Now, what if life is nothing like that? I often question what I have done so wrong or right to deserve certain things.

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IAM: THE INDEPENDENT ARTIST MAGAZINE MONTH OF JUNE 2013 CONCLUSION TO COPYRIGHTS AND COPY-WRONGS
Then of course are the yummy cookies they leave behind to further track your habits to provide the best advertising for your online "experience." However, phishing is illegal and that's exactly what this process is considered. Companies who have previously received your business, are not allowed to solicit you in an attempt to receive your repeat business. Not only is that phishing, but it's spamming too. Cell phones have become the worst offenders with the GPS location capabilities that are of course meant to be helpful for you, but really you're just allowing a company to know your every move and habit. By: Virginia Marie Hush One final point is that you don't have to be an author to collect royalties. It is your responsibility to register yourself as a "recording artist" or "featured talent" or "studio musician." Any time you perform or a song is downloaded or streamed, you should be receiving a small percentage of the those royalties. So make sure you are! Everyone wants to get paid for their blood sweat and tears and everyone should. If you're owed money, there are agencies out there waiting to give it to you. Somehow, you just became unidentifiable or otherwise "lost." After so much time goes by, they have no other choice but to hand the money over to the next best thing. For so many years, that has been considered large record labels. It is hoped that all this will all change soon. You can always run a search on international a national databases for intellectual property owners that are unable to be paid because they are unable to be found. Until a different system is dreamt up, we simply have to just go with the flow. However, there are unions that artists join for paid work that also offer benefits and letting everything else run its own course is my suggestion. My only purpose in this article is to share some inside information that even our advocates have their wallets padded. So, just pay close attention and don't be afraid to ask if something doesn't sound right.

FITNESS FOR WORDS (CONTINUED)

Continued from page 2 What if we're all waking up to new tenants on a daily basis and it's just a mere side effect that our body slowly transforms with it? What if it's the spirit and nonphysical energy that continues to form, reshape and further identify us as individuals? This is the biggest question I could think of and I'm going to print it for next months headline. I would love if you would ask yourself the same "What if" question. Tell me your thoughts about the Earth's path and human direction. It seems to me that the world must have enough space to allow individual thought. Not everything is fixed and there is usually never just one answer to any question. That being said, there is so much room for new creative ideas and exploration. Whether you or I agree about a certain topic is rather irrelevant. Just like art. It's all based on personal preference and it is impossible to please every person. Right, wrong or indifferent, the only point that judgment makes is how it will be displayed or "written" all over our face. It's the judgers that are ultimately being judged. I cannot personally judge anyone and honestly say that I believe it. I've also learned to not judge myself. Instead, I evaluate my situation and I move through it. Sometimes more gracefully than others, but I still move through it with an open mind attached to my head. So, as science creates uniquely individual particles of energy that we call space and time, what are we doing with that energy to provide a desirable future with an attractive design! By: Virginia Marie Hush

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IAM: THE INDEPENDENT ARTIST MAGAZINE

