Frequently I’m asked how to pin images from TanglePatterns. The images on this site are copyright-protected as stated in the notice at the bottom of every page and in the left sidebar. The site’s software is set to prevent pinning.
Downloading copyright-protected images and then publishing them elsewhere without permission is against the law (see the articles below). The only images that are “pin-able” are the the site badges available at the bottom right side of any page.
Thus any images from TanglePatterns.com you see republished elsewhere either online or in print without permission have been stolen. Digital theft is still theft regardless of how anyone tries to dress it up or soft-pedal it. As blogger Madge Potter writes, “Yes, it’s theft. Would you pop a pretty vase from a table top at a party into your purse without permission? Probably not.” (See article #3 below.)
BTW – The only individual who has requested and received permission to publish images from TanglePatterns.com is CZT Adele Bruno for her weekly String Challenge and her permission is solely for use of the the TanglePatterns Strings.
Copyrights and respecting those legal rights are a particular hot-button of mine, especially when I see copyrights abused or ignored.
You can read more about this by clicking on the “Artists for Respect” button in the left sidebar. Rather than re-invent the wheel on the subject of Pinterest and copyright in general, I’m going to refer you to four important, enlightening and sobering articles written on the subject and expressed in a much more articulate way than I would as I tend to go off the deep end on the subject.
Pinterest and Copyright Violations
1. The first article, “Is Pinterest a Haven for Copyright Violations” was originally published when Pinterest first began gaining traction.
“Why pinning a photo you don’t own violates copyright, breaks image licenses, and is causing special problems for bloggers, photographers and artists.”
2. The second one, a well researched, thoughtful article by photographer Bob Vishneski, “Pinterest- Copyright Infringement Made Cool” was published on April 28, 2012.
“Pinterest is on the wrong side of the copyright law, in encouraging violation within its user community, making money based on copyright violations, and operating a service that facilitates copyright violation on a grand scale.”
It’s a lengthy article that’s well worth reading but if you must skip to the bottom line, if you scroll down the page to #9 Bob summarizes the article in digest form.
3. The third article, “Copyrights and Your Blog” was published April 2013 by DIY blogger Margot Potter, “also known as Madge”. In her article Madge explains how every blogger should protect their content and refrain from copyright infringement.
“As a blogger, awareness of copyrights and your blog is extremely important. It’s a tricky thing, the internet. It’s so easy to tell ourselves that everything is free when it’s a matter of right click, save and done.”
4. And the fourth article is written by Sarah Schwartz, “a former intellectual property attorney”: “Pinterest, how could something so right be so wrong” is from the Surface Design Guild’s blog and very relevant to everyone interested in patterns.
“Here’s the thing. Too many people believe that if an image is on the internet it must be “public domain.” The reality is, that unless an image was created before 1923 or unless you know for certain that it’s been dedicated to the public domain (e.g., there is language that says “I dedicate this image to the public domain”), it may still be protected by copyright laws. And the copyright law says that only the copyright owner has the right to make copies of the work.”
Free Copyright eBook for Crafters and Artists
If you have not already downloaded a copy of the free eBook published by Interweave publications – “Know Your Rights: Copyright 101” – this page contains the links to download it.
Pinterest Terms of Service
If you are a Pinterest user I encourage you to read Pinterest’s Terms of Service – particularly Section 2 “Your Content”- it should raise your eyebrows. You should know what kind of legal liability you’ve signed up for.
Playing it Safe
In this Wall Street Journal article, “How to Use Pinterest Without Breaking the Law“, Jonathan Pink, a California-based intellectual property lawyer with Bryan Cave LLP told the Law Blog, “The best and easiest way to avoid trouble is to put up your own content, the content you created. … If you are going to play it conservative and safe, you should never pin an image on Pinterest for which you don’t own the copyright interest or for which you have not obtained a license from the copyright owner.”
Bottom Line: If you don’t own it, don’t republish it unless you’ve obtained (written) permission from the owner. And BTW, giving credit is not the same as getting permission. You must actually request and receive permission and I suggest you get it in writing (email is fine) for proof.
More Reading
If you find this subject interesting, simply search Google for the terms Pinterest and copyright. There’s plenty of eye-opening material to see!
|
.oOo. |
|
Enhance your Zentangle experience while supporting TanglePatterns: |
|
CURRENT EDITION! TanglePatterns.com TANGLE GUIDE, 2024 Edition |
|
 |
The 13th Edition of the TanglePatterns.com TANGLE GUIDE is an instant-download 109-page interactive digital eBook/PDF containing approximately 2,000 tangles on the site from May 2010 through December 31, 2023. It's a great resource and a must-have digital tool for using the site. Visit the STORE > E-BOOKS page and help keep TanglePatterns.com going by getting your copy now! |
|
"Linda, Thank you! I was relying on too few and getting stuck after 3 years of daily working with Zentangle. This has inspired me to ‘begin again’ with renewed excitement." ~ Barbara R. |
|
| See the BOOK REVIEWS page for more details on its features and view a sample page. Note: this is a digital product you download immediately when you place your order, nothing will be physically mailed to you. | |
| GIFT ORDERS FOR ANOTHER PERSON: To give the TANGLE GUIDE as a gift, visit this page to place your gift order. | |
| If you're new to Zentangle® and tangling, my TanglePatterns.com BEGINNER'S GUIDE TO ZENTANGLE is just what you need to get started. Also available en Français and en Español. | |
|
|
|
 |
This is the only Zentangle book you'll ever need: the fabulous Zentangle PRIMER Vol 1. It's your CZT-in-a-book by the founders of Zentangle®. Visit the STORE tab on the top menu bar or click on the image. For more about the content and to read the rave reviews, visit the BOOK REVIEWS tab. |
| NEW! Now available in KINDLE format for $9.99. Spanish Edition here. Japanese Edition here. | |
| "Absolutely the best Zentangle Book yet! As an accomplished artist I used to think I did not need instruction on this art form. How wrong I was! My tangling improved by leaps and bounds after reading this book. If you think you have Zentangle down then you need this book more than ever!" ~ Kris H | |
|
|
|
|
.oOo. |
|
I agree wholeheartedly that posting or pinning without permission is a violation of copyright. I guess I have been inadvertently guilty of this. However, if someone places any kind of sharing buttons, including “Pin It” buttons on their site, I think that this could be taken as tacit consent to share away at will using those buttons. It is, in fact, an invitation by the artist. Or am I wrong about this?
Yes, you’re right Ken. When a site provides “Pin it” or “Pinterest” sharing buttons then you’re good to go.