Hello All, I read with amazement the cavalier attitude of some FML'ers concerning the theft of a digital image, a graphic with a specific ferret on it - and I used the word "theft" knowingly: not only am I a web-site developer by evening, but I am a lawyer by day, and have been one for over 20 years. Let me address a few points: * "it's not worth much..." - Really! What logic! Let's talk about that: in my state, Ferrets sell for WELL under the dollar amount for prosecution for even the most minor of crimes. If someone stole or killed your ferret, how would you feel if a prosecutor said to you "Why are you making such a big deal? It's not worth much. Go out and buy another." This button is a work-product of an individual, who valued it enough to copyright it, and who is proud of creating it. Why do some people feel the need to shame the author for caring about his/her work. My response to them is: go out and spend $500 for Adobe Photoshop, spend a year or so learning how to use it, and create your own damn button - don't steal someone else's! Or go to a site that gives out free buttons, but read their EULA carefully: they too expect to be given credit for their work! * In the web-development community, people generally ASK if they can use a digital image - and guess what? 75% of the time the answer is "Yes, if you give the author credit". Obviously those who stole it are too boorish to ask first, or simply have a need to have viewers believe that they are a digital artist, when they are not. * "All you have to do is change one pixel..." Pure urban legend. Nuff said about amateur lawyers... * "Litigation is expensive". Yes, it is. But what I would do is immediately contact the ISP or owner of the server upon which the stolen image now resides, and inform them of the copyright violation. In 99% of cases, they will ask the web-site owner to remove the copyrighted material, or have the site shut down in 24 hours. You don't always need to litigate to obtain justice. * It can't be prevented. Not true. If you know a scripting language, you can make it VERY difficult for someone to copy your images, and if they DO succeed, you can now easily prove that it is theft, and not a "misunderstanding". * What exactly IS the point of stealing another's digital image, and then putting it on a web-site without permission? That you are an artist? That you created it? That you just wanted to take credit for another's work? Hmmm? All of these lame excuses demonstrate core dishonesty, and lack of respect for your fellow human being. I guess what I find most disturbing about this is how many FML readers are attempting to trivialize this. If one is an artist or writer and has taken the trouble to purchase expensive software and learn how to use it, they have the right to feel that any a-hole who can right-click should be prevented from stealing their hard work. And as far as trivializing another's point of view, remember Rudy Guliani's comments about people who love "those little weasels" needing therapy. How did that make YOU feel. I am amazed that I am apparently the first FML'er to respond like this. But the Lecture is over. But try to take this away: the breakdown of the fabric of society usually starts with one small act. Ciao, Sonam [log in to unmask] ELECTRIC INK STUDIO WEB SITE DEVELOPMENT AND DESIGN - Individual and Corporate www.electric-ink.com [Posted in FML issue 4116]