MONTH OF JUNE 2013

FEATURED POETRY: BY MICHAEL ANTHONY NEVVIS (M.A. NEVVIS) FROM HIS BOOK OF POEMS ENTITLED, "THE SERIES OF THE MIND" "TODAY"
Today was not far apart from hours before birth. It began as a distant memory to tomorrow. Today will soon be yesterday, but will never be tomorrow. Expressing what today was, and what it is, is rarely the same. Two forces of unlike texture. One force of disliked perception. Regrets were many. Regrets were forgotten, except a few. Today was once tomorrow. Facing the desires of tomorrow were what today was always about. Today was missed. Today was tomorrow, never today. Smiling and desiring tomorrow. Applauding and rejecting the literal today. Objective hours. 24 to be exact. Decisions,decisions,decisions. Focus. Lack of depth in its own. Making decisions yesterday to perform today. Tomorrow is what counts. Counting as it is a distant star. Youve heard of us. Feeling the coldness on the abdominal. Flowing like razors in the night. Gushing waters as warm as it could be. Soon to be chilled. Yes, today was today. One day that follows this day may never become reality. Focus is lost, but now buried in plain sight. Divided by only seconds. Dened as only a formula of unappreciated time on a clock. Give strength today to be stronger tomorrow and the next. Celebrate as it rains. Feel the drips pouring down from the heavens above. (Today - Page 2) Sway down upon that monster. Amplify the remorse of the fourth yesterday. Calculate as it is the last day, today. Do not argue the differences of mass destruction. The future seems to follow today, especially today, not yesterday. Sit back and enjoy the curse of suspense. Today may never end. Sleep is upon us, today. Do not offend the minutes that make up this day, today. Forevermore destined to express the massive jubilee of bullies, Segregating the many minds that reject full potential. Once. Once, a life is lived. Pacing back and forth between the element of yesterday and today. What about tomorrow. Tomorrow will once be today. Flowing like rivers impeded by broken damns during the ice age. What actually is the cause? Unidentied subjects in a series of future events. Proceeding with caution. Populating while being a calico cat being led astray through alleys surrounded by venomous canines. Yes, today is that day. The decision to survive has lled this half empty glass. One shot. No seconds wasted. No wasted steps towards legendary supremacy. Standing tall today and today only. This did not happen yesterday. If it did, today would not be today. Tomorrow is on pace for another day. Get it. Get it better than yesterday. Build on what yesterday was. Flex biceps towards the enemy. The enemy is within the mind. (Today Page 3) This series of self-destruction can be conquered today. Remember yesterday? Yea, it was a good day. The end? No, the beginning. Seven days to gain. 365 days to marinate. Dinner is read. No appetizer? Yesterday was the appetizer for today. What will be of tomorrow? Encore status. Stress has passed. Happiness has settled in. Today only matters from this day forward. Todays agenda is just about today. Dreaming of the same aspects of the future that resisted in the past. It shall come. It shall come one day soon. Maybe that day will be today. To get in touch with Michael Anthony and receive information about how to obtain more of his work, visit

www.facebook.com/michaelanthonynevvis tazinaisrael@gmail.com

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IAM: THE INDEPENDENT ARTIST MAGAZINE

MONTH OF JUNE 2013

Featured artwork for "Mean Gene," the movie. script on the

Written by: Gar Rogala. Read a scene !om the next two pages.

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IAM: INDEPENDENT ARTIST'S MAGAZINE !

JUNE 2013
BRIGADEPICTURES Get in touch with the writer by visiting,

Scene from upcoming movie, Mean Gene. Written and directed by Gar Rogala.

GarRogala.net/contact

Prison: Morning An older man, mid 50's, in chains and cuffs is being escorted out of the penitentiary. It is the man who killed Genes mother and father, Jesse Stone. Several cops escort the prisoner to the back of a transport vehicle where he will be taken to a different prison. There are two men to watch over the prisoner in the back of the paddy wagon and one driver. Stone: I tell ya, you guys are already dead.You're like puppets on a string. I'm like an angel here to do Gods work, I am eternal. The two cops escorting him into the back of the wagon both look at one another like they've heard it all before and roll their eyes. The driver gets in and closes the door Then the two cops help Stone into the back and then jump in themselves. The back door to the wagon then closes. Meanwhile: back at the compound Some cult members with their own police scanner sit in their vehicles and listen in on the cops. Stone explained in a visit, with one of the members earlier, on where they are transferring him to. The scanner gives vague details on about the transfer. The cult prepare themselves, their vehicles and their weapons for the rescue of Stone. Meanwhile: Interior of paddy wagon Stone is now being transported in the back of a paddy wagon driving east down the freeway and to the prison. The criminal is waxing philosophical, bringing up discussion about how even the cops aren't even truly free, much less society in general and how they are all slaves to money and the TV, etc. etc. The cops just stare at stone with a cold expression. Just then, the sound of engines is heard Then, the vehicles appear over the horizon. A motorcycle with a sidecar, and a big van or truck, not unlike the paddy wagon but painted at white trails a little further behind the other vehicles in the lead. In the sidecar is a little person, and when the side car gets close enough, the little person takes out some sort of "sticky bomb", and crawls up on the sidecar in an attempt to place it onto the rear doors of the prisoner transport. Then, the driver of the paddy wagon peers into the side mirrors and sees the gang approaching, and getting closer. Everyone in back of the wagon cannot see or even hear what is going on outside but Not until the two anking vehicles press in and make physical contact with the paddy wagon. One of the cops in back gets on his radio and calls up front to ask what is going on Just then, one of the passengers of the anking vehicles perches on the door and gets halfway out the car and takes aim at the driver. (continued on next page)

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IAM: INDEPENDENT ARTIST'S MAGAZINE !

