It's time once again for another installment of "Guess That Guideline!" and I'm your host, Community Builder and Moving Target, Rich Jacobson.
We've been re-hashing the ActiveRain Community Guidelines, and dissecting them at length. So many times, when we join social networks or online forums, we're required to review the Terms of Service (TOS) or Guidelines. But seriously, how many people take the time to actually READ them? Not many, I'm sure. That's why we're doing this review - so we're all on the same page and know exactly what's expected of us as members of the ActiveRain Community.
As you familiarize yourself with the Community Guidelines, remember, these aren't just a bunch of rules to restrict your involvement here, but to protect you, and to ensure you the best possible experience in the Rain.
~ o ~ o ~ o ~ o ~
This week's guideline is extremely important, and will help to keep your hard-earmed money where it belongs and your butt out of court. It reads as follows:
Respect copyrights. Only upload content/images that you have the right to use (what you have paid for or own), and whose copyright rules allow for commercial use.
It's a well known fact that a blog post with pictures/images attracts more readers. Let's face it, people like pictures. So perhaps in our initial newbie haste, we take certain liberties with the images that we use. We 'assume' that if a particular image is already on the Internet, that it's 'public domain,' and thus, fair game. We just 'clip & paste' and we're happy as clams, right?
WRONG!
Trust me, when I say that this is an issue that is only going to gain greater scrutiny and enforcement in the days ahead. Owners of copyrighted images, and their legal staff, are becoming increasingly more agressive in their pursuit of copyright infringements. They're literally lying in wait, hoping for the next unsuspecting 'deep pocket' to steal/lift one of their images. That's not to say that they don't have every right to enforce their copyrights. They absolutely do. But don't look for them to allow any infringements to go by with simply a friendly warning.
As in my previous installment, I sought out the input of one who is perhaps one of the foremost authorities on copyright issues, our own Lenn Harley. When asked her thoughts regarding this particular guideline, she responded:
"The statement "what you have paid for or own" is a problem because there are many web sites that sell images for personal use but not for commercial use. There are also many that give or sell permission to print but not to use commercially. What I've noticed is that ActiveRain members often read the main page of a web site that says "FREE" and assume that means that they can use them as they wish. They do not read the web site's copyright policies which usually typically clearly deny use to republish. Then, worse, they write a post recommending the web site and "free" stuff, and their readers then proceed to use the same web site and the beat goes on."
(For further, more in-depth information from Lenn on image copyrights, GO HERE.)
As you travel across the greater blogosphere, you will note that many of the more proficient and successful bloggers utilize their own images. The concerns of violating copyright laws are virtually non-existent when using images you yourself have shot/developed. Unless, of course, someone happens to swipe one of YOUR images! 
And, whatever you do, don't EVER copy one of Lenn's maps. Talk about a death wish!
P.S. If any of you know a good source for 'free' commercial-use images, or an inexpensive 'paid subscription' provider of images, feel free to provide a link within the 'Comments' section.
Hi Rich, I am passing along TheWebSqueeze.com which was 'given' to me by Chuck Willman; I use my own photos as well as some from IStockPhoto (not free).
Rich: This subject can't be stressed often enough! I don't understand what is so hard for some to understand this...
Boomer
Thanks for the reminder.
What a shame this even has to be continually revisited. How simple is "If it's not yours or you didn't receive permission, then don't take it!" ?
Loved Lenns post about this yesterday.
Rich. Good timing. What about the RealtyTimes matter???
Great reminder to everyone about Intellectual Property Rights! I use Photo Shop Elements, but there are also a couple of nice little free photo editors that you can use to "mark" your photos and at least make it a litttle more difficult for someone to steal your work.
I use "Irfanview" and Googles "Picassa" for quick ediiting both are free to download and use.
There are many good royalty free photo sources where you can get an xtra small photo for $1. A small investment in your business that makes your posts more interesting. I use iStockPhoto the most often.
Judy
Don't do it...like I did..fortunately I used a photo a long time ago when I didn't know better..the owner contacted me and asked me to remove their property kindly. I did ....kindlind and no harm done but you might get a nice person all the time.
Rich, when I take a shot such as the one in my post today from the 1996 Olympics, I lug my equipment, buy tickets, travel, sometimes walk for miles, not to mention the time spent.
