Somebody's pinched my pictures!

Janet S

Janet S

Messages
632
Name
Janet
Edit My Images
Yes
Not quite sure what I can do about this?

Whilst checking my stats on Flickr, I noticed that one of the referrers was dwuser.com...upon investigating, I find that they are using half a dozen of my images on their website!

http://dwuser.com/flashslideshow/v3/samples.php

If you click on the drop down box and change it to "Flickr Feed Data Source", there they are! All images are marked as @All rights reserved.

I've taken a screenshot, but I don't know how to post it on here...

Is there anything I can do? I've been told I should be flattered, but to be honest I'm more annoyed than anything!

Janet
 
Send DWUSER an email and ask for payment. Usually they'll remove them as soon as this happens - lot of companies are chancing it these days.
Failing that replace your images so the hot-link refers back to an image saying "This Image was stolen from *****..."
 
Happens all the time if you put stuff on Flckr. Do as Arkady suggests - whack in a big invoice and/or change the original pics - they'll soon take them down if you do that!
 
If you look below the images once you have gone to the flicker feed screen it says all images provided by stock.xchng which then links to a stock photo site. Does this mean that 'stock' have taken your photos and dwuser have taken them from there?

This is their web address.
http://www.sxc.hu/

Sorry that it's causing you so much hassle.
 
They havent stolen your photos. They are using the flickr api, which is software flickr provide for people to display photos from flickr on their websites (more to it than that, but keeping it simple). The photos it is showing for me are all photos from the "Sunset Photo" group pool on flickr. If you look through your settings on flickr there is a way to stop your photos showing up in the API, I cant remember exactly where they are and if it is related to the Creative Commons License or not.
 
Cheers Ali,

I've had a look on there and I can't find them. It seems they've just uploaded them from Flickr. However, I'll keep looking!

It's not really that much of a hassle...more of an annoyance!

I can see the rest of my afternoon being taken up with this...I'm not letting them get away with it!

Janet
 
Jimmy_Lemon said:
They havent stolen your photos. They are using the flickr api, which is software flickr provide for people to display photos from flickr on their websites (more to it than that, but keeping it simple). The photos it is showing for me are all photos from the "Sunset Photo" group pool on flickr. If you look through your settings on flickr there is a way to stop your photos showing up in the API, I cant remember exactly where they are and if it is related to the Creative Commons License or not.
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Your Account > Privacy & Permissions > Hiding From Search [edit]

Rgds
 
They havent stolen your photos. They are using the flickr api, which is software flickr provide for people to display photos from flickr on their websites (more to it than that, but keeping it simple).
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My images are all marked @All rights reserved. I am quite happy for them to be found on Flickr, but used on a website for advertising purposes without my express permission? No, I don't think so!

Janet
 
Janet S said:
My images are all marked @All rights reserved. I am quite happy for them to be found on Flickr, but used on a website for advertising purposes without my express permission? No, I don't think so!

Janet
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Still not the sites problem, more of an issue with flickr. Sending the site any correspondence wont get you anywhere...they are just using a service provided by Flickr.
 
I have sent an email to Flickr about this.

Their response should make interesting reading!

Janet
 
Sending the site any correspondence wont get you anywhere...
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You're right there! I've tried...I get a message saying that they'll send me an email and I have to reply to it within 15 minutes for my message to be sent.

Guess what....thirty minutes later and two messages sent...not a bloody thing!

Janet
 
Janet S said:
Guess what....thirty minutes later and two messages sent...not a bloody thing!

Janet
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No doubt they are panicking thinking "oh s***" we've been found out.

This is an eye opener for me, I didn't realise that using sites like flickr meant that others had access to your work. I think there is only one safe way to protect your work and it appears to be "don't put it on the internet" :(
 
Or to downsize your images, border them etc, or add a watermark. I'm not that bothered if someone nicks my images as I only upload resized originals with a border on. The fullsize copies will likely never leave my hard drive.
 
Hi Janet,

I'm sorry because I know that you won't like me saying this, but I think you're overreacting slightly and need to take a step back.

