Please read this: Copywright issues.

[randomclassic]

And I know it's probably not my place to say this, but.

I noticed the thread for 'Inuyasha pictures' as well as other picture realted threads and I have soemthing to say.

Be very carefull what you post, some, well okay, a lot of images on the web are copywritted, and you could get into a lot of trouble if it was copywrighted and the person it was copywrighted to found out. They could sue you for posting their images without permission.

Well I'm sure they wouldn't go as far as suing you, but there are ways for a person to get 'kickedout' so to speak, of the internet. And posting/distrubuting copywrighted images is one of them.

I know for sure, my friend PZB (I wont use her real name because she doesn't want people to know her real name) is an amazing realism artist, and she draws a lot (well ALL) of Inuyasha realism, and one time she found one of her gorgeous gorgeous drawings on anther persons website. And believe me it wasn't pretty. No it wasn't.

But seriously guys how would you feel if one of your hard worked on images/drawings was being distrubuted/posted on the internet without your permission? Not to good I suppose.

This has happened to me before with a layout on my website, it's happened to my friend Leonie on her website. People stole our layouts, and it was really bad. We informed the people who stole them that it was violating our copywright on the layouts/images and they took them down. But in a case that they didn't, well we had all power to give them what they deserve.

All I am saying is you should check with the person that made the image or the place you got the image and make sure it's ok to post their image elswhere. You seriously do not want to go through all that hassel of the whole copywright issue, it's not fun at all.

Plus, what if the CAA was sued for the posting of copywrighted images and they had to close down, now that wouldn't be fun at all. We'd have no place to hang out and chat with anybody.

So just watch what you post, and make sure its ok to do it first. If you need any additional info you can go here (what is copywright.org) or here (rights for artist.com).

Also one more thing, when posting copywrighted matterial, you need to give FULL AND COMPLETE credit to the artist who made it, it's just not right to not give credit.

I really hope this post didn't offened anyone, but I needed to say it, I don't want anyone on here to get in trouble for posting copywrighted matterials.

And mods, I'm sorry if this wasn't my place to say this. Please don't hurt me.

[Riku777]

And I know it's probably not my place to say this, but.

I noticed the thread for 'Inuyasha pictures' as well as other picture realted threads and I have soemthing to say.

Be very carefull what you post, some, well okay, a lot of images on the web are copywritted, and you could get into a lot of trouble if it was copywrighted and the person it was copywrighted to found out. They could sue you for posting their images without permission.

Well I'm sure they wouldn't go as far as suing you, but there are ways for a person to get 'kickedout' so to speak, of the internet. And posting/distrubuting copywrighted images is one of them.

I know for sure, my friend PZB (I wont use her real name because she doesn't want people to know her real name) is an amazing realism artist, and she draws a lot (well ALL) of Inuyasha realism, and one time she found one of her gorgeous gorgeous drawings on anther persons website. And believe me it wasn't pretty. No it wasn't.

But seriously guys how would you feel if one of your hard worked on images/drawings was being distrubuted/posted on the internet without your permission? Not to good I suppose.

This has happened to me before with a layout on my website, it's happened to my friend Leonie on her website. People stole our layouts, and it was really bad. We informed the people who stole them that it was violating our copywright on the layouts/images and they took them down. But in a case that they didn't, well we had all power to give them what they deserve.

All I am saying is you should check with the person that made the image or the place you got the image and make sure it's ok to post their image elswhere. You seriously do not want to go through all that hassel of the whole copywright issue, it's not fun at all.

Plus, what if the CAA was sued for the posting of copywrighted images and they had to close down, now that wouldn't be fun at all. We'd have no place to hang out and chat with anybody.

So just watch what you post, and make sure its ok to do it first. If you need any additional info you can go here (what is copywright.org) or here (rights for artist.com).

Also one more thing, when posting copywrighted matterial, you need to give FULL AND COMPLETE credit to the artist who made it, it's just not right to not give credit.

I really hope this post didn't offened anyone, but I needed to say it, I don't want anyone on here to get in trouble for posting copywrighted matterials.