MEAN GENE: Script segment by: Gar RoGala

JUNE 2013

CRACK!!! Goes the gun CRASH!!! Goes the glass window The driver is shot in the head and falls forward onto the steering wheel but the wagon isn't slowing down. The drivers foot then buries the accelerating. The two anking vehicles try their best to keep the wagon straight to try to slow it down with their brakes. With the paddy wagon now accelerating, the cycle play catch up The midget does his best to hold on to the bomb and for his life. They get close enough, again and the midget then plants the sticky bomb on the rear doors from the sidecar; the bomb sticks and makes a THUD This alerts the cops inside The little person almost loses his balance and falls out but the Motorcycle driver quickly reacts and grabs him back in. The driver is holding the detonator but looses grip of it while reaching for his little friend. It falls within reaching distance, but the vibration of the exhaust jars in free and it falls onto the road The two look at each other like, "Uh oh, what next?" Then they look back to see it tumble and lay in the middle of the road. The tailing Truck however is still following and catches up to the device lying vacant in the freeway CRUNCH!!!! Goes the detonator KaBOOM!!! Goes the paddy wagon door. The two on the cycle react to the blast. The cycle driver and the midget then look at one another in awe. The one door falls off into the freeway, just missing the Motorcycle and side car and goes careening into the open road and heads straight towards the trailing white truck. The truck then swerves violently to avoid it Then, one of the gang members has to try to climb into the Moving paddy wagon to take control. Then the two cops inside the back with Stone attempt to shoot at the motorcycle and at the approaching white truck but are unsuccessful Next, the other door from the rear of the paddy wagon nally falls off The trailing white truck has a shorter reaction time because it is much closer and cannot avoid the door falling onto the road this time. It then smashes into the front and wedges under the frame of the big white truck The Truck continues to drive as the door causes major sparks to y as it's dragged along the asphalt underneath the frame. Then, all the sparks and ying pieces of twisted metal cause the front left tire to blow and cripple the large white truck, causing it to slow. Meanwhile, the two anking cars take out the two cops in the rear, The other thug manages to get into the cab of the paddy wagon, move the driver out of the way and slow the vehicle down. Finally, the trailing white truck comes to a halt, as do all the rest of the vehicles The paddy and the rest of the deviant crew also come to a rest.

INSPIRATIONAL QUOTES AND WORDS OF POETIC WISDOM AS OFFERED THROUGHOUT THE AGES: "Never confuse the size of your paycheck with the size of your talent." ~ Marlon Brando

"There's no such thing and impossible. The word itself, says I'MPossible" ~ Audrey Hepburn "I'm selsh, impatient, and a little insecure. I make mistakes, I am out of control, and at times hard to handle. But if you can't handle me at my worst, then you sure as hell don't deserve me at my best." ~ Marilyn Monroe

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IAM: INDEPENDENT ARTIST'S MAGAZINE ! INTERVIEW WITH VIRGINIA MARIE HUSH

