IAM INdependent ARtists MAgazine

7/28/2019 IAM INdependent ARtists MAgazine

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IAM: THE INDEPENDENT ARTIST MAGAZINE MONTH OF JUNE 2013

PAGE 1

Magazine

The answer to this question can get a little bitconfusing. Theres no argument that, ofcourse you are the intellectual property ownerof anything youve ever invented, whether itsa poem, song, painting, etc. Unless someoneclaims to have created something that youyourself so personally and authentically

created, it becomes yours the moment thepencil pushes the paper or the chords turninto melodies.

Now, can you sign away your intellectualproperty rights? Absolutely. The moment thatmost artists sign with a label, they are tradingtheir rights for what the label would call"employment."

Unfortunately, artist agreements I amspeaking about, typically require slave laboror very minimal to no pay, so there ends upbeing no real trade off. I ask myself, "Whatabout labor laws?" Some signed artists onlyever receive a couple hundred dollars for afew years of work, apart from what is made atshows. How is that considered employeepay? Do most artists realize at the time that'sthe type of employee relationship they were

signing an agreement for? No. So how dothese companies continue to get away withslave labor yet are still collecting your halfand their half of the royalties? Whether theydistribute your portion to you is highly unlikely.Let's face it, these guys have new cars to payfor and your recoup will never get to the pointof being paid in full. Not if your executives arestaying in high-end hotels while you're in theMotel 6.

The only person who is responsibility forrecognizing this type of account misbehavior,is you. Trust me. No one is going to be thereto watch your back. Unfortunately. Becausewho else is paying attention or evenunderstands that this was what washappening? 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'srights. Let me just ask one question. Whathave they done for you lately? Do the sum ofall payments received by them seem to addup to what you would think? If you have atruly awesome story to share that representsyour experience with such companies,please send me a direct message on twitter@virginiahush. I am always open tohopefully hear better news than what I haveto deliver. Unfortunately, the most peoplewho are members of these supposed"associations" have never seen a dime otherthan a typical promotional offer to join somesite or a 3 month coupon to belong to someother special group. Sometimes they mayeven make offers to save on the most up todate recording equipment.

(continued on next page)

IN THIS ISSUE:

Monthly

IAM Writer and Poet, M.A. NevvisIAM Film Maker, Gar Rogala

IAM Singer/Songwriter & Concept Design Artist, Virginia

IAM

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!

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

June features,

THE Independent Artist


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PAGE 2

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

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

that seem to be constantly struggling, is

the willingness to remain open-minded.

Suddenly, without realizing it, we'resabotaging 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 hardcopy 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)

So, what happens if you never register

your music? What if you decide that you

want to opt out of all the lying andcheating? 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 toelaborate or use your material at no cost

up front, unless you specify.

Continued!om page 1

IAM


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PAGE 3

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 andits 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 togethera 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 informationand 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 everyhomecoming. 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.

IAM
http://www.fitnessforwords.com/http://www.fitnessforwords.com/http://www.fitnessforwords.com/http://www.fitnessforwords.com/http://www.fitnessforwords.com/


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PAGE 4

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 allowedto 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.

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 biggestquestion 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 isimpossible 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 desirablefuture with an attractive design!

By: Virginia Marie Hush

IAM


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PAGE 5

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.Defined 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? Unidentified 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 filled 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 thepast.

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/[email protected]

IAM
mailto:[email protected]://www.facebook.com/michaelanthonynevvismailto:[email protected]:[email protected]://www.facebook.com/michaelanthonynevvishttp://www.facebook.com/michaelanthonynevvis


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PAGE 6

Featured artwork for "Mean Gene," the movie. Written by: Gar Rogala. Read a scene!om thescript on the next two pages.


7/19

IAM: INDEPENDENT ARTIST'S MAGAZINE! JUNE 2013

! PAGE 7

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 ameternal.

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 theireyes.

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 lesssociety 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 flat white trails a little furtherbehind 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 flanking 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 onJust then, one of the passengers of the flanking vehicles perches on the door and gets halfway out the car and takes aim at the

driver.