Yet there are some that think it's OK to cut and paste an image. They don't see the value of the work.
These are the same people that would scream if someone beat them out of $100 on a commission!
I never use photos and very rarely add anything to my blogs. But it is a good reminder I would not have thought about commercial use compared to personal.
Great information.
I would dare to say, most people have never read the fine print because it normally goes on and on and on. It is an important issue for all of us to open our eyes to. FREE rarely means FREE!
I know I started out using clipart and istockphotos but now use my own photos almost exclusively. It takes a bit more time but the results are worth it. I recommend to everyone that they should take their camera with them everywhere and get used to looking at everything as a potential picture for a blog!
Copyright infringement does not only pertain to using photos for personal or commercial use, but it also applies in some cases to photo we take ourselves. If you take a photo of a person and that person can be recognized, a photo release is required from the individual. Pictures of children require a photo release from their parents. Additionally, before you copy that picture you had done at a portrait studio, it more than likely is copyrighted by the studio. Photos and graphics are eye appealing in blogs, but caution is required before using them.
Good Post!
Good stuff Rich! Thanks for sharing and giving us all a reminder!
Nothing like your own digital camera to keep you safe from copyright infringement....OR go to Dogpile..my very favorite search engine and ask what's free for photography or graphics...it will tell you on whatever subject you need.
Rich: This is a very informative post. I have learned so many things here in the rain that I had no clue about in the past. AR is not only a great way to network, but also a great educational site as well.
Rich I try not to even think about one of Lenn's maps. I know even thinking about them could land me in the big house or at least a few thousand $$$ lighter - LOL
I take my camera everywhere I go. However, I thought we weren't even able to load pictures anymore. I keep getting kicked out of Localism when I try to load photos to a neighborhood. Any suggestions?
Definitely a must to understand this. Thanks for the reminder.
One of the benefits to blogging is getting out in the community you live in and taking your own photos; even if you are talking stats, you could have a photo of the playground near the community or of the downtown area.
I have even thought of teaming up with a local photographer. I would give them credit and a link back to their site in exchange for putting their photos on my blog.
Naughty, naughty... is what I say IF you're taking other people's work. and OUCH is you get caught!
So where do all the big bloggers ger the cool graphics and pics? Are they all paid for? What about clip art from a program like Word or Publisher? I'm honestly trying to learn the guidelines. I had an agent "take" a few of my hard earned photos out of the MLS and use them in his listing. And he laughed about it ....I would love to hear an answer on this! Thanks AR gurus
Oh-oh... Rich thanks for your indepth explanation... I am one that loves using pictures - and was all excited about a post introducing us to free photos. I just went back and read the fine print of which you were right on. So off I went to try and find a place where I could use images for my blogs. I found Fotolia. Here's what they say;
1. LICENSE / TERMS OF USE WHAT CAN YOU DO WITH IMAGE*AFTER IMAGES AND TEXTURES?
WHAT CAN'T YOU DO WITH IMAGE*AFTER IMAGES AND TEXTURES?
PLEASE let us know is this is something we can use. Thanks and look forward to hearing your thoughts.
Raleigh Realtor - Pamela St. Peter
Rich:
As much as we may not like it, being reminded of the guidelines on AR, and especially with regard to copyrght issues, is important. I think many of us starting out were unaware of the issues regarding photos offered on line FOR FREE, or perhaps did not think much about it. My camera goes wtih me everwhere.
Jeff
I haven't been able to make sense of what photos I can and can't use, so I don't use many and I stick to my own shots. Does anyone know how to copyright the photos you take?
Hey Rich - {Bob Here} Welcome back. I am having those problems currently with my pics and I do take my camera with me everywhere I go. Seems agents out of my own office are clipping my pics and stuffing them onto their own websites. Nice huh? It's great to have that SEO in place but it is also disturbing that nobody asks me for permission which I would be happy to grant if they only would ask and maybe give me credit for. I have to "pic" my battles though as I am currently in deals with them and will probably pursue this stuff once the check clears. lol I have mentioned it to them and the broker of record in my office and it's not doing any good apparently so I move on. Timing is everythng to a drummer you know. See ya on Twitter. Lisa says Hi!
