Re: Fw: Trademark letter to the Autism Community from the ASA

[Guest guest]

Ok....

does ANYONE else have a problem with this ribbon like I do?????????

I have been arguing against this ribbon for years

this letter is classic- reminds me of something I wrote to a fellow

Autistic just recently:

There's that " Autism Awareness Ribbon " - oh would I LOVE to *change the

world* - come up with a NEW ribbon (perhaps a year long international

*contest* for ribbon designs followed by finding a company to produce the

ribbon - have it GIVEN AWAY world wide (perhaps make it mandatory it be

freely given) in such great quantities we *drown* that puzzle thing..... (I

have a dream....)

yesterday I noted that Lennie (Schafer) has a new " Autism Flag of Hope " -

you guessed it - a flag version of the ribbon.

I took it up with the locals - part of the reason they'll have nothing to

do with me no doubt - their new pamphlet has the ribbon on the front -

At 11:14 AM 9/13/02 -0300, you wrote:

>Hi, jypsy.

>I was not aware that some people do not like the symbol. However we have

purchased them from the parent Society so I guess that what we are going with.

>Vic [PEI Autism Society President]

Allow me to stumble through making a point here....

Carol Gray and Tony Attwood, two well known and respected authorities in

the ASD field have listened to " People with Aspergers Syndrome " and HEARD,

and accepted and " the authors submit a description of " aspie " for placement

in a much needed but currently non-existent Manual of Discoveries About

People (MDP I) (Figure 1). " http://www.tonyattwood.com/paper4.htm (The

Discovery of " Aspie " Criteria by Attwood and Gray)

on the other hand....

The opinion of Lenny Schafer (of the Schafer Autism Report, formerly The

FEAT Newsletter - certainly not in the ranks of Attwood and Gray but still

out there influencing the Autism community..... including folks here):

" ...aspergarians (I don't like " Aspie " all that much, it sounds

diminuative, like calling autistic girls autistettes.) "

in my humble opinion, Lenny did NOT *listen to* or *hear* Aspies, it's

about what *he* likes (aspergarians??!!??)

So... about that ribbon... and awareness.... and choices....

you can choose the Attwood/Gray way or the Schafer way....

so let's hear it from the " well known and respected " Autistic on the

" puzzle symbol " issue (quote used with permission):

" I have been in ASA for eleven years, a board member of two different

chapters,

one agency and several committees for the National organization. My take on

the symbols is that many parents really don't want to take any

responsibility for their actions. Making us into puzzles is a way to excuse

them. They are way too prone to toss money and us at the nearest witch

doctor rather than use anything close to common sense. "

(Ironically enough, it was the author of this who Lenny Schafer was going

to turn to in an effort to bridge the gap between my philosophy and his:

" I am going to talk to Jerry Newport about finding a way to reconcile the

acceptance philosophy and fix-him/her-up camps. I don't want anyone to be

or feel excluded for no good reasons. " )

(if anyone doesn't know/know of Jerry

http://www.google.ca/search?q=Jerry+Newport+Autism & ie=ISO-8859-1 & hl=en & meta= )

If you are interested in being more AWARE, I can certainly solicit more

opinions....

of course I can't make you listen....

or hear....

-jypsy

_________________

Are you folks all happy with the PUZZLE symbol?

-jypsy

At 10:59 PM 9/2/2003 -0700, you wrote:

>-------------------------------------------

> >

> > September 2, 2003

> >

> > Dear Autism Community:

> >

> > This past week ASA has received numerous communications inquiring

> > about the Puzzle Ribbon trademark that ASA has secured. May this

> > letter answer most of your questions while addressing the many

> > concerns forwarded to us. If, upon review, you have additional

> > questions, please be kind enough to contact me directly, so we can

> > discuss the matter further.

> >

> > As some of you may know, I grew up in a small town, a mile by a mile,

> > named Maywood (New Jersey). The same town Rob Beck and his wife met

> > (in kindergarten) and lived for a period of time. Although 8 miles

> > from New York City, we left the keys in the car at night, doors

> > unlocked, and children played outside with no supervision. When I

> > was sent to the local market, no money was needed in pocket.

> > Instead, one could just sign an `IOU' and go on their merry way.

> > This was a wonderful time not so long ago.

