Content Policy

[cstdenis]

Its time to make an official policy on what is and is not allowed (I guess it was time a long time ago, but now is when its getting done). I am referring to stolen picture type stuff here, [b]not[/b] objectionable content in pictures.

I will take input from the community, and based on the discussion here, will make an official policy/rule set on that subject.

Some things to take into consideration:[list][*]Pictures containing other artwork (usually official) such as most wallpapers[*]CGing somebodys lineart (with permission & credit) (official? other fanart?)[*]Re-drawing an existing picture (official? other fanart?)[*]Is cosplay fanart (assuming you made it, not bought)[*]Using other peoples fanmade characters (This has caused big problems in other communities)[*]Should completely original artwork be allowed here (It is rather off topic for a fanart site)[*]Is stuff like photographic collages/filtered picture of famous people fanart?[*]Photographic backgrounds?[*]sprite Comics?[/list:u]Also, penalties for breaking whatever rule set is defined. The wall of shame is what I came up with long ago, anybody have any better suggestions?
_________________
You will obey or molten silver will be poured into your ears.

[takashi_maze]

In short, people cannot upload images that offend someone else. As long as no complaints are recieved and the image is original work, it should be allowed.

[fallenangel]

"Pictures containing other artwork (usually official) such as most wallpapers"

Definitely not. Property of other people and more a service than art.

"CGing somebodys lineart (with permission & credit) (official? other fanart?)"

Coloring someone else's art with permission and credit, yes. Coloring anything they don't have express written permission to use from the original artist, no.

"Re-drawing an existing picture (official? other fanart?)"

Should be kept to practice and not displayed online, but as long as credit is given, it should be fine.

"Is cosplay fanart (assuming you made it, not bought)"

Sewing can be art.

"Using other peoples fanmade characters (This has caused big problems in other communities)"

Must have permission from the original artist.

"Should completely original artwork be allowed here (It is rather off topic for a fanart site)"

Your choice. You'll be forcing some amazing artists to leave, but a lot of the original work, but if you want it to be 100% fanart...

"Is stuff like photographic collages/filtered picture of famous people fanart?"

No.

"Photographic backgrounds?"

Unless someone took a really artsy photo of a celeb, dressed up like them and took a picture, or something like that, not much photo-related is fanart.

"sprite Comics?"

Uh, I think I know what these are...maybe... But if a base is used and credit given (as long as the base is free for use) it's fine.



That's more or less where copyright stands on the issue.

_________________
"I care about people as much as I care about lawn furniture" - Dexter/Michael C. Hall

[Asil]

Obviously any official art not owned by the artist should not be allowed. I think photographic backgrounds are ok... as long as they are only backgrounds. If someone does a picture and decides to have a photographic background i think that's fine- but if someone else owns that photograph, then credit and permission should be obtained. Artwork can look rather nice sometimes with photographs^^

I think that using an original picture to draw another pic, (redrawing an original pic) should be allowed, but credit should be given. eg: someone copies an original pic; they add a note: used reference, or something like that. Nothing too strict in this area i think, since a lot of artists like to use "references" when they draw, especially if they are unfamiliar with the character, like an unfamiliar request.

One thing i think should be controlled is the number of pics being added that are not owned by the artist even though they give credit. "This is pic is not mine. I did not draw it, but i really like it. Isn't it great?" I'm seeing a lot of these comments and pictures lately, and it really degrades the whole point of this site, for artists to make their own artwork...

Cosplay... well im not sure on that one... but i think this site should be more drawing related artwork.

Fanmade Characters- Well, its still fanart right? Just fanart of another fan.. but if anyone decides to draw a fanmade characters, they have to give credit to the original creator.

Whats wrong with sprite comics?? If the artist made the sprite, then I think its perfectly fine.... Maybe I'm not sure what you mean by that.

Completely Original Artwork- It's definitely true that if this is discontinued, you will be kicking off a lot of amazing artists (& their artwork). It's really hard to define a boundary for "completely original artwork" since it can be argued so many different ways. People can copy other peoples' styles as well as characters and costumes and etc. etc. I think original artwork should be allowed... i think... *clueless*

Coloring someone's elses' lineart should be allowed if that person gets permission and gives credit.