Thanks Rich for the recap. I try to stick to iclipart and istockphotos both of which I have a paid subscription for. I've realized recently that I can't use Microsoft Clip Art (DUH) and I use my own photos for my Localism posts. I've found a few other free sites but need to go back now and read the fine print to make sure that posting them in a blog is okay. The commercial use is the part that seems to trip me up. Is my blog really commercial use?
WOW!! Thanks for the reminder and input from everyone. I AM A COPY & PASTE JUNKIE!!! but for personal use from clipart mostly. In terms of blogging I haven't incorporated any pics as yet but I will and I will be sure to use my own pics!! I always have my digicam with me so............why not put it to use right?
Thanks again Rich.
By the way.........does anyone think a monthly newsletter is considered commercial use????????????????????????
Rich, Great post and reminder to all of us to watch out steps and to follow the rules. When I first started posting, I had no idea about copyrights, etc. I soon read so many great posts from folks that opened my eyes. I now subscribe to Iclipart. Thanks again!
Rich, Pictures may increase readership but... but I do not have a reliable source. So, until I get a source, no pictures.... aj
This subject can't be stressed enough in the digital age. As the resident photographer in these parts it's greatly appreciated. :)
Thanks rich!
P.S. Would you mind including this in the photography group also?
Cheers, -B
Hi Rich, I buy most of the photos that are not of a local nature from istock ( www.istock.com). I buy credits usually 60 at a time and save them in a blogging photo file, adding the description to their file number. The cost is now about $1.30 each, they have recently raised their prices.
There are many examples of posts that do not include photos. In fact many of the most successful real estate blogs find it tedious to incorporate pictures in their posts. The exception being, listings that are being marketed in the blog site.
Take YOUR OWN pictures! Read disclaimers and use your own time to take pics. I learned...and went back through my posts (hours of work) to eliminate any pictures I had used in the beginning that I wasn't sure of.
I always put a photo or picture in my post and I don't use anything from the internet. (you never know when they change policy) I feel it necessary to dress up the Localism or actually any post so it's more attractive. A blog naked is like a listing naked :)
Hey Rich
Thanks for the update and clearing up a few things. Like others, my camera is not part of almost everything I do.
BTW, I loved Willliam's comment above.
Happy as a clam, or crab? Always I good reminder, you can't be a member of this community for very long without hearing this over and over again.
I just carry my camera and do my own shots or use Flickr creative commons. When in doubt I email and ask. Most are surprised you ask, and agree. I keep a copy of the confirmation email.
For Adell. If the monthly newsletter is used in the promotion your real estate practice, it is advertising and is most certainly commercial.
I have gone back through the 1st half of all my posts. I found that many of my photos are gone with just the box and a red x exist. So unsightly. To go back and locate the right photo at this point is a royal pain. So I deleted that ugly little box and you know what? The post is no better and no worse. I will admit, I stopped to read of few of these along the way. God, what was I thinking when I wrote that? And then a WOW,I wrote that? Guess we have all been there.
I got an idea from someone to go and improve some of the old stuff and maybe to write another update post and link to the first one. A lot of work but it might be worth it. Sorry , back to the photos. It occurred to me that while I do like photos, Sally has a clear idea of what serves her best and probably all of us should think about that. Policies on photo use change.
And then I asked my self, "Self, why am I buying so many pictures when it is likely no one cares anyway". I didn't answer myself, so I am OK. LOL Write better stuff and the pictures just become an aside.
So,the advise i am giving myself is , maybe the wall of words with a little bold here and a little bold there will do it. Better still, get to the point quicker and make the posts shorter and then you could probably write more of them :-)
So, Thank You Rich, much of this is way to distracting and the need for purchased photos should now be minimal. When you have taken your own and share them the post is so much better anyway.
So here I am to attest that we can all still learn, especially me. Put the emphasis on good content and if you can take a picture great, and if you can't , the content is what is important. Just get to the point and people seem to love the shorter posts anyway.
Rich, can I have 200 points for that great confessional post? Kidding.
Lee & Pamela: When in doubt, always err on the high side. You could contact them and get direct clarification and expressed written permission. That would cover you sufficiently...
Rich, I just got your message . My first response was to gasp and then say, " OMG". I'll leave it at that.
Excellent reminder Rich!!!