> >

> > Conversely, today, most of us lock our doors and have valuables

> > alarmed for a reason; to protect the things we cherish greatly.

> > Similarly, ASA, as the national organization that is focused on

> > protecting the rights of persons with autism, feels they should take

> > the lead and be the custodian to such an important symbol within our

> > community.

> >

> > In this vain, before anyone else, ASA reached out to protect the

> > Puzzle Ribbon logo. Some may consider this a smart business move

> > while others wish they did it first. Either way, it is ASA's

> > intentions to protect the use of this symbol and prohibit non-

> > supporters of the autism community from the use of it.

> >

> > For general background information, other organizations have

> > trademarked ribbon logos, like the pink Breast Cancer Awareness

> > symbol. This permits the trademark holder to file a complaint for

> > mis-use and have the LEGAL standing to fight in court for its

> > protection (non-trademark holders have less legal rights in the court

> > room even if they have utilized the symbol/mark for years).

> >

> > For instance, as the trademark holder, ASA has the legal standing to

> > halt two groups that have used the puzzle ribbon to represent their

> > non-profit organizations, a Gothic organization and a Gay Pride

> > group. The best way to prevent these types of uses is to have

> > trademark protection.

> >

> > In sum, please go on using the very symbol that is the symbol for

> > Autism Awareness. Sell your fundraising ribbons so the general

> > public also learns about our worthy cause. We support all such non-

> > commercial and related autism efforts.

> >

> > Today, Maywood residents lock their doors and alarm their homes. Let

> > us be `smart' and obtain the best protection possible so we can not

> > waste any more time than needed on protecting the symbol for Autism

> > Awareness and, instead, focus on the task that has been put upon

> > us finding a cure, educating, and making our loved ones live a

> > wonderful productive life in a fully aware society.

> >

> > Thank you for your time and attention to the important issue.

> >

> >

> > Sincerely,

> >

> >

> > Ellen M. Zavian, ASA

> > Director, Chapter Operations

> > x-104

> >

>

>

>

[Guest guest]

I personally cant STAND the puzzle symbol.

We were talking about this on another group, and the idea of a crystal

or prism being a symbol for autism came up and I liked that much better

(the sympolic focus was on the rainbow of colors because we are all

different but the spectrum is beautiful, adn the many facets of the

autism spectrum).

THe puzzle hurts my eyes, and nonspectrummers are more puzzling than Ill

ever be...what I do is logical, its the rest of the world that makes no

sense.

Kassiane

< Re: Fw: Trademark letter to the Autism

Community from the ASA

Ok....

does ANYONE else have a problem with this ribbon like I do?????????

I have been arguing against this ribbon for years

this letter is classic- reminds me of something I wrote to a fellow

Autistic just recently:

There's that " Autism Awareness Ribbon " - oh would I LOVE to *change the

world* - come up with a NEW ribbon (perhaps a year long international

*contest* for ribbon designs followed by finding a company to produce

the

ribbon - have it GIVEN AWAY world wide (perhaps make it mandatory it be

freely given) in such great quantities we *drown* that puzzle thing.....

(I

have a dream....)

yesterday I noted that Lennie (Schafer) has a new " Autism Flag of Hope "

-

you guessed it - a flag version of the ribbon.

I took it up with the locals - part of the reason they'll have nothing

to

do with me no doubt - their new pamphlet has the ribbon on the front -

At 11:14 AM 9/13/02 -0300, you wrote:

>Hi, jypsy.

>I was not aware that some people do not like the symbol. However we

have

purchased them from the parent Society so I guess that what we are going

with.

>Vic [PEI Autism Society President]

Allow me to stumble through making a point here....

Carol Gray and Tony Attwood, two well known and respected authorities in

the ASD field have listened to " People with Aspergers Syndrome " and

HEARD,

and accepted and " the authors submit a description of " aspie " for

placement

in a much needed but currently non-existent Manual of Discoveries About

People (MDP I) (Figure 1). " http://www.tonyattwood.com/paper4.htm (The

Discovery of " Aspie " Criteria by Attwood and Gray)

on the other hand....

