by JBaymore » Sun Jul 01, 2007 9:38 am
Use of a Copyrighted artwork for ANY purpose other than that which the artist intends is subject to the Laws of Copyright. Even if you do not "make a profit" from it's use, you still do not have the right to use it unless you ask for and recieve permission.
Abuse of this is absolutely FLAGRANT on the web.
The odds of formally getting "caught" for the reposting of a copyrighted image are very, very small....... even less if you are doing so in a non revenue producing venue. Does the lack of odds for getting caught make it legal or "right"?
This is at least as large a MORAL issue as it is a legal one. Is it fair to the original artist to steal his or her work and use it as your own? How much content can be lifted and still be considered under "Fair Use"?
HOWEVER, while YOU might not be a "commercial" venture, the site on which you post the your "lifted" content MIGHT be considered a commercial entity...and THAT site then becomes the target because of the copyright infirngement. Then you get the issues you see with places like "YouTube".
Food for thought.
best,
.......................john

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