Q1. Okay. So, you are new to the scene out west, does that make you feel nervous and are you missing the East coast? A1. Absolutely not. I will admit that I'm always somewhat nervous, but that just goes with my natural anxiety. The truth of it is, that I tried to move back to NJ after living in Florida for quite a while, and nancially, it was next to impossible. I really wanted to make it work just so I could nish my degree, but fate decided otherwise for me. Q2. Okay, so, then you're not nervous about being on the opposite side of the country? A2. Well, that's not true. I guess I'm always afraid of not feeling or being secure enough nancially. I hate being dependent and most of the things I crave anyhow, are things I really don't need. So, I think I just try too hard sometimes. Ya know? I mean, I have more that I need, with a few minor exceptions. Such as my sanity. Q3. Oh wow. Well, I think that we all lose that sometimes. Wait, are you seriously concerned? (moment of awkwardness) A3. No, I'm not concerned. As long as I'm taking my medication, I usually do okay. Q4. So, I guess it's safe to say that you have been taking your medications? A4. Oh Heavens no. I stopped believing in that stu a long time ago. I didn't think you were going to run a quality check. (laughter) Q5. Okay, well let's get to some more interesting things, such as, you new album. It says here that it's called "Hush Underground." Now these other 2 CD's I'm holding here reference your name as Virginia, but this one, which I don't have in my hands, but when I look at the online screen here, references you as Virginia Hush. So who are you? What is up with that? A5. Ha, I don't know if I even know. I am Virginia. Unfortunately, for the sake of all technological advances, mainly the internet, typing in "Virginia" will hardly bring back any results about a singer from NJ, Chicago, or Florida. It's all state related. So, it's kind of a silly story. My last e.p. was called "Hush." However, if you notice the way the words are pressed beside each other, it's hard to tell whether that's my last name or the name of the album. I have had so many people, who were fans even before that came out, come up to me and say, "Wow, I didn't know you even had a last name. That's sounds really cool!" So, majority kind of ruled and I gured, hey, I'll probably get better search results now.

JUNE 2013
trust, is sometimes the only thing that get me through the day.

Q8. Okay, okay. Interesting. So, this is the nal question. I just wanted to ask if we were ever going to get a chance to read that book you keep talking about. Your memoir that seems to have a dierent name every month. A8. Well, to be honest, I think this latest title is what I'm sticking with. Sweet Virginia, Meet Strangeling. It has huge meaning behind it, but you'll have to read it to understand why. If it's ever turned into a movie, which would just send me ying higher than anything, it would have Q6. Why not just use your real last name? to be directed by David Lynch or someone A6. There's tons of reasons. I think that similar, like a Coppola, or The Coen for the most part, people have a tendency Brothers. The soundtrack would be a to spell-out what they hear. So, more likely combination of some of my tracks and a than not, they'd be searching for Virginia few other near and dear artists that I love. Trout and be getting results from "Trout I think that a movie would show better Fisher Men of America" located what I'm trying to convey. Believe it or somewhere in the state of Virginia. I try not, I'm really not the greatest with words to include all the dierent possibilities and descriptions. I can write poetry and lyrics like it's nothing, but descriptive writing, is very dicult. I could very easily show feelings and emotions visually and then you'd say, "Yes, I get it!" So, you know. I hope that happens, but anyhow, yes, you will read. I'm just so scared I guess. I am always second guessing my honesty. I can often times be too honest. While other times, so utterly confused about what the truth really is. I don't know. I just hope people like it. It won't be much longer. Now, That's a Girl Scouts Honor!

though when lling out the tags for my sites. My last name is spelled TrAut, but only a handful of people would ever know that. Now, I've kind of moved towards simply IAM VirginIA.MARIA. Not because I want to be like Will.I.AM, but I've always used that expression and I think it ts. Especially now that I'm running this publication. Q7. Yeah, I can tell you have some Buddhist tattoos. Do you consider yourself really spiritual? A7. Yes, absolutely. Even on days that I'm not quite living to my fullest potential, that underlying spiritual element that I

Final Question: So how was it interviewing yourself Virginia? Final Answer: I can't say that I know for sure what you're talking about.

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IAM: THE INDEPENDENT ARTISTS MAGAZINE

