Ethics, Social Media, and Photography

Sometimes, I get really disappointed with people’s online actions and their concept of ethics. Today’s blog is going to deal with just photography, although the problem is pervasive all over social media and the Internet.

Sadly, there’s almost the expectation that when you post an image online, someone will steal it and use for their own purposes. We see it every day and, for the most part, there is little recourse. It’s frustrating and annoying, but if you want to do business, it’s just something you have to contend with.

It’s seems like theres two types of culprits that pilfer other people’s images. First, there’s the person that knows it’s wrong, but does it anyway because they need the image and: 1) they don’t have the talent to create an image of that quality, or 2) they can’t afford to use stock photography. The second kind of person either doesn’t know/think it’s wrong or finds some twisted rationality to do it anyway. For instance, they think because other people are stealing images, it’s OK for them to do it. Basically, it’s OK because “everyone” is doing it.

I think these are the same people who, in an office environment, will shamelessly steal someone else’s ideas in order to secure a promotion. They are too lazy to create for themselves and don’t mind standing on other people’s backs in order to get ahead.

At this point I have to point out that most art is based on earlier works. There’s no doubt that inspiration plays a large part of creation and innovation. But that’s not what I’m talking about. I’m talking about someone profiting directly (financial or otherwise) from someone else’s heavy lifting. I think it show a lack of character and ethics.

Sadly, there’s a lot of this going on.

OK, sorry to end this post on a down note, but it’s frustrating to witness these things. Rant over.

Thanks for reading and allowing me some therapy. 🙂

– Ken