When I first read what several artists were flipping out over concerning Orphaned Works, I flippe out too.

"WHAT?! They're trying to take our rights away?! All our art will be orphaned from the moment they're created?! WHAT THE FUCK?!"

But of course, one shouldn't join the pitchfork swinging mob unless they do some research, which I admittedly didn't do. Instead, smarter and cooler people had to go whack me over the head with a different perspective to get me to calm down. Here's what I plucked from the conceptart.org forum on the subject.

1. Six Misconceptions About Orphaned Works

"...So, here are six misconceptions that are making the rounds about orphaned works, and a short explanation of why each one is a misinterpretation or just a flat-out lie. I also give links to useful supporting material, and resources you can use to keep track of this issue as it evolves."

[link]

2. ZOMG ORPHUN WORKZ BILL!!!1!!
"...I'm not saying that there's absolutely nothing interesting in this issue, but I do think that Mark Simon's incendiary column, and the reactions based upon it, have clouded the issue far more more than they've shed useful light.

The "orphan works problem" isn't just something dreamed up by evil corporations to steal your vacation photographs. It's an actual problem faced by academics, librarians, and others that the Copyright Office has been attempting to deal with for some time. In 2006, they released a report on orphan works which I believe is worth reading for background information, even if you don't fully agree with their conclusions."

[link]