Hi Everyone!
I’m an extremely positive person. It takes a LOT to make me angry. Lately, however, I’ve been beyond irritated by eBay sellers using my WATERMARKED images. I mean, seriously, it’s clear that the image isn’t yours if it has a watermark on it. It should be clear that you didn’t take the photo even if it doesn’t have a watermark on it. Taking photos and doing reviews is fun for me. I don’t do it for profit. I blog because I enjoy it. However, it still takes time. So, it’s beyond annoying when someone uses your hard work for their profit. I’ve considered not blogging anymore because of this.
Has an eBay seller used your photo(s)? How do you feel about using other people’s images? I’d love to hear your thoughts.
A HUGE thank you to everyone who has contacted me when they’ve seen my images on eBay. I am extremely grateful.
Thanks for stopping by!
Yeah, mine get used all the time. Considering how sensitive I am, this is one thing that doesn't bother me. (Isn't that weird? You would think it would get to me, but I just don't care.)That said, they put a pic of my kids up on ebay, I would freak the *you know what* out. That would make me very angry, since that to me is a much worse violation. Of course, I would have to accept that I am the one who the pics on the blog in the first place, but I would hope that everyone gets that those pics don't get taken and used elsewhere. Basically what I am saying makes no logical sense, lol. Don't stop blogging, just turn in the people who use your images without asking. Ebay, from what I can tell, are very quick to react. 🙂
rynetta, please don't stop blogging! Sadly, content theft is really prevalent, not only with pictures but also with written or even outfit ideas. I can point you to a few bloggers who blatantly copy. Frustrating to say the least! i have encountered ebay sellers using my photod. I have messaged them privately to kindly as they take the photo down and they have complied. Otherwise, I would have reported them to ebay, which can affect their standing as sellers. I tend to allow the use of my images if they email me beforehand, but if not, see course of action above. I hope this gets resolved soon.I may have to ask you for permission to use to above picture to hang it on my forehead, it pretty much explains how I feel at this stage of my phd 🙂
Rynetta, I have seen your photos on ebay but didn't say anything because I assumed that the person asked your permission and if not that you'd have ebay cancel their listing. Maybe you need to put a watermark that says something to the effect that the photo is used without your consent. Could give some insight into the "honesty" of the seller.No one uses my photos because they are usually not very clear. I don't think it would help their cause.
I should say the watermark could read, "Not used without consent outside of JcrewIsMyFavStore blog", although that's a mouthful.
I am with the others Rynetta and probably fall more into the Dina camp. I would take it as a bit of compliment in some ways, as they think your picture would help them sell it! But I do think you should contact ebay and try the watermark approach. The other day I googled giverny dress to put a picture in my blog and there was Dina and Dani! I took that as a nice thing – was happy to see their pretty faces!
I've never seen my picture used but I once was bidding on an item and saw a picture of a blogger and emailed the seller with the excitement thinking that she is that blogger. It wasn't her and eventually the item turned out to be newer factory replica of the skirt, when the skirt in the picture was retail older skirt. I have returned the skirt and it have left me annoyed, I sent her emails and I she relisted with her own picture.
I think xoxo's idea is great. Put a watermark saying used without express permission of jcrewismyfavstore blog, and if someone really wants to use the image, they could contact you to provide a non-watermarked picture only for that sale. That would irk me too, but then again dishonest people ALWAYS annoy me…
Ugh… it is SO annoying. I actually had a reader let me know that an ebay seller was using my image to sell their j crew plaid shirt. pure laziness. by the time ebay did anything the item had already sold so I'm not sure if it was worth my time or not. :-/
I've seen my photos on ebay too – the latest one had the watermark cropped out. LOL The copyright notice at the bottom of the blog should be enough of a deterrent, you would think…
Hi rynetta. I haven't seen your photos, but whenever I see a blogger's photos on Ebay I e-mail them right away. 100% of the time the photos have been stolen. Ugh!!! So annoying! I am really sorry this happened to you. It's really sketchy.
I've seen so many JCA photos used on ebay that I've just learned to ignore it. I used to contact people about taking photos, but whatever. I know it's not you or others, so I just pass these auctions by. Maybe the JCA's should consider a 'not authorized for use on ebay' watermark, lol!
Yes, mine have been used, super annoying…I really haven't had time to do anything about it though haha
I can see why you'd be annoyed. Could you maybe stamp them with something to the effect of "should this photo be on ebay it is without permission or endorsement of jcrewismyfavouritestore." Ooops too long your photo would dissappear under the print.
i've had my pictures used but wrote to the seller requesting they remove it. they've usually complied but it is very irritating. don't stop blogging though!
I agree with the comments above and I just want to add please don't stop blogging! It is so awesome for me to find a blogger who has a similar size and body type to me! I can't tell you what a huge help it is. It's hard for me to decide how something will look on me when the majority of the bloggers have such a different body type and size from me. Know you are a huge help and please don't let the turkeys get you down!