The opinion of Lenny Schafer (of the Schafer Autism Report, formerly The

FEAT Newsletter - certainly not in the ranks of Attwood and Gray but

still

out there influencing the Autism community..... including folks here):

" ...aspergarians (I don't like " Aspie " all that much, it sounds

diminuative, like calling autistic girls autistettes.) "

in my humble opinion, Lenny did NOT *listen to* or *hear* Aspies, it's

about what *he* likes (aspergarians??!!??)

So... about that ribbon... and awareness.... and choices....

you can choose the Attwood/Gray way or the Schafer way....

so let's hear it from the " well known and respected " Autistic on the

" puzzle symbol " issue (quote used with permission):

" I have been in ASA for eleven years, a board member of two different

chapters,

one agency and several committees for the National organization. My take

on

the symbols is that many parents really don't want to take any

responsibility for their actions. Making us into puzzles is a way to

excuse

them. They are way too prone to toss money and us at the nearest witch

doctor rather than use anything close to common sense. "

(Ironically enough, it was the author of this who Lenny Schafer was

going

to turn to in an effort to bridge the gap between my philosophy and his:

" I am going to talk to Jerry Newport about finding a way to reconcile

the

acceptance philosophy and fix-him/her-up camps. I don't want anyone to

be

or feel excluded for no good reasons. " )

(if anyone doesn't know/know of Jerry

http://www.google.ca/search?q=Jerry+Newport+Autism & ie=ISO-8859-1 & hl=en & m

eta=

<http://www.google.ca/search?q=Jerry+Newport+Autism & ie=ISO-8859-1 & hl=en &

meta=> )

If you are interested in being more AWARE, I can certainly solicit more

opinions....

of course I can't make you listen....

or hear....

-jypsy

_________________

Are you folks all happy with the PUZZLE symbol?

-jypsy

At 10:59 PM 9/2/2003 -0700, you wrote:

>-------------------------------------------

> >

> > September 2, 2003

> >

> > Dear Autism Community:

> >

> > This past week ASA has received numerous communications inquiring

> > about the Puzzle Ribbon trademark that ASA has secured. May this

> > letter answer most of your questions while addressing the many

> > concerns forwarded to us. If, upon review, you have additional

> > questions, please be kind enough to contact me directly, so we can

> > discuss the matter further.

> >

> > As some of you may know, I grew up in a small town, a mile by a

mile,

> > named Maywood (New Jersey). The same town Rob Beck and his wife met

> > (in kindergarten) and lived for a period of time. Although 8 miles

> > from New York City, we left the keys in the car at night, doors

> > unlocked, and children played outside with no supervision. When I

> > was sent to the local market, no money was needed in pocket.

> > Instead, one could just sign an `IOU' and go on their merry way.

> > This was a wonderful time not so long ago.

> >

> > Conversely, today, most of us lock our doors and have valuables

> > alarmed for a reason; to protect the things we cherish greatly.

> > Similarly, ASA, as the national organization that is focused on

> > protecting the rights of persons with autism, feels they should take

> > the lead and be the custodian to such an important symbol within our

> > community.

> >

> > In this vain, before anyone else, ASA reached out to protect the

> > Puzzle Ribbon logo. Some may consider this a smart business move

> > while others wish they did it first. Either way, it is ASA's

> > intentions to protect the use of this symbol and prohibit non-

> > supporters of the autism community from the use of it.

> >

> > For general background information, other organizations have

> > trademarked ribbon logos, like the pink Breast Cancer Awareness

> > symbol. This permits the trademark holder to file a complaint for

> > mis-use and have the LEGAL standing to fight in court for its

> > protection (non-trademark holders have less legal rights in the

court

> > room even if they have utilized the symbol/mark for years).

> >

> > For instance, as the trademark holder, ASA has the legal standing to

> > halt two groups that have used the puzzle ribbon to represent their

> > non-profit organizations, a Gothic organization and a Gay Pride

> > group. The best way to prevent these types of uses is to have

> > trademark protection.

> >

> > In sum, please go on using the very symbol that is the symbol for

> > Autism Awareness. Sell your fundraising ribbons so the general

> > public also learns about our worthy cause. We support all such non-

> > commercial and related autism efforts.

> >

> > Today, Maywood residents lock their doors and alarm their homes.

