Are free memberships available in the student organization Futur Professionals™ also?
No. However, the cost of membership is a fraction of the professional organization, and, providing you graduate from a communications / media related programme acceptable to Futur ProfessionalsŞ, you are virtually guaranteed acceptance as a Freelance Professionals™ associate member. (Subject to the same probationary period, rules and regulations of all F-Pro™ associates)

Is there anything I can get for free from you guys?
Yes. If you are currently freelancing and submit by snail mail a photocopy or tearsheet of recently published work (clearly indicating credit to you) you can be temporarily listed in the F-Pro Resource Bank. (Send your material along with the application form to the coordinator listed on the form below.) To be included in the Master Database of Freelance Professionals™ under regional directories, ( distributed to subscribing publishers, broadcasters and media agencies), you must be an active bona-fide member. (see membership details)

Can just anyone use the trademarked names and symbols associated with F-pro™?
Definitely No. In order to protect the integrity and reputation of its members, associates and affiliates, F-Pro Inc. encourages the strict regulation of the logos, symbols and wordmarks associated with the world wide communications network. Reporting and exposing individuals or organizations who infringe on membersŐ copyrights is a part of the power of the F-Pro™ organization. Members are obligated to report any suspected infringements of the following marques to the copyright holder addressed below: F-Pro™, Freelance Professionals™, Futur Professionals™ , Fashion Professionals™, Independent Image and Information Producers™ (IIIP) , MULTInationalMEDIA™ , F-Pro Knowledge Knavigator™, F-Pro Trader™ , F-Pro Jobmart™ , F-Pro Press Pool™, F-Pro Resource Bank™, F-Pro International Access Card™, other language versions and symbols associated with this network organization protected by Berne Convention Copyright Protection. Trademarks may not be reproduced in association with any other individual, company, organization, product or service without prior authorization. All wordmarks and trademarks are property of F-Pro Inc. C-12, Market Place, Providenciales, TCI, BWI. WORLD RIGHTS RESERVED.

Does joining F-Pro help me protect my own copyright material?
Yes. By joining the organization, you agree to the principles of the organization, which include respect of copyright. You also agree to report suspected infringements of other member's copyrights (as they will do for you) and as a member, you have access to the streamlined F-Pro world wide trademark registration service.

Does paying my initiation fee grant me usage of any of the trademarks owned by F-Pro Inc.?
No. A new member or associate must first be accepted into the organization as a bona-fide student or professional freelancer before being granted written authorization to display the trademarks only - Logo reproduction is forbidden except in circumstances outlined in membership guidebook. All initiation or application fees cover application & administration costs only, and do not grant any privileges by their payment.

Do F-Pro Knowledge Knavigators have the right to use trade marks owned by F-Pro, Inc.?
Yes, Knowledge Knavigators (KKs) who have completed the probationary period in good standing, have paid all the required fees and signed the contracts, are granted the right to reproduce the trade marks associated with F-Pro under very strict guidelines.

Why is membership in these networks so restrictive? Don't you want to fill up the roster with as many members as possible?
Although it seems that every answer has reflected restriction and exclusivity, there is a good reason to be clear about who can affiliate with F-Pro™ and its various divisions and who is not eligible. Freelance Professionals™ is concern ed with promoting high standards in freelance work, conduct and copyright recognition, so we don't "let in" just anyone. Unlike some professional associations, who will accept anyone just to get their membership dues, we are first concerned with who you are, the ethical basis by which you carry on your freelance business and whether or not we want to lend our name to you as being affiliated with Freelance Professionals™. In the years to come, this approach will prove to be the right one, as F-Pro members and affiliates around the world will have created "the standard" by which all others are measured.

