Difference between revisions of "Powerbase:Image Use Policy and Guidelines"

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You can upload images and scanned documents into the SpinProfiles database.
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{{Powerbase:Help}}
  
==Guidelines==
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You can upload images and scanned documents into the Powerbase database. This page covers Powerbase policy in regards to the use of images as well as providing some guidelines in how to add pictures to a page. Guidelines for adding images can also be found in [[Powerbase:How To Edit A Page|How to edit a page]].
There are a couple of general guidelines:
 
  
*'''Images''': Only copyright free images.  
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==Copyrights==
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Only copyright-free images, or images that you have obtained permission to use, can be added to Powerbase. See Powerbase [[Powerbase:Copyrights|Copyrights]] policy for further information.
  
:See [[SpinProfiles:Copyrights|Copyrights]] for more information.
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All images are copyrighted by the person who originated the image. This person can choose to make the image copyright-free and place it in the public doman, which is in some cases specifically stated.<ref>For more information, see [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wikipedia:Copyrights#Image_guidelines Guidelines for images and other media files], Wikipedia, accessed 19 October 2009.</ref>
:Wikipedia's [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wikipedia:Public_domain_image_resources Guide to finding public domain images] is a great place to start.
 
: It is best to use JPEG files (with the *.jpg suffix) wherever possible or alternatively PNG files (with the *.png suffix). Do not use Windows BMP format images; they are uncompressed and take up too much space.
 
  
:It is also best to keep the file size down to less than 100k. The smaller the better. Remember that there are many web users on slow dialup connections and we don't want to deter them from accessing SpinProfiles because of slow-loading pages due to big images.
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If no such copyright-free notice is posted, then we have to get specific permission from the owner of the copyright before we can use the image, and say how it’s going to be used.<ref>For more information, see [http://www.jiscdigitalmedia.ac.uk/stillimages/advice/frequently-asked-questions-about-copyright/ Frequently Asked Questions About Copyright], JISC Digital Media website, accessed 19 Oct 2009</ref> Therefore in principle, images we take from government sites, from MPs’ sites, etc are potentially problematic legally. We also have to avoid using company logos as there are cases of companies claiming that use of their logo suggests wrongly that they approve of the article content.<ref>[http://bittergreensgazette.blogspot.com/2005/08/monsanto-to-bitter-greens-cease-and.html Monsanto to Bitter Greens: "Cease" and Desist], Bitter Greens Journal blog, 26 Aug 2005, accessed 19 Oct 2009</ref>
  
*'''Adobe Acrobat files (PDFs)''': A general rule of thumb is that if the document already exists in a location where it is likely to remain, it it better to link to it than upload it. The important issue is that it can be accessed somewhere by readers if it is necessary for verification of important points.
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For free copyright-free images, try
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http://www.freeimages.co.uk/
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Also wiki commons
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http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/Main_Page
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In each case, you need to find your image, then click on the picture and check that it really is copyright-free in the terms given, as not all of them are.
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If you intend to use an image from a website (such as from a company's own or government website) and think that the image is copyright free, check in the File Info section for any notes on copyright. Alternatively, check in the copyrights section of the website.
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If you have unique material - such as a document obtained under a Freedom of Information Act request or a photograph taken by yourself - then feel free to upload it into the Powerbase database and link to it in the relevant article.
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Otherwise,''' please do not use images without written (or emailed) permission'''. There are various image firms that make most of their money by suing people for using their pictures without permission, and they will take action over the most seemingly trivial infractions of their copyright. They have special software that trawls the net looking for their images, so the fact that they are not likely to visit the Powerbase site in person is no protection.
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P'''lease avoid using company logos in all cases'''. The law on this is unclear but there have been cases of companies harassing people who reproduce logos on their own websites or blogs. In one case the company claimed that use of its logo implied that the company endorsed the content of the website, even though that content was clearly criticizing the company. We at Powerbase do not want to get into such discussions, which can tie up valuable time and resources.
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===Fair use===
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It used to be commonly argued that re-using an image for non-profit, reporting or educational purposes was fair use and therefore not subject to copyright law. The fair use concept is extremely complex and is coming under increasing challenge from lawyers worldwide. We therefore cannot rely on it as a defence in re-using images.<ref>[http://www.utsystem.edu/OGC/IntellectualProperty/copypol2.htm What is fair use?], Univ of Texas website, accessed 19 Oct 2009</ref>
  
