Ok, so I recently found out one of my pictures was used in a tribute video to a certain character. I'd like to say a couple of things regarding my pictures:

1.) I'm usually not going to have a problem with you using a picture of mine if you ask me first. This particular tribute video I don't mind. The creator gave all the artists proper credit for the pictures, which is fine. But I'd like to know and see what is being created with my pictures. If it's a good video/whatever, I'd like to be able to appreciate it.

2.) There are a few pictures of mine which I will refuse any permission requests for. I've got those labeled in the descriptions. Tattoo references, character designs, cool art video projects, whatever; the answer is no. Again, those are explicitly marked as such in the descriptions, and I'm toying with the idea of putting that big ugly DA watermark on them for good measure. For all other pictures, refer to point 1.

That's all...

UPDATE: October 23, 2007

I just read a rather interesting comment on one of the deviations from an artist I watch. They've done a rather nice set of bookmarks, and someone mentioned printing one off for personal use. I think the artist over-reacted a bit and said that because the bookmarks are going on sale, said commentor was not allowed to do that and was an art thief.

Now, I realize that one of the risks one takes putting up an image you have created on a public domain like this is that people can save and print these pics off. I personally have a growing collection of such pictures, so I completely understand. I myself have printed off pictures to take along with me in my sketch books for reference for a hand or a face position or even for help with shading. That's part of sharing your art: the sharing part comes willingly from you once you post the art.

HOWEVAH! I do have a problem with people posting the pictures elsewhere, removing signatures, or claiming a work not done by themselves as their own. If you were to take one of my pictures, print it off, and sell it or give a bunch of copies away or tattoo it on your body or any other such thing without my consent first, then I'd have a problem. That's why I save my original files and keep the original sketches. I've even watermarked some of my pictures in fairly obnoxious ways to make it all the more difficult to steal said pictures.

But it's a hazard an artist must be willing to make if they post anything on the internet. It's a very public domain, and without the help of people who are willing to report real art theft, it can be very difficult to track down the thief. But don't clog up the system by coming down on those who want to save a picture for personal viewing.

Bottom line: You post it on the 'net, anyone can view it, and more than one will more than likely save it on their hardrive or even print it off for later enjoyment. If you don't want that to happen, don't post it.