(continued on next page)
http://www.garrogala.net/contacthttp://www.garrogala.net/contact


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! PAGE 8

CRACK!!! Goes the gunCRASH!!! 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 flanking 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 detonatorKaBOOM!!! 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 andheads 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 areunsuccessfulNext, the other door from the rear of the paddy wagon finally falls offThe trailing white truck has a shorter reaction time because it is much closer and cannot avoid the door falling onto the roadthis time.It then smashes into the front and wedges under the frame of the big white truckThe Truck continues to drive as the door causes major sparks to fly as it's dragged along the asphalt underneath the frame.Then, all the sparks and flying pieces of twisted metal cause the front left tire to blow and cripple the large white truck,causing it to slow.Meanwhile, the two flanking 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 vehiclesThe paddy and the rest of the deviant crew also come to a rest.

"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 selfish, 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
http://www.great-quotes.com/quotes/author/Marilyn/Monroehttp://www.great-quotes.com/quotes/author/Marilyn/Monroe


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! PAGE 9

Q1. Okay. So, you are new to the sceneout west, does that make you feel nervousand are you missing the East coast?

A1.Absolutely not. I will admit that I'malways somewhat nervous, but that just

goes with my natural anxiety. The truth ofit is, that I tried to move back to NJ afterliving in Florida for quite a while, andfinancially, it was next to impossible. Ireally wanted to make it work just so Icould finish my degree, but fate decidedotherwise for me.

Q2. Okay, so, then you're not nervousabout being on the opposite side of thecountry?

A2.Well, that's not true. I guess I'malways afraid of not feeling or being secureenough financially. I hate being dependentand most of the things I crave anyhow, arethings I really don't need. So, I think Ijust try too hard sometimes. Ya know? Imean, I have more that I need, with afew minor exceptions. Such as my sanity.

Q3. Oh wow. Well, I think that we alllose that sometimes. Wait, are youseriously concerned? (moment ofawkwardness)

A3.No, I'm not concerned. As long as

I'm taking my medication, I usually dookay.

Q4. So, I guess it's safe to say that youhave been taking your medications?A4. Oh Heavens no. I stopped believingin that stuffa long time ago. I didn't think

you were going to run a quality check.(laughter)

Q5. Okay, well let's get to some moreinteresting things, such as, you new album.It says here that it's called "Hush

Underground." Now these other 2 CD'sI'm holding here reference your name asVirginia, but this one, which I don't havein my hands, but when I look at the onlinescreen here, references you as VirginiaHush. So who are you? What is up withthat?

A5.Ha, I don't know if I even know. I amVirginia. Unfortunately, for the sake of alltechnological advances, mainly the

internet, typing in "Virginia" will hardlybring back any results about a singer fromNJ, Chicago, or Florida. It's all staterelated. So, it's kind of a silly story. My laste.p. was called "Hush." However, if younotice the way the words are pressedbeside each other, it's hard to tell whether

that's my last name or the name of thealbum. I have had so many people, whowere fans even before that came out,come up to me and say, "Wow, I didn'tknow you even had a last name. That'ssounds really cool!" So, majority kind ofruled and I figured, hey, I'll probably getbetter search results now.

Q6.Why not just use your real last name?

A6.There's tons of reasons. I think thatfor the most part, people have a tendencyto spell-out what they hear. So, more likelythan not, they'd be searching for Virginia

Trout and be getting results from "TroutFisher Men of America" locatedsomewhere in the state of Virginia. I tryto include all the different possibilities

though when filling out the tags for mysites. My last name is spelled TrAut, butonly a handful of people would ever knowthat. Now, I've kind of moved towardssimply IAM VirginIA.MARIA. Notbecause I want to be like Will.I.AM, butI've always used that expression and I

think it fits. Especially now that I'mrunning this publication.

Q7.Yeah, I can tell you have someBuddhist tattoos. Do you consider

yourself really spiritual?

