Everyone is discussing Pinterest. Most believe it is the new Facebook and will revolutionize social media. While I love to support a visual phenomenon, I am concerned. Here’s why:
How many of you have read the Pinterest “Terms of Use”? Are you aware that by using the Pinterest site you are granting them an irreversible license to use your images in any capacity – forever more. Remember, once something is on the Internet, its there forever. It does not matter if you pin the images or if someone else does it (with permission or not), Pinterest can do what they wish with them – sell, duplicate, or distribute them.
I understand that Pinterest, has addressed the copyright concerns of website owners by offering a way for them to block pinning directly from their websites. You can do this by adding the following code to your site’s metadata: <meta name=”pinterest” content=”nopin” /> . But honestly, this will provide zero protection in the end because for every protection code established, there are a multitude of ways to reverse the security efforts.
As a graphic designer who makes a living from the images I create, I have decided not to extend my business to the Pinterest platform. I understand that nothing really will protect me from image poachers (on any site for that matter), but it does concern me to support a website that clearly states it will not protect the very thing it is using to build itself – you and your precious creativity.
What are your thoughts?
Interesting and I completely agree. I love love love pinterest and have over 2000 pins. I am a very visual person, I love online (window) shopping so it’s a great place to “store” ideas. I love it.
I also run my own very small craft business with a unique, designed by ME cheeky monkey. The last thing I want is half the world copying MY design, enough in Australia try to already.
If I had the website skills I would disable pinning and right click save option on my website. I might just have to work out how to do that.
Hi Kate,
Thank you so much for your input. Unfortunately no one is ever really protected on the internet, but its nice to know that we can attempt to protect our creations. If you ever need help adding image protection code to your site, just contact me directly via my contact form and I can offer a few suggestions. I also design and code websites.
Something to think about… as an illustrator I have shared some illustrations from my books on pinterest…..but my books were published before I shared the illustrations…..What I don’t get is I have never seen an ugly photograph or person on pinterest it’s like everything posted comes from a Beautiful World. How do they do that?????
Thought provoking. I never knew that. Will it help to watermark the pictures?
Hi Michelle, Watermarking is such a great way to protect your images. No matter where your images end up, they will always carry your identity and proof of original creation. I have another article that outline this very topic of safeguarding your images
You have not said anything that I have not already thought about, but seing it written makes it more real. . I can certainly understand your point of view as a graphic designer! As for myself, I know that everytime I put an image out on the net, there is a chance that it will end up in the oddest of places. However, since my livelyhood depends on my sales, I have no choice but to do so. I will however from now watermark my images. I have not yet decided if I was going to put my work on Pinterest. I have noticed that many people in my field are followers and have do not post their work on there either. I guess I will wait and see. Thank you once again Kim for the great article and tips!
Hi Lisa,
You are so welcome. I am so happy to hear that you liked this article. While I do think Pinterest has a lot of merit – especially for marketing a business, I am wary. If enough of us share our concerns over creative rights, then perhaps Pinterest will take measures to ensure our security and their users. Time will tell.
Just read another article about the same issue. Was just starting to fall in love with Pinterest and now, well, I can see much clearer, thanks to you and this post:
http://ddkportraits.com/2012/02/why-i-tearfully-deleted-my-pinterest-inspiration-boards/
I am glad you like this article Esther. Its my hope that we will all consider our conduct and adjust it if needed. Thank you for sharing this link as well. Its a fabulous post that outlines some truly interesting facts. One of the biggest things I’ve learned lately is how self promotion is not encouraged on pinterest. Instead, they wish to put the focus on the user celebrating others and their creative contributions. I applaud this effort.