Flowers are blooming! The Peonies are having their best year yet, a Clematis is being much better enjoyed in it's new home on the porch and every bit of table, counter and mantle space in the house is currently taken up by jars and bowls and pitchers of blooms. I want nothing more today than to enjoy them -to be outside working in the garden, playing with the kids and taking photos to share with you. But it has come to my attention this week, that some changes to the way I do that are needed.
I recently discovered one of my photos had been posted to another blogger's site without my permission, knowledge or credit. From what I can tell, it is an "innocent" mistake, a poor decision, but I can't be sure. The post it is attached to is not in English. The blogger has so far not responded to my emails and requests that the image be removed.
Recently, I've been thinking a lot about how to better protect my photos. I'm working on that new gallery site and adding a watermark and then there's Flickr or do I simply go to a private page...and I'm overwhelmed. I don't have a lot of time for this which is why I've been thinking about these things but have been slow to act. My blog is something I do in the few spare moments of my day when I have a chance to browse the photos in my camera and record thoughts and memories of favorites. My blog is a chronicle of my family, my garden, my photography. It's a scrap book that doesn't require me to haul out paper, scissors, stickers and tape (uhg!) You can imagine then why I feel so violated by the blogger who used my photo.
I put it out there, though. I am to blame.
So changes are coming. Posting may be slow and infrequent for a while as I work through these issues and take some time to do things right. To be honest, part of my mind has been hovering over the "delete blog" button for the past couple of days. Yes, I'm that serious. But I want you to know that you are welcome here, you are welcome to request the use of my copyrighted images, you are welcome to share your thoughts and opinions in the comments. I love being able to share my words and photos with you and I love the friendships that have blossomed from this little patch. I'd hate to lose all that. So rather than freak out, I'm going to try to see this as an opportunity to make things better -to bloom. Thanks for sticking with me.
Something else I've been wondering about: is there a way to post photos so that readers don't have the option to right click and save? We had a dance photographer who did that. He would post photos on his site (with a watermark), but right clicking yielded no options for saving the photo.
ReplyDeleteYour pictures are truly breathtaking. I thought about you last night as we were discussing whether a "new" plant in our flower beds is a flower or weed. My first thought was, "Kelli would know." :-)
ReplyDeleteI understand your feelings and absoutely respect and support your decision.
That seems a little scary...how did you find out about that pic that was used? Even though I don't comment often, I really love reading your blog and looking at your photos!
ReplyDeleteI'm so jealous of your beautiful peonies! My absolute fave for fragrance and delicate frilly leaves. Oh so beautiful. Your post was beautifully written and as a reader of The Zinnia Path I support whatever you decide though my vote is against hitting the delete button for what it's worth. Your blog has been a consistent source of inspiration for me.
ReplyDeleteThat makes me sad- I can understand why you would feel that way! I would definitely miss keeping up with you guys if there was no blog! You peonies, by the way, are gorgeous! I still cannot believe you've made them happy so far south!
ReplyDeletePlease never delete your blog. It is my daily inspiration and I love knowing what is going on with you are your beautiful family. You were the very first blog I ever followed and it is because of you that I started my own. What an amazing inspiration!
ReplyDeleteIt's not cool when people steal your pictures, so I hope you've gotten the issue resolved. My vote is for going private over deleting your blog. I enjoy looking at your photos and seeing what's going on in your life.
ReplyDelete