Would you consider it a compliment or an insult if your avatar or avatar BG was copied?

Not to toot my own horn, but the BG image in my avatar is rather unique. I have found that on two separate accounts that it has been copied (direction reversed in one case, no names ). I don't mind personally, as it is a really neat BG image and I can see how its appeal warrants someone wanting it as well.

However, I am all about originality, should I consider it an insult that this BG is being copied or a compliment? After all, I found it on Google Images, so I more or less copied it myself so my query is probably null & void for all intents and purposes. Ehhh perhaps I am just being too pertinacious I like being unique though, so I guess this is why I am posting this question to begin with.

My take...just take it as a complement.

If you had created the image you could maybe request people get your permission before using it however it's a google image...so they may have come across it as you did.

reply to post by UberL33t


Hmmmm.......

Maybe...maybe not looking good!!!!!

[atsimg]http://files.abovetopsecret.com/images/member/d92cedcbe3ed.jpg[/atsimg]



[edit on 4-6-2010 by Maybe...maybe not]

reply to post by UberL33t


I have the best Avatar.
Dont you copy it.
Should be some kind of law about that.


[edit on 4-6-2010 by RRokkyy]

This reminds me of a bunch of children that copy each others drawing and coloring book...and then yells..."Mama, he copied me."

So many subjects and so many topics and so many ideas...and this is what stirs the passions of ATS?

Since you copied it, and don't seem to think there's anything wrong with this, it would be hypocritical for you to be upset by feeling wronged. Take it as a compliment, or pay it no mind. I wouldn't even consider it if someone stole mine.

They're just a poser, anyways.

Originally posted by RRokkyy
reply to post by UberL33t

 

I have the best Avatar.
Dont you copy it.
Should be some kind of law about that.


[edit on 4-6-2010 by RRokkyy]

I had that avatar quite a long time ago, but it is too large a file and so I had to change it according to the mods

The avatar with the people running in to that sinkhole... I believe it was from a fast food restaurant advert originally

[edit on 4-6-2010 by alienreality]

reply to post by UberL33t


I would consider it a compliment.

Second line because I really don't know what else to say about my nonavatar.



Or not. Depends upon the reason somebody is copying my nonavatar.

Meanwhile, I AM AVATAR! Excelsior!!!

Sorry. Manbearpig took over my keyboard, excuse me, please.

reply to post by UberL33t


Well, if I was the "copier," I would at least U2U to see what you thought

But what do I know? I don't even have an Avatar or know how to find one

Take it as a compliment; it appears you have an "admirer"

Be careful.

An avatar is an image, not a personality.

You may use one to express yourself visually to the community; but it is not you.

Hence protecting it as property diminishes it.

Now, I know a pretty picture or a catchy phrase may be somehow 'representing you' (assuming you mean it to.) And if that can be the case, flattery would be more appropriate, and perhaps less evil-minded still, gratitude for potentially finding a kindred thinker...

Of course, once commerce enters into it, it becomes something entirely different....

[edit on 4-6-2010 by Maxmars]

I know when I joined there were actually several threads dedicated to certain individuals who helped new people or established people create personal avatars.

If they found something they liked in an individual's avatar then that person allowed them to use it, but it was altered to make it personal to them as well and not a direct copy.

One particular and very cool avatar I remember was by a member who's name I don't recall. It was a very cool picture of the white ninja from the GiJoe movie before it came out. he had it for quite some time and it was rather popular. I think he was one of the contributors.

Personally I think I am going to update my avatar as well and come up with an inclusive background. (No I don't want yours OP)

However I too would find it a compliment for someone that wanted to copy me, however I also agree with previous posters that permission should be granted to use it or it could lead to unneeded tension.

Google is a great tool, but common sense overrides that decision. If you see another avatar by someone who got to the google before you it's just good manners not to copy/paste.

That's just my opinion. Finders keepers so to speak.

King

Mine is a personal contribution I made to the Evil Bert collection growing on the internet, also says something about Conspiracy Theorism as well. I wouldn't be too upset by someone copying an avatar, the internet has brought the concepts of intellectual property into a fuzzy grey area known as "right clicking". Imitation is said to be the highest form of flattery but if it really bothers you just U2U the people who copied it and tell them. LIke most folks surfing this info highway, they probably thought it was a cool picture and grabbed it with no offense meant.
That Evil Bert stuff just tears me up for some reason He was always kinda grouchy.

I have not been a member of ATS for all that long, just under a year. In that short time, my original avatar was copied. It kinda rubbed me the wrong way initially and I thought about confronting the culprit (who btw will remain nameless), but in the end I realized it was really not that big of a deal and chose my current avatar...which I have found I like better.

Now if the avatar had been something of my own creation, that would have been an entirely different story.

reply to post by UberL33t


Actually several members have inquired about some of the avatars I have used at one time or another ... I have always considered it a great compliment that an image I used moved them enough to inquire about it and I've always offered it so they can use it. It puts a smile on my face when I see them wearing it. It's just an image, and images are there to be shared and enjoyed not to be possessed in my humble opinion. On the other hand I don't create my avatars/backgrounds so I can hardly lay claim to an image I "borrowed" anyway ... if it is something that you created/made from scratch and you feel that it has been plagiarized then I see why it might be vexing to you. Look at it this way ... it's an opportunity to create something new.

[edit on 5 Jun 2010 by schrodingers dog]

reply to post by Maybe...maybe not


You Rock Sir!!

reply to post by schrodingers dog

It's just an image

All that needs to be said, I am content hence forth

I make my own avatars, sometimes borrowing images from Google and other places, but I can't really say I'd mind if someone wanted to use my avatar. I'd probably say yes if anyone asked to use it, but if someone took it without permission I'd have a word with them.



Roswell.

reply to post by schrodingers dog


In my opinion that's a good attitude and a great way to look at it, SchroDog. I'll have to keep an eye on your avatars and see if you come up with something I want, since I don't have one yet. The one you have right now is pretty cool, just not my style.

reply to post by hhott


The one I have now is relevant to the recent passing of WOS, one of the original founding members of ATS.

But if you go to ATS media and look in my profile, there's an avatar subfolder with over 300 images within ... feel free to use any of them should one tickle your fancy.

I'm the guy who used your background image, and reversed it.

I wanted to use it because.. let's face it, it's awesome. Also I thought that since this was such a huge site that no one would really notice or care, I was wrong.

I'll remove it and find something else. Sorry if I stepped on any toes.