Wednesday, February 8, 2006

Mulling it Over.....

                                   DsDesignsPuppySnag.gif


I've been thinking about this entry and wasn't sure I wanted to do it at all.  I talked to a few good friends and they suggested I write something or it would spoil the fun and you would never know if I didn't.  I know I am partially to blame as I didn't stop it when it first started happening, and I probably should have. I don't want to come across as a bitch nor do I want to point fingers at anyone, and surely I DON'T want to lose my loyal visitors.  I hope I don't and I hope you will all understand.  It's risky I know, but I have to write this and get it out there.  

I've been surfing around J-Land and I was amazed at how many of my graphics are out there.  Flattered yes!  Disappointed, yes, that too.  I started doing the graphics to give my journal a unique feel, be me, express me. I have taken so much time to find and animate graphics to go with a specific post, it has a heartfelt meaning to me or connects with something/someone. Then I see them on another journal within a few hours.  Mine wasn't even 'cold' yet and it was being displayed elsewhere.  Barely a mention of where they got it, if at all.  


When I first started adding my animation I had noted on the description not to take them.  That didn't seem to matter and the more it snowballed the harder it got to say anything, so I let it go.  I was caught up in the whirlwind and the flattery went to my head I guess.  It was only a week or so ago that I actually took the comment off my journal.  I was happy sharing and loved to make you all smile.  I, on more than one occasion, made mention of my graphics just sitting on my hard drive and how I like to share them, and I do, that has not changed nor will it ever. I just wonder if there is some kind of 'snagging etiquette,' a correct time frame to pass before a 'snagged' graphic can be or should be used on another journal.  On a regular basis I post numerous graphics with the thought that these are the ones folks will take.  How wrong I was, everything gets taken, up to and including personal pictures.  I've read comments throughout J-Land giving my address along with comments stating snag them she doesn't mind. I was even told by someone they thought I was ok for all or any of them to be taken.  So like I said, I am to blame too, I'm sorry folks at times I do mind.  I work very hard on my graphics and my journal.  I think I am more than gracious and giving with the majority of them.  I am flattered that you think so highly of my work that you want to use it in your journal, and I thank you for that.  But is it too much to ask that the graphics I use to actually do my entry be left alone and only snag the ones that I offer up?  Or to write me and ask about one that I have on an entry instead of just taking it? Let me keep my uniqueness and let me help make yours unique in 'your way' not mine :) 


I do hope you understand and will continue to stop by. 


Hugs & Love

19 comments:

Anonymous said...

Cute doggie....; )

Anonymous said...

You have every right to want, and expect this.  I'm actually proud of you for "saying" something.   People all over, even in wonderful Jland, can take people for granted.  
I will always give you credit if I snag from you, my friend.
Nancy

Anonymous said...

Thank you, I'm taking something from this entry.  And it isn't graphics. : ) GBU, Shelly

Anonymous said...

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Anonymous said...

You are absolutely right! These are your creations and that should be respected. It is my understanding that a lot of other artists, just like you, who share their creations in their journals, are upset about the same thing. It even made some artists stop what they were doing. - Which is terribly sad :( But understandable.
It is important that you say what is on your mind and it is just fair. - I agree with the saying of one of your visitors. - I'm taking something from this entry.  And it isn't graphics. : )  - Well said!!!
Hugs, Maria

Anonymous said...

Aw, D, you are so right.  This is your personal journal and shouldn't be open game.  I did snag your soothing waterfall and should have known better.  I told you but didn't ask although did give you full credit when it was used.  How can we forget manners and etiquette so easily?  Hugs...glad you got this off your chest and opened eyes; even mine.  Chris

Anonymous said...

I completely understand what you're saying and if I've snagged anything that has upset you . . . I am sorry. I do make sure that ones that are by you, I note it in my j.

Poochie

Anonymous said...

No worries here hon'.  I have the same concern at my journal where my poems are concerned.  Take a sec to read up on AOL's loose copyright info here...you may be protected. ;)  C.  http://journals.aol.com/gdireneoe/thedailies

Anonymous said...

We understand Donna, I think you're more than generous with your snaggable ones. I think people are so in awe of your talent  they use them as a compliment to you. Jeannette.  

Anonymous said...

Donna
I'm so glad you got this off your chest and let us know the ground rules.  I have been a big fan of you and your graphics and have used your lighthouse in my "About Me" section and love it.  I am so glad I got permission first, becasue that is what I always thought was the proper protocol.  I mentioned in my journal that you told me it was okay for everyone to snag the lighthouse only because you expressed that to me when I asked for permission to snag it.  To be copied is the highest form of flattery.  That your graphics show up all over J-Land is a testament to how much your work is admired.  I do hope your request will be honored as we go forward.  I'd hate to see you ever fold up shop.
Sam

Anonymous said...

I have to admit, I am guilty of some of those things you mentioned.  Snagging away and forgetting to mention where I got it.  I do have a link to you on my journal.  I will ask first unless you say they can be used.  Linda

Anonymous said...

Hey Donna!  I don't believe I am guilty of snagging without kudos, but if I am I so apologize!  Like you, I wouldn't want to offend anyone (especially you!)

Anonymous said...

Completely understand where your coming from and I think it's fine to just leave you to say snag this if you want or whatever and then it's only fair!!  But for people to snag everything is not and I apologise if I'm ever one of those people.  I do think you are a very clever person and I think it should only be fair that you let us know how you are feeling. :-)

Anonymous said...

OMG!!! Donna, I do hope I'm not one of these people! Please check my journal & see if there's anything there that is personally yours, if so let me know & I'll remove it! I do have you listed at top of my journal & on side bar, plus every so often I give thanks to the wonderful graphic artists, & your among them, in my entry! I never want to take something unless it's ok with you! So, please check & make sure I haven't!!!!! I totally understand!
Blessings,
SUGAR

Anonymous said...

Gosh, I hope I wasn't one who stepped on your toes!  I will make sure I ask before I snag anything!  
Missie

Anonymous said...

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Anonymous said...

It's been awhile since I last read your journal.  Sometimes my computer has a hard time loading  the animations.  I agree!  They should ask you first before taking your animations and posting them in there journals.  If they are lucky, you'd probably would make one for them if they asked.  Just like you made those Bills animations for me.  Thanks

Charles

Anonymous said...

I totally agree with what you are saying, but you may be fighting a losing battle, where things are so easy to snag. I would feel the same way if I had the talent and was taking the time to make my own! I hope it gets resolved.
Love,
Penny

Anonymous said...

I missed this entry ,but on reading todays,I have come back to look for it ..I do hope I'm not one of the people who have overstepped the mark !I've long admired your work ,even before I knew how to snag !!and now my journal has become much more interesting and colourful ,and people do comment on the lovely graphics ,I try to add just the ones you say are ok,and explain its you who have made them  ,and I love the siggys you have made for me.............Jan xx