You may have noticed lately a lack of pictures on my blog.
Well, recently I’ve become concerned about the legality of simply finding pictures online and then useing them on my blog. In most cases probably noone would every even know that I had used the photo, however I would. To me it is a moral and ethical question.
Initially I felt that as long as I gave credit or a link back to wherever I “borrowed” the picture from that I was fulfilling my moral obligation. After reading a little bit (although I admit not extensively) I decided that I was no longer willing to do that. I do not have the time it would take to constantly track down and request permission from various sources to use their photos. Since I am unwilling to use them without permission you probably won’t see very many pictures from now on. I did sign up with Amazon as an affiliate a while back (the “reading” list on the sidebar”) so if they sell it, I can post a picture. It will have the annoying sales information/link, just ignore that part. I don’t ever expect to see anything from my blog.
I do take some of my own photographs which you will continue to see, but as long time readers will attest, they are of varying quality. It frequently is difficult enough to carve out the time from my busy day as a stay at home mom/volunteer/jack of all trades simply to write on a regular basis, no less to take gorgeous photographs like some bloggers (ie the lovely shots that Meredith over at Like Merchant Ships-I want to take pictures like her when I grown up).
I realize that this makes my blog a little less visually appealing, and that large blocks of unbroken text are a bit more difficult to read. I will endeavor to use copyright free images and clipart where applicable as well as my own amateur attempts at photography.
Thank you all for being understanding.
What a nice compliment! Of course I enjoy your blog, photos or no…
Here’s my dirty little secret: I often can’t think of something to write. Since I keep the camera charging in the kitchen, I grab it and look for some interesting shots, something we’ve been doing around the house or such. THEN I use the photos as inspiration for a post!
Jen, you might want to try using Flickr.com. I don’t know if you are familiar with the service or not, but when we had a really bad camera, I used their pictures instead. After you create an account, you will see above the pictures a “Blog This” button which is linked with Blogger. Those pictures can be used on your blog. The ones that only have “A Favorite” on them have license agreements and are not to be reproduced.
It is a big time waster though because you find all of these really neat photos and you could just spend hours on there.
I use one of those images almost every week on our Freebie Friday. When you click on it, it will go right to the photographer.
I hope that helps! Email me if you need help or have any questions. It has worked well for us!!