There is one thing that really annoys me which I'm not sure should/can be changed. The artwork put on the board is sometimes extremely sloppy and drawn on lined paper and such.... Maybe there should be guidelines?? ^^;;;; I know that everyone has their own limits, but if you make guidelines that they can't post pictures done on lined paper or something like that, their artwork will look a lot better and people(maybe just me^^;;; would probably appreciate it more ^^;;;;

I notice that when people take credit for artwork that is not their own, the artwork is just taken off the site and the person put on the Hall of Shame(or something like that). I think that the policy should be stricter- not that the person should be banned though.... When someone "abuses" artwork, I think that something should be put on the user's profile as well, like an "x" or something... I think that would dissuade more people from abusing artwork, because their art thieving would be able to be seen by other users just be seeing their profile.

.....wo i wrote a lot.... (yes, now i can go back to spelling incorrectly and being sloppy^^;;; im such a hypocrite )

~ Asil ~

[cstdenis]

[quote]In short, people cannot upload images that offend someone else. As long as no complaints are recieved and the image is original work, it should be allowed. [/quote]

People will complain about anything. And this thread is more about the definition of origional work.

--------------

[quote]Whats wrong with sprite comics?? If the artist made the sprite, then I think its perfectly fine.... Maybe I'm not sure what you mean by that.[/quote]

Sprite comics are usually made out of old videogame sprites and other extracted graphics.

[quote]
There is one thing that really annoys me which I'm not sure should/can be changed. The artwork put on the board is sometimes extremely sloppy and drawn on lined paper and such.... Maybe there should be guidelines?? ^^;;;; I know that everyone has their own limits, but if you make guidelines that they can't post pictures done on lined paper or something like that, their artwork will look a lot better and people(maybe just me^^;;; would probably appreciate it more ^^;;;;
[/quote]

Thats why i made the High Quality/Quick sketch thing. The Quick sketch ones will eventually be deleted after being up for a week or so. Allowing artists to show off their work and get feedback on it, but not waste the sites resources.

[quote]I notice that when people take credit for artwork that is not their own, the artwork is just taken off the site and the person put on the Hall of Shame(or something like that). I think that the policy should be stricter- not that the person should be banned though.... When someone "abuses" artwork, I think that something should be put on the user's profile as well, like an "x" or something... I think that would dissuade more people from abusing artwork, because their art thieving would be able to be seen by other users just be seeing their profile.[/quote]

Same concept as the wall of shame--public embarrassment. Once people are caught, they usually disappear so that doesn't really make any difference probably.
_________________
You will obey or molten silver will be poured into your ears.

[blondeIQ]

I think that redrawing other's artist's work is okay as long as it's not traced (although I don't know how you can do anything about that) and if the orginal picture/artist is given credit. This kinda goes more for authentic anime screenshots/pictures, not necessarily fanart by people here.

[Sanoshi]

Ahh well i'll have to agree with everything Fallen has said. And i support the fact of Original Art.

Though it isn't fanart, it's still artwork. and we all know that the site's name is "Fanart Central" I guess since the FAC population or memebers has grown significantly for the past months, people have been abusing it. The tracing and copying artwork i strongly argee as well. It's not really artwor, but if it's the best you can do, then post it WITH THE ORIGINAL CREDIT. I don't know much about the sprites comic, but everything else, yea.. lol Fallen said it all for meh.


Yea and dun make it a rule for people not to post Originals. There are plenty of them out in the site already, and maybe a lot of people would not be on this site. Personally, i like drawing a viewing Original art. Fanart is nice, and people's styles are different, but seeing others true colors (True ideas) is more inspiring.

[fallenangel]

And I have to say again, using official pictures/any art the artist did not draw should [i]not[/i] be allowed.

~ Some images are free for use online, but most are simply stolen so many times from fansite to fansite there's no way to know. It would be a huge hassle to make sure all the images are either free for use or the artist has permission to use them.
~ I've seen some "artists" on FAC making wallpapers that included the art of other users without even asking them first.
~ To me, someone who takes a few pictures, pastes them on a background, and slaps on some text is insulting to those of us who spend 20+ hours on a drawing only to have it shoved down the list by those.
~ FAC is a fan[b]art[/b] site, not a site for people to find backgrounds

Ok I'm done...maybe...
_________________
"I care about people as much as I care about lawn furniture" - Dexter/Michael C. Hall

[Lasher]

My Personal and i would also like to think professional opionion, being an artist in painting, drawing, sketching and even as an ametuer photographer. As well as a creater or original characters.

