Photoetry

Hi everyone,

Good day.

If you happen to notice, the Photoem gallery has been temporarily closed. The reason for this is the Copyright issue that has been brought to my attention. Apparently, there are very important things that we have all overlooked regarding the usage of preview images. Kindly check out the following faqs.

FAQ #306: Does "Crediting" let me use whatever I want?

FAQ #157: Can I use things created by other people in my submissions?

FAQ #193: How do I prove that I had permission to use someone's work?

FAQ #257: What sort of permission do I need to use someone else's work?

In a nutshell, though the usage of preview images has been widely accepted in dA, it violates the copyright policy because there was no formal approval provided by the owner of the artwork. I would have to admit that even I were surprised when I read the faqs above but we are where we are and we as a group will be in the side of caution.

What does it mean for everyone?
- Now that we know that the widespread usage of preview images is not aligned with the policies of dA, we will serve as role models in making sure that they are followed.

How can we still continue as a group?
- Instead of using your fellow members' artwork in your preview images/artist's comments, we will be using this line: "artwork inspired by (link goes here)". To illustrate it further, simply click the thumbnail below. From now on, it is mandatory that we follow this example when submitting a Photoem.

Why, helloWho am I?
Can I be me?
Who am I not to be me?
And who are you?
Shall we be us?
Or shall you go?
And leave just I, me?
What then?
Shall I wait for you?
Or is this the end?
Was this a chance meeting?
Didn't something make you pause?
Turn your head?
Catch my eye?
Are you as alone as I?

Please be mindful as well of informing the owner of the artwork that they have inspired you and then showing them a link of what you have created.

What will happen to the old entries in the gallery?
- This change will particularly affect the entries/winners for the challenges and those that were submitted to the group. What will happen is that we will be informing the member if they can revise their artwork in accordance to this blog should they want to keep it in the group's gallery. Otherwise, we will be removing it after 48hrs. The rest were removed without notice because they were not submitted by the owners but was only included by the admins.

What if you are the owner of both the poem and the preview image?
- If this is the case, make sure to put in the comment that you are the owner of the photo and to include a link to your original work if possible.

What is a Photoem then?
- In a nutshell, a Photoem is an artwork inspired by either a photo or a poem.

So are we in trouble?
- Personally, I don't believe that we are. In fact, what I see is a growth opportunity where we will not only impact the members of the group but also the whole dA community. We are changing while still moving in the same direction. And we will only become better and stronger.

For questions and comments, kindly let me know.

Also, my sincerest apologies for all the inconvenience.

Thank you for your cooperation.
Rob