Wednesday, April 25, 2012

BEMA Affiliate member Focus: CopyrightPro.net

Visit  http://www.copyrightpro.net/home.php  to answer any questions related to your creative and intellectual property and copyright protection.

Protect your work.

Charles D. Sharp
Chief Executive.  Founder
Black Emergency Managers Association


Frequently Asked Questions about Copyright


What is a copyright?
A copyright is a form of protection provided by the United States via its laws for works in the following categories; audiovisual, literary, sculptural, dramatic, graphic, musical, pictorial, architectural, pantomimic, cartographic and choreographic.  The protection is normally documented by a certificate issued for published and unpublished works of original authorship.
Who can file a copyright?
Anyone (man, woman or child) may file a claim for a copyright.
How long is a copyright good for?
For works created after January 1, 1978, as a general rule, protection lasts for the life of the author plus 70 years.
What is a poor man’s copyright?
Copyright protection does not cover what is commonly known as a poor man’s copyright which is the practice of sending one’s self a copy or one’s work through the mail.  It is thought that the postmark on the unopened mail provides protection but it does not.
How long does it take for the US Copyright Office to process a copyright application?
The processing time depends on the how the application is filed.  If an application is filed electronically it normally takes about 90 days.  If the application is filed by paper processing can take up to a year.
Why should I copyright my intellectual property?
Without a copyright your work may be infringed upon with no legal recourse available.
What is the difference between a copyright and a trademark?
A copyright pertains to works of original authorship in categories noted above.  Trademarks are protected symbols, phrases, words and designs.
What is the difference between a copyright and a patent?
Patents protect discoveries, inventions and the useful utilities.
What sorts of things are eligible for copyright?
The types of things that are eligible for copyrights include architecture, literary work, dramatic work, artistic work, poetry, novels, songs, movies and computer software.
What does the copyright symbol look like?
The copyright symbol can be made on a typical computer keyboard by hitting the keys Ctrl+Alt+C = ©
Is my material protected if I put a copyright symbol on it even though I have not applied and received a copyright certificate for it?
Putting a copyright symbol on your work without registering it affords no legal recourse in cases of infringement.
Where is the copyright office located?
The US Copyright Office is located in Washington, DC about a ½ block from the United States capitol.
Does the Copyright Office have branch offices throughout the country?
No
What is copyright infringement?
The use of someone else’s intellectual property without proper authorization.
How can I protect my material from infringement?
By properly registering your work with the US Copyright Office.
How do I report infringement?
Infringement is generally considered a civil matter and must be pursued in federal court.
How do I copyright my work?
CopyrightPro.net will properly file your work/intellectual property with the United States Copyright Office.
How much does it cost to copyright my work?
When using CopyrightPro.net the entire cost for properly filing a copyright application is $100.00 for a regular registration, $920 for express handling for a regular registration and $180.00 for a preregistration application.
Are there different types of copyrights?
The two different types of applications typically filed are registration and preregistration.
What is a copyright preregistration application?
A preregistration application protects unfinished work temporarily and gives notice to the US Copyright Office of one’s intent to file a regular application upon completion of the work.
What is a copyright registration application?
A registration application is typically filed for finished works along with the submission of the work for examination.
What is the difference between a preregistration application and a registration application?
A preregistration application temporarily protects unfinished works while a regular application is filed to protect completed work.
Is the submission of work required for both registration and preregistration applications?
Preregistration applications do not require the submission of unfinished work.
Registration applications require the submission of work for examination purposes.
How long does it take for the copyright office to process a preregistation?
Preregistration applications require minimal processing since no work is submitted for examination.  Typically, preregistration applications are closed upon receipt by the US Copyright Office.
Why isn’t work required to be submitted for a preregistration application?
Because the work is unfinished when one submits a preregistration application.
If I file a preregistation application am I also required to file a registration application?
Once your work is finished you are required to submit a registration application along with the completed work.
In the world of copyrights what is a deposit?
The word ‘deposit’ is typically used by the US Copyright Office when referring to your work/intellectual property.
Does a US Copyright certificate provide protection beyond the United States?
In some cases, yes.   It is advisable to research this matter to be certain.
Does a US copyright afford reciprocity with any other countries?
Yes.  But once again, it is advisable to research this matte to be certain.
What is WIPO?
WIPO stands for the World Intellectual Property Organization.
What is ASCAP?
ASCAP stands for The American Society of Composers, Authors and Publishers.
How can CopyrightPro help me file my copyright?
CopyrightPro will quickly and professionally file you registration or preregistration application with the US Copyright Office for a reasonable fee.
Please outline the process my application goes through once filed with CopyrightPro.
The processing of your application will normally take about 90 days once properly filed with the US Copyright Office.  Once your application is approved you will be sent a copyright certificate via regular mail.   CopyrightPro has experience handling thousands of applications.
Why should I use CopyrightPro versus any of the other services offered on the world wide web?
Because CopyrightPro is probably the only business that is staffed by former workers of the US Copyright Office and  is therefore very familiar with the workings of the process like no other.  Also, unlike some of the other businesses it is located in Washington, DC, where the US Copyright Office is located.  CopyrightPro also offers a reasonable price for its services, unlike most of the businesses offering the same service.
What is an ISBN?
ISBN stands for International Standard Book Number.  It is a unique number normally assigned to a book title.  You may want to check with our publisher for additional information.
What is an ISSN?
ISSN stands for International Standard Serial Number.  It is a unique number normally assigned to a print or electronic publication.  Check with your publisher for additional information.
What is an ISRC?
ISRC stands for International Standard Recording Code.  It is the internationally recognized identification tool for sound and music recordings.
What is a Pseudonym and what does it have to do with copyrights?
A pseudonym is a name that a person or group uses as a fake name or pen name.  Some people use their pen names when registering their copyrights.
What is domicile and what does it have to do with copyright?
Domicile is normally considered your place of residence.   This is one of the questions you will be faced with when filling out a copyright application.
What is considered Publication?
To publish is to make available to the public.
Is my work copywritten once it is published?
No.
What is a copyright Claimant?
A copyright claimant is the person or entity claiming the work.
What does ‘limitation of claim’ mean?
This is something you will encounter on a copyright application.  Limitation of claim means that you want to limit your claim to only the work you created.  Example: You wrote lyrics for a song that was previously copyrighted for the melody.  Your work has the same title as the original song but when you file the claim you want to limit your claim to the lyrics only.  Thus, limitation of claim.

