There's been a lot of talk of late about
Pinterest, and how it's terms of service
leave a lot to be desired.
Quite frankly, many people are quitting the site
and deleting their accounts, as the TOS clearly say
that if perchance you pin something copyrighted
and the original source so chooses to do so,
they can prosecute you.
And not only will you end up paying your legal fees,
but you'll pay Pinterest's, too.
It's all right there, in black and white,
under the Terms of Service.
For this reason, I have chosen to delete every pin
that is not mine from my boards.
In other words, I am now only pinning my own stuff.
But just so you know,
I give you full permission and welcome all of you
to pin anything you wish from my blog to your
pin boards, without fear of reprisals,
or me dragging you into court.
Because that's not how I roll.
or me dragging you into court.
Because that's not how I roll.
This is a pin-friendly blog.
To read more about this, follow these links...
To those of you who choose to keep your pin boards
and keep pinning, I am not judging you, nor am I
telling you what to do. I just believe that everyone should
have access to this information, and be able to make
a fully informed choice.
So, having said that...pin away anything of mine you
see and like!
You can also follow me on Pinterest
by clicking the big red P logo below...
Happy Wednesday!
Mine is a pinterest friendly blog as well - check out this newly created badge (& feel free to PIN if ya like!)
ReplyDeletehttp://pinterest.com/pin/207306389067410475/
Oh my, I haven't pinned much but will check to make sure I haven't broken any laws. Hugs!!!
ReplyDeleteMy blog is Pinterest friendly, too.
ReplyDeleteI did go in and make sure everything I pinned was linked back to the original source. But, I may just delete everything that isn't mine...or yours.
I think if a blog has a Pinterest logo, they've given you permission to pin their photos. But, I'm not a lawyer.
Oh I did not know this!!!! Mercy! What is the purpose of posting your stuff if we can't repin it is my ?! So glad we can still pin yours! Hugs and blessings, Cindy
ReplyDeleteI did see that earlier, Anne. It is just sad that it is so "hidden" under the terms of service. I guess, like a legal document, we should read every word before we sign up. Thanks for spreading the word- xo Diana
ReplyDeleteThanks for the info Anne. I think I'll follow suit with you. Delete everything that is not mine
ReplyDeleteOne of my Etsy teams pointed that out to me so I deleted my account. There needs to be some recognized legal means of designating whether images can be pinned or not. I'm afraid a few may find this a fool proof way to bring suit against others and collect for "damages".
ReplyDeleteI did the same thing a couple of weeks ago. It didn't hurt as much as I thought it would. I can still look - as long as my followers don't stop pinning lol.
ReplyDeleteMy photos are not precious either and it does not bother me in the least.
I respect your decision. I'v been struggling trying to understand the TOS.
ReplyDeleteSo I'm assuming that even if the source is listed (automatically), you think there could be "trouble"?
Oh my. I need to go look at my pins & make sure I am ok. Times are hard & some people would do anything to get money. Thank you for sharing.
ReplyDeleteI love it when folks pin my stuff too, and I'm still on the fence about taking down anything that isn't mine!
ReplyDeleteKat :)
Hi Anne - I've been thinking on this for a bit. Something came up recently that has me scratching my head. Here is a pin I created some time ago.
ReplyDeletehttp://pinterest.com/pin/61150507409917207/
It was pinned from the original source and now that blog is gone. The image is no longer available, which leads me to consider that we're not actually publishing the content we pin. This image wasn't uploaded by me, nor was it copied and pasted. Pinterest obviously doesn't save thumbnails of our pins, otherwise I would be able to see the image on my board.
I need to read up more on publishing vs. linking, but there is so much misleading information out there that I just haven't carved out the time to dredge through it.
What do you think? Am I way off base to even consider that Pinterest isn't publishing unless we upload ourselves?
By the way, silent reader up 'til now. :)
Cheers,
Susan
Thanks for sharing this, Anne. I actually read an article about this a few weeks ago and deleted my account. I think I might re-open it and only add my own work, or from those who've given me permission. It just didn't seem worth the risk to me.
ReplyDeleteWhen will pinterest get it? Thanks for the heads up.
ReplyDeleteFondly,
Glenda
Pinterest serves a purpose and can be really good for businesses. If users have to be fearful of legal retribution and repercussions it will not work as well. There are other similar "bookmarking" sites.
ReplyDeleteI do agree that work should be credited to original creator. And I am sure I am inadvertently guilty of breaking rules. I will have to take time to rectify the situation. I have spent enough time there but I know other ways to bookmark content.
