Allow artists to upload different file versions (watermarked one for view, high res one for print)
With image theft being a rampant problem for artists, a simple solution for RB would be to allow us to upload small, WATERMARKED versions of our images for viewing purposes only and then the High-res versions (with digital signature) for all the printed products.
This would eliminate some of the image theft that is occurring. Our images are vunerable in RSS feeds and Google (and other search engine) image searches where decent-sized files (at least for stealing and posting on websites) are available. I have found many of my images lifted for use as avatars, posted in blogs (with no tie-back to me) etc. and would like to help in stopping this process.
It's not that I don't want my images searchable, I only want the watermarked ones to appear and on RB, that isn't an option since I can only upload one version of the image that is used for creating printed products.
Thanks.
milkayphoto
shared this idea
6 comments
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Peter Zentjens
commented
I just did a search on the internet and some of my images are plastered all over the net. Not the big ones, mind you, but the small ones get stolen....
Hence I support this idea. I also like the idea of generating my own "house style" watermark instead of the generic RB one...
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Laurie Minor
commented
I agree, having found my work pinned by one person & re-pinned by many others on Tumblr without permission
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Karo Evans
commented
Yes in total agreement
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LoreLeft27
commented
yes i am finding a lot that i have to send a dmca every other day
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Sea-Change
commented
I agree, there needs to be some deterrent to stop people from stealing images and also from pinning them. Red Bubble, what the heck are you doing allowing pinning of our images unless we opt out???? If people are stealing our images, then we are not selling them and you miss out on your commission!!
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© Cindy Schnackel
commented
I am also in favor of stronger image protection. Even if this were only an option, it sounds like a potentially helpful idea. I put a copyright notice and my name on even my high res files for making prints now, and a very large name/notice on my small images on my blog. This HAS cut down on the frequency of infringements, AND when work is used anyway, or "shared" without credit, my name is ON the image, it's not a clear gif that can be gotten around by right clicking, etc. I believe within a few years, very good image protection technology will be in common use on POD sites, our blogs, etc. In the meantime, perhaps options like this would go a long way. Artists often spend hours every week dealing with infringements, and that's time NOT spent creating new work. Thanks.
