Single post in Regarding Art Theft

[quote=Ravyne]Since it appears to be an ongoing problem that begets an announcement, here is one. [center][b][i]Beginning April 9, 2014 ([datetime]April 9, 2014[/datetime]) the RP setup forums will be closely monitored for art theft, and any cases found will be punished accordingly.[/i][/b][/center] This means that if it isn't gone by that date, you're gone, end of story. Two weeks is given so more inactive users have time to log in and see this. Yes, this is a hardline take on it, but look at it like this. Posting art without a source (or, all forbid, claiming you made it) is [b]theft[/b], plain and simple. You're taking an artist's work, their effort and their time, and telling them "No, this is mine now." Either that, or "It isn't worth my effort to ask you permission." You're literally stealing something from someone. How is that okay? Answer: it isn't. So, on to what's going to happen and more importantly, what you can do. [hr] [center][b]If you're using art that isn't yours without proper source attribution.[/b] Remove the offending piece immediately. If you still wish to use it, read the 'Proper Source Attribution' section. [b]If you're using art that isn't yours with something like "Credit to the artist" or sourcing sites such as any of the *boorus or weheartit and so on (archive sites).[/b] Remove the offending piece immediately. If you still wish to use it, read the 'Proper Source Attribution' section. [b]If you're using art that was created for you.[/b] Provide a link to the person's page that created it (if on PF) or to the person's page on the original site (if not on PF). We [i]will[/i] check these. [b]If you're using art that is yours.[/b] Provide a link next to the image (if posted in a forum post) or in your signature (if an avatar) with a link to the original place you posted the art. If neither of these exist (as in if the art was made specifically for PF and not posted anywhere) simply claim yourself as the artist. However, remember that claiming this when you aren't the owner (claiming ownership falsely) will result in a permanent removal from the site.[/center] [hr] [center][h3]Proper Source Attribution[/h3][/center] If you still wish to use art that isn't yours, then there's a series of steps you need to follow. [ol] [li][b]Finding Image Source[/b][/li]Many resources exist to find the source of an image. [url=http://www.tineye.com/]Tineye[/url] and [url=http://saucenao.com/]SauceNao[/url] are the two most popular. Simply upload the file from your computer (or provide the image URL in Tineye's case) and the site will display all places the image is used. If these fail to bring up any places the image is used, then it's time to look manually. [i]If you still can't find it, don't use the image at all.[/i] [li][b]Asking Permission[/b][/li]After finding the artist's original gallery or site, find their contact information and contact them regarding permission to use one of their pieces. Feel free to link to PFQ, if you wish. Some artists aren't as active as others; it's wise to not post the image until you receive permission rather than posting and saying you're waiting on permission. [li][b]Attribution Example[/b][/li]After contacting the artist and receiving permission, now it's time to properly attribute. Simply take a screenshot (if you don't know how to take a screenshot, firstly welcome to the 21st century and secondly [url=http://q.pokefarm.org/forum/thread/3150/Basic-PC-Screenshot-Guide]read this[/url]) of the PM, note, email, or whatever, and link to it right under the image. Or above, or to the right, it really doesn't matter. For example, see below. [hide=Source Attributation Example] [img]http://fc02.deviantart.net/fs70/f/2014/055/3/1/ravyne_by_seiyena-d77v46w.png[/img] Source: [url=http://seiyena.deviantart.com/art/Ravyne-436472312]Seiyena on DeviantArt[/url] ([url=http://i.imgur.com/kERJkOP.png]used with permission[/url])[/hide] It's that simple. [/ol][/quote] Is this okay? A friend on deviantart made it for me:3 It's a picture of my fan character on the bottom of my post:3 [url=http://th06.deviantart.net/fs70/200H/f/2013/319/e/7/demonlouie_gift_by_mirrorshardkoopa-d6ud5pg.png&IP=192.168.170.212&CAT=EXART&USER=RADACCT-192.168.170.212&CE=0:3]MirrorShardKoopa On Deviantart (I had his or her permission to upload this)[/url]. This person made it:3