I’ve recently … 30 minutes ago recent … learned something. I have a little bit of know how with Photoshop, but it’s too little do anything really exciting and, with the case of the Christmas card I posted, it’s too much for my own good.
When I need an image, I usually do one of four things. One, I see if I have an image or photo I can use. Two, I try to make an image. Three, I search for an image using Google Image search. Four, I ask Corey to make something for me. In a lot of cases, I find something with the image search and I modify it to fit my needs.
Until Tracy Apps, the designer of the Christmas card I used, notified me of my infringement by posting a comment and tweeting about it, I didn’t realize I was doing anything wrong using those images from the search. I always thought that if you weren’t using the images for commercial use, it was okay to use them. Obviously, I was wrong.
I was in a meeting at work. When I came back to my desk to check my e-mail, I noticed her comment in my inbox. I immediately gave her credit for her work and sent her an e-mail apologizing for my gross oversight. Then, I noticed (on the back end of my blog) that there was a trackback from Twitter about the post. When I logged onto Twitter, I noticed that several people had announced I had stolen Tracy’s work. Because I never intended to steal her artwork, I posted an apology on Twitter as well.
I know I should be more informed about copyright laws with artwork since Corey’s a graphic designer, but I’m not. Like I said, my understanding was that if the image wasn’t being used for commercial use, I could use it.
Anyway, I feel about three inches tall right now and I really don’t feel like blogging anymore.
Don’t feel bad about it. I think its a common mistake because images are so easily accessible on the internet. You didn’t have malicious intent and you’ve done what you can to correct it! That’s what counts!
I agree with the post above. You have done your part to correct the mistake. If anything you could stop twittering since it’s kind of stupid like that. And seriously, you can’t take twitter police seriously, they can all GDIF.
So sorry that happened, Jenni. But you corrected the situation, so it’s all good! You can always search Flickr for Creative Commons images– it’s one of the features in the “advanced search”.
Tough life lesson learned huh? Sorry about that. I would have had no idea either. I totally don’t understand all the Twitter garbo that you mentioned but apparently it exposed you as the thief that you are. :) LOL! Turn that frown upside down. It’s time to smile it away. :)
Live and learn! You did the right thing by apologizing, and you’ve learned a lesson. Tracy is a kind and loving soul… others might have been much harder on you. :)
Ashley, note that some Creative Commons items specifically cannot be used for commercial purposes, while others can, as long as you provide attribution. Creative Commons licenses are worth learning more about if you’re unclear on how they work.
I’m curious how Tracy knew you used her image.
Sorry, Jenni. I hate that feeling, like something you did made someone else mad. I totally could see how you made the mistake; I would’ve thought it was okay.
Shake it off and keep blogging.
As just a bystander to the “war” this gal tried to work up her friends into waging on you for your “theft,” my opinion is that you came out of this just fine.
As soon as you realised that you made a mistake, you apologised sincerely and rectified it. We all stuff up; it’s how we handle the damage-control that matters.
The gal whose artwork it was started sniping at you, calling you rude names, investigating who you are, and prevailing upon her many followers to gang up on you (I see that you have all of 17 followers; Ms Apps has over 2,500…).
http://twitter.com/tapps/status/6971418838
http://twitter.com/tapps/status/6971639878
She then seems to have proceeded to spend the next several hours and 30+ comments attacking you and rallying her followers to do the same. That’s bullying, in my book. I myself have a few thousand more followers again than Ms App and I would never think to wage virtual war on such a less-powerful and less-sophisticated Internet user.
Look. You made an honest mistake and you fixed it up as soon as it was brought to your attention – and more importantly in my books at least, you stayed classy. You and your friends here seem like a genuinely nice little group of people – shake this one off, write it down to experience, keep blogging, and most importantly have a wonderful and blessed Christmas.
Cheers :-)
Well said by just a bystander. I know you’d never do anything like this to hurt that girl, so just forget about it and know we’re all standing beside ya!
Ah, Jenni, I’m so sorry. You did handle it with class, although it is sad this other gal didn’t. You had no malicious intent, did not gain anything monetarily, and simply did not realize the infringement. I think it would have been much better for her to contact you privately to discuss the matter, which is what you would do if the roles were reversed. I applaud your class on this matter and agree wholeheartedly with “bystander.” You are wonderful and don’t let this get you down! Your blog is great and I love it. Please don’t stop.
I’m very glad you did keep blogging. You are amazing and just a pure sweet person. We all know your intent was honest. Some one who would attack you for that is LAME. She should be flattered and leave it at that. Love you.