Let

> > us be `smart' and obtain the best protection possible so we can not

> > waste any more time than needed on protecting the symbol for Autism

> > Awareness and, instead, focus on the task that has been put upon

> > us finding a cure, educating, and making our loved ones live a

> > wonderful productive life in a fully aware society.

> >

> > Thank you for your time and attention to the important issue.

> >

> >

> > Sincerely,

> >

> >

> > Ellen M. Zavian, ASA

> > Director, Chapter Operations

> > x-104

> >

>

>

>

[Guest guest]

nope - credit goes to one of those autistics.org folks

like minds.....

FWIW....

I sell puzzles because

1- of the prevalence of puzzle obsessers in the population of Autistic kids

I know

2- a local guy makes them - along with my note cards and magnets (buttons

made by another local co.) - I support LOCAL, SMALL business

that started long before the obsession with this damn ribbon in the Autism

community

-jypsy

At 08:01 AM 9/3/2003 -0800, you wrote:

>Jypsy wrote:

> >Ok....

> >does ANYONE else have a problem with this ribbon like I do?????????

> >I have been arguing against this ribbon for years....

>

>Are you the originator of " I'm not a puzzle, I'm a person " ?

>

>Jane

>

>

>

>

>

[Guest guest]

Jypsy wrote:

>Ok....

>does ANYONE else have a problem with this ribbon like I do?????????

>I have been arguing against this ribbon for years....

Are you the originator of " I'm not a puzzle, I'm a person " ?

Jane

[Guest guest]

Hi,

I like the idea of a prism or crystal as the new autism symbol. I

also like the possitive image it condones. Not like a puzzle which is

negitive. Even still, the GLBT community might have a problem with

it, as it would use their colors. (I don't mean to put anyone down.)I

really do like the idea though.

-Tasha

> >-------------------------------------------

> > >

> > > September 2, 2003

> > >

> > > Dear Autism Community:

> > >

> > > This past week ASA has received numerous communications

inquiring

> > > about the Puzzle Ribbon trademark that ASA has secured. May

this

> > > letter answer most of your questions while addressing the many

> > > concerns forwarded to us. If, upon review, you have additional

> > > questions, please be kind enough to contact me directly, so we

can

> > > discuss the matter further.

> > >

> > > As some of you may know, I grew up in a small town, a mile by a

> mile,

> > > named Maywood (New Jersey). The same town Rob Beck and his

wife met

> > > (in kindergarten) and lived for a period of time. Although 8

miles

> > > from New York City, we left the keys in the car at night, doors

> > > unlocked, and children played outside with no supervision.

When I

> > > was sent to the local market, no money was needed in pocket.

> > > Instead, one could just sign an `IOU' and go on their merry way.

> > > This was a wonderful time not so long ago.

> > >

> > > Conversely, today, most of us lock our doors and have valuables

> > > alarmed for a reason; to protect the things we cherish greatly.

> > > Similarly, ASA, as the national organization that is focused on

> > > protecting the rights of persons with autism, feels they should

take

> > > the lead and be the custodian to such an important symbol

within our

> > > community.

> > >

> > > In this vain, before anyone else, ASA reached out to protect the

> > > Puzzle Ribbon logo. Some may consider this a smart business

move

> > > while others wish they did it first. Either way, it is ASA's

> > > intentions to protect the use of this symbol and prohibit non-

> > > supporters of the autism community from the use of it.

> > >

> > > For general background information, other organizations have

> > > trademarked ribbon logos, like the pink Breast Cancer Awareness

> > > symbol. This permits the trademark holder to file a complaint

for

> > > mis-use and have the LEGAL standing to fight in court for its

> > > protection (non-trademark holders have less legal rights in the

> court

> > > room even if they have utilized the symbol/mark for years).

> > >

> > > For instance, as the trademark holder, ASA has the legal

standing to

> > > halt two groups that have used the puzzle ribbon to represent

their

> > > non-profit organizations, a Gothic organization and a Gay Pride

> > > group. The best way to prevent these types of uses is to have

> > > trademark protection.

> > >

> > > In sum, please go on using the very symbol that is the symbol

for

> > > Autism Awareness. Sell your fundraising ribbons so the general

> > > public also learns about our worthy cause. We support all such

non-

> > > commercial and related autism efforts.

> > >

> > > Today, Maywood residents lock their doors and alarm their homes.

