I copy tons of pics of Custom Rifles, sights, gun parts, cool cars etc. To my computer for personal reference. May I post pics on A.R. of stuff that aint mine, but as a reference, if it has been taken from the "Ether". I've seen other members do it, but is it OK/ethical? Once someone posts a pic of something on the internet, does it automatically become public domain? Just wondering. I just learned how to consistently post pics (no really- for sure this time!) and I want to know what is "right and wrong". I would not post anything that had been emailed to me in private without permission or anything.
Matt

quote:

Originally posted by ColoradoMatt:
I copy tons of pics of Custom Rifles, sights, gun parts, cool cars etc. To my computer for personal reference. May I post pics on A.R. of stuff that aint mine, but as a reference, if it has been taken from the "Ether". I've seen other members do it, but is it OK/ethical? Once someone posts a pic of something on the internet, does it automatically become public domain? Just wondering. I just learned how to consistently post pics (no really- for sure this time!) and I want to know what is "right and wrong". I would not post anything that had been emailed to me in private without permission or anything.
Matt

You must be aware that everything on the internet is copyrighted. Some of it has been released to the public domain but those items have permissions listed. There is no free use application to pictures because you can't take a small portion and use it as a teaching aid or reference. You can post links to the original work if that is permitted but you can't post "stolen" pictures that belong to someone else.

PaulS, that may be true in one jurisdiction but not necessarily all of them. This site's members live in many countries around the world. It would be presumptive to make that blanket statement.

Pretty decent primer:

http://gigaom.com/2008/09/22/u...online-photo-rights/

Embedding the original link as text into the bottom or a corner of the photo should cover any need for references or citations.

Thanks to everyone. This is all good to know.
Matt

I can tell you that while the above is technically true, you'll be damned to find many people who care or follow it. In the recent past I was a photographer and took many pictures, some were for "work" some for "pleasure". Both have been used willy nilly by private individuals, companies, and institutions.

I spose I could hire a lawyer, track down the offending parties, and demand compensation. Good luck!

Using your example of a rifle. If person A posted the picture, then you want to post it in reference to something, at least provide the link and credit to the original person. If I save a picture of a rifle off the internet I try to credit who posted and who made the work.