Giving Credit Where Credit is Due
photo: beBoWhich brings me to my point. Let me preface this by saying, I'm not the "blogger police," but just wanted to post a little blogger etiquette.
I first discovered this staircase photo on We Heart It.
which led me to Tumblr, Would You Like to Swing on a Star,
which led me to The Life is a Rose,
which led me to princess-queen-v. Then nothing.
That's right. No photo credit for this lovely image.
which led me to Tumblr, Would You Like to Swing on a Star,
which led me to The Life is a Rose,
which led me to princess-queen-v. Then nothing.
That's right. No photo credit for this lovely image.
So, what to do?
I realize that there is no way to control the vast world of the internet. It's like the Wild West. But, it sure would be nice if we try and give credit to people's images when we can. If I was a photographer, I'd certainly watermark my images!
I hope I don't sound "preachy" as I'm definitely not the authority of the blogging world. Just wanted to share some thoughts.
- There are all sorts of legal and copyright rules for the internet. Some of which you can read about here on this informative post.
- How many times have you read a blog with numerous images and there are absolutely no image or link credits? Frustrating? Very. I frequently find something I'd like to view or purchase with no trace of where the image originated from.
- When you post images that you do not own, you should always credit the photographer if you possibly can. It is their art, not yours. You should also credit the source of the information (where you found it), and any sources that they have named. So, if you found the image on another blog or website, at least credit them with a link back to their site/blog. It's only fair.
- An interesting quote...“Tumblr is the place where copyrights and credits go to die.” - Door Sixteen
- I know we bloggers frequently stumble upon random images on the internet with no credits at all. What to do then? I'm not really sure how to answer that one. Perhaps do a little more research. At the very least, make an effort to try and find the credit for it.
I realize that there is no way to control the vast world of the internet. It's like the Wild West. But, it sure would be nice if we try and give credit to people's images when we can. If I was a photographer, I'd certainly watermark my images!
I hope I don't sound "preachy" as I'm definitely not the authority of the blogging world. Just wanted to share some thoughts.
Other bloggers and photographers, do you have any tips to share on image etiquette or guidelines for usage?
Comments
Thanks, Lynn.
Catherine
Thanks for this post. This is a huge pet peeve of mine. I've found myself no longer visiting blogs that do not give credit and seem to give it little thought as to whom the photo belongs. Have even seen an "oops, forgot" on a blog well traveled, so to speak. Could go on and on regarding this topic, thanks for bringing it to light.
~Tracie
But this is the world we live in. Everything is so available and easy to take. It's all a matter of really trying to be honest and trying to give credit where it is due. Thanks for this post.
Mandy
when i save a photo online i try to save the name of my source in the file name, otherwise i end up with a beautiful collection of images and no one to credit.
xox alison
Love your blog, by the way. I appreciate all the effort you put into it for our enjoyment!
Another thing that absolutely drives me nuts is when people crop out watermarks - this is not just rude, it's downright disrespectful. Watermarks are signatures. You don't see museums painting over Vincent van Gogh's signature! Ugh... sorry, this is turning into one huge rant. Long story short, I agree with you 150%!
Personally, people frequently use photos from my website to post on their blog. I don't mind at all as long as my site is credited. But, perhaps that's because I'm not a "professional" photographer.
In any event, this is a serious issue worth more discussion...
Lynn
Yes, credit should be given at a bare minimum. I am more apt to give permission if someone asks...it miffs me a bit when people just automatically use something, credit or not.
A lot of photographers do not watermark because it detracts from the image so much---and if someone is going to steal the image anyway, they usually know how to remove it or crop it out. The big thing is embedding metadata...that way if there is a serious infraction you have some sort of proof that the image is yours.
Ever mindful of crediting others, I have sent over 150 emails to designers, artists, photographers and bloggers.
I received one answer from Polly Eltes, one answer from Visual Vamp, one answer from author Toni Jordan.
147 emails were not replied to at all.
I credit where I can and where I can't I have asked for authors identification to be made to me where ever possible
Small bloggers emails are obviously of not much interest and I can understand why if they receive requests from possibly thousands of people. But if they do not give permission are they denying?
And who do you give credit to when you cannot find the original artist?
Perhaps everyone should watermark their work or sign them as we do with paintings!
Sorry about the length of this but it is all very well for people to get righteous and say they don't bother with bloggers who don't credit but not everyone is aware of the rules, the niceties or even good manners but it does not make them bad people or uninteresting bloggers!
I've been editing my pins, trying to find original sources and deleting pins when unable to, but I will leave up my pin of this staircase because if even 1 person bothers to click through and read what you've posted here and change their bad habits of just taking any image they like, I'll feel I have done some good.