How Important is it to Credit Images on HubPages?

1. 93

   Jeremy Gillposted 6 years ago

   How Important is it to Credit Images on HubPages?
   
   Okay, the obviously the textbook answer is that we need to credit all our images.
   
   However, the reality is most Hubbers, even the most successful, often only source an image by linking to it, which is only technically part of the crediting. Almost seems like for legality purposes, we're told about the crediting, but no one actually expects it to be done (at least not beyond linking to the source URL), as Hubs will be featured regardless. Any thoughts?

   replyreport
2. 80

   Wesman Todd Shawposted 6 years ago

   I used to just up and grab any freaking image I wanted to use. Well, I credited them. The only complaint I ever had was a guy who simply wanted me to link to his own website instead of just using his name and the link to where I got the image.
   
   Not much of a problem. I already know some folks will show up here on your question and go on and on and on about this and about that. Well, it's not so scary to use an image. Just credit the dang thing as best as you possibly can. If someone complains, ditch the silly image. Find another.
   
   Focus on making the very best content you can possibly make, and do the best you can towards crediting things. Remember that backlinks are still things of great value. So if you backlink to someone's website, and you do so from a great page you created - it benefits them too.

   replyreport
   1. 93

      Jeremy Gillposted 6 years agoin reply to this

      Agreed! I don't feel guilty as long as I backlink to them because it enables a sort of symbiotic relationship even if it's not technically the correct format. I did some research, and some of the most prominent Hubbers do the exact same thing.

      replyreport
3. 84

   tsmogposted 6 years ago

   I think it is important because HubPages stresses it with their guidelines. How much it is regulated is a bigger question. I dun'no . . . I don't know how tightly it is regulated by sites that offer their images with a Creative Commons licensing. For that matter the photographer of an image searching for misuse is questionable. I have heard on occasion in the forums of a Hubber being notified to pay for an image that was used without permission.
   
   Here is a little TMI . . .
   
   I always give an attribution and rarely a source URL as that is optional. I usually get my images from Pixabay these days. Their images are all CC0 Public domain, which is a Creative Commons license saying there are no restrictions. They request the image be given an attribution.
   
   Other sites like Wikipedia Commons indicate the proper Creative Commons license to use in their description. Usually it is 'Share Alike CC 2.0 Generic'. Sometimes they are licensed with restrictions like no commercial use or alterations. No commercial use means it cannot be used on a Hub because it is commercial. Usually when I use one of my own pictures I indicate CC0 Public Domain because the nitty-gritty is it can be copied and I have noway to know it was used.   
   
   The manner I attribute images is name of photographer, Creative Commons attribution, source
   
   For instance, John Doe, CC0 Public Domain, via Pixabay

   replyreport
   1. 93

      Jeremy Gillposted 6 years agoin reply to this

      Great answer, Tim. I know we should credit wherever we can, but I can't shake the feeling that there's leniency because so many topics would be busts without proper imagining, and HP doesn't want to miss out. Plus, it seems like everyone does it.

      replyreport
4. 93

   Jeremy Gillposted 6 years ago

   Sorry about the typo in the details of the question; it was pretty late when I wrote it.
   
   Based on the feedback I've received so far, and the research I've done, most every Hubber (no matter how successful) often only credits with a URL. Yet it's rarely discussed, almost taboo, as it's not technically correct. I find it a fascinating scenario, and if anyone has any further thoughts, please feel free to chime in.

   replyreport
5. 87

   nochanceposted 6 years ago

   It is absolutely important to credit your images. Copyright law is serious. You can get sued for up to $150,000 by either the copyright holder or the government.
   
   That's why many bloggers use images that are in the public domain. That means the owner has given up ownership to allow anyone to use or modify these images.
   
   Public domain images do not have to be credited at all. Though most appreciate it when you link back to the original website.
   
   This blog post shows a cautionary tale about taking images from google. http://www.livingfornaptime.com/startin … -to-avoid/

   replyreport
   1. 93

      Jeremy Gillposted 6 years agoin reply to this

      I agree that it's important, but that doesn't change the frequency of fudging. I bet most Hubbers are fearful to even discuss it, yet it should be debated. Also, there are the Fair Use laws to consider, which opens up a whole new can of worms.

      replyreport
   2. 80

      Wesman Todd Shawposted 6 years agoin reply to this

      Yeah, the only income I have is from Hubpages. So do you think I should be afraid of some big fine? hahaha nope.

      replyreport