An Arrogant Ass

I have a lot of visitors to my websites and get a LOT of email asking permission to use my cartoons for every imaginable use you could think of, and some you wouldn’t. It’s a very rare instance that I don’t give permission and in fact, I can’t think of once that I haven’t. But it warms my heart to know that a great majority of my visitors understand that just because an image is available for download, that doesn’t mean that it’s fair game for any use whatsoever.

Unbelievably, the “writer” of the column at the other end of this link – Big Mother gets her shot at cutting health costs – doesn’t have a clue what copyright means. His ignorance of copyright seems to know no bounds, even when the error of his ways is pointed out by the artist whose work he stole, and a host of other commentors on his page. Mr. Blankenhorn’s justification in the comments section:

“The picture has been removed. However, I want you and every artist to know the following:
1. It’s easy to watermark any Web illustration if you don’t want it copied. You leave it in the clear, you’re giving permission.
2. I made a thumbnail. I didn’t “steal” the picture. I linked to the original, gave you credit, and tried to bring you business.
3. I will also remove all references to you from the story, quid pro quo.
This idea that one must gain permission before doing what comes naturally on the Web has to end. You have the tools to stop it. Use them.”

His hypocrisy is compounded when you read the copyright notice that applies to his articles:

“All editorial content and graphics on our sites are protected by U.S. copyright, international treaties, and other applicable copyright laws and may not be copied without the express permission of CBS Interactive, Inc., which reserves all rights. Reuse of any of CBS Interactive editorial content and graphics for any purpose without CBS Interactive’s permission is strictly prohibited.”

His theft, if we are to take his employer’s copyright notice at face value, has given themselves ownership of the stolen work that illustrated his article.

Unbelievable.