And mods, I'm sorry if this wasn't my place to say this. Please don't hurt me.

well said.

And mods, I'm sorry if this wasn't my place to say this. Please don't hurt me

LoL

[randomclassic]

well said.


LoL

I'm glad someone here agree's with me, lol. And yes.. I always say 'don't hurt me' when I post something like this.

Well if you'll excuse me I have to go to bed.... I'll check all the other replies tomorow. LOL.

[Kat Walker]

Wow, you know PZB? o.O; From Animated Lust?

[shooraijin]

Mod note: we're aware of the thread and will come up with an official statement in a bit.

[Azier the Swordsman]

If I had any talent at drawing whatsoever, and I saw one of my masterpieces on someone else's website: I wouldn't mind AS LONG as the following conditions were met.

1: The picture was NOT being distributed for profit.

2: The owner of the website wasn't taking credit for my work.

[Fsiphskilm]

Technically -

[glitch1501]

technically, most peoples signatures are copyright infringement also

[Ashley]

Let me say this--if someone came to the staff and requested any pictures be taken down because of copyright infringments they hold, we would swiftly obey and do our best to keep the peace.

[Riku777]

i think it's a very good point that she brought up. too many ppl are pirating others pics, and not just pics, and not giving credit. but what can we do about the ppl that do? nothing. we can only hope that either they are caught, or they hve givin the originator full credit. but at least we can do our part to make sure that our pics and stuff are either ours origonally, or credetid. I like rc. she's smart... lol

[Golden_Griff]

Copyright...yeah. I try to be careful about that whole thing. And the last thing I want to do is be responsible for the shut down of this wonderful place.

"Burn her at the stake! "

"NOOO!!!! "

EDIT: Thanx for the links too, they'll help me to understand a lot better on this.

[Debitt]

I agree that people should be careful about posting fanart - I speak from experience when I say it HURTS to have your work stolen, no matter what the person intends to use it for, and I encourage every member to be careful when they post a picture. Check first to see if it's someone's fanart, and if it is, then don't post it, even if the chances are that the original artist will never see it. Simple as that. =/ Legally, I'm a bit shaky on the entire fanart thing, but I doubt a person could sue, since they're using a character that has been perviously copywrighted to someone else. (correct me if I'm wrong).

On the subject of official art: =/ It's everywhere. You can't stop people from scanning/posting/screencapping/whatever, so I highly doubt anyone would get in trouble here for posting official art. I think there was a good segment on this in an Anime Pirating article that was posted here a while ago.

[shooraijin]

It would be very difficult to sue for fanart, because odds are the artist does not have the official blessing of the copyright owner. In fact, it would be very difficult to copyright it for the same reason. Use of fanart, therefore, should be more of a courtesy issue rather than a legal one.

Likewise, for official art, a lot of it is out there for publicity reasons, and a certain amount of it can be used under fair use copyright guidelines. Even in those situations where it may arguably exceed what constitutes fair use (this is definitely a very blurred and controversial line), I doubt any company is going to go after free publicity in a non-profit circumstance, and I don't see any use of these things here that would constitute an egregious abuse of fair use law anyway.

Where I think copyright applies most in this particular situation is to original designs, layouts and graphics that *can* be copyrighted against duplication. For things like this, discretion and discernment are advised, and as Ashley said, anyone who comes along and presents evidence that their unique and original work is being used against their wishes on this site will be appropriately assisted.

[randomclassic]

[quote="Kat Walker"]Wow, you know PZB? o.O]

Yep! But not really personally, were just online buddies. LOL. She's awsome isn't she?

[agasfas]

Most of the pictures are copyrighted but it's not like anyone is selling them. It kind of like listening to mp3, everyone does it, but if you dont "own" the cd it's illegal . The same goes for watching Anime music vidoes, if you dont own both the anime series and the cd it's illegal. Also, most of everyones Avatars most likely have a copywrite on them. But no one is going to get sued for it. The people dealing w/ copywritting are more concerned about illegal distribution like selling and downloading things in their entirety then letting people see a "clip/picture" of the show. In the end pictures are more of an advertising and publicity for the anime then stealing it. As long as you don't pass it off as your own.
--------------------------

[Mr. SmartyPants]

Well... people SHOULD understand that if they are going to post images, that other people can do what they want to do with them as they wish! If someone doesn't want others to use them without the artist's permission, then they should not post it in the first place.