> Let

> > > us be `smart' and obtain the best protection possible so we can

not

> > > waste any more time than needed on protecting the symbol for

Autism

> > > Awareness and, instead, focus on the task that has been put upon

> > > us finding a cure, educating, and making our loved ones live a

> > > wonderful productive life in a fully aware society.

> > >

> > > Thank you for your time and attention to the important issue.

> > >

> > >

> > > Sincerely,

> > >

> > >

> > > Ellen M. Zavian, ASA

> > > Director, Chapter Operations

> > > x-104

> > >

> >

> >

> >

[Guest guest]

At least one gay group used the puzzle ribbon.

Is not like anyone owns the idea of a prism...

< Re: Fw: Trademark letter to the Autism

Community from the ASA

Hi,

I like the idea of a prism or crystal as the new autism symbol. I

also like the possitive image it condones. Not like a puzzle which is

negitive. Even still, the GLBT community might have a problem with

it, as it would use their colors. (I don't mean to put anyone down.)I

really do like the idea though.

-Tasha

> >-------------------------------------------

> > >

> > > September 2, 2003

> > >

> > > Dear Autism Community:

> > >

> > > This past week ASA has received numerous communications

inquiring

> > > about the Puzzle Ribbon trademark that ASA has secured. May

this

> > > letter answer most of your questions while addressing the many

> > > concerns forwarded to us. If, upon review, you have additional

> > > questions, please be kind enough to contact me directly, so we

can

> > > discuss the matter further.

> > >

> > > As some of you may know, I grew up in a small town, a mile by a

> mile,

> > > named Maywood (New Jersey). The same town Rob Beck and his

wife met

> > > (in kindergarten) and lived for a period of time. Although 8

miles

> > > from New York City, we left the keys in the car at night, doors

> > > unlocked, and children played outside with no supervision.

When I

> > > was sent to the local market, no money was needed in pocket.

> > > Instead, one could just sign an `IOU' and go on their merry way.

> > > This was a wonderful time not so long ago.

> > >

> > > Conversely, today, most of us lock our doors and have valuables

> > > alarmed for a reason; to protect the things we cherish greatly.

> > > Similarly, ASA, as the national organization that is focused on

> > > protecting the rights of persons with autism, feels they should

take

> > > the lead and be the custodian to such an important symbol

within our

> > > community.

> > >

> > > In this vain, before anyone else, ASA reached out to protect the

> > > Puzzle Ribbon logo. Some may consider this a smart business

move

> > > while others wish they did it first. Either way, it is ASA's

> > > intentions to protect the use of this symbol and prohibit non-

> > > supporters of the autism community from the use of it.

> > >

> > > For general background information, other organizations have

> > > trademarked ribbon logos, like the pink Breast Cancer Awareness

> > > symbol. This permits the trademark holder to file a complaint

for

> > > mis-use and have the LEGAL standing to fight in court for its

> > > protection (non-trademark holders have less legal rights in the

> court

> > > room even if they have utilized the symbol/mark for years).

> > >

> > > For instance, as the trademark holder, ASA has the legal

standing to

> > > halt two groups that have used the puzzle ribbon to represent

their

> > > non-profit organizations, a Gothic organization and a Gay Pride

> > > group. The best way to prevent these types of uses is to have

> > > trademark protection.

> > >

> > > In sum, please go on using the very symbol that is the symbol

for

> > > Autism Awareness. Sell your fundraising ribbons so the general

> > > public also learns about our worthy cause. We support all such

non-

> > > commercial and related autism efforts.

> > >

> > > Today, Maywood residents lock their doors and alarm their homes.

> Let

> > > us be `smart' and obtain the best protection possible so we can

not

> > > waste any more time than needed on protecting the symbol for

Autism

> > > Awareness and, instead, focus on the task that has been put upon

> > > us finding a cure, educating, and making our loved ones live a

> > > wonderful productive life in a fully aware society.

> > >

> > > Thank you for your time and attention to the important issue.

> > >

> > >

> > > Sincerely,

> > >

> > >

> > > Ellen M. Zavian, ASA

> > > Director, Chapter Operations

> > > x-104

> > >

> >

> >

> >

[Guest guest]

Hello,

Good, then it's up in the running still, I guess. But would any NT's

listened to us if we said we wanted a smybol other than the puzzle?

