Is is OK for vendors to "steal" pics for use in their threads?
Is is OK for vendors to "steal" pics for use in their threads?
Is it not deception when a vendor uses the pics of another vendor's products in their for sale threads and tries to pass it off as their own? Seems to me that the company is intentionally trying to decieve the buyer if they don't make it clear that the image being used is something they produced.
I don't think it is realistic that a vendor should have to have the same rules as non vendors by having to include a pic with the actual item with username and date on it. However, considering this site is developing a reputation for having shady vendors (especially in the body kit arena), it would make sense to tighten up the rules a little bit. Maybe I am out of line, but it seems pretty shady to me.
Here is what I am talking about. Strafe Auto is trying to make you think that the images you are looking at are the ones that they sell.
That pic is of a bumper sold by Auto Infantry to a fellow member here. Strafe asked for permission to use the pic and it was never granted to them. Strafe decided to use it anyway.
I don't think it is realistic that a vendor should have to have the same rules as non vendors by having to include a pic with the actual item with username and date on it. However, considering this site is developing a reputation for having shady vendors (especially in the body kit arena), it would make sense to tighten up the rules a little bit. Maybe I am out of line, but it seems pretty shady to me.
Here is what I am talking about. Strafe Auto is trying to make you think that the images you are looking at are the ones that they sell.
That pic is of a bumper sold by Auto Infantry to a fellow member here. Strafe asked for permission to use the pic and it was never granted to them. Strafe decided to use it anyway.
I agree with you guys, but you can't make them I don't think.
I would have the owner of the car in the picture (the one who didn't give permission) post publicly in the vendor's thread nicely asking them to take the picture down. Regardless, within our forum, mods and admins can always help you with things like this.
VVVVVVVVVVVVV +1 on what he said.
I would have the owner of the car in the picture (the one who didn't give permission) post publicly in the vendor's thread nicely asking them to take the picture down. Regardless, within our forum, mods and admins can always help you with things like this.
VVVVVVVVVVVVV +1 on what he said.
350Z-holic
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I am no lawyer, but I would assume that once a picture is uploaded to the internet, it become public to everyone else and thus can be used. Just think of all the gifs and animated images, facebook pictures, ect.
I completely agree with you guys on the copywrite aspect and I don't have a problem with that. We all "steal" images for the lulz. My concern is the usage of the pic in attempts to mislead buyers. It was used to make the buyer think that they will be getting the same quality of product as seen in the pic. Considering that Strafe didn't sell/paint the item in the image, you can not assume you will get the same thing.
Like I said, I may not be right on this one. I was just curious how there was such a large disparity in the logic of the rules for vendors and non vendors. A non vendor would never be able to get away with that because there are rules in place to protect the buyer. It would make sense if the rules for vendors did more to protect the buyer while at the same time not impeding the seller from being able to do business.
Like I said, I may not be right on this one. I was just curious how there was such a large disparity in the logic of the rules for vendors and non vendors. A non vendor would never be able to get away with that because there are rules in place to protect the buyer. It would make sense if the rules for vendors did more to protect the buyer while at the same time not impeding the seller from being able to do business.
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This is kinda fcked up. I understand people use/steal/beg/buy pictures all the time, but when someone specifically tells a vendor not to use a picture (and they don't comply), then that's pretty shady. I'm adding Strafe Auto to my no want list.
My complaint with this is:
Posting a picture of an authentic bumper, hood, sideskirt, etc to show the "customer" a picture of what it looks like installed... BUT, what they usually don't show are the replicas fitment (gaps, adding, shaving, etc) on the car. They are taking a piece that shows perfect fitment of a genuine piece and passes it off as if their piece fits the same way.
I've had pictures stolen and used of my old car on another forum. I threatened the company because the images had my copyright watermark and they cropped the picture down and took out my watermark. I think it's makes a company look bad that sells replicas but doesn't have a single "actual" picture of the piece they sell.
To me the whole thing is misleading and shouldn't be a matter of debate. The company should not be allowed to use another users pictures, unless he/she gives permission, and the bumper came from the company selling the piece.
Posting a picture of an authentic bumper, hood, sideskirt, etc to show the "customer" a picture of what it looks like installed... BUT, what they usually don't show are the replicas fitment (gaps, adding, shaving, etc) on the car. They are taking a piece that shows perfect fitment of a genuine piece and passes it off as if their piece fits the same way.
I've had pictures stolen and used of my old car on another forum. I threatened the company because the images had my copyright watermark and they cropped the picture down and took out my watermark. I think it's makes a company look bad that sells replicas but doesn't have a single "actual" picture of the piece they sell.
To me the whole thing is misleading and shouldn't be a matter of debate. The company should not be allowed to use another users pictures, unless he/she gives permission, and the bumper came from the company selling the piece.
Lay this to rest, the simple fact is they have done nothing illegal. The picture was publicly posted on the internet, and the company can do w/e they want with it. It may be morally wrong to us, but the simple fact is it is not illegal therefore the forum moderators or rules really cannot do anything about it.
Also you said they asked for permission, were they told no, or you assume that they were never told they could use it?
Also you said they asked for permission, were they told no, or you assume that they were never told they could use it?
Last edited by 350zbiturbo; May 2, 2010 at 03:20 PM.
Lay this to rest, the simple fact is they have done nothing illegal. The picture was publicly posted on the internet, and the company can do w/e they want with it. It may be morally wrong to us, but the simple fact is it is not illegal therefore the forum moderators or rules really cannot do anything about it.
Also you said they asked for permission, were they told no, or you assume that they were never told they could use it?
Also you said they asked for permission, were they told no, or you assume that they were never told they could use it?
Unlike you, I do not assume anything. I had spoken with the owner of the car and he flat out said that he did not give them permission when they asked.
Well you have put nothing to rest. The issue was never was it illegal so your point is worthless. I guess you are not familiar with forums so let me educate you, there are these things called Terms of Use (TOU) that mods enforce. If they feel that something violates a TOU they can ban you, regardless if it is against the law.
Unlike you, I do not assume anything. I had spoken with the owner of the car and he flat out said that he did not give them permission when they asked.
Unlike you, I do not assume anything. I had spoken with the owner of the car and he flat out said that he did not give them permission when they asked.
He was asking an opinion, as people do on the forums. He was also bringing attention to this issue with Strafe Automotive for the rest of the members who might otherwise be unaware of such things.
Personally I dislike companies using genuine pictures for replicas in addition to the points made in this thread.
Just my 2 cents.
Personally I dislike companies using genuine pictures for replicas in addition to the points made in this thread.
Just my 2 cents.
Let me explain something to you, SIMPLY PUT the mods also cannot ban a sponsor, b/c YOU felt that someone took a picture from somewhere and hurt your feelings. I am sorry you feel hurt, but dont put your pictures up on the web if you dont want someone else to use them or hold them. Good luck, no offense, but sponsors pay and its what keeps these sites functional, so frankly I doubt a mod is going to start a fuss b/c you are hurting inside.
But you are right, I am very hurt by all this. The only thing that helps me feel better is you bumping this thread and continuing to give Strafe bad publicity. Thank you for your assistance.