It was fun while it lasted.
Sad isn't it how complicated everything's become? I had started pinning some cool etsy stuff that I loved, thinking that the sellers would probably love that idea!
ReplyDeleteBut I just deleted that board because what if they don't!
It wasn't personal artwork, it was vintage items, but still you don't really know so better safe than sorry.
I'm not at all sure how this whole Pinterest thing is going to work out.....lots of people are getting scared.
It seems like it will be way too much work to figure out who is o.k. with you pinning their stuff and who isn't.
So I just won't be pinning anyone's items but my own.
And that's sad, because that's not really the point of pinterest.....
You know Anne, i've never re-pinned others stuff either for that very same reason. I'm with you though. If they want to re-pin my stuff, knock yourself out!!
ReplyDeleteTake care,
Sue
Anne ..I'm usually a silent reader ..but I had a thought ..I don't use pinterest ..unfortunately jut don't have the time ..but my friends have pinned my picts and I'm fine with that.
ReplyDeleteYour so great at designing why not come up with a free button for many of the bloggerettes to grab to put on their own blog that Say's something to the effect " Pinterest Friendly Pin Me" ..or something like that.. Then everyone who is o.k. with being pinned can put it on their blogs and you'll know who is safe to pin .. I'm sure it would spread quickly... !
Just a thought from a quiet follower ..
Blessings ..Sara
This sounds terrible! I'm glad I only visit pinterest for inspiration and not to pin, but how wonderful of you and fellow bloggers to allow other people to pin your amazing ideas!! Xo ~Ashley
ReplyDeleteWe are like you, pin away from our blog (as long as the pins link back to the original source) we have even been stating at EVERY Inspiration Friday to please go to the original source if we feature someone and pin from there and not our blog.
ReplyDeleteI have been trying to decide how to handle the pins that "I" have pinned. I think for now I'm going to go back and delete any "professional" pins. i.e. photographers, magazine photos, etc (well except BHG has a Pinterest account so I'm going to assume they want us to pin their stuff.) :/ What a dilemma. I think other bloggers realize how beneficial it is to have their projects, recipes etc pinned.
Maybe I'll just pin only photos from people I KNOW have a Pinterest account and therefore seem to be giving approval to pin their photos.
Sigh...everything becomes so complicated doesn't it?
Heather
Hi! I noticed people deleting their boards recently. It's sad to see but I guess better safe than sorry. I am all for a blog button! I wonder if its safe to pin stuff from etsy? If it's for sale you'd think people would want the exposure. I'm going to read all your links, thanks!
ReplyDeleteGood for you! Thanks for the info...we appreciate it! We will pin only our ideas too!
ReplyDeleteThe Greeley Girls
I don't have Pinterest because I am not willing to have a facebook account but he's my two cents. If you do not want others pinning your stuff, then you shouldn't post it (of course, not talking about Fiona and Twig to about those who would prosecute). The whole point of pinterest is to be able to pin inspiration from other places and sources. You shouldn't have to just stick to pinning your own stuff because you live in fear of being prosecuted by someone who should not have put their stuff there if they don't want it copied. This is precisely why I am not a fan of Pinterest or Facebook nor do I use their sites. Some of their rules and terms of service are simply outrageous.
ReplyDeleteI read an article about this recently and, anyone who chose to sue someone over pinning a photo they put up on the internet would have a very long and VERY expensive legal battle ahead of them. It would be more likely that a bunch of anti-pinners would sue Pinterest. I'm not afraid anymore than I am of saving youtube video's to my youtube faves, I don't really see much difference!
ReplyDeleteIt's very refreshing to finally read a Pinterest post telling us we can pin away from your blog!!! I had an idea that someone should creat Pinning buttons for blog, stating it's either a No Pin Zone or that everything is pinnable:)
Thanks for this post. I think all of us who are pin friendly blogs should post that.
ReplyDeleteI seldom pin but do have things on there I don't know where they came from. I guess I will delete them...not taking any chances.
ReplyDeleteDoing a similar post in the morning. Thanks for the heads up!
ReplyDeleteDeb
Wow, I had wondered what those red signs were all over Pinterest! I would be sad to delete my boards but don't want to pay legal bills, either. I'm not sure what to do but thanks for bringing this to my attention!
ReplyDeletehmm, I don't understand this. When you pin something and you click on it then it brings you to the site where you found it--this would be like a footnote. I don't see the problem in this?!
ReplyDeleteThis subject seems to come up everywhere lately and I am being asked over and over if I'm upset most of my designs are not marked "Bilancia Designs".
