I really don't like to start my day like this...

I mean who does?  Especially when we are in search of happy bliss filled days.  I warn, don't make me spill my coffee... 

   

However, there is sadly, a reality out there.  With annoying crazy fume out of ears blowing topics...  Sometimes, those topics, only hit home if they are happening to you.  Otherwise they seem sorta trivial, and you can't really understand how a person feels, until you go through it, and you say, oh no, this stinks!! 

So, let me tell you a story.  If you have the time, please read carefully, because skimming will only confuse things.

So, there is this site called Polyvore.  I don't know much about it, as I am just learning some of this.  But their official statement on their blog looks like this:

"Polyvore lets you mix and match images from anywhere on the web, to create outfits, interior designs, or any kind of collage. Our blog highlights top trends and top users from the Polyvore community."

Now, the deal is, anyone can upload images, and make them available to anyone on the planet who is signed up for Polyvore to make collages with.

I had seen a few collages for clothing done like this through Polyvore.  You scan your mouse over the collage, and the link to where the item came from, pops up over the item.  The clothing collages looked fun.  Here is one, and yes, the framed chair is one of mine, which I don't mind because it was credited to me...

This is a print screen I did from Polyvore, and here is the link (Collage put together by:  nora-danish44)  And, a fine example of how Polyvore should be used...

        

Seems harmless.  You scroll over each item, and find out where it comes from... This is fun.

So, I put it out of my head, and walked on.  Until, thank heavens, my sweet pal Louise (Art & Ghosts - see details about this at end of post), filled me in that, there was some funny business going on at Polyvore.  Thank goodness she did.

My avatar and more was on Polyvore, my sweet friend Marjorie's snapshots of herself were on Polyvore, and worse yet, tons of Louise's and my artwork that we did not put there - being used and not credited, without us even knowing....

You see, people, strangers, are uploading artwork, that is not theirs.  And on top of that, offering it to anyone on Polyvore, to make these collages.  Some of the collages are fun, they don't change your work, they showcase your work, and they link back to you.

The not so fun thing.  Some of the collages are awful.  And they distort your artwork, and they are tasteless!  And they make your stomach churn when you see them.  And, worse yet, they don't link to the owner of the work.

So, instead of enjoying the people who have made something cool, you have to find your Elfin, your beloved little creatures, in some weird collage like this... (this isn't even close to the worst ones, those were removed earlier today)

So, what happens, is that you get angry, and you decide you don't want to be a part of Polyvore at all.  Even though it might be publicity, and some of the collages are good...  The whole idea of Polyvore, all of a sudden becomes awful to the artist whose images have been destroyed...

There are too many  people that are blatantly stealing images from Etsy, from Flickr and from blogs, uploading them to Polyvore without permission then worse - making their ugly version of an art piece, and not crediting where they got their images. 

After working on this since 8 a.m. to 6 p.m., and filing copyright violation claims at Polyvore (who needs this or has the time?) over 2 dozen of my images that I did not upload onto Polyvore have disappeared.  Thank Goodness.

Here is an example of how collages were made using my work.  Some do the right thing.  They don't change my work, they put it in a nice collage and link to me.  Alas, others don't...  And thankfully, lots of those have been taken down...

So, why am I ranting here?  I guess, I just wanted you to know, and to be aware.  It could happen to you.  And you wouldn't like it...

And, I think Polyvore is in over their head.  How can they be sure the images being uploaded belong to the uploader???  This seems like a cycle that will never end...

Maybe I am extra passionate about it because I have changed my whole life for art.  I live for art.  It is all I know.  I live my life on an art based path.  I have since I was 11 years old.  My parents knew this, I knew it.  My heart depth in art is vaster than I could ever share.  It is my soul.  It is ME.  So my work, my work is everything.  And when it is stolen or disrespected, it feels, well, like the pits...

   

So, now to get the real details on all of this, you must visit Louise at Art & Ghosts.  She is an amazing advocate for Artists.  I am so proud to know she stands up for us all... 

So you know, it seems Polyvore had this issue before.  And it is very well known around Etsy forums and such...  It isn't new news.  Our images are being taken without our permission everyday.  Through our blog, through Flickr.  It is a risk we all take...

However, we need to get the word out, so that people who take the images, can't say they didn't know.  I think many people, aren't informed enough to realize, our images are copywritten...  You can't just take someone's image, especially their artwork, and do with it as you please...