DWuser has used the Flickr API to link back to Flickr.
By hosting your photos on Flickr you've allowed Flickr to make them available via the API.

Have a look at Flickr's FAQs.
The relevant bits being :

"I've found my photos on someone else's website, what do I do?

There are a few ways that your photo might be displayed outside of Flickr, but still hosted here . . .

Through the Flickr API, it is possible to construct such websites and applications that query Flickr's publicly available photos via tags or user ID and build dynamic content that displays photos in interesting ways. If they are properly using the Flickr API and abiding by the requirements, the photo as seen on the page will link back to the photo page as it is found in your photostream and adhere to the API’s Terms of Use. The actual image itself is not hosted on that site, but the display will probably look different than what you are used to.

Some people are not comfortable with this, and we understand that. To that end, we allow our members to opt-out of API applications . . ."

A bit naughty on Flickr's part, but by NOT opting out you're giving implicit permission for your images to be used this way.

The only possible cause for complaint is that the images are being used in a commercial context and sites must have express permission from Flickr to use the app in a commercial way.
You could query whether they have commercial permission or not, but TBH I can think of better ways to spend your time.
Just opt out and be done with it :)
 
Thanks for your comments Sarah. However, I don't think I'm overreacting...I'm a little annoyed perhaps, but no more. I'm actually quite amused now that my edited images are on their site for all to see..







I have absolutely no problem with anyone using my images for their own personal use - I know of a few places where my images are being used, but all have been with my permission.

This one though is a commercial site, and that's the bit I object to. Why should someone else make money using MY images?

Still, I've had a reply from Flickr...

We will review the URL(s) that you've provided against the Yahoo! Terms of Service and Flickr Community Guidelines for violations and take any necessary action.

Please note that in some instances (commercial use, etc.) our actions may not be immediately apparent as we work with members to bring their accounts into compliance.

I'm still working my way through their T&C's to try and see if I've fallen foul of some loophole.

It's a Bank Holiday Weekend and I'm stuck here waiting for workmen...it's keeping me amused!

Janet
 
Arkady said:
Failing that replace your images so the hot-link refers back to an image saying "This Image was stolen from *****..."
Click to expand...



I did that once but with gay porn lol

problem is with flickr is there would be a new link for the picture
 
Err... you're using flickr to host images posted on here without linking back to the photo page.

Do link back to Flickr when you post your Flickr content elsewhere.
The Flickr service makes it possible to post content hosted on Flickr to outside web sites. However, pages on other web sites that display content hosted on flickr.com must provide a link from each photo or video back to its page on Flickr.
Click to expand...

http://www.flickr.com/guidelines.gne

Play by the rules ;-)
 
Janet S said:
I'm still working my way through their T&C's to try and see if I've fallen foul of some loophole.

It's a Bank Holiday Weekend and I'm stuck here waiting for workmen...it's keeping me amused!

Janet
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:eek: Workmen at 20:00 on a Good Friday.
Either they're very dedicated or you've got a serious problem for them to fix. Hope it gets sorted soon.

These are the bits that I found on Flickr.
What you've agreed to by hosting your photos there and not opting out (the bit I quoted) is halfway down here.
and
Their details for users of their apps is here.

I just think you need to be a bit careful, because there's no real evidence that anybody has done anything wrong yet.
 
Err... you're using flickr to host images posted on here without linking back to the photo page.
Click to expand...

I can't get the links to work, so I've posted a link to Flickr in my signature. If someone can tell me how to do it the right way, then I'd be pleased to hear!

I just think you need to be a bit careful, because there's no real evidence that anybody has done anything wrong yet.
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Not wrong perhaps, but certainly a bit underhand? Nowhere in their T&C's can I find anything relating to images being used for commercial purposes. I'm waiting to hear back if they are abiding by the Flickr API requirements.

If they are, then I guess I have no choice other than to opt out.

Still, it's all good fun, isn't it?