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TECHONOMY: ONLINE BULLYING IN TODAY'S SOCIETY, WON'T SO MUCH HELP THE ECONOMY. SO, WHO IS RESPONSIBLE FOR THE SUDDEN INCREASE IN IDENTITY THEFT AND ONLINE BULLYING?
If I didn't have a photo on any one of my proles, I would receive little to no attention. A small study I performed after running into some of my own biggest nightmares come true, consisted of me opening up several accounts across various social sites. Suddenly, any search of my name came back with photographs of my mugshots. "How could this be possible? I was arrested once, on only one charge, so how is it thats KY, TX, OK, and AZ can all have legitimate mugshots of arrests? That's four states too many for someone who has never been in trouble with the law, except for a couple DUI's that are were considered trac violations. Regardless, I know this is public information, but what good is it doing anyone to not just have it public, but to have it publicized and advertised in a very misleading way? That seemed like a violation of privacy rights to me! It also seemed like a great way for people to pass judgement. We all know that if base most of our decisions on rst impression. So, if I'm applying for a job and the employer decides to search my name, I can only hope that he or she takes the extra 10 minutes to click on each mugshot and see that it's really only for one charge. I am not a dangerous criminal and I certainly don't want to be perceived as one. So, me being me, made sure I did everything in my human power to get those pictures removed. I even paid the fee they wanted with the idea that it would be refunded once I proved that their posts were suggestive and inaccurate. Not only did I not get my money back, they also had the nerve to charge my credit card again 2 weeks later claiming because I had decided to use their site and provide my credit card, I was agreeing to become a paid member. The day that I rst went on the site, which I never returned to until a week later to make sure my information was taken down, I read through their terms of service. I had a feeling I was being extorted and normally will not click on an "accept terms" box unless I feel I absolutely have to. In this case, to request to have your mugshots taken down and/or prove that they were falsications, you had no choice but to click the button and agree. I knew from the very beginning that the website seemed liked a scam, so as I was reading through the terms, I realized how every section would negate a previous section. So it became impossible to understand what terms they were asking you to agree to. Within ve minutes of completing the transaction, I sent them an email stating that I did not agree to their terms, however saw no other way of going about the process of having the information removed. I never received a response until after my third email. That was sent out when I realized I never got a refund, none of the photos were removed and then I was charged a membership fee on top of it. I had already attempted calling the place and all I got was a nasty woman accusing me of being a criminal and stating that it's my fault and this is how I was going to have to deal with my mistakes for the rest of my life. I couldn't believe it. So, no more calls, just emails. This way, at least I had everything documented. I nally received a response and it stated that I am responsible for keeping up with the changes in the terms of service agreement located on their site. It also stated that a photo was removed and the fee that I paid was to only have one photo removed. I had three. Two were duplicates and the third was from the day I went in to serve my nine days for the DUI. All, as I mentioned, for one case. She told me that one of my photos was removed so technically, they fullled their part of the agreement. I can't even tell you how long this went on for. I wrote to the State Attorney General's oce and tried to get a hold of anyone else I possibly could that may be able to help me. In all fairness, not a single thing was done for the money that was paid. The only photo that was removed was a duplicate which ended up back on the site within a month. Then, on top of that, all of a sudden my photos were popping up in other states too. States I had never even been to other than just passing through. I was really starting to look like a national fugitive. Eventually, I got my money back by ling a dispute with my bank, but the nightmare I had to go through and continued to go through as a result of the misleading website, was truly unforgettable. Suddenly sites just like that one were popping up all over. Only their fees were several hundreds of dollars to have your photo removed. So I may have gotten my money back, but nothing ever changed. In fact they only got worse. The idea that our own government was not only allowing such online bullying, but selling the information o to these jerks, just proved to me that I was clearly mistaking when I believed this was a great country to live in. So what does this have to do with art or my music? Everything. Any site I had ever put up was being sabotaged by the mugshots. Who normally looks past the rst page? I know that for me it's very rare. So how could I promote myself and not promote these websites and further spread the rumors that were now going all over the place about me? The answer? I had to change everything and not tell so much as a county employee, who could turn around and sell my information again. Just like spammers sell your email address. I led a police report and from there, I'm demanding compensation from everyone involved. I'm still awaiting answers, but I know this entire battle is exactly what caused the identity theft that further forced me to close every account I've ever owned. So, thank you America, for showing me how virtual human tracking works. By: Virginia Marie Traut

