Well, Claire, if you need my permission then you have it. I must admit I am a little confused though. If you find a picture on a website, is it not up for grabs? With permission or not?

Thanks, Rubby, I'll add the photo. Posting a picture on a website isn't giving it away, even though it's easy for anyone to take it. There are a lot of ethical and legal issues, particularly when the picture is later copied and sold, or distributed without paying the photographer.

I just did a Google search on "stealing photos" and found a lot of hits, including this one which discusses the issues:

That famous space shuttle photo: When is sharing stealing?

Claire

I just added the photo - it looks really great there! I couldn't put in the original post in the thread; GW only gives me a few options for placement so I chose top right.

Claire

Interesting. Although I admire your safety precautions, I don't think this is a serious as you might think. Yes, I suppose it is possible for someone to get upset by it, I am not so sure that anyone would really care.

The way I look at it, if you post a picture that you do not want anyone to "steal", then protect it so nobody can copy it. And if you don't mind someone taking it, then don't protect it.

And who is to say that I didn't "steal" that picture from someone else.....?

I post links to other peoples' images all the time, although I try to identify the source as a courtesy.

This is a special case for me; my editorship is at stake. GW's rules say I must take precautions to insure that I have permission to post the picture. I took those precautions and I have your statement that I have permission. If you "stole" it the onus is on you, not on me.

I really enjoy being the editor for this forum and I don't want GW to boot me out for a minor issue that I can prevent. If they really hate one of my FAQ's, that's a different issue.

Claire