Howdy, I am looking for a site or page that I could direct people to who are taking my site's content and posting it as there own. Something explaining the law in an easy to understand manner would be best. I have a tons of people who steal my original content. Some guy took all my optical illusions (which i drew myself) and then posted them on their own site (hotlinked), and through their google ads under them . dork. I wanted to give him an email before I report him to give him the chance to take it down. I also create original cartoons, which people love to steal. Worst of all, people rip entire articles from my site including images and post them to their blogs, forums, etc. One of my articles was posted in some guys myspace-like page. I emailed the owner of the site, explaining the situation. The webmaster emailed me back today and said: 'The user added "This was tookin off of http://www.myurl .com/info/myarticle.php" ... so it should be ok now' Yeah, rip off a thousand word article with 8 illustrations then post (but not actually link to) my url where you stole it from. That's bloody helpful. Uhg. Anyhow, sorry for the bit of ranting. I'm just looking for some guidence on how to guide these unknowing webmasters and "bloggers" about copyrights and fair use. Any easy to understand information I can point them to?
For image hot linking, make the images show a nasty image when there on another domain! I can provide an image if you need one!!
That's a pretty good one. It is actually listed in the sidebar of some academic textbooks in the section(s) on copyright. Additionally, you can get familiar with the law and create your own. Most FAQs are not full-proof and there may be recent court cases that set new precedence or enhance the law further.
Thanks Davert, I'll have a look at that one. Nintendo - I know about those images Here is the image I use for when people hotlink to avatars I provide on one of my sites (even though there are instructions and bolded text stating not to direct link to the avatars): Here is an image switch I did for someone who ripped some of my images for a gallery of theirs: http://www.netcolic.com/pictures/greensquares.htm These image swaps for hotlinkers only give me momentary joy, though I think people should have to pass a test on basic copyright issues before being allowed to have a blog, or adsense account.
Yea that is good. I actually read that before. You need to hit this guys hard man. I don't approve but like if someone takes a pic. . . you should be a little ticked .. . but when someone copies a whole article and pictures without asking you then it's time to be pissed. Here's what I would do. Go in and change your pic to another filename. Then create another pic that they are hotlinking that says, "This image and article was taken off http: //www.myurl .com" And don't worry about the rant. Edit: Sorry Toni and I posted at the same time. See we think alike! Skinny
Unfortunatly, just about every article I write gets stolen. I've even found people claiming to be doctors, psychologists, and other "professionals" who re-wrote about 10 words from a 1000 word article of mine and then posted it as there own. Kids and newbie bloggers just annoy me with their ignorance, but these professionals should know better. I don't like doing the .htaccess thing on some of my sites because I don't mind if someone uses 1 image, a short intro and then actually links to and credits my article. Many people do this, and I have no problem... I am all for Fair Use, and ultimatly benefit from the exposure. Pfft, another rant by me Here is a site that explores the humor of hotlinking if anyone is interested in a laugh: http://www.deuceofclubs.com/switcheroo/