Hi, everyone, I've been seeing a lot of copied (or heavily inspired) artwork in cookies on the site as of late, some of which has not been properly attributed. Some of you have asked me to clarify the site's policy with regard to copying. First, I refer you to the site's Terms of Use (in the About section), which details the policy in full (and to which you must agree before you become a member of this site) and also to this recent forum post: http://cookieconnection.juliau...editing-of-sources-1
In short, this site's Terms of Use require that all source artwork (including licensed characters) be credited with a statement of the original artist and also a link back to the online source from which you copied (or drew heavy inspiration) for your work. If you cannot or will not do this, then the best rule of thumb is not to post the work to this site at all.
Please also note that Cookie Connection does NOT encourage copying of licensed characters or any other copyrighted art AT ANY TIME without first seeking permissions (and sometimes paying licensing fees). If you do copy without permission, you do so at your own risk. Cookie Connection will not be held responsible for any copyright violations or litigation that may ensue from you so doing, which is also stated in our Terms of Use.
Unfortunately, I cannot realistically enforce all violations that might occur on this site (there are too many photos posted each day and I am one person), but when I see something that I know or think has been copied (or heavily inspired), I will point it out to the creator. If anyone makes a habit of posting without attribution and has been warned by me or been reported to me by the original artist, that person does risk being removed from Cookie Connection.
I hope this is clear, and I trust that everyone will do his/her best to heed these rules going forward.
Please re-read the Terms of Use if you are not familiar with them, and also the post above, for more details.