So, I am adding a wish to our wish list...  And you know what it is...  No more of this nonsense...  Am I naive?  No.. Just hopeful...  And exhausted...

I really don't like wasting my time on things like this.  Marjorie has a headache, I have a headache and darling Louise, has the hugest headache of all...  Just take a look...

I know this will all pass, and it isn't the end of the world, but it is heck of annoying!!!  I need a flower... Here have one too xoxo, V

        

Comments

[artandghosts]

thanks for such lovely references to my integrity, hehe:)

and thank you most of all for spreading the word about these parasites.

your readers need also be aware of sites like ffffound!.com and iheartit, for they are constantly supplying polyvore with fresh pickings - without our permission.

we all need to use our collective voice to stop this.

............

i must try to relax a little now. i am more exhausted from passion and fury than anything else.

and i will not quit this campaign until something is done.....or else polyvore exposed to the 'right people' and closed down.

xxx

[Kim Wright]

This is the exact reason I took my blog down! I had posted several photos that I had taken and they were stolen...just like that!!! In a blink of an eye. I have since found out that there is a way to protect your uploaded pictures, but since I took my blog down I never researched it more thoroughly. It's a shame that there are people like that in the cyber world isn't it!!!

[Laura]

I'm so sorry this has happened to you and to those you know. I had read something in the forum at Etsy. It is the pits, and it is a waste of good time to have to fight things like this. Good luck!

[Happy]

Yikes. But I'm not really surprised. The www has provided the universe with the wherewithall to rob, plunder, and pillage everything. When my then 21 year old daughter (she is 31 today) was in grad school, someone stole her entire and quite extensive website on Caribbean literature/poetry and did not credit her, but presented it as his own. It's sad, and it's terrible, but when we put anything of ourselves on the web, we are subject to the whims of people without scruples. It's shameful, but there's little we can do to prevent it, short of not putting ourselves out there. That said, I'm still profoundly sorry that this happened to you of all people. Your blog has been my daily delight, and I feel as if the last beautiful thing on earth has been snatched from under me. Lets hope the sunshine returns quickly. Happy

[JO]

This is fast becoming a very BIG problem... I have several friends who have had this happen to them....

I dont blame you one bit ... you should be upset... I like you feel that my work is my life and should anyone try to take that from me I will get upset... it is disrespectful .... And these people who claim they have no clue? AHEM!!!

GO TO THIS LINK IT HAS VALUABLE INFORMATION FOR EVERYONE TO LEARN ABOUT WHAT YOU CAN DO SHOULD SOMEONE STEAL YOUR CONTENT/IMAGES ETC

http://lorelle.wordpress.com/2006/04/10/what-do-you-do-when-someone-steals-your-content

JO

[Jamie]

Oh Vanessa, it is a shame that you have to deal with that and that those people don't have respect for artists and their work! I'm so sorry you've had a horribly exhausting day. I'm so glad you let us know about this though...I've never actually even heard of that website (I know, I'm so far behind on the times) and think I might start watermarking my photos now. Which is something I toyed with in the beginning but is such a time consumer...but I'm thinking maybe it's worth it.

And I'm sorry your adorable little Elfin friends had to be put in that picture on the first link :-( Hopefully Polyvore gets their "nuts" in a row & this doesn't happen anymore (especially to you, the sweetest girl on the planet ;-) I mean, you've had the roughest day and you are still giving US a flower...so very sweet. Thank you and I hope you have a good nights rest and better day tomorrow...you deserve it!

[janelle]

utterly outrageous. really. and your work is so REFRESHINGLY original...down with polyvore and any other site that pilfers...sis. hope you get all your work back! i LOVE your work...and my only sadness is that i live on the otherside of the globe and can never own any of it...so i come here and revel in it. You rock! xxx j

[Shell]

I'm giving you a big hug, Vanessa. Art is created from personal places inside of us. To have it stolen then altered in a way that is opposite of who we are is upsetting. I'm proud you let the site know and they took down images. This is the reason why I use a lot of my images from glitter-graphics or other places that people create images specifically to be use for blogs.
Take care. Tomorrow will be a better day for you.

