Sunday, March 1, 2009

Live and Learn

I've had a little self-imposed absence from my blog for the past couple of days that was partly due to the fact that I was away and partly due to the fact that I felt weird.

DSC_0262 copy5

And a little stupid.

I have recently discovered that some of the textures I've been using have varying stipulations on them regarding their use and I'd like to warn you about some of them. I've directed so many people over to Deviantart and while some of the textures are available to share, others have stringent guidelines attached to them, of which I was blissfully and ignorantly unaware. It makes me feel pretty stupid but I'm going to look at it in a different light. I'm actually grateful to the rather snide couple of comments that a deviant member left on two of my posts recently. But it could have been worse. I could have had someone try to sue me for copyright infringement.

It makes me wonder sometimes at the amount of people who read this blog and how someone so disassociated with it would actually see a texture I used that they had created.

I immediately complied to this person's rules because it was the right thing to do. And then I went and tried to find as many as I could that I had downloaded so that I could read their individual rules.

When I discovered textures, I also discovered a tutorial that described the basics of how to use them. It had a direct link to Deviantart, a website that it has about a million textures available for download. But if you check further on down each deviant screen, you'll see that their download rules come with certain stipulations which range from "these are completely free. If you like, you can link back to this page" and the more complicated "you have permission to use this image in your DA digital art and prints as long as it is altered in some way (such as using it as a drawing reference, digital art collage, backgrounds, texture etc.)" to "use of this image requires consent from owner and cannot be posted off [Deviant]-site".

I'm pretty much of a rule follower. I really don't enjoy being dishonest and it goes against my nature to break the law. Unless it's for a very, very good reason.

I'm being more careful now and just wanted this to be a lesson to others. Although sites may offer downloads of textures and brushes for you to use, please be advised that each choice is by a different artist. And each artist has their own set of rules. I have rules for my site that stipulate that none of my photographs can be used by other people without my consent. They are copyrighted by me. I've seen them on other people's blogs, but only in a promotions purpose, e.g. pimping one of my contests. And that's ok with me.

I'm just sharing what I'm learning.

Peace,

 

Time Machine: A Year Ago Today.

 

The texture on the barn in the photo above was one of two free samples I found on Michelle Black's site.

22 comments:

- said...

There are SOOOOO Many people out there that are unaware of copyright laws for Online material. Whether it be photography, Graphic or digital art or text.

Just as books are copy written, so are online materials.

Some people think that just because you don't make profit of something, that it's free to use in your own creation. I see this a lot in the Graphic Tag making world.

Megan said...

No worries it was an honest mistake and you're making it right. That says something about you and it says something good.

Anonymous said...

Well, I wondered where you had gone.. that explains a lot. Glad you are all legal now... would NOT want to see you hauled off to internet jail. *giggles...

Di
The Blue Ridge Gal

Aunt Krissy said...

Don't beat yourself up. It was an honest mistake. It's kind of hard to know what's ok to use and what's not.

Delwyn said...

Thank you for that reminder. I have been experimenting with da textures too and found a rather confusing variation in rules - I have gone back to check and send messages where necessary. Because I was concerned about the need to comply each use I decided to try making my own and its quite fun to find an image that will work.

Laura ~Peach~ said...

Honest mistakes happen, its what we do with them AFTER them being brought to our attention and you do did and have done the right thing... and thats very COOL!
Love n hugs Laura

Char said...

it is confusing and I admire you for doing the right thing. I purchase a lot of the textures that I use just because I know how easy it is to loose the name of the person you borrowed from. Michelle Black is one of those great and generous artists that share freebies as well as sells her products. I've never been disappointed with any of her actions or textures.

Jeannelle said...

Veddy interesting. Thanks for the heads-up on the texture issue.

Shawn said...

Everyone is so right Kate. Mistakes happen, what defines you is how you deal with them afterwards. So walk with your head up okay?

Quick question though, is this going to affect any of your shots you had in the giveaway? I'm probably going to buy some at your Etsy..just love that valentines one and the daisy.

Skogkjerring said...

In totaly agreement with everyone else's comments- these things happen and it's true- how you deal with it after you've been made aware of the wrong doings is what counts and you have no reason at all to be ashamed of what you did. You fixed it and have made the rest of us aware- I would have made the same mistake- so thanks for the head's up!
Have a great Sunday and fabulous photo as usual!!!

Life on an Island said...

So good of you to share. It is so easy to fall into that issue and not be aware. Been there!

Lovely site.. keep it up!

Treasia Stepp said...

It was an honest mistake on your part Kate. Maybe that website also needs to enlarge their specifications for easier reading and seeing. Just saying don't beat yourself up over it.

KathyB. said...

I too tend to follow rules and sometimes it is hard to find the rules. When I use quotes I attribute them to the author and once in awhile I post something that I have asked the author for permission. If I infringe on anyone's rights and learn of it I delete the item that is in question because I would appreciate that courtesy from someone requesting to use my stuff. Thank-you for sharing this and it is a good lesson. Your respect and attitude in this matter is most kind , hope it is appreciated by the 'powers that be'.

Flea said...

I certainly hope that no barns were harmed in the texturing of that photo, missy.

cieldequimper said...

Things get so complicated in modern life, copyright yes, but please explain in easily understandable terms...
Love the barn, hope you are feeling better.

Country Girl said...

I have removed my texture photos from the etsy site because of this and am currently looking for all of the owners. I have several messages out on the deviant site but haven't heard back yet.
I'm also planning on using the free ones at flickr, buying a few and moving on. I'm fine! I beat myself up for a day and a day is enough for me.
Thanks, all!

~ C.G.
PS - I will announce when they will go back on the etsy site or when I have new ones to post there.

Mary said...

Kate,
I still feel bad, being the one who got you started on the texture road... but everyone is right -- it was an honest mistake, and you are making things right, and that is the main thing. I LOVE the barn photo!
xoxo,
Mary

High Desert Diva said...

No need to feel stupid. Learning takes many forms, and we all have much to learn.

Thanks for the lesson!

Molly said...

How brave of you to put this post up! From reading your blog, it's obvious this was unintentional on your part.

Kelby's website on photoshop elements has a section in there of taking photos to use as texture - then it's all your own. I'm sure it works for photoshop also. They suggest wood, stones, cracked concrete and fabric - whatever catches your eye.

Daryl said...

(((CG))) ... its not as if you did it with intent of malice of forethought (I have no idea what the means but it sounds really smart .. ). And you know, what goes around comes around (what THAT means do I know) and your karma is good!

Anonymous said...

You righted it and that is a good thing. The fact that some made snide comments says you know what about them. You are a good person kate, especially to make this post.

Woman in a Window said...

EEk! Makes me wonder about mine, although I think I was fairly careful. I hope.