Facebook and Copyright

[idcrewdawg]

So, for a little bit now I've been using Facebook to help get connected with my clients. I would post a couple pictures on a regular basis to show my work. What I didn't realize is Facebook allows downloading of pictures, even if you're not the account holder. This represents a problem for me, as I don't want people to do that.

So does anyone have any helpful advice other than "Watermark" or "Low Res"?

[BigFuzzy]

Yep, don't post anywhere where someone can screencap the image. As long as someone can view it on the screen, they can get a copy of it (quality varies, but still).

[SwissJon]

The problem with the Internet (not just Facebook) is that if you can see it, you can grab it.. I think certificates might help, using ssl for example, but so far I haven't come across an effective way to do that, and anyway, like bf said, there's nothing stopping someone hitting "print screen" and saving a copy like that.

[3bayjunkie]

if you're looking at it on a computer screen, there is no reason to upload high resolution images. If you want to give your clients the printable versions put them on a DVD and mail them out.

[nickbedford]

Originally Posted by BigFuzzy

Yep, don't post anywhere where someone can screencap the image. As long as someone can view it on the screen, they can get a copy of it (quality varies, but still).

So... nowhere on the internet?

With Facebook, you should only ever post 720 pixel images (actually I think it's now something like 960 but I don't).

And... watermark them, even if it's small. It's not so much about defacing the image than showing that the image is indeed copyrighted.

[BigFuzzy]

Originally Posted by idcrewdawg

This represents a problem for me, as I don't want people to do that.

Originally Posted by nickbedford

So... nowhere on the internet?

Well, if his problem is not wanting people to d/l from the net, yes, the only way to really stop it is not posting anywhere.

And he did say any advice NOT related to watermarks and resolution.

[Swanner Photography]

I have a few clients that want pics from their session put on facebook to show off to their family and friends. I dont mind putting them on there. I resize and watermark ( I know you said no advice on that) but there has been a few times where I didnt put any photos on facebook for them, and when that client got there prints in, they took pics of the prints with their mobile phone and uploaded them. With them doing that, it looks like CRAP. So I had rather just put one up with my watermark on it. They was I see it, if they are gonna jack it off your page and you have it resized and they try to print it, they are gonna get a pixely print.

[idcrewdawg]

Yes I know about screen capture, and I know about posting for clients. Got that, and no problem with it. Screen capture has been a way to capture copyrighted material since windows has been around.

What I was hoping to glean from you folks was a way to change the options on Facebook to prevent outright download of photo's that was put into the news feed. There doesn't seem to be one. Not that I've found anyway. As it stands right now, people, even people not signed up to Facebook, can download any image that is displayed via the download button under the image.

[3bayjunkie]

you can set it so only people you are friends with can see your profile and photos. if you are worried about your friends stealing your stuff, then my friend you have bigger problems.

[veritasimagery]

The only way is to make sure that your profile is only available to your friends. That's it. But that then means that your clients must be your "friends", and kinda nullifies using FB for stirring up new business.