If however, you have unique material - such as a document obtained under a Freedom of Information Act request - then feel free to upload it into the SpinProfiles database and link to it in the relevent article.
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===Which copyright laws apply to Powerbase?===
  
==How to Upload an Image or PDF==
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Just because Powerbase is based in the UK doesn't mean that the site is subject only to UK copyright law. Lawyers can use the law of any country in which the site is accessible, or they can use "international copyright law".
  
# In the left hand column under the "Toolbox" heading is the "Upload file" link. Click on this.
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===What type of file should I use?===
#* This will take you to http://www.SpinProfiles.org/index.php?title=Special:Upload
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* It is best to use '''JPEG''' files (with the *.jpg suffix) wherever possible or alternatively '''PNG''' files (with the *.png suffix). Do not use Windows BMP format images; they are uncompressed and take up too much space.
# Before uploading an image or a PDF there are a couple of points to check. If you think an image is copyright free, such as from a company's own or government website, check in the File Info section for any notes on copyright. For Adobe Acrobat files, it is worth checking to see if the security settings on the file are set to standard so that the document can be printed and copied but not modified. (This may help avoid arguments over the document content later).
 
# In the filename bar find the file on your hard drive. Click on it.
 
# In the "Summary" space add a brief explanatory note on the origin of the image or document. For example, if the photo is from a government website, post the url into your note. If it is a document, a brief explanation on where it came from is worthwhile.
 
# After you are sure the image /pdf is copyright free, check the box to the statement "I affirm that the copyright holder of this file agrees to license it under the terms of the SpinProfiles copyright." If you don't check this box, you won't be allowed to upload the file.
 
# Click on "Upload file"
 
# If your file is under the 100k threshold and the name doesn't clash with an existing file, it will be uploaded and the link to it appear on the "Recent Changes" page: http://www.SpinProfiles.org/index.php?title=Special:Recentchanges
 
#* If your file is over 100k or uses an existing file name, after a little while you will be prompted (the duration depends on the original file size) whether you want to upload anyway.
 
#* The options you will have are:
 
#*# "Save File" - "Ignore warning and save file anyway"; and <br>
 
#*# "Re-Upload" - "Return to the upload form".
 
  
===How to add an image to fill a blank image link===
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* It is also best to '''keep the file size down to less than 100k'''. The smaller the better. Remember that there are many web users on slow dialup connections and we don't want to deter them from accessing Powerbase because of slow-loading pages due to big images.
  
#Go to the article where you wish to add an image. Find the red link (indicating a blank image link) on the page at the spot where the image will go <nowiki>(here's an example: "Image:Gregwarren.jpg")</nowiki>. Make note of the exact name of the image file (in this case, Gregwarren.jpg).
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*'''Adobe Acrobat files (PDFs)''': A general rule of thumb is that if the document already exists in a location where it is likely to remain, it it better to link to it than upload it. The important issue is that it can be accessed somewhere by readers if it is necessary for verification of important points.
#Find an image that you wish to eventually upload onto the site and save it to your computer. Be sure to give the image the same name as that of the red link on the SpinProfiles page. This is important.
 
#Go back to the SpinProfiles article where you wish to add the image.
 
#Click the red link. This will take you to the "Upload file" page. Click browse and locate the image file that you saved to the computer.
 
#Write a brief summary in the "Summary" box describing your actions.
 
#Click "Upload file."
 
#The image should now appear on the page where the red link previously did.
 
  
==External Links==
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==How to upload an image or pdf==
* [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wikipedia:Public_domain_image_resources] Wikipedia guide to finding public domain images.
 
  
[[Category:SpinProfiles Help]]
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Please go to [[Powerbase:How to Post Images, Photos, Screengrabs, and Video Clips]].
  