[Pattie]

Venessa,
It's always disheartening when we discover how some humans are capable of prostituting themselves to further there value in their own eyes. But you have done the right thing. You have directed your anger into positive action!!:) It really is a well know secret that Knowledge is Power!! I will link my blog back to your's with a call to arms. One --10-100 voices are easy to ignore but there are far far more of us that live through our art and when the many voices become one then we can't be ignored any longer!! :) Shhh don't tell them (no I don't know who them is but then neither do they)that Gandhi freed a nation that way;)

Pattie ;)
Mazatlan Mexico

[Chrissi]

This just makes my heart hurt and I feel sick to my stomach in frustration for the pure and gifted artists like you, who are taken advantage of my these sycophants. Damn them!!

[kate]

Ugh, how awful. I'm so sorry you had to go through this. You have every right to be angry and upset. Your art is so personal and so you- I'd feel violated if this had happened to me. (((big hugs))), and I hope you can sort out this headache.

[Chrissi]

This just makes my heart hurt and I feel sick to my stomach in frustration for the pure and gifted artists like you, who are taken advantage of my these sycophants. Damn them!!

[chelsea Ann]

OH my... I am so sorry! What a terrible friend I was- I saw your work there months ago but never took a second thought. Just thought oh- how lovely! How naive I was as well! I hope your wish comes true!

Hugs~
Chelsea Ann

[Terisa]

Wow...I went over and searched and low and behold a coat I had made...my very first blog post was on there! It was still linked to me. It seems like such a cool site with great and fun ideas...but the stealing has to stop. Thanks for the post and info.
Terisa

[Terisa]

OK so this is my revised post. I now have read EVERYTHING. I'm officially going on record that I'm removing my quote of it being a "cool site with great and fun ideas". I'm afraid my naive comment was not well thought out. Thank you again for taking a stand and informing. Information is everything!
Terisa

[Paris Parfait]

Am so glad you filed those claim forms and wrote about this. Really, it is endlessly annoying to have our work stolen and/or misued. I took my photos down from Flickr because of this and it's also the reason I started putting my name on all my photos. As the owner of some of your paintings used without permission on Polyvore, it infuriates me. Am so pleased you took action and are continuing to do so, to protect your work.

Beautiful flower! xoxox

[Helen]

This is so upsetting that I am speechless. Glad that you and others are taking steps to stop this theft. I have seen these "collages" on various blogs and it didn't dawn on me to question where the images were coming from. Thank you so much for making us aware. I have had some problems with images over the years myself and I know that sinking feeling.

[Marjorie]

You have said just what I wanted to say but did not have the right words to express!

I spent yesterday filling out those copyright forms as well, and, thankfully....for now, at least, most of my images have been removed (at least the ones that I found offensive).

I agree with you about the harmless collages where proper links are given....I see no harm in this at all, and think it a fun way to share links to different shops (clothing, art, jewelry, etc).

However, I did not see how adding my silly (be-mittened though it was) face to a collage of clothing and boots would add anything, or has anything whatsoever to do with linking to shops.....after all, I'm not selling my face, or our front deck, or the birds living outside our little house.

Yes, thank goodness for You and Louise and your courage.....I tend to crawl into a little hermit hole when these things happen.

Your both lovely and so strong!! And I am just so sorry anyone has to deal with this sort of thing!

[Marjorie]

And those horrible, defiled "collages" take the cake....especially with no credit given! Your beautiful little elves and all your lovely creatures and girls!! Oh dear!

[Donna]

Oh, honey...I'm so sorry that you have had this happen to you. A big, long hug to you!!

Thank you so much for taking the time to share with the rest of us so that we can learn more about this and how to protect our own artwork.

Your artwork is so beautiful and happy and inspiring and I was shocked to see it used in such an ugly way ~ I can only imagine how it made YOU feel.

I'm going to go read the blog that you suggested and do some research on this. Thank again for taking the time, even though you were exhausted, to share this. I hope the icky feelings go away soon and Polyvore decides to do the right thing from here on out!

Blessings and hugs!
~Donna

[jazzejunqueinc]

I love your site~
Mercedes

[Alexis]

This is terrible! :( I'm so sorry this has happened to you. }BIGHUGS{

[Kaerie Faerie]

So Sorry To Hear,
It use to be the Chinese would steal your designs and produce them cheaper, now it is everywhere.
There is a really great article by mega artist Patti Culea in the March 2009 issue of Soft Doll & Animals on this very subject.
Check it out!
Karen Kline

[Serena]

This infuriates me! I just finished reading through Art & Ghosts' troubles with Polyvore, too. It is absolutely infuriating that Polyvore even left a comment on her post basically justifying themselves. Their lame apology was followed by the statement that they've immediately taken down the images she told them about. What about all the images (hers and others') that haven't been pointed out to them? And how in the world does one prevent anything from being re-uploaded? Well, Polyvore says they have a function that can block images from being taken from certain websites (which they say they've done for her). But what's to prevent anyone from saving the images somewhere else (like photobucket or somewhere) and then uploading them to Polyvore? We do need to get together and make our voices heard loud and clear on this issue. Otherwise how can we feel comfortable sharing any of our creations online anymore?

