On photo credits, disclosure statements and higher-standards in blogging
I pride myself in my blogging. Being as I’m about to have my fifth blogiversary in April 2011, and how I am the organizer of the Vancouver Blogger Meetup, I like to think that I blog responsibly. I write stupidly long disclosure statements whenever I get anything complimentary, use photos that are only Creative-Commons licensed and link back and credit to the photographer (except, obviously, when the photo is mine), I link back to people’s websites, etc. In the particular case of photo attribution, I work hard at trying to find out from the publicists who pitch me who was it that took the photo and provide credit, on Flickr all the time.
I was recently contacted by a very close friend of mine whom we will call the Photo Credit Police for purposes of this post. My good friend indicated that I had not provided credit ON THE BLOG POST, even though I was linking back to the original photo on Flickr and there, I filled a complete credit line. I’m glad my friend caught that, as I agree with this viewpoint. I’m not perfect, and even though I do think that I am a pretty damn fine blogger, I could perhaps improve on my practices. So I will be going back on my posts trying to catch where I did not provide credit on the blog post.
I will also continue with my extensively long disclosure statements. Why? Because I think I need to be one of the people at the forefront. If I am to be considered a power blogger, then I need to hold myself to high standards. And for 99.99% of the time, I think I hold myself to really high standards. But I must set the example, so I’ll make damn sure that I provide credit ON the blog post IN ADDITION to on the Flickr upload. If you see photos that are not credited (and you are 100% sure that they are not mine) then do let me know and I’ll fix it.
How does one ensure that a photo is Creative-Commons licensed? I totally agree with you in principle but the net is a big place and there are a lot of images to sort through when looking for something just right for your post…
Any tips you can share (maybe at the next Blogger Meetup) I would love.
Thanks.
I had the exact same thing with my blog! I think it happens at one point or another in a bloggers life. Most of the time we’re just unaware of these blogging ethics.
We learn from our mistakes.
@ Lauren
I use two methods, but the easiest one is to search photos using the Advanced Search, at the bottom search for “Only use Creative-Commons Licensed photos”.
@ Diana
I know, it can happen to anyone! But the thing is – I am one of the “oldies”, one of the people to whom folks look up to. I need to be better at spotting my own mistakes!
If you use Getty Images do you credit Getty?
@ Brittany – I’m not sure about Getty credits, but I only use Flickr photos.
I mainly take all my own photos. But I’ve started to use Flickr, some people say you can use their photo or say to Flickr people can use their photo then change their mind and take it off line… I also try to ask first but I also don’t want to hold up my entire post for one photo.
Cheers,
@ Muskie
I only use Creative Commons licensed photos, my photos or those that publicists send me with direct credit to the photographer.
You speak the truth my friend. And the disclosure statement part is more important than people think. Credit where credit is due, and spill the beans on all payola. It’s the only way.
As a photographer, I really appreciate that. I get so sick of finding my photos all over the internet when I haven’t provided permission. I even saw my photo in a newspaper last week. They’d just blown up an image from the web and cut my name off. Awesome.
So thanks for being one of the honest ones!