About unofficial sites and 'published' artwork made without permission

[Lordenlil]

Ok. Let's assume somebody wants to make some Vintersorg
images/wallpapers. One could either make something new with
no other VS images merged into it (perhaps only the logo), or
use photos shot by others. Perhaps copied from the official site.

Now. Most of my experiences tell me that people who wants to
make some kind of 'art' for a particular artist (musician/band)
often do so without asking for permission to use images they
merge into their own pictures. This far, I've only seen positive
(or none) responses from the musicians who've seen this kinda
stuff. Even though they might find it on an unofficial band page.

And what about these unofficial sites? There are lots of them,
made by fans. And bands _usually_ don't seem to mind this
either (free PR, I guess)

Obviously, the correct procedure would be to ask the owner of
every image used in your personal developed image, and the
same goes for an unofficial site. Ask the band/musician for
permission to open it.

So now I ask:
How would you, Vintersorg or any other musicians, feel about it if
someone post a wallpaper/image art of some kind without asking
permission to use every pic that might be merged into it?
Let's also assume that the quality of this work is good, or at least
adequate to represent the band/musician.
(nb: I've not made anything. Maybe I will, though At least
for personal use. But I'm curious about what you think of this.)
Oh - and also - are unofficial sites ok? (I know it depends on the
quality and correctness of it.. but still)

 

[Karldin]

I asked for permission to use some images in a desktop theme I
made, and got a positive response.

 

[corrado]

I think it´s no problem as long as it is declared as fan site/fanwork and there is made no profit out of it.

 

[Futhark]

I guess these things are just positive. Most of these pictures are promotion pictures, and if many people use these pictures then they promote the band, and maybe more people will buy the bands records.

Another thing is to publish a whole cd-booklet, so people who download albums from pirate pages and print out the cd-booklet on photopaper can continue with not buying records..

But it doesn't hurt to ask a band if it's ok that you use a picture or two....

 

[DeadWinterDead]

Well, that's interesting. I think it'd be cool, and I think corrado is right.

 

[Morgana]

well, I ask for permission of things I use of other artists

 

[Morgana]

I use mainly my own stuff anyway.

 

[Lordenlil]

Originally posted by corrado
I think it´s no problem as long as it is declared as fan site/fanwork and there is made no profit out of it.

I agree, the profit part is an important point that I forgot.
I'm still curious about what the professional musicians think
about it.. maybe it's all ok?

 

[Qwallath of Endoryan]

Originally posted by Morgana
I use mainly my own stuff anyway.

The only wise decision

 

[Lordenlil]

Mainly, yeah... but if u wanna make for example a band-related
image, u still wanna use the logo and perhaps a band image..
Maybe u have live images u took by yourself, but still this is not
always the case.
And how is one is to put ones own soloely copyrighted signature
on such a pic if it includes the work of others?

 

[Morgana]

First of all I hardly recommend to get in touch with the record company and ask for permission of using press stuff. Usually the will give you the permission.
I have done it several time and always got a good responds of the labels. On some websites of labels, they offer you stuff to use anyway, as long as you link back and give the credit where the credit has to be given.
If you like to have a sample as background music, ask the artist, I did and had only good responds so far. Here as well, give credit where credit has to be given.

 

[Morgana]

By the way I like you banner sig Lordenlil, only miss some stars there

 

[Lordenlil]

Yes, I agree on everything said here (my own opinions in the first
place). Too bad the artists haven't said anything yet. But I assume
they agree. I see no reason why not.
But when it comes to unofficial sites I'm not that sure because there
might be printet lots of stuff that might not be true, really.

he he - no stars. It's a clouded sky ..Maybe later

 

[Gaunerin]

Originally posted by Lordenlil
he he - no stars. It's a clouded sky ..Maybe later

I like the banner as well - but I bet I won't see it there for long. You're changing your sig weekly it seems....

 

[Lordenlil]

Tnx
Yep. I like change - at least until I'm satisfied. I just thought the
other one was too big. This one has perfect size to me....
Originally I had the other as a result of a 'joke' in the Opeth
forum. But I liked it there, so. Now I'm promoting Vintersorg
This one I'm planning to keep for a while, yes.

 

[Vintersorg]

From my perspective: It's just cool as long as it's not taken to the extension to make money out of it, as it sometimes represent the band badly(not talking about your banner Lordenlill)and well spread people can think of that concept when they think of the band, which sometimes are very the opposite.

But I find it nice when people do their vision of the band, but it should be clearly stated that it's not official band material. So just go ahead and compose people.

mr V

 

[Morgana]

Originally posted by Lordenlil
he he - no stars. It's a clouded sky ..Maybe later

Hehehe...

 

[Blackspirit]

OooOoooooh! NICE banner! I'm in love! )
What a beauty for my eyes! Yumyum!

Lordie! You should start a thread with your
pics, cause I'd like to see more of your stuff,
or at least make a private site just for me! >P

 

[Morgana]

For us then

 

[astarte]

Nice, nice signature, Lordenlil