I'm not sure. I hope so.

-Tasha

> > >-------------------------------------------

> > > >

> > > > September 2, 2003

> > > >

> > > > Dear Autism Community:

> > > >

> > > > This past week ASA has received numerous communications

> inquiring

> > > > about the Puzzle Ribbon trademark that ASA has secured. May

> this

> > > > letter answer most of your questions while addressing the many

> > > > concerns forwarded to us. If, upon review, you have

additional

> > > > questions, please be kind enough to contact me directly, so

we

> can

> > > > discuss the matter further.

> > > >

> > > > As some of you may know, I grew up in a small town, a mile by

a

> > mile,

> > > > named Maywood (New Jersey). The same town Rob Beck and his

> wife met

> > > > (in kindergarten) and lived for a period of time. Although 8

> miles

> > > > from New York City, we left the keys in the car at night,

doors

> > > > unlocked, and children played outside with no supervision.

> When I

> > > > was sent to the local market, no money was needed in pocket.

> > > > Instead, one could just sign an `IOU' and go on their merry

way.

> > > > This was a wonderful time not so long ago.

> > > >

> > > > Conversely, today, most of us lock our doors and have

valuables

> > > > alarmed for a reason; to protect the things we cherish

greatly.

> > > > Similarly, ASA, as the national organization that is focused

on

> > > > protecting the rights of persons with autism, feels they

should

> take

> > > > the lead and be the custodian to such an important symbol

> within our

> > > > community.

> > > >

> > > > In this vain, before anyone else, ASA reached out to protect

the

> > > > Puzzle Ribbon logo. Some may consider this a smart business

> move

> > > > while others wish they did it first. Either way, it is ASA's

> > > > intentions to protect the use of this symbol and prohibit non-

> > > > supporters of the autism community from the use of it.

> > > >

> > > > For general background information, other organizations have

> > > > trademarked ribbon logos, like the pink Breast Cancer

Awareness

> > > > symbol. This permits the trademark holder to file a

complaint

> for

> > > > mis-use and have the LEGAL standing to fight in court for its

> > > > protection (non-trademark holders have less legal rights in

the

> > court

> > > > room even if they have utilized the symbol/mark for years).

> > > >

> > > > For instance, as the trademark holder, ASA has the legal

> standing to

> > > > halt two groups that have used the puzzle ribbon to represent

> their

> > > > non-profit organizations, a Gothic organization and a Gay

Pride

> > > > group. The best way to prevent these types of uses is to have

> > > > trademark protection.

> > > >

> > > > In sum, please go on using the very symbol that is the symbol

> for

> > > > Autism Awareness. Sell your fundraising ribbons so the

general

> > > > public also learns about our worthy cause. We support all

such

> non-

> > > > commercial and related autism efforts.

> > > >

> > > > Today, Maywood residents lock their doors and alarm their

homes.

> > Let

> > > > us be `smart' and obtain the best protection possible so we

can

> not

> > > > waste any more time than needed on protecting the symbol for

> Autism

> > > > Awareness and, instead, focus on the task that has been put

upon

> > > > us finding a cure, educating, and making our loved ones live a

> > > > wonderful productive life in a fully aware society.

> > > >

> > > > Thank you for your time and attention to the important issue.

> > > >

> > > >

> > > > Sincerely,

> > > >

> > > >

> > > > Ellen M. Zavian, ASA

> > > > Director, Chapter Operations

> > > > x-104

> > > >

> > >

> > >

> > >

[Guest guest]

At 07:24 AM 9/3/2003 -0700, you wrote:

>I personally cant STAND the puzzle symbol.

>We were talking about this on another group, and the idea of a crystal

>or prism being a symbol for autism came up and I liked that much better

>(the sympolic focus was on the rainbow of colors because we are all

>different but the spectrum is beautiful, adn the many facets of the

>autism spectrum).

>THe puzzle hurts my eyes, and nonspectrummers are more puzzling than Ill

>ever be...what I do is logical, its the rest of the world that makes no

>sense.

>Kassiane

Hi,

I like the idea of a prism or crystal as the new autism symbol. I

also like the possitive image it condones. Not like a puzzle which is

negitive. Even still, the GLBT community might have a problem with

it, as it would use their colors. (I don't mean to put anyone down.)I

really do like the idea though.

