A place to ask WE management questions.

[Graham Wallington]

Many of you have questions that you would like answered. WE have a way for you to ask the presenters questions by emailing Final Control ([e-mail]) The director chooses which questions to ask and reads them to the presenter. However, sometimes the questions are a little difficult for the presenter to answer or they have nothing to do with what is happening on the screen. This is the place to ask those sorts of questions of the WildEarth management.

[Patty]

I am extremely saddened to think that WE is not interested in a good resolution to this. Lynn has now set her page to private and I am still left with unanswered questions..... I would think this option can be adjusted.

As Lisa said above, I also spend a tremendous amount of time taking pics, then I open them with another program called graphic converter where I pick the best of all my captures and name them, save them to my computer, then upload them to WE.

I grew up believing that it is just plain old common courtesy to ask before using some one else's work, whether it be a picture or anything else, and, you get a lot farther when you say please.

I do hope a good resolution can be worked out in this matter. The other members Lynn mentions: eiguoc, Meg, She_Kat and myself are hoping for good news.

[Aquila (Admin)]

Again, I must say that the photos used in this type of album does NOT take away any credit from the original poster of the photo. Whenever anyone clicks the thumbnail photo it takes the viewer directly to the member that originally posted the photo.

Sorry, I feel I am not making this clear.

Example: Click this photo (If this photo had been included in Lynn's album it would have taken the viewer right back to my photo with my title, description, comments and thus giving me full credit.)

[Lisa]

Aquila (Mod) said:

Please know that this is a totally different situation. Ning has an option where other members photos can be added to an album. In no way does the person adding the photos get the credit for the actual photos. When a photo is clicked it takes the viewer directly to the original photo poster's page thus giving them the credit. Kind of like a favorites album and it draws viewers to the original photo poster's page.

WE has its own rules and ideals that are separate from Nings official rules. So I imagine it wouldnt hurt to add on a section to the disclaimer that is posted about rules and regulation regarding content that is uploaded to the WE site. Just asking members to "ask" if a member minds a photo or photos being used before posting it in on your page or elsewhere.
In my time here at WEning social I have seen rules added on as we move forward and along and I think this, as an unofficial guideline would prevent misunderstandings from happening in the future. I dont think this is an issue so much about who gets credit for what picture but rather more about creating a courteous and friendly environment for everyone.

[Patty]

I agree Lisa, I make the community guidelines link clickable on every new members page while I welcome them.
The first thing those guidelines say is

"" WildEarth is all about family...it is in our nature. Please remember that the basic priciples are to have fun, share, explore, learn .... all without offending or upsetting others"""

I do not think Lynn followed this first rule and she surely upset several people....

I will never forget the day I received an email from Val, one of the moderators, she was asking my permission to use some of my bird pics for the WE database..... it was and still is a huge honor knowing that some of my pictures will be in that database. All it took was a brief note to me.

I strongly believe that option should be studied further to see if it can be changed.

[Valorie (Admin)]

Lynn did nothing wrong here, really. She used a feature on Ning to create an album with her 7yr old grandson who then had to probably try and explain to him why they had to take it off. They did not intend to upset anyone.

WE is about family and sharing.

At this point, we can't remove the option that allows people to use anyones photos in an album they create.. and like Aquila shared, if you click on the picture it will take you to the page of the person it belongs to.

WE will look into being able to disable or even remove the feature, but for now it's there.

[eiguoc]

I'm sorry if we upset you, Lynn. I did not know about that feature. I did see that the original persons name was mentioned on the pic. It's just that I always ask permission or tell someone that I have used their pic. We really are a friendly bunch Lynn. I do tend to go bullistic when someones uses my pics without permission since it's just not click & post. I've also had my own photos used on other forums with their own name on them so I do see red real fast. Accept my apology. eiguoc

[Aquila (Admin)]

As a result of all what? Sorry, but this is not an argument but more an informational discussion about a feature/option on Ning.

Lisa said:

greyrose/cathy has left WEning. ;(
as a result of all of this.

[Peter Braat]

I've followed this topic with interest and must honestly say I am amazed at the furore over a new member using a feature readily available on Ning.

I do appreciate the, justified, ownership feeling that comes with working on a picture and the initial shock to see them on someone elses page, but a quick look at her page would have revealed she was a new member and therefore maybe simply not aware of certain implied or unspoken rules here or elsewhere on the .net (as lynn indicated in her question in this thread), rather than someone willfully 'pronking with someone elses feathers'.

I think by now WE've all realised no harm was meant, nor was done. WE will look at whether WE can (or want) to change this feature and will put some kind of reference to this function in the 'pictures and photos' message we regularly post.

So please keep sharing your pictures for all to enjoy!

[Lisa]

Hey Aquila I did not post anywhere that this was an argument?

[Aquila (Admin)]

Thanks Lisa, sorry a member chose to leave then due to a Photo option on Ning.

Lisa said:

Hey Aquila I did not post anywhere that this was an argument?

[Lisa]

nope it was many things actually anyway I will delete that comment Im not keen on this thread.

Aquila (Mod) said:

Thanks Lisa, sorry a member chose to leave then due to a Photo option on Ning.

Lisa said:

Hey Aquila I did not post anywhere that this was an argument?

[Eleanor]

Nancy Klassen said:

Sorry, don't know how to send this....Just want you to know how great I think Marc is. His knowledge is extensive and I hope you can keep him on>
Thanks for all you do.

I agree one hundred percent. Not only is he knowledgeable, but like all the other presenters he is so caring about the animals. He is a great addition!