Author Archives: CJ Powers

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September 9, 2014

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Media & Society

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Games Workshop Bullies Writer for Using the Term “Space Marines”

By Hailey Smith

Writers nowadays are faced with an extremely large problem: getting their work published and getting it out there to the people who want to read it. Unlike in previous generations, today’s publishers are now looking for writers with an established set of followers on social media, before deciding whether to publish their work or not.

Most writers have then resorted to simply publishing ebooks and selling them online. What happens, then, when one minute you’re watching orders come in for your newly-published SciFi book, and the next, you get an email from Amazon saying that it’s been pulled out of the store for copyright infringement? This is exactly what happened to Maggie Hogarth, U.S.-based writer and author of “Spots the Space Marine”, whose book was pulled from Amazon’s shelves because she used the term “Space Marine,” a term that has apparently been held by U.K. toymaker Games Workshop.

The past few years have seen a rather large boom in the gaming industry, a fact that Gaming Realms, operators of Pocket Fruity, attributes to “the increased adoption of smartphones by consumers, which currently account for 17% of mobile usage, facilitated by increased mobile internet capabilities.” Because of this, many game developers and manufacturers are seeing a much heavier need to push for stronger intellectual property and copyright laws, as well as a better way to enforce them.

Games Workshop took things into their own hands when they had Amazon pull “Spots the Space Marine” from their virtual shelves, claiming that the firm had possessed a trademark for the term “space marine” since 1995. Ultimately, however, the writing community prevailed and “Spots the Space Marine” was reinstated, but not before Maggie Hogarth had lost months of potential sales.

But what happened to “Spots” shed light on a much graver issue: the lack of due process for takedowns in Amazon. “I continue to be gravely concerned by the lack of due process shown me,” Maggie wrote. “There’s a tradition of facing one’s accuser, and one of the worst parts of this ordeal was having no petition, no appeal, no right to defend myself and point out the absurdity of the claim against me.” To this day, guidelines for publication remain to be iron-clad and enforced with a passion; yet it’s surprisingly easy to find yourself being taken off of the shelves for reasons you may not be aware of.

Should you or anyone you know encounter any problems with publishing your work online, you might feel better knowing that there are foundations like the Electronic Frontier Foundation that have experience dealing especially with digital rights. It’s important to keep yourself updated, and always have a backup plan when it comes to publishing your work online.

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September 1, 2014

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Behind the Scenes

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Promo Piece Actor Brings Laughs

There was an awkward moment at yesterday’s luncheon that rose from a serious woman’s comment about homosexuality. She innocently mentioned a man who might be able to help those in the audience better understand the circumstances faced with friends or relatives coming out of the closet, but her delivery was unknowingly unique.

She introduced him without any forethought as a man who “loves the brain, sex and Jesus.” Everyone cracked up and his wife turned 30 shades of pink.

The odd introduction coupled with a subject matter that is awkward for many, set the stage for numerous jokes throughout the afternoon. While some poor jokes surfaced out of nervousness, most jokes opened the door for people to  explore the subject for the first time. I was impressed by the willingness of people to learn about things outside of their comfort zone.

This was made possible in the moment of introduction, because Bill took things in stride and added some additional humor – Causing many to feel more comfortable about the subject matter. His comicality brought a sense of joy into the room and disarmed internalized tensions of many. His words were filled with grace and self-deprecation.

What made the moment funny for me was remembering back to the promo piece I shot last week. Bill was one of the actors who made everyone on set laugh with little effort.

The comedian’s skills far exceeded what you might expect from a conservative university professor that teaches classes on the brain. And amazingly, he returned from a three month sabbatical that utilized his theological degree and other credentials in writing a book on how sexuality of female Evangelicals affects their brain.

So, when the woman casually asked him what he did over the summer, it’s easy to understand how she summarized his passions the way she had.

