Copyright infringement is a serious issue, and one we’re all, apparently, at risk of inadvertently committing here on WordPress. There’s so much more to free usage of Creative Commons material than meets the eye, and no one understands that better than author and blogger, D.G. Kaye.
In her article, she explains how it happened to her and what to look for in the fine print for what appears to be free-for-all-to-use images. You can read it Listen Up – 5 Tips to Protect Yourself from Copyright Infringement by clicking this link.
Benefit from her experience before it happens to you!
January 14, 2016 at 11:55 pm
Great post! Perfect for everyone!!! Enjoying your posts!
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December 18, 2015 at 5:47 am
Thanks for the information.
This voice is relatively new, and I think I’ve kept within the limits of copyright/free use by using sites such as wikicommons and other free use photo sites.
On another blog, I’ve had photos and illustrations “disappear” from older posts. I thought these were under fair use, and I assumed the disappearance was due to my not having copyright to show them.
Now I am worried about fines, etc., and will try and set aside time to go through the other blogs so I don’t get the dreaded email.
Irony. I just finished the licensing process for this blog!
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December 31, 2015 at 10:39 am
It’s kinda scary, isn’t it? Thing is, not knowing what we’re doing isn’t a good enough excuse. And so many of us really don’t know what we’re doing, me included half the time. 😛
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December 16, 2015 at 1:03 am
Thank you! Lately, I have tried to use my own photographs (or friend’s with permission) to avoid getting into trouble. Also adds a personal touch 🙂
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December 16, 2015 at 10:14 am
You’re welcome, Prajakta. I’ve often thought it would be nice to have a picture for every post. 🙂
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December 15, 2015 at 11:38 pm
Thanks for the heads up. I think its sad that people react that way. You would think they would want the free publicity. I sure would love it if people wanted to share MY stuff around!
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December 16, 2015 at 10:13 am
It’s great as long as they actually credit you for it. I’ve seen plenty of stealing… But I agree. If content is properly credited with links, then it’s free advertising from what I can see. 😛
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December 15, 2015 at 4:50 pm
Wow. I’ve had numerous battles with guest posters over pictures they’ve tried to use on my blog, but it never, ever occurred to me to check the pictures included in posts I re-blogged. I think I may have to stop reading my email, just in case there is a fine notice.
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December 16, 2015 at 10:11 am
Ha! Well that’s one way to deal with the problem. 😛
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December 15, 2015 at 11:40 am
Linda thanks for sharing this. I usually use only my own images and when I use others, I always credit the source but it seems as if that’s not enough. Something else to worry about, sigh…;)
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December 16, 2015 at 10:10 am
There’s always something, isn’t there? You’re welcome, Tricia. I hope it won’t be something to worry about for you in the future. 🙂
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December 16, 2015 at 11:42 pm
Me too and you as well Linda!
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December 15, 2015 at 11:29 am
This is why I stick to memes, Stockvault, and the Wikimedia Commons. It’s also kind of weird that someone would demand a fine like that. Normally people are allowed to remove the offending content first.
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December 16, 2015 at 10:09 am
I would have hoped they’d ask first and fine later, but apparently that’s not always the way it works. It’s good to be careful.
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December 16, 2015 at 11:03 am
That’s what’s getting me about this situation. There’s a good chance that this might have been fraud. Nobody is automatically entitled to collect a fine; there has to be some kind of determination of guilt made. It doesn’t take much to pretend that one is a member of Creative Commons, and that one is owed a specific amount.
That’s another real concern I have about all of this.
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December 16, 2015 at 11:30 am
Hmm. I don’t understand enough about it to really express an opinion, but you’ve made me curious enough to do some research. Thanks. 🙂
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December 15, 2015 at 11:23 am
Thanks for sharing this. I tend to only use my own photos on my blog, but I never thought about the few things I reblog.
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December 16, 2015 at 10:08 am
No problem, Dan. 🙂
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December 15, 2015 at 10:59 am
Thanks for sharing Linda. 🙂
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December 16, 2015 at 10:07 am
You’re welcome, Debby. It’s something that really needs to be acknowledged. 🙂
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December 16, 2015 at 11:21 am
Thanks again Linda. 🙂
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December 15, 2015 at 10:16 am
Thanks for the PSA!
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December 15, 2015 at 10:17 am
You’re welcome, John. 🙂
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December 15, 2015 at 10:13 am
This was why I retained Ho as my artist-in-residence, so that I had a source of original images to illustrate any posts I don’t have my own photos for. I never did like using clipart anyway, it’s way too generic and I think it detracts from the personalised look of a blog.
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December 15, 2015 at 10:17 am
It’s very rare to come across something that really works in a blog post that’s free, isn’t it? I try not to use it any more than I feel necessary. Fortunately that means I don’t have too much to go through, to make sure I’m not breaking any laws.
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December 15, 2015 at 10:28 am
I do so much of my own photo-graphics anyway, it really isn’t a problem, and when I need something very specific to describe a post, Ho is very good at coming up with something at short notice. (the fabulous Christmas toons I’ve been posting are a fine example)
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December 16, 2015 at 10:06 am
I’ve been admiring those toons on Facebook. I’ll get over to read the posts before long, I’m sure. 🙂
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December 16, 2015 at 10:09 am
No worries, not much reading involved in those posts, just the genus of Ho.
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December 16, 2015 at 10:15 am
Ho ho ho. 😉
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December 16, 2015 at 10:17 am
Indeed. He sent me a text this morning saying “Christmas is all “Me me me””
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December 16, 2015 at 10:19 am
Hahaha!
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