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