Janet
 
For your first pic something like

[url=http://www.flickr.com/photos/janetstansfield/4484813146/][img]http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2742/4484813146_53847d49b1.jpg[/img][/url]

would display the photo with it being clickable to go back to the 'photopage'

Basically the url of the page the photo is on (IE http://www.flickr.com/photos/janetstansfield/4484813146/) with a url tag before it and then the image in img tags as normal followed by closing the url tag :)
 
Commercial use is possible by prior arrangement.
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That's the bit I'm trying to find out...have they got permission to use images, or have I somewhere inadvertently given permission for my images to be used for commercial use without prior consent. I wouldn't have done it knowingly! :shrug:

Oh well...no sign of workmen! Guess that's another day of waiting in...:bang:

Janet
 
Is it really worth getting worked up about. The site is being used to sell a gallery plug-in that can pull images from various sources. One such source is flickr. They've chosen to pull images from the sunset pool to do this. They may just as well have chosen the fluffy kittens pool. Or the very rude and not pleasant pics of my wife naked pool.

If you're really concerned, then suggest you start a topic in the flickr help forum - http://www.flickr.com/help/forum/en-us/ - then one of the flickr admins can check that dwuser.com is making authorised use of the flickr API.

There are loads of sites on the web that pull images from flickr for various purposes. I really wouldn't stress about it.
 
Digifrog said:
Your Account > Privacy & Permissions > Hiding From Search [edit]

Rgds
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Thanks for that, I didn't know that option existed. I've now ticked the 'Hide from third party searches using the API'

:thumbs:
 
Is it really worth getting worked up about.
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Yes, I think it is! The fact is that the site is selling something, using MY images without my consent, along with all the others on there in order to advertise their service/product. How would YOU feel if your pictures were displayed on a website that you had no control over and someone else was profiting from your pictures?

one of the flickr admins can check that dwuser.com is making authorised use of the flickr API.
Click to expand...

They are currently doing just that. If it turns out that I've inadvertently signed up to have my images used for free by any Tom, Dick or Harry that can't be arsed to pay for advertising then I'll hold my hands up to being a bit dozy and will change my settings.

Until then, I'm going to remain a right stroppy cow!

Janet
 
You still haven't addressed your own breach of the flickr T&Cs other than by saying you "can't get the links to work". Which is pretty lame seeing as JL has already given you the code.
 
You still haven't addressed your own breach of the flickr T&Cs other than by saying you "can't get the links to work". Which is pretty lame seeing as JL has already given you the code.
Click to expand...

Peter, yes, I now have the code, but I didn't have cause to use it as I haven't posted an image since I received it. It is now the early hours of the morning and I have better things to do. I didn't think you'd expect me to go back and edit the images I'd previously posted...

I've had three weeks with little or no PC access, and a computer that works when it feels like it...I'm not very technically minded and when I say I can't get the links to work, believe me, I have tried!

Can I just remind you that this topic isn't about my breach of the Flickr T&C's...it's about the use of images for commercial purposes without express consent.

Janet
 
I find it a bit funny the "this photo is stolen from Flickr" photos appear in the stream. My first thought upon seeing them would be, eh? It's a flickr stream, where else would they come from...

In another situation I would be agreeing with you, but in this situation I think you are overacting majorly TBH. As someone else mentioned it's a piece of software that collects photos from a variety of sources, it doesn't steal them, just displays them and tells you they are from flickr...

The easiest thing to do would be to just remove them from the group, or just say no to displaying them through the API (like people have already showed you how.
 
Janet S said:
Yes, I think it is! The fact is that the site is selling something, using MY images without my consent, along with all the others on there in order to advertise their service/product. How would YOU feel if your pictures were displayed on a website that you had no control over and someone else was profiting from your pictures?
Click to expand...

You may not have control over the website, however you still have control over the images. It would take about 4 clicks to "take them down" from the website.
 
Got to agree with everyone else. You have been told how to exclude your piccies by removing api access, why not just do that. It's just a lesson to us allto read the t&c's of websites before we put something up we may consider valuable!
 
