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Question:
Dear Dr. Bill,
Can I have permission to use your materials to ...
[build an app, develop an online teaching program, or create some other resource]?
I'll give you credit!
Also, even if you don't give permission to use the illustrations, I would appreciate it if I could still keep you as a contact or reference for future questions about teaching ASL.
Sincerely,
Bob [or some other non-Deaf person]
Response:
Dear _________
Hello. You have indicated you are [building an app, developing a program, or creating some other resource] for which you would like to use my [graphics, pictures, ....]
I already have existing commitments regarding the use of my time, graphics, and published materials apps and projects that are currently in development or scheduled for future development. As such the answer is "no" in regard to extending permission for use of my graphics in your "application to teach ASL."
For many years I and the Lifeprint Studio have carefully built up a reputation of quality and credibility in regard to ASL instruction. While I don't consider myself to be of any importance in the larger scheme of things, it seems that when my face or even just my hands and a citation of my name go into a product it tends to have an effect equivalent to that of a (minor, cough) celebrity or credibility endorsement. If the product is produced by someone who is not "actually" fluent in ASL it may include errors that might cause confusion and other issues unless I were to participate in a careful vetting and review of such products.
Vetting and review of products tends to take a massive amount of time. Earlier I mentioned that my time is committed to existing projects.
I'm in somewhat of a triage mode (as in juggling projects) actually with no left over time to engage in the level of review and feedback of external (other people's) projects that would be necessary to ensure high quality. Additionally, there is a segment of the Deaf Community who actively attack what they consider to be cultural misappropriation for gain including but not limited to financial, reputatio, credibility, or even just audience building.
I am not one of those people. I (strive to) focus only on uplifting others by creating value and helpful content. However, some of the times my content or name has been used by Hearing people (or in other words "people who can hear") has led to public relations issues.
If you are a non-Deaf person you may want to reflect carefully (and/or just ask "AI") regarding potential public relations issues with the Deaf Community related to Hearing people teaching ASL and choosing to create or develop in this space. I mention that because I'm sure you value your time as much as I do mine and it is important that your time not be wasted. As such prior to investing too much more time moving forward in this space I encourage you to find local Deaf individuals with whom you can meet, collaborate with, and be advised by and/or connect with representatives from any local Associations of the Deaf to which you may have access.
You mentioned that you would appreciate it if you could still keep me as a contact or reference for future questions about teaching ASL.
Within reason sure. I'm happy to answer questions about the teaching of ASL. The "within reason" phraseology has to do with the idea that it is not reasonable to use me as an unpaid consultant for entrance to or engagement in a field to which you haven't invested the time yet to become familiar via formal study or years of interaction with Deaf people and Deaf culture. However I'm absolutely open to a win / win processes in which I answer questions about teaching ASL that I haven't already answered somewhere on my website. Answering such questions and then posting my answer at my website helps me continue building Lifeprint up as a resource (thus the other person gets a win in the form of my answer, I get a win in the form of new content, and society gets a win in the form of availability of additional answers to questions.
Warm regards,
+ Bill
What are some non-financial benefits of publishing?
Gemini's response:
1. Reputational and Credibility Gains
Establishing Authority: Publishing high-quality content or completing a challenging project establishes the creator as a thought leader or expert in their field.
Building Trust: Consistency and quality build trust with an audience, making them more receptive to future projects or endeavors.
Increasing Visibility: The content acts as a public portfolio, increasing the visibility of the creator's skills, ethics, and values.
2. Community and Network Gains
Audience Building: Posting content helps cultivate a dedicated audience or community around a topic or brand. This is a valuable asset for future endeavors.
Networking Opportunities: The project can attract collaborators, mentors, potential partners, or even future employers who share the same interests.
Feedback Loop: The act of sharing often generates constructive feedback and dialogue, which is essential for personal and professional growth.
3. Skill and Intellectual Gains
Skill Refinement: The process of completing the project (e.g., researching, writing, editing, coding) forces the creator to practice and sharpen their core skills.
New Learning: Often, a project requires learning new tools or domains, expanding the creator's overall intellectual capital.
Sense of Accomplishment: Completing a passion project provides significant personal satisfaction and boosts morale and confidence.
4. Future Opportunity Gains (Indirect Financial)
Lead Generation: While not a direct sale, the free content can serve as a marketing tool that draws people to paid services, products, or consulting.
Personal Branding: A strong body of work enhances one's personal brand, which can lead to better job offers, speaking engagements, or sponsorship opportunities down the line.
Legacy and Archival Value: Creating something lasting ensures the ideas and work have a long-term impact that transcends immediate profits.
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