* Pictures containing other artwork (usually official) such as most wallpapers

I know this one to be very controversial, ( i know i spelled that wrong) and for good reasons. If you go to the site, animewallpapers.com, you will some some of the best wallpapers out there, but also take not that A LOT of those people use some work that is not there own in there. I don't think they are stealing neccessarily, but i understand the laws and copyrighting thing completely so it is hard to say yes or no. Seeing it complete from both sides and understanding it for the good and the bad. So this one is hard for me to give a set in stone no or yes.

But in all, with the laws and rules based on this site and other sites i know well of, and being an artist myself, i will have to say more no than yes. It prevents a lot of problems, and keeps those work who does not want to be used by others, safe and the owners at peace. Sorry for those who disagree, i understand your argument but it is very hard, and that you have to understand.

* CGing somebodys lineart (with permission & credit) (official? other fanart?)

n/a

* Re-drawing an existing picture (official? other fanart?)

If your drawing what you see from a tv show, or anime, whether it be a scene or pose, i really don't see the problem because that is fanart, and some people, like myself, are not capable of drawing things straight from our minds, but have to see it. I'm one of those that has to look at what i'm drawing and see it during the whole process.

But, if you are drawing someon'es original work, i think that may be fine, considering you give absolute credit to the person who created the first piece of original artwork, and don't take credit for anything, other than doing their own attempt at it or fan drawing of it.

* Is cosplay fanart (assuming you made it, not bought)

n/a
* Using other peoples fanmade characters (This has caused big problems in other communities)

I understand how it can be a problem, but as long as complete credit is given, once again, to that person other than your own work on redrawing and having a go yourself at that piece of artwork, i don't see a real problem with it. And permission is given.

* Should completely original artwork be allowed here (It is rather off topic for a fanart site)

I know this is a Fan Art site, which would make since for not having original work, but original work can become fanart in a sense i do believe. And i agree with RO in that you would be discouraging or having a lot of really great artist leave. I have a particular artist on this site who is popular here, do drawings of original characters for me that are within my writing materials. If she wasn't able to post them on this site, then there would be a huge problem in getting people to see my characters, to hear about my writing and for my readers themselves to see how they look.

Like i said, i'm one of those who can't draw straight from my mind, so i have friend and those who volunteer to do it and it's a big help. And sometimes some of the most amazing art is of originals. In all, i say it definately should be allowed, and who knows, maybe someday someone's original work will be true fanart if they get noticed or become famous artist. long shot but you never know.

* Is stuff like photographic collages/filtered picture of famous people fanart?

NO! point blank, and i think it's a huge waste. I'm photogrpaher and i can't stand how people do this. I think there is a big difference between drawing, painting, sketching and taking pictures, and i can't have anyone telling me i don't know what i'm talking about because i have my camera with me everywhere. Hell, i take it into NYC and take pictures there all the time, but i just don't think it's what should be posted here on this site. If i want to show of my photo's to others and collages, i would not do it here, this site is not set up for such work and i would go somewhere else for it. Besides, i have my own little website to do that if i wanted to. But i'm sure others can go else where with that, it's not big, but it's a waste of space and i am against it.

* Photographic backgrounds?

Eh, like i said, not to good with this. If it involves a photgraph, i think it should just be slapped behind a piece of artwork strictly, i really don't like the photo's being on this type of site.

* sprite Comics?

n/a

That's it for now, i'm sure i will add more though by tonight if i should get the chance.

Also, one last thing, i can't remember who said it, but whoever it was, i agree completely about artwork not being posted if it's sloppy and on lined paper and such. Even if it is deleted by the next week or so. It annoys me a lot. If i want to show off my work, i make damn sure to put it on plain paper, and show some effort in it, whether it's good or not.

That to me, is just being extremely lazy and posting the most simpliest of things, you only spent 30 seconds on. That annoys me to no end and insults me a little. I'm not hte best artist, but atleast i show effort, and i take up space.

[Fyrsiel]

XD Wow... this is the very first time I've ever been to these forums.... Alrighty... to business....


