Blogging can be fun. It can be profitable. It can simply be a means of leaving behind a journal for grandchildren and maybe even grandchildren you will never know.
But blogging is still covered by the same copyright laws that govern all intellectual property including photographs. And copyright law, which includes using someone else’s photographs, is pretty rigid.
Under copyright law, there is little wiggle room for the usual excuses and “fair use” – not monetized, one time use, educational – does not cover theft of property.
This cautionary tale comes from Laura K. Roeder, an expert in the use of social media. The person involved used only 3 pictures which she thought were covered. Her initial fine was over $2,000. 00. Her apology and sincere explanation of why she thought it was okay to use them got the fine reduced $1650.00.
If she had paid for the use of the photos, her total cost would have been $148.50.
Bottom line, unless you take the photo, pay for the photo or know, unequivocally, that is is copyright free, don’t use it. Roeder provides 3 sources where you can get photos for use on your blog. Check them out but seriously consider taking your own photos. It’s safer.
Write On Target 