A7.Yes, absolutely. Even on days that I'mnot quite living to my fullest potential,that underlying spiritual element that I

trust, is sometimes the only thing that getme through the day.

Q8. Okay, okay. Interesting. So, this is thefinal question. I just wanted to ask if we

were ever going to get a chance to readthat book you keep talking about. Your

memoir that seems to have a differentname every month.

A8.Well, to be honest, I think this latesttitle is what I'm sticking with. SweetVirginia, Meet Strangeling. It has hugemeaning behind it, but you'll have to readit to understand why. If it's ever turnedinto a movie, which would just send meflying higher than anything, it would haveto be directed by David Lynch or someonesimilar, like a Coppola, or The CoenBrothers. The soundtrack would be acombination of some of my tracks and afew other near and dear artists that I love.

I think that a movie would show betterwhat I'm trying to convey. Believe it ornot, I'm really not the greatest with wordsand descriptions. I can write poetry andlyrics like it's nothing, but descriptive

writing, is very difficult. I could very easilyshow feelings and emotions visually andthen you'd say, "Yes, I get it!" So, youknow. I hope that happens, but anyhow,

yes, you will read. I'm just so scared Iguess. I am always second guessing myhonesty. I can often times be too honest.While other times, so utterly confusedabout what the truth really is. I don't

know. I just hope people like it. It won'tbe much longer. Now, That's a Girl ScoutsHonor!

Final Question: So how was itinterviewing yourself Virginia?

Final Answer: I can't say that I know forsure what you're talking about.


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IAM: THE INDEPENDENT ARTISTS MAGAZINE MONTH OF JUNE

PAGE 10

I was agreeing to become a paid member.The day that I first went on the site,

which I never returned to until a week

later to make sure my information wastaken down, I read through their terms ofservice. I had a feeling I was beingextorted and normally will not click on an"accept terms" box unless I feel Iabsolutely have to. In this case, to requestto have your mugshots taken down and/orprove that they were falsifications, youhad no choice but to click the button andagree.

I knew from the very beginning thatthe website seemed liked a scam, so as I

was reading through the terms, I realizedhow every section would negate a

previous section. So it became impossibleto understand what terms they wereasking you to agree to. Within fiveminutes of completing the transaction, Isent them an email stating that I did notagree to their terms, however saw noother way of going about the process ofhaving the information removed.

I never received a response until aftermy third email. That was sent out when Irealized I never got a refund, none of thephotos were removed and then I wascharged a membership fee on top of it. Ihad already attempted calling the place

and all I got was a nasty woman accusingme of being a criminal and stating that it'smy fault and this is how I was going tohave to deal with my mistakes for the restof my life. I couldn't believe it. So, nomore calls, just emails. This way, at least Ihad everything documented.

I finally received a response and itstated that I am responsible for keepingup with the changes in the terms ofservice agreement located on their site. Italso stated that a photo was removed andthe fee that I paid was to only have one

photo removed. I had three. Two wereduplicates and the third was from the dayI went in to serve my nine days for theDUI. All, as I mentioned, for one case.She told me that one of my photos wasremoved so technically, they fulfilled theirpart of the agreement.

I can't even tell you how long this wenton for. I wrote to the State AttorneyGeneral's office and tried to get a hold ofanyone 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 aduplicate which ended up back on thesite within a month. Then, on top of that,all of a sudden my photos were poppingup in other states too. States I had nevereven been to other than just passingthrough. I was really starting to look likea national fugitive.

Eventually, I got my money back byfiling a dispute with my bank, but thenightmare I had to go through andcontinued to go through as a result of themisleading website, was trulyunforgettable. Suddenly sites just like that

one were popping up all over. Only theirfees were several hundreds of dollars tohave your photo removed. So I may have

gotten my money back, but nothing everchanged. In fact they only got worse.

The idea that our own government wasnot only allowing such online bullying,but selling the information offto thesejerks, just proved to me that I was clearlymistaking when I believed this was a

great country to live in. So what does thishave to do with art or my music?Everything.