Faq category list


Haitian-Dominican Friendship Concert. May 16, 2012


HT-DR Friendship concert
Embassy of Haiti
Stephane Rosenberg
Job Title
Embassy of Haiti
Stephane Rosenberg
Job Title

Embassy of Haiti. Around the World Embassy Tour. May 5, 2012.


passport dc
 

Partner: Webinar. Women Building Disaster Resilience April 25, 2012 -- 12:00 Noon Eastern


Note: Our instructions have changed since we have moved to a WebEx Webinar service. Mac users are now able to join us, and we hope to see improvements in access to computer audio.  Please take time to review the new instructions in advance.
 
Women Building Disaster ResilienceNew Resources and Strategies

April 25, 2012 -- 12:00 Noon Eastern
EMForum.org is pleased to host a one hour presentation and interactive discussion Wednesday, April 25, 2012, beginning at 12:00 Noon Eastern time (please convert to your local time). Our topic will be highlights of the new book, Women Confronting Natural Disaster: From Vulnerability to Resilience, together with some practical implications and ideas for extending the analysis to men/gender. Additional resources, including The Women of Katrina: How Gender, Race, and Class Matter in an American Disaster and other policy and practice guides will also be presented.


Our guest will be researcher and author Elaine Enarson, Ph.D. Dr. Enarson describes herself as "an accidental disaster sociologist" whose personal experience in Hurricane Andrew sparked extensive work on gender, vulnerability and community resilience. In addition to her work on these two new books, she previously co-edited The Gendered Terrain of Disaster: Through Women's Eyes (1998), as well as Women, Gender and Disaster: Global Issues and Initiatives (2009). Dr. Enarson is a founding member of the global Gender and Disaster Network and initiator of the US-based Gender and Disaster Resilience Alliance.


Please make plans to join us, and see the Background Page for links to related resources and the new Instructions. If this will be your first time to participate, you may set up WebEx in advance . On the day of the program you may use the Webinar Login link or login from our home page not more than 30 minutes before the scheduled time. The password is attend.

As always, please feel free to extend this invitation to your colleagues.
 