Pictures containing other artwork (usually official) such as most wallpapers

I don't think things like wall papers should be aloud... x X; It's not really the person's origional work if they just took some other picture and added pretty photoshop effects to it... It's nice to show off skillz like that, but they can save that for CGing origional art work in stead, ne?

If a person were to draw their on origional work, and turn it into a wall paper then that would be okay. Because in a way, it would be a form of presenting their work. Fan art only... really large. XD

CGing somebodys lineart (with permission & credit) (official? other fanart?)

It just doesn't seem right to take some random person's line art and COLOR it... o__O ;;;;

With permission and credit, that would be okay. CGing some one else's line art would be a way of practicing CG skills, and I think that could be something worth showing here. ^ ^


Re-drawing an existing picture (official? other fanart?)

... Nooo. X___x;;; I don't know, it doesn't seem like real art to me if someone just copied off of some already made picture. If they need to do that for practice then by all means go ahead.... but I think real art comes from what a person can do his or her own self. Anyone can copy a picture... if you can draw from imagination or even MEMORY alone that is something worth praising.


Is cosplay fanart (assuming you made it, not bought)

o__O Cosplay is fan art? .... *uuuh, I've never thought of it that way* ..... I think sewing could be an art. ^ ^;;; Yeah that would be neat. But something you bought from a store is deffinitly not fan art. o__<;;;;


Using other peoples fanmade characters (This has caused big problems in other communities)

o__O Permission..... PERMISSION.... I can't stand it when my little sister draws or uses my own characters in any of her work without my permission. *My blood just boils. ____*

Sure... you can draw other people's characters... BUT PLEEEASE ask permission first! o__<;;;; You'll probably get permission anyway, but it's just polite to ask first....


Should completely original artwork be allowed here (It is rather off topic for a fanart site)

;___; yes please.... *Most of my art has been origional characters... or it's going to be....* ... I can see the argument here. x__X But I love looking at people's origional ideas. It's so awsome, some of the things that are thought up here. It makes the site so much more interesting to visit because of these origional pieces.


Is stuff like photographic collages/filtered picture of famous people fanart?
Photographic backgrounds?

Um..... no.... >___o;;;; Photographic backgrounds could be a way to present an origional piece of work though, so that could be alright. But just... photograph collages... could be a little bit of wasted space.

sprite Comics?

x__X I think if the sprites are of origional work then maybe.... *Personally... I don't think so....*

[Asil]

no not altering backgrounds- i meant as in drawing a picture of some char or other or sumthing like that, and then adding a background. and giving credit obviously...
ih... why do i bother, its a losing battle <_<

:P whats wrong with coping a picture that u like if u give it credit? its still ure artwork, even if its not ure idea or char... yes, its looked down upon but.... nvm, why do i bother? ^^;;

[Asil]

... that was a completely useless post >_>

[Lasher]

* CGing somebodys lineart (with permission & credit) (official? other fanart?)

Okay, now to answer this one. MUST HAVE PERMISSION! I know people who do this, but they do it with permission only, and most of the time they do it for friends to help on the artwork.

A lot of things should be allowed, but permission SHOULD and MUST be given if you ask me. If someone asked me to draw one of my characters or something, i might say yes, depending on the situation, but most likely i would. But i would want permission considering i am not a big star who owns her tv show or cartoon or anime and what not. So i have to be protective for sure.

PERMISSION, PERMISSION, PERMISSION! PPL! It's not hard. Simply get an e-mail or a message through aim, msn, yahoo and have it saved for proof, it's not hard.

I've gotten permission to use characters, have links to ppl's drawings and all sorts. But i always get permission, and i always make damn sure to give credit 100% where due!

[cstdenis]

I'm not too worried about legality and copyright laws here. Unless you do somthing to piss them off, its not worth the effort of animation studios and such to sue over a few pics posted. It is an issue I wil deal with if I start getting emails from lawyers...and even then I probebly wont care much.

Regarding the permission issue. I dont expect people to try to get permission from offical work, thats just not gonna happen. I do expect permission from other artists when their stuff is used tho.
_________________
You will obey or molten silver will be poured into your ears.

[Lasher]

Well i don't expect permission for official either really, but as you said Denis i would expect permission from other artist when using their work as well. That's all i'm really worried about.