-Tasha

Crystals have fabulous potential, imho, as a *symbol* and fundraiser

it doesn't quite translate into a ribbon - however even the " ribbons " are

going metal these days

I've certainly worn my share of crystals - not the way someone like - say,

my mom would - but the potential is certainly there to make them wearable

by the most straight-laced folk

surfed the crystal pages this morning and came up with the next big question -

what SHAPE best symbolizes the Autistic community?

http://www.e-crystalbeads.com/sortbyshape.html

if a crystal was suspended from a [something - ribbon, bar or tack pin....]

http://www.e-crystalbeads.com/pendants.html

??

The silver ribbon is for disabled children - can it be *altered* to include

adults and be specific to Autism?

(add a stripe.....?)

-jypsy

________________________________

Ooops....Wrong Planet! Syndrome

Autism Spectrum Resources

www.PlanetAutism.com

jypsy@...

[Guest guest]

The group that I am on that came up with the prism is primarily NT, and

they were all in favor of the prism, for what thats worth...

Kassiane

< Re: Fw: Trademark letter to the Autism

Community from the ASA

Hello,

Good, then it's up in the running still, I guess. But would any NT's

listened to us if we said we wanted a smybol other than the puzzle?

I'm not sure. I hope so.

-Tasha

> > >-------------------------------------------

> > > >

> > > > September 2, 2003

> > > >

> > > > Dear Autism Community:

> > > >

> > > > This past week ASA has received numerous communications

> inquiring

> > > > about the Puzzle Ribbon trademark that ASA has secured. May

> this

> > > > letter answer most of your questions while addressing the many

> > > > concerns forwarded to us. If, upon review, you have

additional

> > > > questions, please be kind enough to contact me directly, so

we

> can

> > > > discuss the matter further.

> > > >

> > > > As some of you may know, I grew up in a small town, a mile by

a

> > mile,

> > > > named Maywood (New Jersey). The same town Rob Beck and his

> wife met

> > > > (in kindergarten) and lived for a period of time. Although 8

> miles

> > > > from New York City, we left the keys in the car at night,

doors

> > > > unlocked, and children played outside with no supervision.

> When I

> > > > was sent to the local market, no money was needed in pocket.

> > > > Instead, one could just sign an `IOU' and go on their merry

way.

> > > > This was a wonderful time not so long ago.

> > > >

> > > > Conversely, today, most of us lock our doors and have

valuables

> > > > alarmed for a reason; to protect the things we cherish

greatly.

> > > > Similarly, ASA, as the national organization that is focused

on

> > > > protecting the rights of persons with autism, feels they

should

> take

> > > > the lead and be the custodian to such an important symbol

> within our

> > > > community.

> > > >

> > > > In this vain, before anyone else, ASA reached out to protect

the

> > > > Puzzle Ribbon logo. Some may consider this a smart business

> move

> > > > while others wish they did it first. Either way, it is ASA's

> > > > intentions to protect the use of this symbol and prohibit non-

> > > > supporters of the autism community from the use of it.

> > > >

> > > > For general background information, other organizations have

> > > > trademarked ribbon logos, like the pink Breast Cancer

Awareness

> > > > symbol. This permits the trademark holder to file a

complaint

> for

> > > > mis-use and have the LEGAL standing to fight in court for its

> > > > protection (non-trademark holders have less legal rights in

the

> > court

> > > > room even if they have utilized the symbol/mark for years).

> > > >

> > > > For instance, as the trademark holder, ASA has the legal

> standing to

> > > > halt two groups that have used the puzzle ribbon to represent

> their

> > > > non-profit organizations, a Gothic organization and a Gay

Pride

> > > > group. The best way to prevent these types of uses is to have

> > > > trademark protection.

> > > >

> > > > In sum, please go on using the very symbol that is the symbol

> for

> > > > Autism Awareness. Sell your fundraising ribbons so the

general

> > > > public also learns about our worthy cause. We support all

such

> non-

> > > > commercial and related autism efforts.

> > > >

> > > > Today, Maywood residents lock their doors and alarm their

homes.

