Not the post I planned to write today

Tools to protect your work online [#206]

▶️ Last week: I shared my story

Hiya, hope all ok.

I went to an event the other day - really enjoyed it and had some interesting chats about where media is moving. I was full of beans when I got back, so posted an update on Notes and tagged one of the speakers.

I checked the following day and no response to my post, but they’d taken my photo and posted it in their own note without crediting me. I downloaded both pics to compare them, and they were the same image, just slightly cropped.

Totally unexpected and it took me by surprise. I was pissed off so left it for a bit and then sent a polite email saying thanks – really lovely event and nice to chat afterwards. I’d posted about it here and would do a little recap for TS. I asked a couple of questions and whether they’d used my pic. That’s fine, but I’d appreciate a credit.

Not had a reply, but the next day, I noticed they’d switched my photo for someone else’s, along with an image credit (you can edit notes).

All a bit weird – why not just credit me? I got a good pic as I was in the front row. It feels off to me, especially since I’ve been supportive of their work. Gone to the event, asked a question, shared it online, been a paid subscriber. The lack of engagement has bothered me the most tbh (it’s just a pic not a Katie Jgln situation, thankfully).

I don’t expect people to engage with me online all the time – we’re all busy (but I notice when they don’t). It’s nice to be acknowledged and valued when you’ve made an effort, and it makes people want to support you all the more. I wrote a note about that.

Did a bit of Googling and found this article by photographer and filmmaker Paul David Smith on UK laws for sharing photos online. I asked him how we can protect our pics - do we need to start watermarking stuff? Feels a bit OTT for socials. I would for slides though (was talking to

Amy Fallon

about it before her Media Magnet webinar).

He replied straightaway and said, as a pro photographer, he’s had many similar situations over the years where people had used his images without credit.