I just found out my Hide and Seek image was stolen by this other blog. No written request for permission, no compensation, no… nothing.
I know what I want to do, but I’d appreciate any advice from you, the loyal visitors of my site (unless you’re the one who stole my image :)).
[UPDATE: I’ve just left a comment on the other site requesting that my image be removed.]
[UPDATE #2: The image has now been removed.]
—Peter.
Prosophos 
Peter,
As I’ve just written in the email to you, I linked back to your site giving you full photo credit, which is standard procedure.
Also, it’s slightly inappropriate to post something like this without having contacted me via email asking to remove the image first. I could understand if you had contacted me and I was a jerk about it.
Apologies for using your image. I thought it was a lovely photo and suited my post.
Will remove it now.
Best,
WhyDid
Hello Kirsten,
I just read your email, which – for the record – states:
“I’m sorry for using your image, however, I linked back to your site with photo credit. Sorry for sending you traffic.”
The sarcasm in the second sentence is not necessary (and basically nullifies your apology), and as far as I’m concerned, it is you who is being inappropriate by using one of my images without contacting me first. This sort of thing has happened to me before, and my tolerance for it is low.
Please do not send me “traffic” in the future.
Peter.
Again, I apologize for having not contacted you before posting it, but I did link directly back to your site (which is, I assume, how you even were alerted that the photo was used). I didn’t use your image for malicious reasons. Again, I think it’s a wonderful picture and am sorry for the misunderstanding. I would have appreciated if you had contacted me before adding this post to your blog. I understand this is your career and is important to you as mine is to me.
All the best,
Kirsten
Hi Peter, I suggest you contact Kirsten and let her know YOU know she used your image without permission. If you’re not looking for monetary compensation you could request that she either post an update giving you source credit or remove your image from the post. Your blog followers could spread the word about this theft (if you choose to go that route).
Whether she’s a regular reader of your blog or not, she shouldn’t have done this. I’d be happy to post a comment on her site (Why Did), asking why did she use your image without first asking permission.
Thanks egb.
I went to their “about” link and it says in-part: “With a background in merchandise buying, product development, and marketing, Kirsten Smith is not only well rounded, but also well versed in fashion from factory to storefront. Her keen eye and ability to keep her finger on the pulse is what has always kept her ahead of the curve and made her an excellent buyer, stylist, and writer”
Given her bio, this individual seems to have a business acumen and should understand some of the legalities and concept of copyright, especially considering she was involved in merchandising, product development & marketing! Possibly this individual was truly inept but you can’t tell me that in her day-to-day professional duties she never ran into copyright issues??
My opinion, I’d bill her $1,500 for the usage and if she responds with an apology that she’ll never do it again, tell her you’ll negotiate down to $1000 for the usage. If she doesn’t respond, push your legal options.
Thanks Chris,
She’s responded since you posted your comment (see above), and the image has been removed.
I’m not interested in financial compensation, just control over my own images… some of which, like the one above, I wouldn’t sell for any price.
Peter.
wow, that kirsten has got a lot of nerve. first, she basically violates copyright laws (and more importantly your family’s memories), and then she accuses you of wrongdoing for calling her out. pathetic.
Thanks for the support Nickolas.
Wow….I think people just don’t realise or appreciate that this site is about someone opening up their own lives for people to experience. Not a commercial stock photo shop!!
Its not right no matter what the image is, but when it involves family, for me, I just find that even more ‘off’…
The re blogs I have seen here in the past see very open and transparent (I.e. in your comments). This appeared to simply be the image alone….not the link!
Good spotting Peter.
hi everyone..now i know whodid this at whydid.com …whatsoever …nice CCTV job peter 🙂
Love Kristen’s attitude. I guess as a “well-rounded” Marketing person, she thinks it’s ok to use images without asking. It also points out one of the sad facts about the ‘Net today – people are obsessed with “traffic” and don’t care how they drive it.
I would have demanded compensation from her for the use of your image for however many days it was on her site, regardless of whether it was taken down or not. However, you’re far easy going than some of us, dear Peter. Trust you and the gang are well.
Cheers,
-raaj
Hi Raaj, nice to see you around here again. Thank you too for your support.
Yikes!
I can see it now: the judge pushes his glasses down, looks over their tops and says, “Let me get this straight counselor, your client admits she stole the image to use for her commercial gain, but wants us to accept that it’s all OK because her heart was pure, she really likes the image, the image worked well in the application she made of it, and she admitted where she stole it from???” We do live in interesting times. Nice of you to content yourself with having the image removed.
I would suggest you keep all the writings concerning this in a little file somewhere, just in case. And on a happier note, it is indeed a delightfully lovely image.