> > Let

> > > > us be `smart' and obtain the best protection possible so we

can

> not

> > > > waste any more time than needed on protecting the symbol for

> Autism

> > > > Awareness and, instead, focus on the task that has been put

upon

> > > > us finding a cure, educating, and making our loved ones live a

> > > > wonderful productive life in a fully aware society.

> > > >

> > > > Thank you for your time and attention to the important issue.

> > > >

> > > >

> > > > Sincerely,

> > > >

> > > >

> > > > Ellen M. Zavian, ASA

> > > > Director, Chapter Operations

> > > > x-104

> > > >

> > >

> > >

> > >

[Guest guest]

Hi,

I think I posted on the OASIS board a few months back that I thought

the ideal " ribbon " was no ribbon at all, just a safety pin.

It has the idea of individuality, one could have a little symbol of

one's own dear perserveration from it (I did this, I put a little

sterling pug charm on the safety pin, pinned it to my shirt and wore

it to a presentation by one of the world's autism " experts " hosted by

the MIND institute. I believe I was the only spectrumite at the

presentation. It was my little guerrilla tactic.

Also, autistics have issues around " invisibility " so to me we need

an " invisible " ribbon. I joked that I could go on ebay and sell them

with some high fallutin' promotional gab. " Each of these silver-tone

art pieces are crafted in the Far East... " " ...carrying the deep

significance of individuality and invisibility so deeply felt in the

autistic community "

I also have plans to put a notice on my web pages " Puzzle Ribbon Free

Zone " . Ick. I hate them, the puzzle ribbons. They are tooooo corny

for me anyway.

Camille

[Guest guest]

jypsy [ janet norman-bain ] wrote:

> Ok.... does ANYONE else have a problem with this ribbon like I

> do?????????

Yes, I do. It is a throwback to the even worse " puzzle face " logo. It

still says that we are some kind of fascinating puzzle for all of the

good NTs of the world to figure out.

[Guest guest]

Jane Meyerding wrote:

> Jypsy wrote:

> > Ok.... does ANYONE else have a problem with this ribbon like I

> > do????????? I have been arguing against this ribbon for years....

>

> Are you the originator of " I'm not a puzzle, I'm a person " ?

I think that was Tisoncik of autistics.org.

[Guest guest]

At 07:55 PM 9/3/2003 +0000, you wrote:

>I also have plans to put a notice on my web pages " Puzzle Ribbon Free

>Zone " . Ick. I hate them, the puzzle ribbons. They are tooooo corny

>for me anyway.

>

>

>Camille

my page is (except for links to them)

I have gotten people to change webring designs to get rid of the ribbon

before I would put it on my page

likewise I've been successful in having some folks redesign their " award "

banners before I would accept them

I'll talk to " Durgldeep " - my graphics guy - see what kind of little banner

we can come up with

then perhaps a webring?....

-jypsy

________________________________

Ooops....Wrong Planet! Syndrome

Autism Spectrum Resources

www.PlanetAutism.com

jypsy@...

[Guest guest]

Hi, I have the phrase " Puzzle Ribbon Free Zone " on my web page now,

at the top and similar statements on my cafepress.com shop pages.

If durgledeep likes that phrase " puzzle ribbon free zone " he can use,

actually, I don't know if I thought of it first, even. Your page is

very key in most people's web searches, if I am not mistaken. So I

think if you had a banner or something noting that you don't support

the puzzle ribbon symbolism it could become a " meme " . Like:

" Oh, maybe the puzzle ribbon is not so cute afterall. "

I was totally influenced by T's buttons (graphics) on the

autistics.org page.

Camille

>

> >I also have plans to put a notice on my web pages " Puzzle Ribbon

Free

> >Zone " . Ick. I hate them, the puzzle ribbons. They are tooooo

corny

> >for me anyway.

> >

> >

> >Camille

>

> my page is (except for links to them)

> I have gotten people to change webring designs to get rid of the

ribbon

> before I would put it on my page

> likewise I've been successful in having some folks redesign

their " award "

> banners before I would accept them

> I'll talk to " Durgldeep " - my graphics guy - see what kind of

little banner

> we can come up with

> then perhaps a webring?....

>

> -jypsy

>

>

>

> ________________________________

> Ooops....Wrong Planet! Syndrome

> Autism Spectrum Resources

> www.PlanetAutism.com

> jypsy@i...

>

>