For those wondering about the PinPics watermark

[Figgy]

Over the years we've been chronically plagued by reports of inappropriate use of our pictures on other sites. While we've generally been able to prove our point in the past ("Hey, it's the exact same picture, size and orientation"), it's a frustrating process that occupies more and more of Figgy's time.

About a year ago, I wrote a watermarking utility after we had a particularly heated debate with a certain abuser, after which a couple of our members threatened to stop posting pictures to our site unless we watermarked them in some way. Thankfully the situation cooled.

A new situation came up this week, and our poor camel's back just can't take this any more. I dug up the old watermarking utility and we're trying it out.

Please let us know what you think. The watermark is designed to be very inconspicuous, and in some cases nearly unnoticeable, over a colorful pin image. If this doesn't work out then we can take it off and try something else, but we'd like to give it a go and see if we can drop Figgy's blood pressure.

-britt

 

[Goofy4Pluto]

Originally posted by Figgy
The watermark is designed to be very inconspicuous, and in some cases nearly unnoticeable,
-britt

Hey Britt!

I guess it is pretty inconspicuous... I don't see it at all...
if it is already there...
I checked a few random pins, then I went to the most recent
additions... I didn't see it anywhere!

This IS a good idea, makes me know the pics that I worked
hard to scan in are somewhat protected...

I don't use pics off the site for anything other than maybe
making a template for a drawing or something or perhaps
comparing colors for a painting or that sort of thing... I don't use
them on ebay (like I have seen them used with or without
credit)... but the way I use them, if the watermark is really
there now, I cannot see it, so it won't effect me at all!

I don't blame you for trying to "copywrite" yet not copywrite
your stuff! I'd be very angry if someone took something off
my site and used it elsewhere! (I'm still waiting to see my
face put on someone elses body if you know what I mean!)

 

[Luv2Roam]

I do see it on (as an example) Pin 31009: WDW - Aurora Comic Art - Surprise Pin.
Looks good to me!

 

[Goofy4Pluto]

Originally posted by Luv2Roam
I do see it on (as an example) Pin 31009: WDW - Aurora Comic Art - Surprise Pin.
Looks good to me!

ah! yes it is definitely obvious there!

just out of curiosity tho... could someone still use the photo
for say an auction as long as proper credit was given?
and
what was the misuse to begin with? would just be interesting
to know what broke the old camel - ya know?

 

[Figgy]

Quote:
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What constitutes an inappropriate use of the pictures?
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Our Terms of Use page explains the weak restrictions we have on our images, namely that they may be used or linked for any non-commercial purpose as long as appropriate attribution is made to Pin Pics. We also expressly allow using our images for eBay auctions, with appropriate attribution, so that buyers have a reliable second source of information about items they're bidding on. Everybody wins.

The spirit of these rules is that we want people to know where they can find information about pins. When our images are used to further someone else's personal goals, especially when that person wants to obfuscate information about a pin for their own ends, the spirit of open cooperation and shared information is fractured.

The easy test is: if you're trying to hide the fact that you got some information or an image from Pin Pics, then your motives are probably in conflict with our Terms of Use.

-britt

 

[AZ JazzyJ]

Originally posted by Figgy
A new situation came up this week, and our poor camel's back just can't take this any more. I dug up the old watermarking utility and we're trying it out.

Well Britt I will give you credit. It takes a pretty big guy to call Figgy a camel and get away with it. She has either banged her head on another golf cart and you are hoping your luck holds out that she doesn't see this post, or you have already staked claim to the couch so one more comment won't hurt you. Either way you are a braver man than I am. Oh and nice segway from the Figgy camel to the water reference. Your creative writing teacher would be proud.

Jeff

 

[chaoscent]

I was wondering if this is an OK use of the pinpics pictures?
I copy each of my lists (wants, trades, own) into a word document. I then delete the column with the words. i set up my page for 4 columns and i have a visual list of all of my pins.

On my tradeable pages I list how many people want them and how many people are trading them. like this
Pin 29898 Bg2 32/243 in pkg.
The picture didn't show up, but the picture would be in the empty space. in pkg means it is in the original package.

My keepers are separated by the category and individual pin pages. for example Pin 208: LK (lion king). all lion king pins are on one pin bag page and on one word page.
I then have a listing of all my wants and i have the small picture so it's easy to check when i am trading.
All of these pages go in a small binder, separated by category. when i do trades i just add/delete/move and update the pages. i will reprint them all out before i leave for Disney.
Anyway, is this an ok use of the pictures?
thanks, Penny

 

[AZ JazzyJ]

Penny,

I think it is time we introduce you to Cynthia (JoJoCT). It is obvious that the two of you were meant to exchange notes since I have never seen two more organized people in my life. Personally, I wander around and collect the same pin over and over until Trina or Lauri tell me that I already have that one and to knock it off and quit trading for it.

Jeff

 

[MeanLaureen]

See.. Jeff is so high maintenance that Trina had to hire out help

 

[Dom13]

Penny, any PERSONAL use of the pictures on Pin Pics is fine. You could even use the picture in an E-bay auction as long as you gave credit to www.pinpics.com.

Pin Pics was set up to help pin traders gain knowledge about the 1000's of pins outr there. Some unscroupulous (sp?) people were using the picture(s) and then trying to decieve the public. i.e. "This rare, very hard to find pin...." which when you looked at the Pin Pics trade/wants ratio it was not so rare/HTF after all. This is clearly what Pin Pics was created for and definetly not why many of us volunteer many hours a week to maintain it.

Dominic
Pin Pics Moderator

 

[chaoscent]

Thank you for the answer. I didn't want to take advantage as I can tell someone has to be doing a lot of work to keep the board running so well.

I very much appreciate your help in keeping up the board. I always check the # of people wanting vs # of people trading before i make a trade. Again, thanks for a wonderful board.

Penny

 

[MeanLaureen]

Originally posted by Dom13

Dominic
Pin Pics Moderator

Is it just me or did anyone else get a picture of a Clark Kent/Superman kind of thing going on when you read this...

By day he is mild mannered Dom, posting on the DIS Collectors Board...

But when trouble threatens the very pin existance at pinpics.com he turns to....

DOMINIC - Pin Pics Moderator! Keeper of good - defender from all evildoers

okay, number one, I need more sleep... number two, I've been hanging out with Jeff too much lately

Laureen
DIS Collectors Board Moderator