So I went to a free template website for osCommerce templates because I wanted to use a few thumbnails of storefronts in advertising. Basically after sending emails back and forth with the owner of the free templates, he said I could use them if I gave a link back to his url. While I did and that's cool and everything is well and fine, but isn't there an easier way? Why can't I use an image of something that's free? If I took that free template and actually put it at a new website, I'd be allowed to use a thumbnail of it, right? So where's the line here? Basically I just want a few thumbnail images of online stores. Does anyone know a stock photo place to get these or somewhere? Or does anyone know the legal line? (I'm using them in advertising a product of mine)
Something may be free to use, but if you expect to profit from it, it is only fair that the developer gets something back in return. That is why most free templates have links in the footer.