StopPiracy: Graphics as T.O.U.

Digi-scrapping (and selling digital kits on-line) is a fairly young industry. Everyone (designers and scrappers, both) is still trying to figure out what they're doing and how things work . . . as we move forward, some things become obvious that need to be addressed. Terms of Use, for example.

In the past year, designers started realizing that next to nobody opened and read those TOU notepad files that are included with every kit (even though the information in those TOUs is SO IMPORTANT!) So SOMEONE had the brilliant idea to include a GRAPHIC in every kit that highlights the TOU. They are eye-catching, to the point, and extremely effective in communicating what needs to be known. This greatly reduces the possibility that someone can whine "But I didn't KNOW I wasn't supposed to redistribute the kits! You never tooooooold me . . " because dude, they so did.

In the interest of fairness, everyone has tried to give credit for who had this original idea. Shabby Princess' graphic was the first to catch my eye, but she told me she was inspired by Kimlizzy. Kimlizzy, in turn, said she was inspired by Melany Violette mentioning she was going to do it, who I think was responding to Amy Teet's comment that someone was doing it already . . . Wherever the idea came from, it's a GREAT one!

I'm really hoping that ALL designers will begin to utilize TOU graphics and include one with every kit download -- even the free ones! Eventually we could get to a point where EVERY kit a person has downloaded will have a reminder that sharing, redistributing, or using commercially without permission just isn't ok. Education/information is the first step in fighting piracy!

Following is a collection of several TOU graphics that are "out there." If you are a designer, feel free to use these for inspiration. If you want to use one as-is, contact the originator first -- some have said they will share, some may want to use theirs exclusively. (Please note: these are sized-down for web!) Lie Fhung is working on a series of TOU graphics for everyone to use as needed, for free -- and they are GREAT. I will post them very soon!!!