If I Took The Photo, It's MINE...Here, There and Everywhere
Just because it is on the Internet and on a public site doesn't mean it is free to use. We can't talk about this subject enough because abuse is everywhere we look. This is a great post written by Debe Maxwell.
If I Took The Photo, It's MINE...Here, There and Everywhere...Think Twice Before Snatching Photos.
As per AR Community Guidelines,
This applies to all photos taken by a member, peer OR a PAID photo taken by a photographer on behalf of a member or peer.
I see it time and time again - agents snatching photos that they see and fall in love with - posting someone else's photos on their own blogs, websites and social media. Unless you have permission, that photo is NOT yours to use...ANYWHERE!
Lenn Harley has written some very good advice about this topic - as have others. However, for some, they think that they will not be 'found' and continue to use others' photos as though they were their own.
When a Cease and Desist letter has been sent, I've had people say to me, "Well, I just took it from Google!" Umm...NO, that is unacceptable! Take your own photos or purchase them and you'll never be the recipient of one of those letters, or worse yet, a HEFTY fine being levied upon you.
I was alerted several years ago about one of my photos being used on someone else's site. What I discovered was that the agent had copied MY ENTIRE SITE - including use of the CRS logo (which she was not a CRS). I was in shock! When called about it, the agent proclaimed, "I don't know why you're upset about it - it's a COMPLIMENT to you!"
I politely used the analogy of her writing a manuscript and leaving it on her desk; I take that manuscript and have it published, claiming it as mine. Do you know, she STILL argued about it?! It wasn't until I told her that I would be suing her and she would be hearing from my attorney in 24 hours, that she realized I meant business.
It's very easy to miss hidden, copyrights in photos - Can you find all of the © in this photo? Think of the time you would save by simply using your own photos or hiring someone to take your photos for you!
© Debe Maxwell | Savvy + Company Real Estate | SavvyBroker@me.com | If I Took The Photo, It's MINE...Here, There and Everywhere
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Charlotte NC Real Estate Agents
Debe Maxwell, CRS/Realtor®/Broker
SavvyBroker@me.com
Phone (704) 491-3310
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