Post by >>Venus<< on Jun 8, 2008 14:08:30 GMT -5
Image Copyrights
It has come to my attention that some of our members may be unknowingly using copyrighted images for pictures in their signature and avatar. I’ll not risk getting in trouble because of this, so here is a guide for finding uncopyrighted images for your pictures. Please note that there is no guide for finding uncopyrighted Google images below. This is because I have not found a reliable method for finding uncopyrighted images with Google, so I am no longer using Google to find images and neither should you (unless you’ve found a reliable method for finding uncopyrighted Google images, in which case you should PM me so I can add it to this guide). Below are guides for finding images with DeviantArt and Flickr, two popular search sites.
If you aren’t willing to find uncopyrighted images for your signatures and avatars, you can’t have images in your signatures and avatars at all.
Flickr
When you arrive at the Flickr homepage, type in what you want to search for on the Search bar and click “Search.” You’ll see a list of images – don’t click on any. Rather, click the link next to the Search bar that says “Advanced Search.” From there, scroll to the bottom of the page, ignoring the other checkboxes and check the box next to “Only search within creative-commons licensed photos.” Underneath that box, check the box that says “Find content to modify, adapt or build upon.” Click Search beneath that.
But wait. You’re not home free yet. There’s another list of images here. Find one you like and select it. There’s a button above the image that says “All Sizes.” Click that. You’ll see a full-size version of the image and some buttons beneath that. If there is a circle with the word “By:” in it, you must give credit to the photographer for their image. You can do that by adding something in the corner of the the image when you edit it that says “Image: [photographer’s username here] of Flickr” or something similar.
DeviantArt
DeviantArt is a bit simpler, and I tend to have better luck with it.
When you arrive at the homepage, find the Search bar at the top of the screen. Type in “stock” then what you’re looking for. For example, if you’re looking for an uncopyrighted image of a horse, type in “stock horse.” Many images will come up. Click one you like.
Double check the artist’s comments to see if they have any specific wishes, such as crediting them for their work or letting them know when you’re using their picture. Also, double check to make sure it’s a stock image by looking underneath the artist’s username. If it says “stock images” beneath it, it’s free for you to use.
Information © Videlle; of Forgotten Canines
You may use this guide on your site, but you must credit both me and Forgotten Canines.