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"I know today, that going to school and getting on a healthy diet along with healthy exercise, will really turn things around for me" Says the typical artist who's plans haven't been working out quite so well. Before I get too sentimental, I want to say that no one is too young or too old to start living their passion. Some call it living their dream. I call it realizing your life's purpose. You may never be able to fully explain it, but it's that inner self that drives you on a daily basis, paying no mind for fame, riches or glory. You may notice that some people are excessively critical toward you or otherwise jealous of your constant freedom and younger vibrant attitude that naturally exudes from your pores. The key here however, is that you may not feel as though you have a choice in the matter. This is it for you, and it cannot be denied anymore. The desire alone to do work in an area of such dire interest, will ultimately benet others. Some people may disagree if your not yet making six gures. But, those people don't know what life's really about. At least not when it come to being happy and doing happy. In more recent years, kids have been heading straight off to college immediately after high-school. People who do this have a difcult time graduating, not only on time, but sometimes, ever. Mainly because they're still suck in their "Wonder Years." I think you're allowed to have up to 10 "Wonder Years" before people start looking at you like a kid who refuses to grow up. The problem is that everyone wants to just get it all done and over with, or the parents want their children to continue maintaining the comfort of having such a demanding schedule. But, the kids most likely have no clue what it is they want out of life, and denitely lack the experience of knowing whether the eld they "think" they're interested in, is even all that it's cracked up to be. Of course, they do know that they want to experience freedom and that's enough for any reckless, spoiled kid to go off to college and throw away at least a hundred grand. Most kids aren't even certain of what morals they want to adopt or ethical principals they believe in. These are serious beliefs that usually lead us to eventually land a career that works for us. Let's be honest, artists may be the only people in the world that know for sure what they want by the time they're eight years old. Sometimes college is a part of that, other times not. That very much depends on whether its ne art, writing, or being a rock star. Regardless, every artist can somehow benet from the structure that school provides, especially actors. Although acting is an entirely different art form than most people understand. There is a ton of method and understanding of self that must occur before someone can take on the role of another. Unfortunately, the fact remains that even after college, the chances of doing anything extraordinary are all dependent upon a whole lot of luck and the contacts you're lucky enough to make. By the age of 20, most of us are still wondering what it will be like to nally sit in a bar and say we're legal. Our brains are still far from being fully developed and most of us creative types are diagnosed with some sort of mental disorder. So how is it that we're expected to know what we want out of life? So far (speaking for myself at the age of 20), all I can remember from then is that incompetency is a choice and that's not the word that I wanted people to use when describing me. Some readers may not understand my point of view, my rationale, writing style or even grasp the point of my articles. That's okay. We're not all supposed to get everything all at once. I'm not claiming to have some sort of knowledge that everyone needs in their life, because I believe the same thing about myself. When I'm ready to or mentally able to learn something, it will hit me like a ton of bricks. Sometimes to the point of revolutionizing everything about my future plans. Nonetheless, school is a great tool to learn not only new possibilities and today's favorite trivial facts as seen on America's favorite game show Jeopardy, but also to learn schedules and how to hold ourselves accountable. Other than that, I believe it may be one of the biggest money pits, as a close second to the sale of cigarettes, alcohol and pharmaceuticals. "Yeah, but smoking and drugs are bad for you." Of course they are. Do you recall what's even worse? After being proven, publicly discussed and yet still ignored by the same people who nod their heads at cigarette smokers, the worst thing we can do to our bodies is allow it to live in stress constant stress. Of course smoking adds stress and does alcohol, but no one really knows what these

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pharmaceuticals are doing to our brains in the long run. Every single one of them are still experimental. Anyhow, I'm not against going to school. I went to school myself. Now I owe an ungodly amount of money that I will never be able to pay back unless I somehow become rich through my art. Or my outspoken nature that will argue with everything I believe to be wrong with this world. I do however still keep myself healthy and take part in yoga and meditation for relaxation. Otherwise, I'm a nervous wreck. Learning is an excellent aspect of growth and development and we're doing it on an every day basis, even well into our golden years. The only people we see trying to cram so much knowledge into their heads at once, is usually a college student. Cramming any amount of knowledge is proven ineffective, yet schools force that upon their students while overloading them with an amount of work that is nearly impossible to complete in the given time frames. It really just makes for less retained knowledge and therefore more incompetency in a eld of work after graduation. The best type of learning is through random intervals of varying lengths of time. I would compare this to taking guitar lessons or putting together your own photography collection while learning the intricacies of a camera and its subject through a book and at your own pace. Most musicians are of very low income, probably don't have a full education, and are not really identied as being contributing members of society. At least not on paper, and that's all that matters, right?

