We at Conservancy spent much in the  last week preparing our Long  Comments
 in our DMCA exemptions requests for this round.  
When we announced these exemption filings, many of our Supporters asked
 us to “back up and explain” what this whole process is
 and why Conservancy participates.  These are excellent questions and  so we provide below a simple explanation of the  DMCA exemption process, why it exists, and why FOSS-friendly organizations like  us chose to participate in what is ultimately a flawed process.