EIIP and Jacksonville State University are now partnering to offer CEUs for attending EMForum.org Webinars.  See http://www.emforum.org/CEUs.htm for details.
 
Is your organization interested in becoming an EIIP Partner? Click here to review our Mission, Vision, and Guiding Principles and access the Memorandum of Partnership.
 

Tuesday, April 24, 2012

Professionals Debate the Need for Emergency Management Certification


Emergency Management

By:  on March 28, 2012

http://www.emergencymgmt.com/training/Professionals-Debate-Emergency-Management-Certification.html

Emergency management’sevolution as a profession has included the development of professional certifications like the Certified Emergency Manager (CEM). But professionals disagree about how useful the certification is to individuals and to the profession.

Some say certification is a needed step toward emergency management becoming a more mature profession. Others say the work required to maintain the certification outweighs any benefits.

The CEM certification came from a sense in the early ’90s that the profession needed to become more sophisticated, said Dean R. Larson, president of Larson Performance Consulting in Munster, Ind., and chair of the USA CEM Commission for the International Association of Emergency Managers (IAEM).

Emergency management’s “roots came from civil defense,” said Larson. “As civil defense started to become broader than just preparing for a response to enemy attacks, there was a need for a significant upgrade in emergency management.”

The evolution of strategies — such as the all-hazards approach, which used a similar structure for all disasters, whether natural or man-made, accidental or intentional — highlighted the need for more professional managers, Larson said. The IAEM created a standard body of knowledge for emergency managers, then set requirements for them to meet to become certified.

The certifications have evolved, but today both the CEM and the related Associate Emergency Manager (AEM) certifications require 200 training hours, an essay, three reference letters and an exam. CEM certification also requires a four-year college degree, three years’ experience in emergency management and significant professional contributions.

Simply gathering all the documentation for his CEM certification was “a very extensive process,” said Lucien Canton, former director of emergency services for San Francisco and now an independent consultant.

When Diane Newman, a regional planner for the Puget Sound Regional Catastrophic Preparedness Grant Program, was first certified in 1999, “it took me at least 40 hours to gather all the information they required,” she said.

As of 9/11, there were 1,106 CEMs and 99 AEMs in 49 states and 13 countries, said Larson, who holds the CEM certification himself.


An Emerging Profession


Some professions, like medicine or law, have clearly defined entry paths. People know when they go to a doctor or hire a lawyer that that person had certain training and passed specific exams to be able to practice.

“Emergency management is not a mature profession,” said Judith Hale, a Chicago-based consultant in performance improvement and certification and author of Performance-Based Certification. “It’s an emerging profession.”

This means there are many paths to becoming an emergency manager. Identifying what people must know to work in the field, and how to learn it, is a critical function of a certification program, Hale said. “That’s what certification does: It’s an attempt to identify the bodies of knowledge that you have to have.”

The inclusion of practical experience as part of the CEM certification exemplifies a trend in certifications today, she said. Employers want to know that a candidate passed an exam and can apply that knowledge. “There’s a greater onus for the certification to have a practicum, hands-on, portfolio or proven proficiency.”

Certification advocates say that because of these issues, certification is crucial to the entire profession.

“Ultimately, if we’re going to be a profession, we have to have a certification,” Canton said. “You look at this as, ‘What am I going to get out of it?’ As you mature, you start looking at, ‘What does this do for the profession?’”

Still, individual benefits are important, particularly since getting the certification requires so much work.

For Canton, the knowledge that his political appointment would eventually end made him consider how best to prepare himself for a career in consulting. “It was important for me to do as a professional,” he said.

Eric Holdeman, an emergency management consultant and blogger who previously worked in emergency management for Washington state and King County, had similar thoughts when he got his certification in the early ’90s. “I saw the future,” he said. “If this is where it’s headed, eventually job announcements will say ‘CEM certification required’ or ‘desirable.’”

Catherine Kane, vice president of Emergency Management Professional Organization for Women’s Enrichment (EMPOWER), an emergency management organization for women, said her members find CEM as a way to assure employers. “It underscores the importance of continuous learning through periodic coursework and contributions to the profession,” Kane said. “And it’s a signal to other emergency management professionals of knowledge, expertise and contribution.”

The credential helps emergency managers early in their careers show their commitment to the profession. “Having an important credential like the CEM signals the ability and willingness to understand the discipline and to commit to a regular cycle of learning, employment and contribution,” Kane said.

