Report case of stolen art
Someone posted one of my pieces
Sunday, August 7, 2011 by haltenny | Discussion: WinCustomize Talk
A person has brought to my attention that one of my digital art pieces has been posted by one of your WinCustomize users as their own. Before I post that users info, I wanted to find the proper place to post this info or find out if it is best handled privately with an admin. I joined WinCustomize in order to place a comment on the users page (asking her to remove it) where the image is displayed.
The way it was stolen is quite common. In order to help those who are learning the program, we often post parameter files that they can load to see how the image was created. They are then encouraged to dissect the variables and change them in the learning process. They are also aware that this sharing is for learning purposes only and that they are not allowed to repost an image made with those parameters with out significant changes made so as to create something unrecognizable from the original piece. This person only made a slight color change and crop. The general view, structure and detail are exactly the same. Pure theft.
If someone could inform me of the proper way to get this person to remove the stolen piece, I would appreciate it.
Thanks
Hal Tenny
Reply #5 Sunday, August 7, 2011 6:46 PM
Quoting RedneckDude,
reply 1
These things should be handled privately if possible.
That sounds like we should be interested in protecting the thief. Why would that be the case?
Not protecting anyone, just holding down flame fests and such.
Until the so called "thief" is proven to be that, why drag someone's name through the mud, and later find the charged to be innocent? Common sense says keep it private at least until it is proven.
Reply #6 Sunday, August 7, 2011 6:46 PM
The reason is that before someone calls someone else a "thief" the report of unauthorized use needs to be investigated. Moderators have the ability to remove said unauthorized use files from the gallery.
Reply #8 Sunday, August 7, 2011 6:50 PM
For one all accusations should be handled Privately , some times there are misunderstandings in terms of use etc or just plainly a mis-accusation. In any case the Staff will handle it accordingly..
Reply #11 Sunday, August 7, 2011 7:10 PM
Well just so everyone knows, I sent a PM to the person and they said they will contact a moderator to remove the piece. I like to give a person the benefit of the doubt. (Call me naive) The person claims they couldn't remember where they got the parameters and therefore couldn't compare their piece with the original. I find that a bit dubious but accept it and consider the issue closed.
Reply #12 Sunday, August 7, 2011 7:13 PM
Both the wall and logon have been removed from the Gallery.
Reply #13 Sunday, August 7, 2011 7:26 PM
haltenny...
These situations occur from time to time.
But they SHOULDN'T.
I'm sorry one of our members appears to have ripped your work [no matter what the reason].
Perhaps a 'three strike' rule should be imposed. Third strike and there's an IP Ban ... no matter who 'makes a mistake'.
The offending submissions have been removed.
Reply #14 Sunday, August 7, 2011 7:51 PM
I appreciate the quick action taken here. For what it's worth I have since been informed (through several PM's) that this person has done this before and is in fact, notorious for it... So much for the benefit of the doubt. 
Reply #15 Sunday, August 7, 2011 8:02 PM
haltenny ... Don't take too much stock with here-say via PM. There will always be 'interested parties' with "agenda".
This case [and thread] is closed....
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Reply #1 Sunday, August 7, 2011 5:55 PM
Asking them via PM is a good way to start. If it don't get removed, then PM a moderator.
Should you PM a moderator with this info. Jafo is the usual rip off adjuster.
These things should be handled privately if possible.