Watermarked images

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   BabyCheetahposted 13 years ago

   Hi hubbers,
   
   I know this is probably a common topic and I've found my answer to it to an extent. Just wondering why we can't use our own photos because we put a watermark on it. I understand from HP's point of view that watermarked images equals most of the time stolen content that more than likely the auther did not get permission to use. But from my point of view I do not wish to unwatermark my images because of the high number or art thieves on the web and I do not make watermarks that deter from the image. I know I'm safe to use my own images because I'm not going to sue myself
   
   So question to you all. Should there be some consideration or exception if you are the owner of the images posted with a light watermark? I would also like to mention that I appreciate that HP's takes art theft seriously
   
   Finally sorry if this is in the wrong section but I see this as help as I'm still learning everything

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   1. 88

      Marisa Wrightposted 13 years agoin reply to this

      It's a nice idea, but making exceptions for a Hubber's own photos would be a time-consuming process.  After all, they couldn't take your word for it that it's your photo just because you say so, otherwise you can be sure some people would abuse it.  And it's not easy to check whether a photo is stolen.
      
      HubPages is a business - they're not going to introduce a feature that will eat up staff time, unless it has a benefit for the site.  There are plenty of legal images out there already so I can't see it happening.

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      1. 67

         BabyCheetahposted 13 years agoin reply to this

         Fair point made it would take a bit of work and stuffing around I guess. I'm just bummed I can't use my own work unless I take off my watermark. My other option would be to get permission from friends and link back to their page as some of them don't really watermark their work and I know I'll be safe from copyright infringements.
         
         Thanks for your feedback too

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         1. 88

            Marisa Wrightposted 13 years agoin reply to this

            Unfortunately,the bottom line is - don't post your work online unless you're prepared for it to be stolen, because it almost certainly will be. 
            
            I use Creative Commons licensed photos from Flickr, there are thousands of them.

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            1. 67

               BabyCheetahposted 13 years agoin reply to this

               Good idea, Flickr is a great site to use.
               I don't mind my work being displayed as long as they don't try to sell it, hence the watermark on them and I post them smaller so printing them would not look nice. I've found my work on different sites, mainly blogs so having he name and watermark makes it like advertising

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   Uninvited Writerposted 13 years ago

   I can't find it but I swear I thought Simone said at one time that you could watermark your own pictures. I'd send them a email to ask at team@hubpages.com.

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   1. 67

      BabyCheetahposted 13 years agoin reply to this

      I was going to do that but I went and found my answer which basically said that even if they are your own images no watermarks allowed. A good point raised was how does HP's know it's your own work? I put my name on them too but I suppose anyone can do that They are certainly a lot more strict with some things on here but at the same time it is what makes it a well respected and successful site

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