EMPOWER offers a virtual study circle program to help members study for the exam and prepare their applications.


Doubting the Value


But not everyone’s a fan of the CEM. Some seasoned professionals have decided not to renew their certifications, saying the hassle outweighs the benefits. One reason is the extensive training requirements — which can be difficult to meet in strict budgetary times.

“Though I’d been working continuously in emergency management, I didn’t have accepted documentation of the required training in the proper categories necessary to maintain my CEM certification,” said Newman, who chose not to renew her CEM certification in 2004.

Holdeman ran into a similar issue once he’d taken all the courses he could take locally. It was hard to get funding to travel to outside conferences.
Not everyone thinks financial concerns are a good reason to give up the certification.

“I know how tight budgets are, but there comes a point where if you’re a professional, you have to figure out how you’re going to get your certification,” Canton said. Online courses could help meet training requirements. And some people pay for their own professional development when necessary.

As for the renewal process, Canton said it’s “pretty straightforward” for those who are keeping up their skills and contributing to the profession. “It drives you back into your profession more than if you were just doing your day-to-day job,” he said.

Nonetheless, Canton said he knows “quite a few top-notch colleagues who’ve chosen not to get the CEM.”

For Holdeman, it was more than trying to meet the training requirements. “I’d see some people with certifications that I thought, ‘I wouldn’t hire them’” based on what he knew about the quality of their work. “That certification didn’t have a lot of meaning to me when it came to that person, so the value of it went down significantly in my eyes.”

Holdeman didn’t renew his certification. With his experience, he said, “If someone is going to hire me, it’s going to be based on what I produced in the past.”

This concern underscores a common problem with certifications: It’s possible to meet the requirements and still not be a good employee.

“You could have gone to a conference, slept in a session and still have proof that you registered,” Holdeman said. “It’s showing that you’ve had these experiences, but it doesn’t necessarily show your expertise and ability to translate that expertise into products that make a difference in your individual agency.”

As for critics who say requiring certification could limit who could work in the profession, supporters say that’s the point. “You try to weed out people who are dilettantes,” Canton said. 


Lingering Questions


There are still issues about whether the CEM certification upgrades the profession — and how helpful it really is to individuals.

“I think it was helpful,” said Newman, who was assistant director for the King County, Wash., Office of Emergency Management. She said even if you’re being hired due to personal connections — a common situation — “when they have to justify it to hiring authorities, I think it looks good on paper.”

But it’s difficult to document how much having the certification helps job candidates.

Cheyene Haase, owner of BC Management Inc. in California, recruits for positions in business continuity and disaster recovery. She places candidates primarily in private companies — and she rarely sees jobs that require CEM certification. Still, she said, certifications aren’t a negative.

“Few jobs are advertising ‘CEM only,’” Canton said. “If you’re lucky, you’ll see ‘CEM preferred.’”

Another issue: Is it fair to tell people who lack a four-year degree that they can get the AEM certification but not the CEM?

“Our intent was to continue to upgrade the professionalism of the people with the certification,” Larson said. However, the change wasn’t retroactive: “No one had the CEM taken away because they didn’t have a degree.” 

A broader question is who the CEM is aimed at, Canton said. The experience required is fairly low — but some of the professional contributions suggest they’re aiming at higher-level candidates who’d be likelier to give speeches and correspond with elected officials.

“Where exactly does this certification fall?” Canton asked. “Is this an entry-level certification, with minimum standards, or a journeyman’s certification that means you’re at a certain level in your profession?”
 

Certification Requirements
 

The International Association of Emergency Managers offers the Associate Emergency Manager and the Certified Emergency Manager certifications.

Requirements for both AEM and CEM certification include:
  • Training: 100 hours of emergency management training plus 100 hours of general management training in the past 10 years.
  • Essay: Must demonstrate knowledge, skills and abilities.
  • References: Three reference letters, including one from the candidate’s current supervisor.
  • Exam. Must score 75 percent on a 100-question multiple choice exam.

Other CEM requirements:
  • Experience: Three years, including participation in a full-scale exercise or actual disaster.
  • Education: A four-year college degree in any field.
  • Professional contributions: Six separate contributions in categories like professional memberships, conference attendance, speaking or teaching.

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