[tamashii]

I think original art should be allowed (probably because most of my stuff is original.. and a rule against it would wipe out my gallery...).

I don't think that copied pics are OK.... and by copied pics I mean one that looks exactly like or nearly exactly like one that another artist has drawn, WITHOUT CREDIT. I personally had another artist on this site almost completely copy a pic of mine, and although I didn't say anything (and I won't name names, because it was so long ago) I was REALLY pissed off. So if you copy a pic, get permission before you post it. Really. And I'm not even that great an artist. If you're inspired by a picture someone else drew, give them credit. They've earned it.

I think using pictures as a reference is OK, as long as you don't say that it was totally your idea. Tracing is cheating, though...

I think that cosplay can be fanart... but... I'm not knowledgeable in that area AT ALL so record me as having "no opinion".

Ah. CG-ing. I personally have more respect for people who draw and colour their art by hand, but if you have permission, I'm certainly not against it. In all cases, if you use someone else's art, get permission and give credit.

Sounds like common sense to me. *shrugs*

I'm against sprite comics, unless you made all the sprites yourself. And most people didn't--they ripped them off from other people. Which is still stealing.

But regular comics are a total IN for me. They're awesome. I love reading them! I'm addicted!! :blink:

Other punishments, either than the wall of shame? No, I can't think of any. Not really. I like the wall of shame. Perhaps if someone drew pictures of the theives getting nailed to a dartboard? Just to make it more amusing...

Oh, and someone mentioned signing art as your username... I don't. I sign it with my name, usually my initials, MP, because no one looking at the original would understand if I signed it "tamashii"... it's not my name. But if you have the SAME signature on every picture you post, I think most people can put 2 and 2 together and get 4 reliably. I hope so, anyways....

You're doing a great job, Denis. Keep it up. I like the smileys, too. A lot.

~Megan/Earthstar

[Asil]

"Perhaps if someone drew pictures of the theives getting nailed to a dartboard? Just to make it more amusing..."

what a great idea ! (not sarcastic )

[cstdenis]

[quote]Other punishments, either than the wall of shame? No, I can't think of any. Not really. I like the wall of shame. Perhaps if someone drew pictures of the theives getting nailed to a dartboard? Just to make it more amusing...[/quote]

With the amount of stolen art these days, drawing those pics would be a full time job for sombody.

If sombody wants to do it, I have no problem wiht it.
_________________
You will obey or molten silver will be poured into your ears.

[Lasher]

Hey Denis! I will try drawing those pictures, i've been looking for a funny assignment to do with my drawing lately. But drawing for every single theif all in one go will not be possible. I'm sure my one friend wouldn't mind drawing a few thought, a.k.a Seifer - sama, comsidering people on the wall of shame have taken her work. lol.

I'll try some drawing later tonight, no promises, and i won't be able to do them ALL that quick. i will play around though gladly, it might be entertaining.

[SleepyShippo]

[b]Pictures containing other artwork (usually official) such as most wallpapers[/b]

Most people just kinda slap these together in a sloppy manner, so I'd say no

[b]CGing somebodys lineart (with permission & credit) (official? other fanart?)[/b]

I guess, as long as the CGing is obvious and makes a significant change to the image.


[b]Re-drawing an existing picture (official? other fanart?)[/b]

As long as it's not traced, sure.


[b]Is cosplay fanart (assuming you made it, not bought)[/b]

I don't see a problem with it


[b]Using other peoples fanmade characters (This has caused big problems in other communities)[/b]

I guess this is ok, but only if the original creator of the fan character gives permission and gets credit.



[b]Should completely original artwork be allowed here (It is rather off topic for a fanart site)[/b]

Why shouldn't there be? A little originality never killed anyone, did it?


[b]Is stuff like photographic collages/filtered picture of famous people fanart?[/b]

Um, I'm gonna have to say no on this one since all or most of the work is done by a camera, not by hand/keyboard by an artist. If this was allowed, I could post my entire photo album here!

[b]Photographic backgrounds?[/b]

Sure, as long as there's credits


[b]sprite Comics?[/b]

See previous

[b]Also, penalties for breaking whatever [/b]

Picture crooks should be given one warning. If they steal pictures again, they ought to be banned.