First of all, i do NOT want to add fire to this topic, but i just couldn't resist saying this.
My opinion about this? I say it's ridicilous.
Artwork is used as icons and sigs on the internet all the time. And nobody "steals" them. Nobody says they made them ( except if they added fonts, styles and other things, they say they did the edit ).
Artists know it. And they know it good. They should be happy that their art is appreciated and liked, as really, who'll use an icon they do not like? Or put something not-likeable in their sig?
In my opinion, this is a pointless rule. Right now it makes FH to be the only site with this, most ridicilous rule ever. No, don't get me wrong. I'm not a bad guy trolling here.
I am an artist myself ( was even forced to use own art as icon ), and i know what art theft is. I have been art theft'd so many times that i can hardly count them all, or at the matter, remember, as i don't care anymore :/
In my opinion it's a way how people compliment. Nobody steals things they don't like, right? Right.
Anyway. My question is, why was this even started?
Right now, the way you put it, means we can't use anything we didn't make. Neither can artwork from Lion King be used then, as it's property of Disney, and means everybody should contact Disney and ask, "Hello, can i cut out a picture from screenshot and use it?"
How is THAT any different? As i doubt you guys actually contacted Disney and asked if it's okay to use THEIR artwork. Official doesn't mean take-able. So right now i see YOU stealing. Omg, call the copyright police!!!
*Ahem* Sorry for that. Just making my point clear :/
I know you guys are doing a GOOD thing, caring about art theft being punished and all, but this is waaay over the top. I don't support art theft, but i do not support this, either.
Plus, it's not like you can contact EVERY artist. My current Skype icon is cut out from one amazing art work i found in my saved Rockman arts folder. I know who drew it and all, as they are my favorite artist, but there is a problem. I found it on Pixiv. Pixiv means Japan. Obviously, my favorite artist does NOT speak English. So how do i ask them now? :I
All i can do is use the icon, advertise and share their beautiful artwork with the world, as many don't even know what a Pixiv is.
And yes, icons and sigs do stand mainly for advertisement. If i like yours, i ask, where you got it, you link me, and i can then appreciate the artists amazing work, too.
Now how is THAT bad in any way? I am sure artists who spent hours or even days on art feel happy when their work is appreciated by the masses, not only that one person who stalks their gallery, as others have no idea that artist even exists.
Sure, the ones that do NOT enjoy this say it. And ask to take off their work. A good fan always listens, so where IS the problem?
Sorry if i sound like some bad guy to you, but this is my opinion. And it's legal to have it, as i came up with it. Amazing, no? <w<
*Ahem* Yeah, sorry if i offened anyone. It's just sad to see pointless dramas like this.
And i hope i didn't bring more fire to here than it had before *sigh*
These topics always cause a lot of hate, drama and depressions :/
*agrees with Motoko*
Plus i'm offened now :c
You said i lack common sense *sob*