==Related SpinProfiles resources==
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==Related Powerbase resources==
 
* [[Special:Upload|Upload page]]
 
* [[Special:Upload|Upload page]]
 
* [[Special:Imagelist|List of uploaded files]]
 
* [[Special:Imagelist|List of uploaded files]]
 
* [[Special:Log/upload|Upload log]]
 
* [[Special:Log/upload|Upload log]]
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==Notes==
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<references/>
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[[Category:Powerbase Help]]

Latest revision as of 13:01, 2 February 2011

Help Guide

How do I do that?

Getting in touch

Information and resources for contributors

You can upload images and scanned documents into the Powerbase database. This page covers Powerbase policy in regards to the use of images as well as providing some guidelines in how to add pictures to a page. Guidelines for adding images can also be found in How to edit a page.

Copyrights

Only copyright-free images, or images that you have obtained permission to use, can be added to Powerbase. See Powerbase Copyrights policy for further information.

All images are copyrighted by the person who originated the image. This person can choose to make the image copyright-free and place it in the public doman, which is in some cases specifically stated.[1]

If no such copyright-free notice is posted, then we have to get specific permission from the owner of the copyright before we can use the image, and say how it’s going to be used.[2] Therefore in principle, images we take from government sites, from MPs’ sites, etc are potentially problematic legally. We also have to avoid using company logos as there are cases of companies claiming that use of their logo suggests wrongly that they approve of the article content.[3]

For free copyright-free images, try http://www.freeimages.co.uk/

Also wiki commons http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/Main_Page

In each case, you need to find your image, then click on the picture and check that it really is copyright-free in the terms given, as not all of them are.

If you intend to use an image from a website (such as from a company's own or government website) and think that the image is copyright free, check in the File Info section for any notes on copyright. Alternatively, check in the copyrights section of the website.

If you have unique material - such as a document obtained under a Freedom of Information Act request or a photograph taken by yourself - then feel free to upload it into the Powerbase database and link to it in the relevant article.

Otherwise, please do not use images without written (or emailed) permission. There are various image firms that make most of their money by suing people for using their pictures without permission, and they will take action over the most seemingly trivial infractions of their copyright. They have special software that trawls the net looking for their images, so the fact that they are not likely to visit the Powerbase site in person is no protection.

Please avoid using company logos in all cases. The law on this is unclear but there have been cases of companies harassing people who reproduce logos on their own websites or blogs. In one case the company claimed that use of its logo implied that the company endorsed the content of the website, even though that content was clearly criticizing the company. We at Powerbase do not want to get into such discussions, which can tie up valuable time and resources.

Fair use

It used to be commonly argued that re-using an image for non-profit, reporting or educational purposes was fair use and therefore not subject to copyright law. The fair use concept is extremely complex and is coming under increasing challenge from lawyers worldwide. We therefore cannot rely on it as a defence in re-using images.[4]

Which copyright laws apply to Powerbase?

Just because Powerbase is based in the UK doesn't mean that the site is subject only to UK copyright law. Lawyers can use the law of any country in which the site is accessible, or they can use "international copyright law".

What type of file should I use?

  • It is best to use JPEG files (with the *.jpg suffix) wherever possible or alternatively PNG files (with the *.png suffix). Do not use Windows BMP format images; they are uncompressed and take up too much space.
  • It is also best to keep the file size down to less than 100k. The smaller the better. Remember that there are many web users on slow dialup connections and we don't want to deter them from accessing Powerbase because of slow-loading pages due to big images.
  • Adobe Acrobat files (PDFs): A general rule of thumb is that if the document already exists in a location where it is likely to remain, it it better to link to it than upload it. The important issue is that it can be accessed somewhere by readers if it is necessary for verification of important points.

How to upload an image or pdf

Please go to Powerbase:How to Post Images, Photos, Screengrabs, and Video Clips.

Related Powerbase resources

Notes

  1. For more information, see Guidelines for images and other media files, Wikipedia, accessed 19 October 2009.
  2. For more information, see Frequently Asked Questions About Copyright, JISC Digital Media website, accessed 19 Oct 2009
  3. Monsanto to Bitter Greens: "Cease" and Desist, Bitter Greens Journal blog, 26 Aug 2005, accessed 19 Oct 2009
  4. What is fair use?, Univ of Texas website, accessed 19 Oct 2009