Any site I had ever put up was beingsabotaged by the mugshots. Whonormally looks past the first page? I knowthat for me it's very rare. So how could Ipromote myself and not promote these

websites and further spread the rumorsthat were now going all over the placeabout me?

The answer? I had to change everythingand not tell so much as a countyemployee, who could turn around and sellmy information again. Just like spammerssell your email address. I filed a policereport and from there, I'm demanding

compensation from everyone involved.I'm still awaiting answers, but I know thisentire battle is exactly what caused theidentity theft that further forced me toclose every account I've ever owned. So,thank you America, for showing me how

virtual human trafficking works.

By: Virginia Marie Traut

If I didn't have a photo on any one of myprofiles, I would receive little to noattention. A small study I performed after

running into some of my own biggestnightmares come true, consisted of meopening up several accounts across varioussocial sites. Suddenly, any search of my namecame back with photographs of mymugshots. "How could this be possible? I

was arrested once, on only one charge, sohow is it thats KY, TX, OK, and AZ can allhave legitimate mugshots of arrests? That'sfour states too many for someone who hasnever been in trouble with the law, exceptfor a couple DUI's that are were consideredtraffic violations.

Regardless, I know this is public

information, but what good is it doinganyone to not just have it public, but tohave it publicized and advertised in a verymisleading way? That seemed like a

violation of privacy rights to me! It alsoseemed like a great way for people to passjudgement. We all know that if base most ofour decisions on first impression. So, if I'mapplying for a job and the employer decidesto search my name, I can only hope that heor she takes the extra 10 minutes to click oneach mugshot and see that it's really only forone charge. I am not a dangerous criminaland 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 thosepictures removed. I even paid the fee they

wanted with the idea that it would berefunded once I proved that their posts

were suggestive and inaccurate. Not onlydid I not get my money back, they also hadthe nerve to charge my credit card again 2

weeks later claiming because I had decidedto use their site and provide my credit card,


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PAGE 11

"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 benefit others. Some people may

disagree if your not yet making six figures.

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

difficult 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 "WonderYears" 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 definitely lack the experience of

knowing whether the field 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 togo 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 fine art,

writing, or being a rock star. Regardless,

every artist can somehow benefit 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 finally 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 thesame 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 smokingand 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

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 field 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 atyour own pace.

Most musicians are of very low income,

probably don't have a full education, and are

not really identified as being contributing

members of society. At least not on paper,

and that's all that matters, right? By: Virginia Marie Traut

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
http://www.demandprogress.com/http://www.cracked.com/http://www.cracked.com/http://www.lostateminor.com/http://www.mysite.com/http://www.eventful.com/http://www.dictionary.com/http://www.dictionary.com/http://www.createspace.com/http://www.demandprogress.com/http://www.demandprogress.com/http://www.cracked.com/http://www.cracked.com/http://www.lostateminor.com/http://www.lostateminor.com/http://www.mysite.com/http://www.mysite.com/http://www.eventful.com/http://www.eventful.com/http://www.dictionary.com/http://www.dictionary.com/http://www.createspace.com/http://www.createspace.com/


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PAGE 12

If you would like to become a contributing member, please click HERE to let us know by email. We areopen for suggestions and welcome all different points of views. Whether you're interested in contributingyour own personal work such as photography, poetry, videos, music clips, etc., or running your own monthlycolumn, chances are, it's your lucky day. Since IAM is a Brand New and FREE publication, it is still in thestages of accepting open-minded expansion. So, be a part of something that has purpose. Make it yourpurpose. Join the IAM network of Independent Artist's and give your creative mind a voice.

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 first of each month. Otherwise, you can have it sent directly to yourinbox! IAM is Free and as long as we receive the sponsors needed to keep the magazine going, it always willbe. 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.