ReplyDeleteAs a designer, my designs are not only displayed on my site...but everywhere and anywhere on the world wide web. Some ask my permission...and some clearly don't. I have always felt flattered that someone thinks my designs are worthy of display. Case in point: I designed the "infamous button star" for you, Anne, and not only is it pinned on your board... but hundreds of others of followed suit. My star is EVERYWHERE...along with the other star I made just for the giveaway you were so kind to host for me. I rarely get credit for it since YOU photographed them...but "I" know where it came from...and if folks look hard enough (and they want to purchase it) they'll find out it belongs to ME.
I am flattered people find my designs special enough to post. I do not chase them down for recognition...I simply smile and say, "Thanks, Anne!" xoxo
Hi Anne, thanks for the heads up, and thanks for being PIN Friendly!!
ReplyDeletelove n hugs,
Susan
I'm with you Anne, I just deleted my account too. I don't need to add any more drama to my life! :)
ReplyDeleteHope you have a lovely day.
Sincerely,
Melinda
I have a "Take anything you want from my blog" button on my sidebar.. I think it's flattering when one takes my stuff...
ReplyDeleteThere is going to be a whole lot of suing going on in Pinterest...
Thanks for sharing
Sandy
Anne,
ReplyDeleteI am glad you don't mind your photos being pinned. I actually have pinned your photos and have blogged about them. I am still thinking on what to do with my boards. Thanks for posting this.
Sherry
Dear Anne,
ReplyDeleteI come by way of my dear friend Lisa, up above. I am worried about this. I am not sure I understand. For example, if I use a photograph on my blog and SITE IT coming from the source from which I pinned it, am I OK, or is this in regards to photos on your pinboard?
I will have to just read the sources you describe. THANK YOU. Anita
THanks for the info! I had no idea that could happen..yikes!! I am totally fine with people pinning my images too! :) xoxo
ReplyDeleteBecause of all of the hidden problems, I just deleted my pin boards. It was such a wonderful thing to be able to pin beautiful photos and use them for inspiration - and links to posts done about them. Not knowing all of the hidden agendas takes the zip out of the fun. Thank you, Anne, for the heads up. Like you, I don't mind if others pin my photos - I take this as a compiment. Now for others, who knows. Too bad that Pinterest is so vague..even in the small print.
ReplyDeletexo
Becky
I have only pinned one photo of mine. I thought that the point of interest was not to fin all of your own images but to create something like a vision board. I have many boards and followers. But I think that deleting everything, if even just for now, is prob the smart thing to do. People are nuts when it comes to money I think. I am so glad I read this post. This weekend. I too, and going to take down all photos, but it will be tearfully as I have invested quite a bit of time into this. Thank you, Anne. What valuable info.
ReplyDeleteMC
Hi Little Anne! I have heard a little about this and it is so scary! I love Pinterest and after reading your post I went and deleted lots of my pins.
ReplyDeleteBut I am following your Pinterets boards now! :)
Be a sweetie,
Shelia ;)
I just pinned your sign!!!! I am thinking about deleting my boards too.
ReplyDeleteI worry about google images sometime too. I am clueless aobut using photo shops and such. So....sometime I am pressed for time and use google images. I feel like they should not have it there for all eyes to see if no one wants you to use their things! Once I posted a kitty tea cosy cover and the lady who sells them for her church contacted me. She was very nice and said it was her friend who made those. So I gave credit where credit was due! Life is complicated enough. I am not into pinterest so I am have not had to worry! Thanks for the heads up sweet lady!
ReplyDeleteI have been taking down some of my boards one by one and today I see that they have revised their terms of service but I'm not sure if they've changed this, need to read it more thoroughly!
ReplyDeletexoxo
just in case you want your boards back, Pinterest is updating terms:
ReplyDeletehttp://blog.pinterest.com/post/19799177970/pinterest-updated-terms
:)
I deleted my Pinterest account several weeks ago because of this. When one of my friends pointed it out to me. So, I hit the delete button on my Pinterest account. more pinning for me.
ReplyDeleteHope Pinterest changes their policies.
This is very upsetting, I soooo enjoy pinterest. I am very confused as to why anyone would post something on their blog that they were unwilling to share for inspiration, after all, that's what I thought blogging was about. If someone has an idea they are unwilling to share, they should not post it on blog land for the world to see or share.... It seems the person with the blog has the ability to block anyone from seeing their blog, does that not put responsibility in their court???
ReplyDeleteTerri