I am webmaster for several groups and also a member of those groups. While checking for some updates this morning I found that one of the groups on their national site has posted:
“When posting photos, please keep in mind that once a photo is posted anywhere on the internet you relinquish all rights to your image and it may be downloaded, shared or used without your permission. "
This is so untrue that my blood pressure went right though the roof. This misleads the casual visitor along with any potential photographers for the group. I am also the usual photographer for the local branches of this group and while I always have granted permission for the use of my photos on the website, I have NEVER given up my copyright even on my worst photos.
I emailed them immediately and made a note to myself to check back and see if they change the wording. I urge all those who photograph for groups to make sure that it is understood that you are only granting permission to use and state the exact purpose for which they are to be used. NEVER give up your copyright. You don’t know where your photo will next appear.
Loisb
Just an added note. As of today, March17, 2010, this group has not changed the wording on their website nor have they even acknowledged my email to them. I will not be granting them even permission to use in the future.
fototaker
there is some truth. please correct me if i am wrong BUT most servers aren’t secure, and most emails with attached images, and sending and/or uploading of images can pass through separate and different servers on their way from you to their intended destination. in this case, if someone sees it (rare chance) and likes it (even rarer) well.. if there’s NO copyright and nobody’s looking over that shoulder, someone might take it and pin it up on their virtual bulletin board. like the guys who work at processing labs and now & then see a nice nude of someone attractive… one extra copy for me and buddies. nobody confesses that it happens but it does… virtually it continues and though i can prove that the pix is MINE, it’ll be a long involved court case to get compensated and get that guy/thief his rightful due. that ANY image you send/upload/etc is up for grabs by anyone is NOT true. if you stay on the street and breathe air that is rightly yours, can someone come along and breathe that same air as you/yours and sue you for taking too much is theirs, or worst, doesn’t like your minty chewing gum smelling up his breathed air? it’s a long drawn-out dispute. no answers anytime soon, nor do i expect to see anything about it. i’ll wait instead for the movie about this to come out… zzzzzzzzz
Loisb
There is always a copyright unless you revoke it. Folks can snag your photos in many ways. That does not change the fact that it is under your copyright.
I was and continue to be concerned over them telling people untruths. Just last month another site I help maintain put up a notice that anyone can download one copy of anything on the site for personal use. I notified them that my group would not be putting anything on the site until it was changed.
Many otherwise honest people are confused about copyright and there is no reason to add to their confusion.