Folks if you don't believe it can happen to you here's a post by TLW ,about the bill I recieved in the mail for $3,000, for an image I took from Google Images. I admited my mistake and paid almost $1,000 to make it (the attorney) go away.
These companies hire folks that do nothing BUT scan the Internet to find their images.
Hi Rich, some people have to learn things the hard way, not sure why but... Considering how inexpensive it is to use stock photos, it's a much better alternative than playing Russian Roulette with a lawsuit.
Rich,
Do we have permission of Active Rain to use signs such as these?
Just curious!!! Thanks, Fran
P.S. And I hear Obama wants to CHANGE copywrite laws...the state owns everything...we're part of the state so we can use anything including Lenn's maps...any truth to that rumor???
I started using my own pictures to avoid the issue all together. They aren't always the greatest pics, but they are safe and they get the job done!
Rich,
Keep putting out the message, it's important and as you said for our protection.
I hope I'm right on this----Aren't images from Wikipedia okay to use?
Rich- I have now read every word in the post and comments.....can I have part of William's 200 points....LOL :) Seriously, I think I have a few from Image Generator or something like that. And not too long ago someone wrote a post on how some companies changed their policies.....so now I have to go back and check like others have done.
Bottom line of all is indeed, if you don't want to pay, use your own stuff :)
Diane: The short answer is "Maybe." For the long answer see the links below.
Wikipedia Copyright Info
Wikipedia Image Copyright Tags
- James
Hi Rich, I get your point! I guess I should get in there and read the words behind the FREE portion! Couldn't we sue them back for false advertising????
Later in the rain~Deb
If I don't take the picture I buy it! istock.com is a good source for not much money -
Some folks use so many pictures that I really do wonder where they come from. It must be dangerous. Thanks for the reminder.
I prefer to use my own stuff... and I need to spend more quality time with my film scanner. But there is also the Library of Congress database. Flickr: Photos from The Library of Congress
Definitely don't use her maps. I think she makes more money suing than selling real estate
http://www.istockphoto.com is relatively cheap, and to my knowledge, you can use any image commercially that you purchase. They are good quality photos.
And to the person who wanted to know how you can "copyright" photos:
as soon as you create them they are copyrighted. you do not have to publish them anywhere for them to be considered copyrighted. You can put a watermark in your photos yourself with a graphic program. you can also register them but it's not necessary.
as soon as you create something it's copyrighted.
I hear Obama wants to CHANGE copywrite laws...
Fran, be careful who you listen to. That claim is untrue.
http://blogs.usatoday.com/onpolitics/2007/05/obama_endorses_.html
As one who has had my photos stolen, I now always put a watermark right across the photo so that they can't crop it out. I include the word 'copyright' in the file name of the photo. I removed all my Localism photos because AR assigns numbers to the file name, thus, eliminating my 'copyright' file name. And I no longer use alt tags for the photos so Google can't index them so easily.
Thanks for the heads up Rich. I will have to check my sources and read their fine print.
Wow, Elaine - I'm certainly not so willing to sacrifice all that great google juice - but hey, ya do what ya gotta do.
Rich.....good article. I think many of us believed if we use Google images we can cut and paste. I have recently noticed that Google now is using a copyright clause "subject to copyright". thanks for the reminder.
Intellectual property rights have become more important. It is discussed on the Board Locally on the state and national level.
Be careful. Just take your own pictures.
All the best!
Rich, our fearless leader always trying his best to protect us from ourselves...must be a daunting job!
Bill thinks I'm going to blow up my computer with all the pictures I take and file, but I love it...used to take underwater photos too, that's really fun. I do get a little carried away, and have offered if someone wants one of my pictures they can have it. If they need it and ask, so I have a different opinion about that. I recently got carried away on a bright orange bush right after a rain, they are beautiful and you can see the raindrops. So if you need an orange rose with raindrops let me know?
I also use I Stock (pay) and Flickr.com (free).
My camra travels well :). Thanks Rich
I have so much to learn. thanks
Rich, I just wrote a post about this too. I use Iclipart, it is a low fee, like $49 but their terms of use say you can use it for commercial purposes. You just can not put it on porno sites or sell the photos. I like the site because it is fast and easy to download in all different formats and they have millions of images. The ones on our blog you see are from them unless I took the photo myself.