Lets say that I drew a picture of Kenshin, and posted it on CAA. I am responsible the fact that I know people could
a) post it on their sites
b) alter the images
c) say that they drew it

I have to know that something like that could happen. If I didn't want that to happen, but still posted it, and someone did a, b, or c. It is my fault for not realizing that a, b, or c could occur.

[skynes]

It's due to copyright reasons that all the wallpapers and avatars I make use my own artwork (fanart, usually based on official art), also cause I just don't like using other peoples work in my own creations.

I've been hesitant about speaking too openly about Legacy of Numach, the game I'm making (Genetic battle in Biocon RP is based on it), for reasons a,b and c that Mr Smartypants posted. I've got it copyrighted now so that's mostly dealt with.

[shooraijin]

I'm not sure if his a/b/c are true when applied to original artworks. Yes, people can walk off with them, and yes, there's not much that "little people" like you and I can do other than nicely ask them to please respect your artist's rights, but the spirit of the law would still say such works are copyrighted (and strictly speaking, all you have to do is *say* the work is copyrighted to make it copyrighted, although to make it stick, you should probably legally register it with the department of patents or copyrights in your particular country).

Again, where I think this line blurs is with fanart, where the fanartist probably didn't have the right to use the character in the first place.

[EireWolf]

Well... people SHOULD understand that if they are going to post images, that other people can do what they want to do with them as they wish! If someone doesn't want others to use them without the artist's permission, then they should not post it in the first place.

Lets say that I drew a picture of Kenshin, and posted it on CAA. I am responsible the fact that I know people could
a) post it on their sites
b) alter the images
c) say that they drew it

I have to know that something like that could happen. If I didn't want that to happen, but still posted it, and someone did a, b, or c. It is my fault for not realizing that a, b, or c could occur.

Um, no. Just because something is posted on the Internet does NOT mean that it's public domain and can be used by anyone, in any way, for any reason. Original artwork, whether or not it is posted on the Internet, is copyright to the artist. That means the artist has the right to dictate terms of use -- that is, whether and how others are allowed to use their art.

Just because copyright law is largely and blatantly ignored on the Internet doesn't make it okay. You better believe that if some joker steals my art and claims it's theirs, I will go after them with every ounce of effort that I have.

Now, the only way I can claim monetary damages is if I've registered the copyright. However, I can still go after them legally -- and the law will back me up.

If you're interested in knowing what the copyright laws actually are, go here: R.I.G.H.T.S.

[randomclassic]

i think it's a very good point that she brought up. too many ppl are pirating others pics, and not just pics, and not giving credit. but what can we do about the ppl that do? nothing. we can only hope that either they are caught, or they hve givin the originator full credit. but at least we can do our part to make sure that our pics and stuff are either ours origonally, or credetid. I like rc. she's smart... lol

Heh, thanks. I'm really not that smart, I'm just big on the whole copywright thing, since it happened to me personally, and well I would still be big on it anyways, if it didn't happen to me. In fact I am writting an editorial for our schools Newspaper on the illegal downloading of music. LOL.

But anyways that aside, I read everyones thoughts on it. And I must say I am impressed with the way most of you responded! I'm happy it didn't turn into a flame war or something like "I'M RIGHT YOUR WRONG AND THERE ISN'T ANYTHING YOU CAN DO ABOUT IT!"

And yes I also know that there is a very blury fan-art line, but if the person's site you got the image from states that you cannot use the art anywhere else, you shouldn't, and that's final.

But if they say you can, you must ALWAYS give credit, and ask them first, just to see if it's ok with them.

I'm not trying to sound all knowing on this but it's what I have learned with my years being on the web, and plus it's just polite. It's really just common courtosy (sp?).