[shibori girl]

Oh, Dear Miss Vee,

I know several have already said this, but I am so sorry you've had to deal with this soul-sucking, time-wasting distraction. I don't blame you a bit for having a well-deserved rant. And I want to thank you for bringing this to my attention. I'll be checking that site for things of my own. I hope I don't find any!

The trouble with all this marvelous technology that we are participating in is that so many unscrupulous, and unimaginative, people can anonymously rip us off and feel no guilt about it because we are all so far removed and faceless.

It stinks, and I think the internet police need to do something to provide copyright infringement penalties with some teeth!

Go pour yourself a fresh cup of coffee, find your most peaceful garden spot and share some quality rest-time with your Baby and Mr Lovee.

And know that we love you and support you.

Hugs,

Kate

[shibori girl]

Oh, Dear Miss Vee,

I know several have already said this, but I am so sorry you've had to deal with this soul-sucking, time-wasting distraction. I don't blame you a bit for having a well-deserved rant. And I want to thank you for bringing this to my attention. I'll be checking that site for things of my own. I hope I don't find any!

The trouble with all this marvelous technology that we are participating in is that so many unscrupulous, and unimaginative, people can anonymously rip us off and feel no guilt about it because we are all so far removed and faceless.

It stinks, and I think the internet police need to do something to provide copyright infringement penalties with some teeth!

Go pour yourself a fresh cup of coffee, find your most peaceful garden spot and share some quality rest-time with your Baby and Mr Lovee.

And know that we love you and support you.

Hugs,

Kate

[Deborah]

Dearest Vanessa,
Sending you all my love upon the wings of a sparrow sprinkled with fairy dust, flying high, high into the heavens,each little crystal of sparkle containing a request that the universe set this right.
**blows kisses** Deborah

[Melissa]

~Snuggle Puggles V~
Melissa

[RJ]

I'm so sorry this is happening to you. But I'm very glad you are talking about it. The more people who are aware of these problems the better. When I first looked at that site I thought "what fun!", but since then I have been hearing about increasing problems. Spreading the word about abuses of this type is the necessary first step to solving it. It won't be easy, but stealing and misuse can't just be ignored. I'm sending good thoughts your way!

[Ky Eliza]

Oh, Vanessa. That's terrible, and a huge, huge violation. I was just talking about copyright violation with an artist friend of mine yesterday and she said, "I really think that all studio art, performing art and art history majors should be required to take a class on copyright." Which I think is brilliant.

Anyway, BOO on this whole situation, and THANK YOU for being open about it. Sigh. One more thing I have to go and check on.

[Kris]

Vanessa,

I am terribly sorry to hear of the "conundrum" you and other talented artists are going through. Unfortunately, there are people in this world who find it funny to degrade and violate other people's work. I don't blame you for being angry and I admire you for your determination to put a stop to the misuse of your artwork. My thoughts are with you!!

Kris

[Sarah]

Sorry this happened. Thanks for blogging about it so other artists are aware.

[Erin Prais-Hintz]

See, Miss V? Your loyal followers are all behind you on this sad and terribly disgusting thing. It is disheartening and sick, but by telling us all about your experience and that of Louise you let us all help you by making it public. I agree with them all. Group hug! XOXO And I agree with Miss Pattie from Mexico....we all need to band together to make it stop. I will be looking into this more. I will put a post on my blog and website (when it comes). I will have a more critical eye of what I see represented and where rather than naively accepting what I see. I will be careful with my own images. I will be there to support you and celebrate your life, your art.
Now...I want you to look deep into the eyes of your little elvin friends and repeat after me...I do believe! I do believe! Give yourself a hug from me.
Erin

[Di Overton]

Ah, the downside of the internet. Chin up my love.
Di

xo

[Sarah]

How horrible for you that people can just do what they want with your beautiful work. Some sad people have no integrity.
Hope you are feeling more calm now!
Take care x

[Paintdiva]

Oh, dear Heart, Hugs, kisses and big glass of shroom nog. You deserve it. I have been through this arguement high and low for years. so many can not even comprehend the pain this kind of thing puts an artist through. Yet we must put on our teachers hats and explain, explain , explain. WHEW. what a pain, especially when we would so much rather be playing with our wee friends and sparkly things.

