I’m not a big fan of watermarking images, I admit I may be a little to trusting in this area. It’s just a personal thing with me but do fully understand the need to do so. When writing this post a previous one came to mind dealing with watermarks, it can be read here.
Starting about a year ago I decided to pick up the pace of using social media. I have primarily stuck with the big 2 that being facebook and twitter with facebook getting many more post than twitter. For some reason it just seems more useful to post an image on facebook than a link to one on twitter, might be because of the feedback that is made know on facebook through the “Like” button and being able to add a comment directly to a post. I do believe twitter has many benefits over big brother facebook due to it’s simplistic approach to post and being able to quickly read comments. I always wonder about the content of quick post on twitter and the relevance to the message I want to get across. Again I may be way over thinking this and probably should just post regularly.
There has been much written about the pros and cons of social media, the distancing of humans from each other, fewer and fewer personal interactions in exchange for using ones computer or smart phone to interact. Personally I agree this is not beneficial to human personal development but we aren’t going back so learning to use it in a positive way is the path we should choose.
I’m not necessarily writing about the pros and cons, rather the reason I use it and the results expected. I have been posting an image on facebook 4-5 days a week for a while and believe it has helped in getting others to view what I do and possibly interact through a comment, Like or a visit to this blog or website. All sounds rather beneficial doesn’t it. I came across an article today that was written back in 2008 about the terms and conditions of facebook and their rights with content you post there. That got me thinking. Have I ever actual read the terms and conditions on facebook? Uh, no, who reads that stuff anyway. So I found the terms and conditions page and starting reading it, it was somewhat shorter than I expected with paragraphs number out explaining each condition. Well I didn’t have to read far to find something that can effect any photographer and not in a positive way. Under item 2 which reads; “You own all of the content and information you post on Facebook, and you can control how it is shared through your privacy and application settings. In addition:” Oh the dreaded “In addition” part, item 2.2 states the following. “When you publish content or information using the “everyone” setting, it means that you are allowing everyone, including people off of Facebook, to access and use that information, and to associate it with you (i.e., your name and profile picture)”. Well that’s just great, now people not even on facebook have the right to use our work. What part of that makes sense?
Using social media, our new age way of communicating, many benefits with many pitfalls along the way. As I mentioned earlier learning to use it in a positive way sure does get harder when everyone has the right to use your content apparently however they want. I’m not a paranoid type of person really I’m not and don’t plan on doing anything much differently than the way I have been. I just thought it an interesting and note worthy bit of information that’s good to keep in mind whenever participating in today’s new way of doing things.
© Brad Mangas
It’s probably beneficial for businesses to take advantage of social media and the ability to reach a potentially huge audience without much expenditure. But the terms and conditions and whatever disclaimers are meant to protect Facebook and Twitter and the rest rather that protect users. As long as you are aware of it and agree to it, you never have a recourse if there is a problem in the future. The risk is all yours, like it or not. So weigh the risk and make the best choice for yourself and your business. Facebook and Twitter are just too big to ignore.
Beautiful image, Brad.
Your right Ken, I really do like social media it can have tremendous positive impact, I know I will be using it more and more. It’s always a good idea to remember which side the rules are written for. Thanks for the comment.
I tend to think that language about rights to use come with the sharing aspects of social media. Someone doesn’t want to be threatened with a lawsuit because they “liked” your image and it appears in their news feed. It is a form of “distribution.” It is just the nature of the beast. If you want to utilize social media, you want your stuff to be liked and shared as much as possible. Unfortunately in our litigious society, that comes along with legal language that is bound to make any artist nervous. It can be hard to decipher what is meant for the sharing aspect, and what may be giving up some rights you may not want to offer up.
I agree Mark it comes down to give and take. I have to say I have received much more notoriety using social media than if I were not using it. I am comfortable but like all conscientious individuals believe it wise to always keep a guarded eye on the industry we choose to utilize. Thanks for the comment.