Well that my final thought for right now, but I will still be interested in what a lot of you have to say. XD

[shooraijin]

And yes I also know that there is a very blury fan-art line, but if the person's site you got the image from states that you cannot use the art anywhere else, you shouldn't, and that's final.

I agree with you in the spirit of the law, but I think it's worth pointing out that this originates from courtesy -- a little different from a legal right. Just something to keep in mind.

with my years being on the web

2004 would make 11 years for me, and I haven't been on line half as long as some ... I know a few who were around for the Great Renaming, and others still back in the days of uucp.

[randomclassic]

2004 would make 11 years for me, and I haven't been on line half as long as some ... I know a few who were around for the Great Renaming, and others still back in the days of uucp.

LOL! That is a long time. I was really just refering to my years of webdesign. Hahaha. Which would be about 4 now.

But yes I say you have been on the web longer than me. XD

[Fsiphskilm]

Just do what

[EireWolf]

On the other hand If we ALL did this, no one would ever learn anything, nothing would be shared. So I decided later on, I'm going to go through them and add my website at the bottom left corner of every single one.

That's kinda' what I do. I put an unobtrusive copyright notice, with my real name, on every art piece I post to the web. That way, if it does get distributed without my permission, at least people will know who created it and can look me up if they want to.

The internet will be a main source of business for me, so I don't have the option of just "not posting" my art online. It's how people see my work.

[Azier the Swordsman]

I really wouldn't mind at all if someone took a piece of fanart made by me and put it on their site. It just means I actually drew something that was so good it was considered worth stealing to somebody.

The only time I would really raise a fuss is if someone was trying to sell it or if they were claiming it was their own.

My fanfiction is a somewhat different story, I would definately have to have permission and be given credit for it.

[EireWolf]

That's cool. I think the point is that each artist and writer has the right to dictate if and how their work may be used by others.

[Little T-chan]

I love copyright. So protective!! Yay!!! I never thought about this kind of stuff until I met someone last year...>.<; But on the website it said that the copyright will be expired 50 years after I die...But what if I want it still copyrighted to me after I die?! @.@; And I signed all of my pictures in the Art Corner with my real name...but blurred it because I don't want people knowing who I really am cuz my parents said so. And I'm not sure if I understand....do I HAVE to mail my drawings to myself to have a valid copyright?? Because I like to look at my previous drawings a lot and if I never open them..then I can't.

[shooraijin]

Strictly speaking, under international copyright law, you just have to say your work is copyrighted, and it's copyrighted. That's all.

However, for defense reasons, if you ever think you may need to defend your copyright in court, you should send a copy of it to the USA's copyright and patent office so that the official date you created your work is recorded as proof you actually created the work before anyone else. The "mail a copy to yourself" idea is to put a postmark on a sealed copy of your work and act as a means of demonstrating outside evidence of when you created your work, but this may or may not constitute legal proof of date of creation depending on the court and circumstances; the surest way is to register it.

According to my copyright law handbook (yes, I own such a textbook because I've had to register works before), as of January 1, 1978, copyrights last the lifetime of the author plus 70 years. Upon your death (ugh, morbid topic ...), the copyright would pass to your designee in your will, and they can continue to renew it if they like (which is why, for example, Sherlock Holmes mysteries were licensed by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle's widow, who authorized them as the executrix of the copyright after his death -- an independent estate authorized by the current executor likely administers the copyright now, but I haven't looked this up for awhile).

A common myth says you have to actually put a copyright logo on your work. This is a really good idea, but as of March 1, 1989, it's not required! (To make it obvious to people, consider a separate documentation sheet accompanying your works that says the copyright, and date of first creation -- many people still incorrectly believe you have to put a copyright down in print to make it copyrighted. Unfortunately, you should use your real name for this.)

[true_noir_chloe]

Lots of great information. Thanks for starting this thread, Random classic. ^__^

[randomclassic]

Lots of great information. Thanks for starting this thread, Random classic. ^__^

Ohh your welcome... lol... it's the journalist in me, if that makes any sense to any of you...