Poll: Your coin images being used

I was wondering how most collectors (who image their coins) feel about the images being used without permission on the internet. I don't mean for advertising purposes, but just in general. Maybe someone posted it in a forum, or is using it in an article they wrote. Things along those lines.

 

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lol ok after voting I now feel horrible to be vote #1 to say "get back to work"....personally the only reason a person would use a photo Ive posted is to say "this is what you should not do" but honestly for the pros, its as simple as posting on the internet = now anyone can see it

 

You actually chose the correct answer!

 

Depends on the situation. If it's pics of a coin they bought from me, or it's just someone using my pics as an example, I really don't care. But, if someone's using the pic and making it seem like it's their coin, or their pic, then I wouldn't be too happy.

 

I would want to see my pictures on the internet but I just wish whoever uses it, can ask first.

 

Yeah, I was thinking along the lines of someone using it as an example in an article, or showing it off because it't awesome. Not claiming ownership or anything.

 

I have had a few of my images seen used (my imagines have coins in white foam background) I have no problems with it as long as they are not using to sell an item.

 

I'll put up something else with the same URL if they are trying to make money on mine. Remember when someone stole a image of a trade dollar collector and put it on eBay. His listing was gone in seconds when the nude image was put on the web site where the image was hosted.

 

Oh man thats funny. That's why hotlinking is not a good idea lol.

 

You should have included another option for your poll. If you're going to claim that it is copyright infringement, then you should also include, "It isn't copyright infringement, and any photo posted on the internet is fair game."

I believe that I read somewhere that there is nothing illegal about using photos posted on the internet. It's what you might do with them that could be illegal.

Chris

 

I've dealt with this issue plenty of times on eBay. Normally I don't mind people using my images for informational purposes. But I DO mind people using them as a stock photo to sell a similar coin, and have reported such instances. I also inform the seller that using a stock photo may be fine in some categories, but it is a dumb thing to do with coins.

 

To be honest I am not really sure what the law is. But when wikipedia wanted to use some of my images I had to complete some paperwork, asserting that the photos were mine, when they were taken, and that I freely gave wikipedia permission to use them.

Perhaps they were just protecting themselves by going to extremes.

Personally, I have no problems with anyone using my photos unless they are misrepresenting them or claiming they are theirs. I do appreciate credit but I never expect it.
Lance.

 

bump. Just wanted to bump this a few more days.

 

hehe tell that to Getty Images.

I draw the line at profit. If they are making profit from my picture even if it's only $0.01 then I have an issue with that. Aside from profit I don't really care. It's the coin people are interested in and not the picture, I had nothing to do with designing or minting the coin so I try not to let it bother me. (sometimes it does kinda peeve me though).

edit: My coin photography skills are terrible. So it hasn't been a big issue for me. I have had it happen to me with other stuff on a semi regular basis.

 

I have posted some photos here, and I think that pics should never be used without attribution and not at all if there is profit to be made.

 

Once I find that my images have been used, I simply request that they give me credit for the image. If they do not, then I get upset but so far 100% have complied.

If a particular image is used quite frequently, I modify it with my name and request that they use that image freely. 100% have complied.

IMO, if someone is serious about not having other folks use their images, then the image needs to be watermarked with the appropriate copyright information otherwise, its difficult to prove that yoiu actually took the photograph other than a he said/he said scenario.

 

None of the choices are good for me. I think the only time I would be upset was if they were claiming one of the coins as their own. Other than that I am not sure it would bother me. Besides I routinely use Heritage photos for coins I bought from them.

 

You know Doug, you bring up a good point. I was debating with someone the other about what is protected when it is published online. I also "felt" that expressed copyright information is not needed to keept it protected. Although I do not have a resource to find these types of copyright laws. Some, if not most poeple beleive that if it is on the web, it is free to use. Which, obviously, is just moronic.

However, depending on where you upload that content, you yourself can (and most likely are) handing over the rights to the website owner. Gotta read that fine print!

 

It also depends on the venue the images are being posted on.

From Cointalk FAQ: "The person who created the content, whether it be a photo, text, diagram, or anything else that is posted, retains the ownership of the copyright. However, by posting it to CoinTalk, you do grant CoinTalk the legal right to host the materials in perpetuity."

So, in such instances you SHARE that copyright.