24 replies to this topic

[tinypixie]

Hello HH members!

 

We need to talk about something serious right now. It has come to our attention that some shoppe owners are using creations from www.cartoonizemypet.com, and are distributing them on signatures, profiles, avatars, and other places on the forum. Those little critters are so cute, aren’t they?

 

But the issue here is a legal one.

 

First, we would like to point out rule 1.5 in our forum rules and guidelines:

 

1.5) Do not use other peoples' creations in your signature or avatar without their permission - This includes pictures and artwork. If you do have a person's permission to post their creation, always give credit!

 

Has anyone made the effort to get permission to use these images?

 

Luckily, the creator of these images has given blanket permission for others to use these images for non-commercial purposes. However, there is one condition--anyone who uses or displays the images must link back to the original website. We have not seen anyone do this.

 

If you fall into any of the below categories, you must give credit by linking to http://www.cartoonizemypet.com/ :

• Shoppe owners who use and create items from www.cartoonizemypet.com (please include a bold statement in your shoppe stating that these are not your creation, and credit goes to www.cartoonizemypet.com)
• Shoppe owners and requesters who use these creations in:
  • Avatars
  • Signatures/banners
  • Profile artwork
  • Posts and threads on HamsterHideout.com

In sum, if there is any image posted under your account name that uses these pictures, you must put a link in to give proper credit.

We will be, when possible, notifying people who do not give credit. However, ultimately YOU are responsible if you use these without giving credit (whether you are a shoppe owner or someone who requested). YOU will face any legal consequences of your actions if you do not give credit. Hamster Hideout does not assume responsibility for members who decide to forego giving credit.

 

This announcement also serves as a reminder to always check website content usage policies. Some websites like www.cartoonizemypet.com give blanket permission for use with simple requirements like crediting the source. Other sites specifically prohibit the use or reproduction of their products. Always read the fine print! Be careful when opening shoppes and claiming that artwork is yours if you borrowed it from a website. Just like with typing up informational posts, if the content is not 100% original to you, you must give credit to your source. This is a rule, not a suggestion.

 

Thank you all for understanding!

[~Megan~]

Great points, glad this was addressed

[FuzzyPolkaDot]

Yes, thank you for bringing this up, tinypixie. That's a good point.

[HammyMaster26]

Just gave credit on my bio from the links  Sorry for not doing so earlier. Thanks for telling everyone  

[OIive]

Just gave credit in my shoppe Thank you so much for posting this, tinypixie! 

[Laughing Lasagna]

I do have one question concerning this - what about direct-linking?

 

I have noticed that some of the images are being directly linked to this forum and I know that by direct-linking, it can cause a traffic overload on the original website every time the forum page is viewed. 

Edited by Laughing Lasagna, 09 September 2013 - 08:54 AM.

[dwarfhammy2013]

Thanks for bringing this up  I was looking through shoppes a while ago when I was new and I saw someone with that and was like woah they're really good artists and then I saw another person who linked it and I was like ohhhh Yeah lo, that was pointless but again, thanks for bringing it up 

[Petlover500]

Thank you so much! I just have credit in my shoppe

[Creative Hamster]

Thank you for posting this! I've seen quite a few times where an image is not given any credit at all to the original owner, but most members here do give credit to images that is not theirs which is great! I just think everyone needed this gentle reminder, including me 

[SyrianPumpkin]

Thank you! I'm glad something was said! ^.^

[BriannasHamsters]

Thank you! I'm glad something was said! ^.^

Same here! It was bothering me for a while, espencially when they said,"I don't have to tell you if I don't want too!" Thanks HH Staff!

[Poofthecat]

Yes, this was definitely needed, I hope the members that don't link to it will see this

[tinypixie]

Just to clarify, if you use any of www.cartoonizemypet.com creations in your signature, profile, avatar, or on posts, you must credit where they are.

 

We realize you cannot credit in an avatar, but you can (and should) put a link in your profile stating where you got it from, or in the avatar description part.

 

If you use any of the creations in your signature, you must also link in your signature. Thanks!

[Ping]

Thank you for this! It has bothered me for AGES when people make a shop saying "my xyz avatars" when they've come from someone else's website. I wasn't sure if it was reportable as everyone seemed to do it :-/

[tinypixie]

When in doubt, report There's no harm either way. It's always good to bring questionable things to our attention