I just spent the last 2 hours watermarking all the images I’ve used on my blog to date, due to the sheer numbers of people showing up via Google Images. I’m flattered that they like them enough to want to click on them, but it concerns me that they may also be grabbing them for their own use.
I also slapped some redirection onto my images folders with a not-so-subtle rebuke: http://youknowthatblog.com/images (click away… you’ll be back!)
Certainly anyone who is determined to use your image as their own, who knows anything about PhotoShop isn’t going to be stopped by a watermark. I suppose it’s like a fence, creating a boundary, but is easily jumped over by the ethically-challenged.
What do you think about having your images show up on Google Images? Do you feel its harmless, or cause for concern?
LOL! Love the redirect. Serves em, right!
I took to watermarking my stuff, too. Just in case…but like you say, if someone wants it bad enough, they can probably use Photo Shop to snip it out…but hopefully, by watermarking, it’ll stop them…or at least slow them down!
As a writer, I feel strongly about taking something that is not yours and claiming it as your own. If I were to grab a picture from your site, I would totally give credit AND a link back. It’s only right!
.-= Iva @ Horizontal Yo-Yo´s last blog ..Health Care: A Right or Not? =-.
I personally don’t watermark my images, but I make sure they are no larger than 350px wide. That limits what people can do with them. I DID have someone take one of my drawings and create a logo with it. An awful logo. If you are going to rip someone off, at least do something respectfully with it!!! I saw it and politely told them no. It worked thankfully I didn’t have to go any further with it!
.-= K9-CRAZY´s last blog ..Training Friends =-.
I think there are probably folks who grab stuff innocently, (or ignorantly) too. I think safeguarding your work is a smart idea. I say this because I didn’t understand the rules at first and did the very thing you’re talking about once or twice. It was not malicious – at least the intent was not – and when it was pointed out to me I felt just horrible. I quickly made amends – as best I could – and tripped over myself apologizing – but the damage was done. I’m the sort of person who won’t burn an unauthorized copy of a CD for Pete’s sake, and here I was stealing someone’s work. I didn’t see it that way until it was pointed out to me. Now that it has been pointed out, I don’t know how I could’ve been so stupid, but I was.
I hate that this is my first comment on your blog! Please don’t judge me – it was TRULY an honest mistake – and I’m only sharing to let you know that not everyone who does this is a horrible person. And to say that watermarking is a great idea.
Sneaking quietly and nervously out the back, now…
.-= Tammy´s last blog ..Big Wheel Keeps on Turnin’ =-.
Iva => Thanks, and I agree.
Tracy => Good idea – although I really like to see and show details in my work and my photos, so I guess watermarking is the only way to protect my stuff. Your artwork being stolen should be of great concern; you are one of the best artists I’ve ever had the pleasure to meet, let alone call my friend.
Tammy=> You can totally make up for it by participating in the Silly Haiku Wednesday meme!
I understand where you’re coming from, and honest mistakes happen. While I’m speaking specifically about photos and artwork done by individuals, it really does apply to anything and everything. If I’m going to be honest about it, there are even a few images on my blog that I grabbed from Google Images myself. They are corporate images, used in representation of their product, but I did take them without asking. I guess I should practice what I preach, eh?!
I worry about my images, too, and as a former journalist, I know better than to trust others with responsible crediting of my content. I think I need to take some proactive steps like this. Good for you…how long did it take?
.-= Melissa B.´s last blog ..Silly Sunday Sweepstakes: Quadruple Bypass? =-.
Doesn’t take long to run them through photoshop – I spent a couple hours doing all of it.
I have long wanted to put a tag on my photos but am at a loss as to how I can do it without expensive programs…? Please advise.
And though I haven’t specifically asked permission the couple of times I’ve done it, when I have used other people’s images I link back with credit. That’s probably not thorough enough but then again, I’m the bad one. ;)
.-= stephanie (bad mom)´s last blog ..oh friday, i’m in love =-.
Interesting question! I haven’t watermarked my photo images. I do get a lot of visitors from Google image searches but I always hope they will read and enjoy my blog and become frequent visitors. I put a lot of effort into my blog but I’m not trying to make money from it and I’m happy to share as long as someone asks. I’ve had students write to me to request photos for school projects which I thought was sweet, and I’ve had nice e-mails from people who told me I brought back memories of NYC to them. Of course I’d HATE to see any of my photos used in a malicious way, but if someone wanted to they could do that watermark or not as there are programs that remove watermarks!
.-= Pat´s last blog ..Mosaic Monday ~ My Cat Bo! =-.
Usually I don’t mind if someone uses my pictures. I have most of my Flickr pictures under a CreativeCommons license. I understand and agree with the concern of people using images without permission – but I do’t think any of mine are good enough to make money off so I’m not gonna worry if they want to use a pic of my apple blossoms or lake shots on their blog =- unless they are a direct competitor. Then I will draw the line (I’m a real estate agent.) I don’t care if Joe Shcmoe uses my pics, but if Joe Schmoe Local Realtor does, then there will be an issue.
.-= Karen Rice´s last blog ..Community Event: Deanery Choir in Matamoras, 7/26/09 =-.