I lost track of how many degrees Bill has, but I’ll never forget how funny his impromptu shtick was on set. He was in rare form last week and he had the entire cast and crew in stiches. Several people thought we should rewrite the promo to include more of Bill doing his hilarious adlib, but the script had already been approved.

After seeing Bill in his horse riding costume, I immediately thought of “My Professor’s Study,” a live action/animated children’s series I designed for ages 8-12. Once financed, I’ll have to consider Bill for the role of the goofy professor. I would also plan to shoot the script with enough time left over for Bill to spin his humor through impromptu play.

What is it about people with numerous degrees, like Bill Cosby, that creates some of the funniest impromptu bits?

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August 15, 2014

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Thoughts and Ideas

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Relevant, Interesting and Amazing

Devils_LakeThe rope cut hard into my ribs stopping my fall. The taught safety line held, but the momentum swung me into the rock face with a bone-jarring thud. The pain surged through my veins, but I was safe and decided to take in the view. Devil’s Lake was always beautiful in the fall and climbing the face of it increased my appreciation of nature.

I was no expert rock climber like those who had the special shoes, pouch of talc and strap filled with carabiners. I merely had a sense of adventure. It brought about similar feelings that filmmaking did, but with much more adrenaline in the moment.

The experience brought out a sense of relevance to my life. Maybe it was the risk factor that placed my life in jeopardy or the thrill that came from overcoming the odds. In either case, the thoughts provoked by the climb became a filter for the following three weeks – Bringing a new awareness or meaning to life.

The climb and flexible strategy for making my way up the face was always interesting, and the amazing view to die for. This was partly due to the exploration of a place that I had never been to before, coupled with a rush of accomplishment, while surrounded by impeccable beauty.

Adventurous explorations of any kind shifted my perspective to those things that were relevant, interesting and amazing. While I rarely noticed it in most films, that same eye-opening sense showed up within excellent movies like Gravity, The Blind Side, and Les Miserables.

It made me wonder if leaders, pastors and screenwriters were missing something – Something very important.

What if our leaders would live a life that is relevant, interesting and amazing?

Would you be drawn to their words? I would.

I’ve done some amazing things in life like escaping from handcuffs in front of the Chief of Police, shooting a surgical video inside of a woman’s sinus cavity, and watching myself being operated on in a hospital. And the list goes on.

The “interesting” part seems to go hand in hand with amazing experiences. People are genuinely curious when they hear true accounts that are beyond their understandings. In fact, there’s a bit of a fascination that accompanies bizarre occurrences. And, my life is filled with them.

The biggest struggle for me is in the area of being relevant for the sake of those around me. I seem to be surrounded by such an eclectic group of people that I’m not sure what part of my life is worth sharing with others. Or, if I have any thing relevant to share that’s worth their time.

You see, when I’m with another person I feel that it’s my moral obligation to bless them in some way. I know that might sound a bit strange, but I really feel a compulsion to encourage and inspire those with whom I come into contact. This is mostly due to all the blessings I’ve received in life, which I believe can be passed on to others.

Years ago, I was climbing the face of Devil’s Lake bluffs with a group of friends. One in particular told me that it was okay to feel the fear that arose each time my foot slipped or my grip weakened. He reminded me that our time on earth is short and when we realize it, the beauty found in each moment becomes magnified. In those moments we are able to share a blessing with others – Sharing the essence of life with them from the depths of our hearts.

My friend was right about that passion for life and love. There is something very relevant that pours from an authentic person in the moment. Some how, regardless of the times and political atmosphere of the day, our passion to love someone becomes very relevant to the recipient.

I figure that’s why people who go through a divorce recovery group together form a special bond. Or, why Jesus told his followers that those around them would be drawn to him when they see believers loving each other. Love will always be relevant.

I’d like the opportunity to make a movie, write a book and present at a speaking engagement a story that demonstrates what happens to us when we see an amazing and interesting life filled with relevance. I believe the audience would greatly value that moment in their own life.

What are your thoughts?