What is the mission of F-Pro™?
F-Pro™ mission is twofold, first, it is working to reverse a disturbing trend, particularly in digital media, where originally authored material is being copied and illegally profited from without recognition and respect of copyright. F-Pro™ wants to encourage a global community of Freelance Professionals™ who will adhere to and promote the principles of F-Pro™, and who will observe and assist in enforcing fair compensation and copyright protection for its members. Secondly, F-ProŞ intends to create a world wide environment of ŇCO-opetitionÓ a co-operative, competition among the world's best communications freelancers, assuring that F-Pro affiliation is regarded as synonymous with the highest quality in communications professionals and Knowledge Knavigators. Take your time and think about whether you meet the criteria to become involved in F-Pro™ or Futur Professionals™ (F-Pro*edu). As this is a member supported network and association, the information contained in the network is the responsibility and result of contribution from F-Pro™ members. The initiation fee is non-refundable, and upon acceptance you will be called upon to provide certain documentation, proof of compliance and perform certain duties and make contributions of expertise and assistance to the network in your area. If you are a professional "talker", but not a professional "doer", spend your money and your time on other pursuits. However, if you are in control of your own destiny, a "team player" a "networker" and willing to contribute your enthusiasm and ideas toward the most powerful concept in creative standards yet... F-Pro™ or Futur Professionals™ may be just what you want!

What are the set of F-Pro™ rules?
The F-Pro™ CREDO contains a few principles to guide the behaviour of its members. Essentially, the CREDO deals with honest and fair treatment of freelance artists / producers and the recognition of who should profit from intellectual property of all kinds. F-Pro What are the set of F-Pro™ rules? members agree to adhere to the CREDO or suffer expulsion from the organization and placement on the X-List. (Q29)

The Freelance Professionals (F-Pro™) World Syndicate CREDO (December 5th 1995.)

1. TO RECOGNIZE authorship and copyright, and to maintain control and profit from intellectual property into the hands of the producer.
   
2. TO ENCOURAGE the publishing and distribution of unsolicited information in any form, that it may find its widest audience.
   
3. TO REWARD individualism, innovation, risk, creativity and uniqueness with respect, recognition and profit.
   
4. TO UPHOLD a standard of information production based on integrity, truth, intelligence and fairness.
   
5. TO DENOUNCE all forms of hatred toward people based on sex, ethnicity, religion, colour or national origin.
   
6. TO ELIMINATE pornography involving or accessible to children.
   
7. TO RESPECT the customs, languages and ethnic diversity of the worldŐs citizens.
   
8. TO ACT as a professional in all freelance endeavours.
   
9. TO REPRESENT F-Pro™ as a member in good standing.
   
10. TO SEEK OTHERS who share these values and syndicate them.
    

How do I get my F-Pro™ Personal Identification Number (PIN)?
Ask Darren

Is insurance available to F-Pro™ members?
Yes. In 1997, Insurance coverage for basic liability up to $25,000 will be provided with your advanced membership fee of $100.00
This coverage takes effect after the temporary membership period, or four months, whichever is longer.>br> This coverage does not apply to basic, or free memberships.

What is the X-List?
The X-List is comprised of communicators or organizations barred from re-applying or joining the Freelance Professionals™ (F-Pro™) group. Reasons for being placed on the X-List could include:

• a complaint against a member is registered, documented proof is submitted that a member has broken the membership agreement or CREDO (10.1) and an inadequate defence has been presented.
• a member is successfully condemned for obstructing the advancement of, making malicious remarks regarding, or competing unfairly with another F-Pro™ member.
• a member mis-represents themselves in association with F-Pro™, to any person, organization or agency, causing damage to F-Pro's good name and that of its associates.
• any non-member who has falsely represented themselves as officially associated with F-Pro™
• organizations or individuals outside the F-Pro organization who have had numerous complaints from different F-Pro member sources lodged against them, in violation of the F-Pro CREDO (Q26) and who, when contacted, did not satisfy the complaints.

Is de-listing the same as X-Listing?
No. X-Listing is a result of confirmed violation of the F-Pro CREDO, and is regarded as unprofessional. De-listing occurs if, within one year and one month (by the 13th month of membership) a member has not returned at least one tearsheet, published copy or recording of work crediting the F-Pro™ member (with some reference to their F-Pro™ status) or renewed their membership.. that member wil be considered inactive and de-listed in the 13th month. Important Note: The de-listed member must immediately cease to display or mention any association with F-ProŞ and must return or destroy (notarized proof) their membership card, and any media with the F-Pro trademark printed, affixed or displayed.