I work in publishing; one of the most difficult/knotty parts about publishing is the use of images, and the rigmarole involved in getting "permissions" to reproduce images/materials. And it's getting knottier all the time, due to the internet.

In my field, the source minds a great deal. They don't see it as free advertising--they see it as infringement of copyright. We have to get permission for use of an image whether it goes into a book or onto a web site. And as you found out, if you found the image elsewhere (like Pinterest) you cannot cite them--they don't own the copyright. You have to go to the source and ask (and often pay) for their permission. And they will want a credit line.

I've chased down original sources around the world. It's painstaking. I was recently asked if I would do photo research for a project, and I turned it down, because it involves securing permissions. Just too complicated. I'm sure others will be able to provide more insights--I've just touched on some of the high points!

Thanks kkay, That's how I assumed it should be done.

Dd has been doing the same thing as you for the art museum at school, helping plan a brochure. She said simply finding the right person to ask (the first step) can take weeks of emails. Back and forth, back and forth between schools and museums.

The reason I was/am puzzled is the instructions from Pinterest (I don't mean to pick on them - they are just who I asked that started my confusion).

When you pin from a website, we automatically grab the source link so we can credit the original creator.

So a novice (like me) would probably assume they were taking care of the credit.

If someone sued for copyright infringement, I suspect it would be the members, not the websites that want you to join and create pinboards and ideabooks (so they can sell ad space), that would be sued. Similar to what happened to Napster.

Keep in mind that just because it's on the web, it's not OK to copy material--print or picture. Altho not said, it is automatically copyrighted, and permission should be requested.

Thanks leel, I'm going to email a few requests for permission to use images on my site, newsletter and blog.
I'm going to try Charlotte Moss, Candice Olsen and I don't know who else....Donna from Donna Decorates Dallas?

They all may be like "duh, why are you even asking? Of course!" or I may be flatly refused. The latter being the most likely I think.

I just need to know how this works in the internet publishing world.

I used to be a paid blogger and I work in licensing images. Get permission from the original rights holder. Pinterest is just a bulletin board site and those images are fine, but if your site has ads, or anything like that--get permission. You can easily get a cease and desist letter from a lawyer which can spiral into your service provider dumping you.
I wouldn't even try for those designers you've named--it's not like Candice Olson answers her own emails.

Deedee-- Bridgman licenses images of fine art for museums--far faster and easier.

www.bridgemanart.com

Thanks idee for letting me know bloggers do need to get rights permission. That's what felt like the right thing to do as I started looking into it, but wasn't sure.

I am looking for images of interior design work rather than fine art, but thanks for the link.

I would not expect Candice Olsen to personally answer my email. Most designer's sites have a "contact us" button that I had planned on using. lol!

Deedee-- see how this blogger gives credits? Might be a good model

Here is a link that might be useful: The Inspired Bedroom

Thanks ideefixe. I see how the credit for the pic is for Country Living mag along with the photographer and the link takes you to the article about Sarah.

Country Living's terms state:
Copyright
Everything you see or read on the Hearst sites is owned by us or used with permission. You may not copy, use, or retransmit anything from or for our site without our permission

So I assume the blogger received permission to post pics from Country Living by contacting Hearst Communications Inc.

That seems like a lot of work for every image. Or maybe I'm just overthinking the whole process of links, copyrights and blogging and fretting about issues of infringement when there really isn't one....