IMAGE THEFT'S

Not that this should shock anyone, but a few of the NPN members uncovered a site that has lots of NPN members images. For the most part they appear to be screen grabs so the quality is a mixed bag. Additionally, the grabbers are at least giving credit line information to the rightful owners. In fact that is how I located the ones I did, search on the last name at the site. Upon a quick search I found at least one or more images from:

Dan Baumbach
Harley Goldman
Steve Sieren
Floris van Bruegel
Derek Sedillo

I've included the link to the thread that other NPN members have started on the uncovering process. Wayne Jones' comment in the thread has the site link for a member known as Poppy. Although like I said, once at the site you can use the general search box.
NPN General Discussion Thread

Thanks Paul. As long as my names on there, and it's not on a commercial site that I should be getting licensing fees from, I can't say I mind - more exposure is better. But I can see how some would be a bit ticked off.

I found 4 of my images last night. For what its worth, I asked Pixdaus.com to either provide a link to my webpage or remove my images last night and they were a lot more responsive a few of the other websites I've dealt with in the past - removing the images promptly with an email stating "they do not tolerate copyright infringement".

Both are good ideas, either way. The image of mine I found I just left it as it did carry my name on it, and the page grab was nothing much to look at IMO anyway.
Greg, I also think your idea of website linking would have been a good idea, but no doubt more to deal with on their part to have to manage overall.
Kind of interesting how these sites seem to thrive out there. Not sure what good they are. Although, one site I came across a month or so back one person stealing images was in turn selling greeting cards with the robbed images. At that size the images would almost pass I guess. Again, I truly can not see what people get out of just roaming the internet and highjacking images. Oh well, one of lifes little puzzles I guess.

IMHO I have a feeling that as newspapers and paper magazines give way to ezines...
that many of these thieves will be using these stolen images to use in there
editorial articles or blogs etc for free...... so in a sense, this is now the same
as someone using your image in a paper magazine w/o getting permission
and you don't get paid.
That is actually why whenever I post an image I not only put my name with ©
on it, but also my website, so at least they are FORCED to give me credit
if they use any of my images.... I got that tip from Dan Heller.

Because I do that..... that is part of why I haven't posted images here much,
cuz most of you don't do that I was afraid that posting an image
with all of that info in it.....someone might object?
Thoughts?

Thanks for this thread... I'll check out that other thread & site.

Nelcha, there is no doubt that protecting your images as you state with watermarking, meta-tag, etc. is a darn good idea. I use to watermark mine, but found it distracting and decided also that the 72 dpi was not a big deal. However, as you state, I can see them using the 72 dpi images for on line media work without paying for them.
As far as your own images there is no need to be concerned about posting them as you see fit for protection, we would love to see your work.

Thanks Paul... I always have felt self conscious about posting
with all of the info in the image on this site...
I'll check the permitted sizes now
Cuz I have always appreciated the opinions of
the members of this group.....

in gratitude,
Nelcha