I hope that I have enough people reading this little old blog of mine that I can ask a question and maybe receive a reply. I have joined the A to Z Blogging Challenge but I am starting to have second thoughts about it. I want to write about places that I have been and I want to use pictures. But a lot of my pictures are packed away and It would be an awesome feat to get them all out. Recently I was reading a blog where the blogger had been sued for using a picture on her blog that was not hers. I have done that like a jillon times. I loved Google Image and I just right click, save to my computer, and then copy to a post. But now I am finding out that maybe I should not be doing this. Here is my question: What do you guys think?
- Should I try to locate the owner of all the pictures I have used on my blog and get permissions?
- Should I take all the pictures off?
- Should I make posts without pictures?
- Should I just forget about blogging challenges?
I don't know what to do. I don't want to get sued. And I don't want to pay for pictures. I like the way posts look with a picture. Why would anyone have a problem with me using their picture if I don't make money off my blog. If I just blog cause I like to detail things and I like to add pictures.
Help me please!
First, I have been taught to always cite your sources, including your own. However, citing once, so if you use it again, you can say that you have already cited it. If you do not cite, then you are a plagiarizer. Also, if the owner of the photo tells you to take it down, then you have to, no matter what. Perhaps that person did not cite, and did not take it down when they were requested to do so. I do use other people's pictures, but I cite with the understanding that if someone asks me to take it down, then I will.
ReplyDeleteI hope this helps.
She said that she took it down as soon as requested and they still took her to court (for $500.00) for the time that she used it. I am really gun shy right now.
DeletePersonally, I think this post is adequate to "cite" prior use. Going forward, cite your source (I usually just copy the web site address, and post it under the picture labeled "Image Credit" I use a really small font, so it doesn't muck up the post. YMMV.
ReplyDeleteThanks Lisa. I will look into that.
DeleteHi Paula. I'm one of the A to Z co-hosts, and am now your newest follower, so: nice to meet you!
ReplyDeleteWhat I do is try to use images that are shared with a creative commons license (like any image on Wikipedia for example), or else my own photo.
Technically, you can be sued for using someone else's copyrighted image, but usually if you comply with a takedown notice, there is little argument to be made for loss.
Thank you Matthew. I am learning and I sure don't want to get sued!
DeleteI have wondered this as well because I, for one, love to ALWAYS use photos with my posts. I just copy/paste but have thought it wise to cite... perphaps I shall start. :)
ReplyDeleteI think it is something a lot of us don't know about! I was turned on to Zemanta by another blogger. Check it out
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