Google launches Creative Commons filtering
Google launches Creative Commons filtering for it’s image search service.
I worry Google will give people a false sense of entitlement depending on the level of accuracy of the service.
On a quick test search, my first using the service, the word “illustration” returns the following “commercially usable, modifiable” images.
Take this result. It’s a “Creative Commons” image embedded in a Flickr set featuring an illustrator’s copyrighted work. The user has it labeled for both modification and commercial reuse, but I’m guessing the illustrator’s estate (as marked in the Flickr photo’s comments) wouldn’t want others to take his image and slap it on the side of a product. Confusing to searchers.
It supports my theory that improperly marked, “found” images from third parties could cause a headache for illustrators, photographers – any content creators really.
That, and might it give unscrupulous designers an excuse to rip off work for reuse? Maybe?
I’m not anti-Creative-Commons, I just have concerns with this particular service. Playing devil’s advocate here. Yahoo has been doing this for a while and the sky hasn’t fallen…
.-(cc_noncommercial%257Ccc_nonderived)%26hl%3Den%26sa%3DG){kind=link}
Jul 9th, 2009 #
The concern is well founded and it will without a doubt come up with cases of misuse, intended or not.
The real question for illustrators and photographers alike, is uploading copyrighted material, for the potential gain to attract business. I think this is the most important issue to tackle and should be done on a individual level (until a really good idea arrives). For instance in your case it could be that you uploaded illustrations in a lower quality, low image size or avoiding full images and just show portions of it; well even taking a photo after printing it on tees or posters.
Personally I see Googles initiative as a bit boring one, since there are two exceptional good engines/sources to get CC images (wikipedia & flickr).
Jul 9th, 2009 #
Gimping your image uploads with giant watermarks or low resolution is probably going to be a greater detriment to future business than possible misuse.
It’s interesting to see how copyright is changing. Fun times.
Jul 10th, 2009 #
As an illustrator you shouldn’t rely on selling content. It’s an internet era and just like most programmers, actors, etc. the best (safe) way to ern a living is selling it as a service, not as a product.
Content is dead, long live content!