dEAnlEeNoRtON.coM (page2)

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 Artists: It's not the end of world folks, our fans are very important!! If they use your work without your consent, first, show appreciation and find out their reasons before you take the next step. Also, don't badger them incessantly to the point that they never want to use your work again. Second, perhaps you can gently steer them towards a venue where they can possibly purchase your art and a fair use license, and in the process, compensate you (the Artist) appropriately. And Thirdly, they're your fans they love your stuff!! Appreciate them as they idolize you!!

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..

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.

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