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 fit.Techonomy:The economy based on trending technology. From the newest technological breakthroughs, tosome 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 difficult 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 collaboratewith 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 find 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.
http://fitnessforwords.com/http://fitnessforwords.com/http://iamvirginia.com/http://iamvirginia.com/mailto:[email protected]?subject=I%27m%20Interested%20in%20Becoming%20a%20Contributing%20Membermailto:[email protected]?subject=I%27m%20Interested%20in%20Becoming%20a%20Contributing%20Member


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Double-click to Play the Video.

Song Tracks include in order, short clip; Nights Alone, full song; MySilent Teacher,and short clip; Promise Me. All from the Hush Underground double release, nowavailable at the Amazon MP3 store, iTunes, and most other online stores. For moreinformation and/or to get involved with anyof Virginia's current projects, please visitany of the following websites:

VirginiaHush.com/mmstore.htmlIAMVirginia.com

FitnessForWords.com

LotusPubCanvas.com

LotusRainRecords.com

Voxella.US

Voxbella.com

OneBlueLabel.com

ActingPRESS.com

HushUnderground.com

Aria-Vita.com

MyColorBRAND.com

aHushStore.MyColorBrand.comMillionShadesofYou.com

MVDirectStream.com

PinfinitePros.com

SweetConscience.com

Facebook.com/USAplus

Twitter.com/VirginiaHUSH

VirginiaMarie.BlogSpot.com

MixedMediaTalent.com

AlamarieLLC.com

VirginiaTrautMusic.com

VillaHotPress.com
http://livepage.apple.com/http://aria-vita.com/http://virginiatrautmusic.com/http://virginiatrautmusic.com/http://livepage.apple.com/http://livepage.apple.com/http://alamariellc.com/http://actingpress.com/http://mixedmediatalent.com/http://onebluelabel.com/http://virginiamarie.blogspot.com/http://voxbella.com/http://virginiatrautmusic.com/http://livepage.apple.com/http://virginiamarie.blogspot.com/http://twitter.com/VirginiaHUSHhttp://facebook.com/USAplushttp://lotusrainrecords.com/http://sweetconscience.com/http://mvdirectstream.com/http://virginiatrautmusic.com/http://virginiatrautmusic.com/http://virginiatrautmusic.com/http://virginiatrautmusic.com/http://alamariellc.com/http://alamariellc.com/http://mixedmediatalent.com/http://mixedmediatalent.com/http://virginiamarie.blogspot.com/http://virginiamarie.blogspot.com/http://twitter.com/VirginiaHUSHhttp://twitter.com/VirginiaHUSHhttp://facebook.com/USAplushttp://facebook.com/USAplushttp://sweetconscience.com/http://sweetconscience.com/http://pinfinitepros.com/http://pinfinitepros.com/http://mvdirectstream.com/http://mvdirectstream.com/http://millionshadesofyou.com/http://millionshadesofyou.com/http://ahushstore.mycolorbrand.com/http://ahushstore.mycolorbrand.com/http://mycolorbrand.com/http://mycolorbrand.com/http://aria-vita.com/http://aria-vita.com/http://livepage.apple.com/http://livepage.apple.com/http://actingpress.com/http://actingpress.com/http://onebluelabel.com/http://onebluelabel.com/http://voxbella.com/http://voxbella.com/http://voxella.us/http://voxella.us/http://lotusrainrecords.com/http://lotusrainrecords.com/http://lotuspubcanvas.com/http://lotuspubcanvas.com/http://fitnessforwords.com/http://fitnessforwords.com/http://iamvirginia.com/http://iamvirginia.com/http://virginiahush.com/mmstore.htmlhttp://virginiahush.com/mmstore.htmlhttp://amazon.com/http://amazon.com/http://youtube.com/virginiamariehttp://youtube.com/virginiamariehttp://voxbella.com/http://voxbella.com/http://pinfinitepros.com/http://pinfinitepros.com/http://lotuspubcanvas.com/http://lotuspubcanvas.com/http://lotusrainrecords.com/http://lotusrainrecords.com/http://iam.virginia.com/http://iam.virginia.com/http://lotuspubcanvas.com/http://lotuspubcanvas.com/


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