Kickstarter, a popular crowdfunding forum, has long had to defend itself and its practices in a four-year fight for a patent. Finally, judges have ruled in the company’s favor. In 2011, Kickstarter has been engaged with its competitor ArtistShare in patent infringement suit. Artist share claimed that Kickstarter (the inarguably more successful of the two) has infringed their patent. The sitting judge, however, states that “crowd-funding” is an abstract concept, and one that is “beyond question of ancient lineage” and that there is nothing about the patent that overcomes that ineligible concept. So, Kickstarter is essentially free and clear.
Now is the right time to become an American Federation of Musicians member. From ragtime to rap, from the early phonograph to today's digital recordings, the AFM has been there for its members. And now there are more benefits available to AFM members than ever before, including a multi-million dollar pension fund, excellent contract protection, instrument and travelers insurance, work referral programs and access to licensed booking agents to keep you working.
As an AFM member, you are part of a membership of more than 80,000 musicians. Experience has proven that collective activity on behalf of individuals with similar interests is the most effective way to achieve a goal. The AFM can negotiate agreements and administer contracts, procure valuable benefits and achieve legislative goals. A single musician has no such power.
The AFM has a proud history of managing change rather than being victimized by it. We find strength in adversity, and when the going gets tough, we get creative - all on your behalf.
Like the industry, the AFM is also changing and evolving, and its policies and programs will move in new directions dictated by its members. As a member, you will determine these directions through your interest and involvement. Your membership card will be your key to participation in governing your union, keeping it responsive to your needs and enabling it to serve you better. To become a member now, visit www.afm.org/join.