102 messages
 1. Feb 24, 2007 11:41 PM admin | =============================== PHOTO USAGE / RESTRICTIONS INFO =============================== So what are all those restrictions and for what purposes can I use these pictures legally anyway? This is a question that is asked many times, so I put this document together which is basically based on our Image license agreement ( http://www.sxc.hu/help/7_2 ) and various sections of the Help ( http://www.sxc.hu/help/ ). WHAT CAN I USE THESE IMAGES FOR? The images on SXC can be used for all sorts of purposes without any problems. You can use them to create website designs, illustrate your blog, spice up your multimedia presentations, set them as wallpapers on your computer, include them in broadcast film and video; you can also use them in books, magazines, brochures, flyers, CD/DVD covers; you can decorate your home, office, restaurant etc. with them and so on. Since it's impossible to list all the permitted uses, I'll try to explain what's allowed from a different approach. The images you can download from SXC for free are shared by generous individuals who would like to help you out so you can make something really nice with them. Using the pictures in a design, illustrating an article, making a book cover is OK, but - and here comes the important part: You MUST NOT sell or distribute the images in any way. You MUST NOT create printed reproductions, put them on Cafepress-like "print on demand items" or do any other similar activity that does not require any effort from your part. In other words, you are not allowed to use the images for projects where the object of sale would be the images themselves. For these types of projects you must get written permission from the artists, because if you plan to distribute their work without their consent, you're going to get yourself in big trouble. ( Important: This is just a summary of the License agreement. For the exact wording please go to http://www.sxc.hu/help/7_2 ). WHAT ARE THESE RESTRICTIONS AND WHAT DO I DO ABOUT THEM? It's important to know that we do not own these pictures, we just host them. To protect the work of our contributors, we have 4 types of restrictions: 1. Standard restrictions apply You simply have to obey the rules of the License agreement ( http://www.sxc.hu/help/7_2 ), which is basically about using the pictures nicely, not putting them on porn sites, not selling them etc. Should be simple. 2. User must be notified upon use You have to drop a few lines to the artist that you are planning to use the image for something. This does not mean that you have to wait for the artist to reply, and you are not required to ask for permission either. 3. User must be notified and credited upon use This is the same as the above, but you must give credit to the artist as well. 4. Written permission needed from the user If you try to download an image like this you get prompted with a permission request form that you need to fill out as accurately as possible. You can check the status of your permission requests at My account / Requests. You can also have a forum-like conversation with the artists there. Once you get the permission you can download the photo like any other on the site. Please note that we have no control over the artist's images, e-mail accounts and response time so we cannot guarantee that all of them will get back to you in a timely manner or at all. HOW CAN I MAKE SURE THAT I DON'T GET IN TROUBLE? Since we cannot guarantee the legality of all the images on the site, depending on the nature of the work sometimes it may be a good idea to contact the photographer and request written permission even if it's not necessary. However - as I mentioned earlier - we cannot guarantee a (timely) response. WHAT IF I HAVE A QUESTION THAT ISN'T COVERED HERE? You can try the - License agreement: http://www.sxc.hu/help/7_2 - Help (Downloads section): http://www.sxc.hu/help/2 - FAQ: http://www.sxc.hu/help/8 or - Contact the photographer - Post a thread in Policy questions Good luck with your projects! |
 101. Dec 8, 2009 2:16 PM xymonau | You may not sell individual products like cards and calendars with these images, but you can sell your project containing the images as illustrations. If you tell us what the item is and to whom it will be sold, you can be given a clearer answer. It's always best to get permission, anyway. It's courtesy, and you cover your back in case of animosity in the future. |
102. Dec 8, 2009 2:20 PM xymonau | double post, sorry Edited on Dec 8, 2009 2:19 PM |
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