Illegal Use of Photos

[Zoi2]

I believe proper etiquette would require you ask permission before use of links.
Joann

[luckygirlorchids]

I completely understand what you are saying but there is a big difference between not using proper etiquette and being accused of breaking laws don't you think? And is my lack of proper etiquette deserving of having my accuser going to the internet and trying to ruin my reputation and livelihood? I think he could have used some human kindness and started this whole thing with a bit more etiquette himself. A simple polite request to stop using the links without all of the threats would have been much more effective and cost me a lot less grief.

[ronaldhanko]

It is not just proper etiquette, it is unethical and immoral to use other people's material to sell your products, and that without even asking permission. This person is using photos from other people as well, from Orchid Board, from Flickr, and from other orchid sites, and I am sure has asked permission of no one. This is one of the problems with Ebay - Ebay allows this kind of thing and will do nothing that interferes with its own money-making activities. I hope no one on Orchid Board purchases anything from this person.

[camille1585]

Originally Posted by luckygirlorchids

I completely understand what you are saying but there is a big difference between not using proper etiquette and being accused of breaking laws don't you think? And is my lack of proper etiquette deserving of having my accuser going to the internet and trying to ruin my reputation and livelihood? I think he could have used some human kindness and started this whole thing with a bit more etiquette himself. A simple polite request to stop using the links without all of the threats would have been much more effective and cost me a lot less grief.

I don't know the law, but just because something isn't illegal doesn't make it right. I don't see the difference between using a photo without permission and using a link to that photo without permission. It would have taken 2 minutes of your time to ask for permission from all the people you used links from, saving yourself the 'grief' you complain about.
People would probably happily accept to let you use their material if you asked first. It's the not asking permission that irks people, especially when it's for commercial purposes.

Ron is a longstanding and highly respected member here, I can hardly imagine him wanting to cause trouble for the sake of it. He is defending the use of his work, which is his right.

That being said,

[RosieC]

Whether or not using links is illegal, you shouldn't do it if the owner has asked you not to.

'LuckyGirlOrchid' you have done far more to spoil your reputation by your response to Ron's request for you to remove them than if you had just removed them and come here to let us know.

Ron is a highly respected member of this forum, so to come here and be abusive and call him a liar (I can't even see what he's lied about) just makes you look worse. Even if Ron were not a long-standing member this forum does not allow abusive messages like yours.

I know Sonya and Camille have discussed closing this thread and if there is any more nastiness I think that should be done.

Now

[ACK2]

I have been around long enough to know that people don't become angry unless they have had their hand caught in the cookie jar.

Too not accept any responsibility in treading on someone else's toes tell me you will tread on mine!!!

Many members order from eBay, and now we are better informed about who is who and what is what!!!!!!!!!!

[ACK2]

One more thing, to think on any level that you have not stepped on the toes of one of our members is just plain nonsense!

Good luck with those eBay sales.

[Ray]

Free watermarking software: Picture-Shark

As to linking: I have not seen the ebay listing, but if the listing is along the lines of "Click HERE to see a photo on Ronald Hanko's web page", that's OK. If, on the other hand, it is the use of a link to embed the image on the ebay page, that is theft of intellectual property for commercial purposes.

[Arenalbotanicalgarden]

Originally Posted by WhiteRabbit

Thanks for the heads-up, Ron

Tom, do you know if there is any downloadable (preferably free) software for watermarks? Thanks

GIMP.org or inkscape.
Use Youtube for "add text to photo" tutorials.
Then make it semi-transparent=watermark.

[orchidsarefun]

......is to try and monetise the number of "clicks" to a webpage. Then you would be encouraging links to the webpage from whatever source. That way you are using the system to your advantage....

In fact Orchid Board does this through display ads so ironically a link to Orchid Board benefits OB financially as well as through exposure to potential members.