11.01.2012

Recent changes

121008a

Hope everyone and everypiggy enjoyed a safe and tasty Halloween.

When I first created this blog, my goal was not only to share cute photos and pig stories but also to share care tips, promote guinea pig welfare, and adoption.

Last week, I was surprised to discover that the photo of my little Peaches above was being widely circulated throughout the Facebook guinea pig community. While I was thrilled to see that people enjoyed the photo, I saw that the individual who posted it to their newly launched fan page did not link back to or give credit to the blog it originated from (first published here). This was also the case for several other photos from my previous posts that they took without permission. Since much of the time this oversight is easily remedied, I sent a quick message to the individual letting them know that while I was happy they liked my photos, they needed to source or give credit when republishing them.

In the meantime, the image went viral. To my dismay, the individual ignored me and refused to acknowledge that the photos were taken from my site. They proceeded to take an additional photo of Poof from Halloween 2011, continued taking credit, and acting as if the photos were their own. Like many in the creative industry, I am glad whenever people enjoy something enough to share it with others - but when someone uses stolen content for the sole purpose of gaining popularity, especially while doling out questionable care advice.. that I am not okay with.

In today's technologically saturated society many writers, artists, and musicians struggle with intellectual property issues. Photographers both professional and hobbyist maintain a tricky balance between sharing their work and marring the photo with an unsightly watermark. Debates about appropriate watermarking techniques, content, location and visibility can become quite heated. In the past I have stuck with a simple transparent title name so as not to detract from the lovely piggies themselves. Upon seeing how upset I was at the situation, my partner was so thoughtful as to buy and set up the domain name as a surprise gift. As a response to recent events all photos will be clearly marked with the new lengthy and unfortunately prominent moniker.

Moving on, the piggies now have their own domain name. That's the silver lining. Thank you to anyone who takes the time to read this, I am sorry to bring up such negativity to detract from the main focus. Now, back to our regularly scheduled programming of cavy-centric posts!


11 comments:

  1. *swears at thieving rude types*

    Clearly that person was never taught to reference properly while at school. I do sometimes "share" photos from your facebook page on mine- but I use the share option so people know where the pigtures come from.

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    1. I'm glad whenever people enjoy photos enough to share them! Especially friends and rescue minded organizations :) After all, that is the point - so other piggy slaves can enjoy as well. The problem there was that the individual was passing it off as her own and refused to credit me even when contacted.

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  2. I had wondered when I first saw that photo. It was so clearly Peaches, and equally clearly not originated with you (the viral photo).

    I worry any time I reference anyone else's work, and try to make sure it's properly referenced and linked. It's a shame when people aren't considerate.

    Yay for the domain, though!

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    1. So do I, its always clearly stated somewhere especially if the photo (for example, an event flyer) was created by someone else.

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  3. I don't think the watermark is unsightly in the slightest. And if I ever shared a photo without reference, it would be completely by accident and I would 1) feel awful about it and 2) hope that someone would notify me so I could rectify it. :-)

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    1. Susan, that was the approach I did take to begin with! Unfortunately the individual didn't think the same way as you. Things would have been easier if they did.

      Thanks for your opinion on the watermark :) I'm relieved because I was worried it was too much!

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  4. WE agree the watermark is fine what naughty people to steal your Gorgeous Peaches how very dare they.

    On the subject of sharing could you link our competition on the undercover blog to your blog we are aiming for as large an audience as possible.

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    1. Ghost, of course. It is this competition, correct? (http://undercoverguineapigs.blogspot.com/2012/10/our-first-ever-competition.html)

      Just want to make sure.

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  5. that is the right address thank you Cali Collective

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  6. I never even noticed the watermark! Great about the domain.

    Can you report the thieving so-and-so to Facebook? It's just plain bad manners not to acknowledge it was you who took the photos.

    Keep up the good work. Your photos always make me smile, and sometimes laugh out loud :-D

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    1. Thank you Tricia for your input and kind words. I'm glad you enjoy them :)

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