By: Virginia Marie Traut

GOING TO SCHOOL OR THE POORHOUSE? ISN'T THAT THE SAME THING?

Helpful Links
www.CreateSpace.com www.Dictionary.com www.Eventful.com www.MySite.com

Interesting Links
www.LostatEMinor.com www.Cracked.com www.DemandProgress.com

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Join the IAM Group Today! Provided, is a list of Magazine Columns that we need writers and content for. download your copy just before the rst of each month. Otherwise, you can have it sent directly to your inbox! IAM is Free and as long as we receive the sponsors needed to keep the magazine going, it always will be. One thing we believe is that knowledge should always be free. Especially if you're thirsty for it. Advertising, partnerships, and investors are always welcome. If you would like to become a contributing member, please click HERE to let us know by email. We are open for suggestions and welcome all dierent points of views. Whether you're interested in contributing your own personal work such as photography, poetry, videos, music clips, etc., or running your own monthly column, chances are, it's your lucky day. Since IAM is a Brand New and FREE publication, it is still in the stages of accepting open-minded expansion. So, be a part of something that has purpose. Make it your purpose. Join the IAM network of Independent Artist's and give your creative mind a voice. Some of the columns that have been suggested and are in need of writers include the following: Harmony: The Harmony section is dedicated to group articles that have a purpose. People that currently have a serious canvas and/or debate that needs your support. Health-Hype: Being an artist, doesn't mean you have to be unhealthy. This column would provide easy tips to independent artists and entrepreneurs on how to stay mentally, physically and emotionally t. Techonomy: The economy based on trending technology. From the newest technological breakthroughs, to some that really need to be put to rest. We'll compare products that could be doing more harm than good, as well as those that have a potential for economical advancement. Collaboration Nation: As an artist, it can be difcult to admit that we're not good at something. But today's collaborative efforts are moreaccessible than ever before. Articles will show you how you can even collaborate with your favorite artist overseas. Fitness For Words: Although this month started out a little differently, this column is geared towards poetry and otherwise inspirational quotes, phrases, etc. Getting Booked: Section that discusses great venues, websites, studios and more. Everything you'd want to know about places where you can feature your work on a national level. Trading Post: Have you ever wanted to go back to the barter system? Now you can. Let us know what you're looking for and what you're willing to trade. We'll try to nd you a match through this open post forum. THESE ARE ALL SUGGESTIONS AND ARE CURRENTLY OPEN FOR VARIATION. Thanks a lot, please spread the word, and we'll see you next month! PLEASE ALSO REMEMBER TO TAKE NOTICE OF THE SPONSORING ADVERTISERS. WITHOUT THEM, WE MAY NEVER GET PAID FOR THE HARD WORK AND TIME WE PUT IN TO PROVIDING YOU WITH THE BEST CONTENT AND INSIGHT AS POSSIBLE.

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Mining the MIND and State of Virginia Lotus Rain Records & Publishers Canvas Pinfinite Pros & Voxbella Studios

Double-click to Play the Video. Song Tracks include in order, short clip; Nights Alone, full song; My Silent Teacher, and short clip; Promise Me. All from the Hush Underground double release, now available at the Amazon MP3 store, iTunes, and most other online stores. For more information and/or to get involved with any of Virginia's current projects, please visit any of the following websites: VirginiaHush.com/mmstore.html IAMVirginia.com FitnessForWords.com LotusPubCanvas.com LotusRainRecords.com Voxella.US Voxbella.com OneBlueLabel.com ActingPRESS.com HushUnderground.com Aria-Vita.com MyColorBRAND.com aHushStore.MyColorBrand.com MillionShadesofYou.com MVDirectStream.com PinnitePros.com SweetConscience.com Facebook.com/USAplus Twitter.com/VirginiaHUSH VirginiaMarie.BlogSpot.com MixedMediaTalent.com AlamarieLLC.com VirginiaTrautMusic.com VillaHotPress.com

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