Thanks for the reminder, Rich. Here is a project for you - I know you have nothing better to do -
How about an Active Rain Image Center or Group or something - AR members can contribute their own photography with a release that anyone can use it for whatever.
You might put some guidelines in for Paul and any other active members of the 'Jacked' group. :) Oh, yeah, they don't follow any guidelines, never mind.
I usually skip posts without images on AR, but on other blogsites, I don't expect them. Hmmm....
I don't see why not Fran...I have my own I designed, it is technically my photo.
Virginia...I am a member of "jacked" and I follow the rules....
Am I hearing correctly that we can no longer use Imagechef.com on our blogs either?
Gracious Rich...
I stopped by to bump your pretty post :)
TLW...ROAR!
One thing for sure, I feel sorry for anyone who takes one of Lenn's maps.
Thanks for the reminder Rich. We both have digital cameras and keep working on improving the quality of our images. We appreciate the efforts the professional photographer makes to produce their art, and hope they appreciate our efforts as real estate professionals.
Kathryn & John
I've been trying to use almost exclusively my own photos because of this issue.
Dreamstime (dreamstime.com) has both free photos and fee-paid photos. With the fee-paid photos, they have commercial uses. They are very reasonable, especially the commercial use fees and restrictions.
Well, I sat here and read all 73 posts. I totally get the copyright issues and that some free photos are not free at all. I appreciate the recommendations on where to go to get photos. I did not read in any of these posts where to put the pictures so that they have a URL and can then be added to a post. It would be great if someone could write a step by step guide on adding pictures. I typed pictures into the search box and this was the first post I read. Perhaps I will find this step by step guide somewhere on AR. Thanks to all who have shared.
Hey, Pat.
Inserting a picture is quite easy. Look at the menu bar of your comment box. There at the far right you'll see a very small tree; it's the third icon from the right. Hold your mouse over that and it should read "Insert/edit image." Click on that and you'll be able to enter the URL of the picture you want to use. Make sure you give the picture an "Image description" and a "Title." Then click on the "Appearance" tab and size your picture. I use 325 x 250 as my standard for landscape-oriented pictures. So here's what my picture would look like:
The URL is http://www.russel-ray.com/files/house-rancho-santa-fe.jpg
The image description and title both are "Rancho Santa Fe house"
The size is 325 x 250.
It's that easy.
Best wishes. Good luck. Have fun. Don't get caught out of the Rain. Just in case you didn't subscribe to new comment notification, I'm sending you Rich's blog link in an email.
Thanks for the response Russel! Does this work for both pictures I have taken myself and picutres I purchase to use on my blog? Guess what I am asking is how do you get the URLs for the pictures you take yourself?
Pat - if you have images stored on a host website, you can copy and paste the url into the image box that comes down.
I don't have that. I store images (photos, logos,etc) on my computer.
When you place your cursor in your post, then click on the tree to insert an image, the box comes down. Right next to the url box, on the right, is a browse button. Click on that and browse your computer to find the image you want, click on it and upload it - it goes to AR.
I see that you already have images on your blog posts? Am I answering the right question?
Feel free to call me - I am home all day.
Virginia - It was so kind of you to answer my question---and you did answer it. The pictures I have already posted to my blogs came from my websites or virtual tours so they already had URLs. I did not know if I could pull pictures off my computer and add them, but looks like I can! Thanks again!
Thank you for the information. I'm curious about Lenn question on Realty Times. I have their service and see it published in the rain. I don't do it and don't don't plan on it. Would like to know?
Rich,
This is an excellent post. Thank you for sharing. I have drawings and photographs I would not want anyone to copy/steal.
Ann Hayden in lovely Wildwood, Missouri
Rich,
Nice post.
What about if you have a professional photographer take a picture of a home.
Do you need permission of the homeowner to use on your web site?
What about if the picture is taken from a public space, for example a park,
and has 5 or 6 homes. Do you need permission of the homeowners?
Thanks,
Cindy
Gee wiz....there's always something to be concerned about.
Portsmouth NH Real Estate
Gee wiz....there's always something to be concerned about.
Portsmouth NH Real Estate
A great reminder. I bookmarked this and will send this post to some of my friends.
Another good reason to start taking more of my own photos.........
Just was reviewing what I could do with a photo I found. Do not think I'll use it just in case. Thank you for the warnings. I'll get my camera out.