Dear heart, you are a pretty high profile young lady and this will resonate through out bloglandia as much and as far as your Tea Party. I sincerely hope the folks at Somerset have their ears open and deal with this on some level, too.

This, too, shall pass and we will all go back to our paints and wee folk and a few folk will be enlightened and be more careful about playing with other people's things.

Place a wish in a ballon for enlightenment and let that sucker fly.

[RD]

It's awful how some people seem to have no integrity or respect for other's hard work. I hope this one issue is resolved for you and the others. All the best!

[theresa]

Thanks for this post. I found one of my images has been pirated by this site. Also, I found two companies that I work with as a guest artist have had their sites mined for images and I have notified them.

[karin]

thanks for getting the word out there Vanessa....so sad that this happens.

[cathyb]

I know this took you a long time to write, not to mention the agravation you went through because of Piolyvore. I want to tell you how much I appreciate you spreading this word. The responses to your comments on the collage using your elves which you link to give a clear indication of the type of people who will use polyvore!

[Chris]

This is detestable. This is something weak and spineless people do, people without the courage to put themselves on the line do. Thank goodness for Louise.

Gerber daisies are the best flower in the world.

xox

[Laura McCullough-DeLorme]

Oh Vanessa...I'm so sorry about the hassle you and other artists are enduring...wow.

I think there has to be a better way for Polyvore to monitor this kind of thing and
I must say that I do feel a little sorry for the people who have innocently created art from images already loaded because they totally assumed that since it was there, it was free to use...and who are now having their fun little collages labeled as pieces of crap. I've never used Polyvore, but if I did and someone commented that the images were stolen, I'd feel bad and remove my work asap.

Yikes!

[Gina]

Crumby day in deed!!!
You have every right to rant and rave. When Someone takes another persons art work it's like someone taking anothers face. Stealing no matter what the item is a shame.

I stopped in to catch up on your posts and Wish you a Happy New Year! I'll leave a vase a flowers for you too.

[Jessica Rae]

I am so sorry you had to deal with this. This is awful. :( I'm glad you've got some of it resolved, at least. And bravo to you for trudging through to claim your rights. < 3

[ylva]

that is just outragious. i really don't understand how people can do that kind of thing! and the reply on that thread... it makes me terribly angry just to read about it and i understand how it must make youfeel :(. i'm so sorry you had to deal with it, but at least you managed to stop it. for now anyway. i love the art you make and i just prefer to see it the way it was intended, by you.

wishing you a better tomorrow!

hugs,

[Heather]

Oh my! I must be living in a cave, I've never heard of this place! It sorta fills me with dread! The concept seemed icky to me from the start. I try to splash my business name across all my paintings, Im scared to even look though to see if my things are on there! I hope that site shuts down, it seems tacky.

[michelle]

Okay, so I really wish I could be you when I grow up-aah if only I had the talent! Apparently others wish that so badly they have to STEAL your talent! So repulsive! If there is anything we non-artist folk can sign or join in on let us know. I guess this is the blessing and curse bit of the internet. Have a better day tomorrow, maybe a non-spill mug?

[Misha/DawaiOser]

That really sucks and they should NEVER have edited or claimed your art work in any way. It's just wrong and duplicitous. Secondly, and I'm sure I'll be lambasted for this but I'm an art lover and a collage maker (not on Polyvore though.) I credit the images/art and provide links when available. I enjoy sharing the beauty with folks who might not see it otherwise. I hope you are able to get this sorted out with no additional hassle. *HUG*

[two crazy crafters]

It makes me mad that you had to use your precious time to fight for yourself like that. It also makes me mad that people don't respect your artwork. Sounds like Polyvore needs some kind of control over what is being used and how they are using it. Twyla

[carolee clark]

Absolutely maddening!! Been there, done that, although not with this particular site...The most frustrating part is that not only is this kind of theft a complete betrayal, but it causes a further loss of creative time just to DEAL with it - It's like being ripped off TWICE!

I will certainly check out Art and Ghosts' post as well, and pass on the info...

Thanks sooooooo much for bringing this to our attention!

~ Carolee