Hi all.

As some of you know, I launch Challenges on a weekly basis in one of the groups that I host, and a few others now and then as well.

I basically, use ideas that jump into my head when creating a challenge, or use a suggestions by someone else, and sometimes, I will run it with events that are happening in the world.

I have recently been asked a question, which was quite easy to answer, but I thought it was worth discussion out here in the public highways, for those who may be interested.

The question was

Why do you only use your own images as challenge images?

Hmmm, I thought, although easy to answer, I must admit, I had not thought that using my own work would have raised a question, but when I think about it now, it could look like self promotion to only use one’s own work.

So, the reason I do it is this – I feel, that using someone elses images in any way other than featuring it in a group, without asking them for their permission, isn’t ok.

I know that many members are fine with it, and are even happy about it [for instance, it doesn’t bother me], but there is that little something inside me that says – hang on Jul – ask first, when it comes to using an image from someone else.

There are a few ways that I will use the work of others – eg, the Primate Art group. In the forums of that group, we have an extensive information base with links to information about each species, so when an image if any species comes into the group for the first time, we use a tiny preview link of it to introduce it to the group members via the forum. The majority of our members know about this [it is in our guidlelines], but there are a few instances where we still seek to ask the artist – basically, if they have put copyright protection measures on their work, like disabling right click with a clear gif option, or if they are quite new to the group and may not be aware of this guideline.

I look at it like this

If a member has taken the time to put this protection in place on their work, then using it as a preview in a journal, forum or bubblemail, or using it as the cover for a challenge – actively removes that protection. The image becomes right clickable and can be copied. I really don’t feel that I have the right to do this to anyone – they protect their work, and I undo it and make it available for everyone to copy – I don’t think so.

So as a general rule of thumb [for me] – if a member has a clear gif over their image – then I like to keep it that way and I don’t use it for challenge covers.

So why do I feature images in my groups that have the same protection in place?

This is an easy one to answer – when using the feature function in a group – all it does is add a thumbnail of the image to the featured gallery. It is the same as the thumbnail of the image within the gallery, that the member added – it is clickable, and it takes you to the work on the members profile for viewing. The protection they have put in place is still there, and the image copyright hasn’t been compromised by being featured.

So that all said and done – here are the rules I work by

If I want to feature an image in a group – I just do it
If I want to feature or promote an image in a journal – I seek permission, or alternatively, I use a text link. using a text link means people view the image on the members profile, with all their copyright protection, still in place.
If I want to use an image as a Challenge cover – I look to see if the clear gif is in place. If it is, I don’t consider using it, if it isn’t, I seek permission from the artist.

It works for me :)

What are your thoughts?

Jul

No problem.
Cheers.

Sounds a very sensible way of doing things, no problem here

Great post Jul….here’s my take. As a host, I use my own work most of the time, because that’s where a lot of my challenge ideas are formed. I see nothing wrong with self-promotion, isn’t that what RB is about? I don’t enter any of my groups’ challenges, therefore, my image, the challenge avatar is not going to win the challenge as I see that it does in many challenges, which makes that image have an advantage, fair or unfair, over the other entries.

I do like to occasionally use group members’ images or search for one that fits the theme. I will not use popular images/artists, I prefer to showcase someone new or an image with few or no comments to give a bit of promotion to the artist and their work. As you state in those cases, I do ask permission. And I will sometimes use an image from my watchlist, as usually there are no issues there and they are happy to help, even if I think they may enter the challenge, which goes back to the avatar wins the challenge. I know it’s not always the case, but the odds are in favor of the challenge avatar.

As for copyrights, everyone’s art is copyrighted the moment they click the shutter, lay down their brushes, pencils, etc. or save the final digital creation, but some (I am one) that takes the extra steps to add the clear gif and state that the work is copyrighted and/or use MyFreeCopyright or other such service as added protection. Still no guarantees that someone won’t try to copy/steal the image.

I don’t see the harm in promoting yourself or others, and if someone really wants to steal or copy that image, they can no matter how hard we try to protect our work. We just have to find them and report them to whichever authority will get them to stop!! BTW, you have my permission!! LOL :)

You are doing the right thing Julie, great post!

Makes perfect sense Jul.

Love your work!

I think is more right to use the host’s image – this avoids having that image later competing in the challenge – and see it always large as life before any voting goes on….:)

You are doing great! Thanks for this lovely group!