Pinterest

Pinterest has been a topic of great contention the last couple months, and the roar is getting louder. For those who've been in a cave and missed all the hoopla, Pinterest is a free website that allows users to "pin" images found on the internet into folders/categories that they design. So what's the big deal? Well, the big deal is that the majority of content on the internet is copyright protected. It's not free for the taking, even if one is only filing it on a website for future inspiration.  Additionally, many Pinterest users don't pay attention to the source from which they are pinning. This can mis-attribute something (like a fabulous tutorial being credited to - and generating income for - a Chinese knock-off site instead of the independant artist who created it) (here's a link to Pin Etiquette). Pinterest's Terms of Service Agreementrequires users only pin content they own themselves or have express permission to use. How does one begin to police a policy that relies on the honor system? Let the record reflect that I love Pinterest and the creativity it nurtures. And while I have concerns about copyright infringement, I don't doubt that Pinterest will act swiftly in setting clearer guidelines for usage and work with creatives in protecting intellectual property. And in this process, more people will get educated about respecting copyright law. Meanwhile, I pledge to pin only images I have permission to share. This will take a little extra effort but it's an act of kindness towards the individual who's talent brought me the inspiration in the first place. And I grant permission to pin any of my images on my blog. There's a reason for that - these photos carry a copyright protected watermark (so that the next bozo who gets the idea to use my painting as advertising for his own pet portraiture will be forewarned). Follow me on Pinterest, too, if you want (I'm Kimberly Santini). Be cautious, though - it's a black hole - make sure you pack some snacks!! Thanks for listening to my rant!! Kim ksantini@turtledovedesigns.com

Every image I share is copyright protected,  even if the watermark is missing. Copyright I harp often about copyright. It's an issue that impacts my earning potential. I've spent my whole life honing my craft and building a body of work, work that will help me secure future projects. You are welcome to pin my artwork that appears on my blog - this sort of enthusiasm will also bring future projects my way. Thanks in advance for your endorsement! But please don't take my images and post them on your blog/website, use them to illustrate articles, modify them for logo designs, repurpose as advertisement, or copy them and market your own derivative art. That would be copyright infringement. In which case I will happily introduce my lawyer and present a bill for usage.