Forum:A Note on Art

I would like to take the time here to explain what I've noticed with recent image uploads. I am beginning to see no credit for the artist, nor an explanation for the image. Every image that comes from an artist's fingers is copyrighted (I'm talking original drawings/paintings, not photomanips and such, though I know it's complex!) and deserves a credit either in the image title or in the description. This is relevant even if it's released under the most lenient of copyrights, ie Creative Commons.

It's not bad to have art on the ER Wikia; it's terrific, actually. Perhaps some artists don't mind having their pieces put up and request it to be done. However, putting up art of theirs without permission is...well, rude. Putting up an image without a credit on top of this is even worse.

Please understand I am NOT trying to bag on those who contribute so much to this wiki! I suggest, however, making sure permission is granted to use images in our collection -- unless it's obvious, of course -- and making a clear credit to the artist ON the image/image page.

IMO, this isn't contrary to the foundations of the wiki system. But if the artist actually says "No," that should be honored, and the copyright isn't compatible with a wiki, I suppose. Credits have been given in the past, and art has been taken down at artist request. I sincerely want to support this, although I know it can be frustrating. It has to be maintained in good faith.

Thanks,

--Naiama