It often seems that those most critical of artists' rights have rarely spent any time trying to learn a living as an artist. It's a stereotype to say that they are all techie geeks who love to move data around online and hate anything that makes that difficult, but it's more likely they fit that profile than that of a hard-working artist on tour.

A group of like-minded creative individuals met recently in Northeast D.C.  Brought together by the Ward 7 Arts Collaborative, the artists and creators met to discuss topics and issues that affect a broad range of artists: pursuing a gallery presence, developing a business-like demeanor, and copyright.

As one of three presenters, I spoke briefly about the Copyright Alliance and the importance of copyright for artists and their creative works.  I also talked about the need for creators – who find this issue important – to speak up, to make their voices heard.

Sure, the gang on Wall Street do pretty well for themselves, unless you're at Bear Stearns or Lehman Bros. But there's another industry in New York that Gordon Gekko would love. And that is counterfeit goods.

Neil Gillis is President of S1 Songs America and a Member of the Board of the National Music Publishers' Association. He recently answered questions for the NMPA's upcoming newsletter and the Copyright Alliance is pleased to get an early peek.