You still haven't addressed your own breach of the flickr T&Cs other than by saying you "can't get the links to work". Which is pretty lame seeing as JL has already given you the code.
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Honestly Peter, I simply couldn't get them to work, even after JL's help. All that showed was text, and not the picture. I've spent an hour this morning trying to figure it out...obviously I've misstyped something somewhere, but I can't figure out what! JL's code seemed to mean copying the url from the top of the screen, then inserting the picture in IMG tags, then putting the bracket things in, which is where it all felll apart for me. I'm really not very technically minded! I thought there would be an easier way? :bang:

Anyway, I had a quick search of this forum and found a neat little program that does it all for me with just a couple of clicks, so I've now changed them and I'll post them that way from now on. :clap: (not that I'm likely to post many - you lot scare me at times!)

Got to agree with everyone else. You have been told how to exclude your piccies by removing api access, why not just do that. It's just a lesson to us allto read the t&c's of websites before we put something up we may consider valuable!
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Thanks, I've now done that. Sorry if it seemed I was overreacting! I'm rather new to all this, and it came as rather a surprise to me. All I wanted was clarification that this company were acting within Flickr T&C's by using our images. :rules:

It's been a salutory lesson to me, but it won't stop me using Flickr - I'll just be a bit more careful in future!

Thanks for all your comments guys - you've helped clear up a few things for me.

Janet
 
BTW did your workmen ever turn up?
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Nope...still waiting! The recessed fluourescent light in my bathroom is goosed...unfortunately, because of where it's positioned, I can't get to it! Currently having to use a camping lantern until my landlady sorts it out! Lesson - never let a MAN design a bathroom!

It's not that bad here is it?
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Well, on occasions, yes it is! I have noticed a tendency at times for newer members to be treated a little harshly...with it being such a large site, it can be a little overwhelming.

As for posting pictures? Well, it's going to take a long time until I'm up to the standard where I'd feel comfortable posting mine on here!

Janet
 
Janet S said:
Currently having to use a camping lantern until my landlady sorts it out!
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:lol: :lol: :lol:
Been there, done that!
On a positive note, I suppose it kind of makes an adventure of using the bathroom ;)
Hope you get it fixed soon.

Janet S said:
Well, on occasions, yes it is! I have noticed a tendency at times for newer members to be treated a little harshly...with it being such a large site, it can be a little overwhelming.

As for posting pictures? Well, it's going to take a long time until I'm up to the standard where I'd feel comfortable posting mine on here!

Janet
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If I waited until my photos were of a standard I was comfortable with, I would never have started posting on here . . . in fact I still wouldn't be posting now!

It is a big site, it can be overwhelming and with so many members you're bound to get a few people who are a bit "snippy".
90% of the members on here are great, friendly, helpful people though . . . and most of the other 10% have a bark that's worse than their bite.

Get some photos up here :D
Honestly, it's the best way to learn.
 
On a positive note, I suppose it kind of makes an adventure of using the bathroom
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I've also found the light is rather flattering....:clap:

Get some photos up here
Honestly, it's the best way to learn.
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Maybe I will...I have a couple that I'm particularly pleased with, but could use some help with PP.

Janet
 
Janet S said:
I've also found the light is rather flattering....:clap:
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And that's definitely a bonus too :)

Janet S said:
Maybe I will...I have a couple that I'm particularly pleased with, but could use some help with PP.
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Seriously, post them up and I'm sure you'll get plenty of tips on the PP.
Be specific in your post. Tell people that you feel a bit nervous about posting images for the first time and that you'd specifically like help with PP as well as advice with the shots.
You might be pleasantly surprised by the response that you get.
 
Well I have a lot of images on Flickr which I put up simply to let others see them and comment if they wish.

To be quite honest I have no real worries with others linking to my pics or using them on their websites (as long as I was given a link back.)

I also use Flickr to let my family see and share in family pics I take - (these I restrict to family.)

For me Flickr is a very useful site.

However I don't put full size pics up I limit them to about 1100x800px or so.
 
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