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First
off, I think that folks (namely Art Users
) should *NOT* be afraid to use an artists' work.
Most artists,
deep down, feel truly appreciated when someone wants to use their work. However, some of those folks may not fully understand
that using a certain artists' work (without permission) could be a violation of that
particular artists' copyrights. If an artist puts his or her work on the web, this still
doesn't give the Art User the right to take it and do whatever they want with it.
An artist will do everything they can to protect their work like watermarking it, etc. Some won't, but this still doesn't
mean that the Art User should take the art and use it with impunity. If the Art User violates an artists' wishes and takes their image and uses it without permission,
an artist does have the legal right to take action against said Art User.
I
just wanted to clarify that.
Do keep in mind, once it's out on the web, it's NOT fair game. I know this, and most artists' should know this too. It's how the
artists' protects their work that could make a difference between being compensated, and *not* being compensated, whether
it be a monetary compensation, or something else that's pre-determined between the "Art
User" and the Artist.Now, I've signed a petition put out by the Art Avengers. On the surface, this petition seems to be in the artists'
best interests. I think that any good artist who puts their work out on the web should have a good representive (and good representation and protection) to bring their work to the public so they can in the long run recieve appropriate
compensation and/or praise and/or recognition, whichever comes first. However, this may also tend to make
most serious Art Users wary about using a certain artists' work. When I signed
this petition, I didn't do my research as to it's true nature and who was behind it. I blame myself. So I can only hope that
true good will come out of this petition rather than something that'll eventually turn into a raging uncontrollable monster
on a witch hunt.I
can only pray.For the record, I'm NOT
for routing out any and all *so called* art theives. I know in the past that I've
stated that all art theives (or uninformed art users) should be tracked down and made to pay, but after some thought, I'm backing off on my own misguided
opinions. I
feel strongly about this.I appreciate all Art
Users and my fans (past, present & future), who pay or not. If it wasn't
for these people, my work would probably have never gotten the coverage I have now, or will ever have. It's them who I'm indebted to. I do cut a lot of
folks some slack when it comes to my art, and I won't come down on them like a ton of bricks shaking my finger at them if
they unknowingly use my art without permission. A lot of these folks are in essense my fans whether they purchase my licensed packages or not. They're still my fans and I owe a lot to them
and their interest.SO..I'M FOR: -Proper Art Use (Pay or Not)
-Proper Artist Compensation (monetary or otherwise pre-determined equal compensation).
I'M AGAINST:
-Artist Vigilate-ism/Artist Gestapo-ism (Misguided Artists going
after innocent, misguided, non-paying Art Users/Fans and badgering them with threats and diatribes).
-Habitual Art Abusers
(Art Users who are flagrant in their non-compensation of other Artists, and forego all moral
judgement before taking an Artists' work for their own purposes and use said Artists' work with impunity).
 FRIENDLY ADVICE..
To all Art Users: Do some research, ask questions and send emails.
Sometimes the artist you are interested in will gladly let you use their art for little to no compensation. Just make sure you have all the particulars before you grab your fav artists' work. Also, If
they don't want you to use their work, don't put out a vendetta to soil their reputation,
it could backfire on you. A lot of Artists do not make a living doing their
art, though they'de like to, it's just not the norm. Perhaps that artist was having a bad day at work or their car broke down
on the freeway. So the best thing to do is give them a grace
period, and approach them later down the line, perhaps you may be rewarded. Also, If the Artist steers you to a site where
you can purchase a license to use their work, thank them for
pointing it out and that you will check into it. Remember though, you're not obligated to buy any artists' licensed packages,
but perhaps down the line, you may change your mind. In the
end, everyone benefits!--If anyone has comments, please do! This can be very important to everyone involved, including
myself, so please do comment! I just don't want people to hate me because I signed something without looking further into
it. It happens, and now I have to deal with the repercussions. If anything, I hope to open up some interesting discussion.
Yer buddy..DLNORTON Disclaimer: I only
represent myself on this blog entry, and doesn't reflect the opinions of
those who I'm professionally and presently contracted with. Any and all opinions and views are my own, and should not sway
your judgement about me personally and/or my art or anyone connected with me. (This is a minor edit. I apologize for the last one and needed to clarify a few
points. This may change again as I get all the facts. So do refer back to this particular blog until firther notice.
Updated
08-16-2007)
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