During PYPT today the subject of using images from movies or books on review posts came up. It was a relatively short but rather spirited conversation.
It sparked me to have a look around on the web to see where this stands. I know some would argue that writing reviews helps to promote a book or movie so the copyright holders wouldn’t really worry about it.
There are two problems with that argument.
- if the copyright holders really didn’t care, they would make them public domain or use with attribution. Copyright holders have rights to enforce.
- When we are writing here on Hive, we’re receiving income from upvotes. We need to have a professional attitude toward the images we use.
Finding images on Pinterest, Google or any other site that doesn't grant use rights, and using them doesn’t make them free to use.
Period, end of story.
If you get downvoted for using them, you have no one to blame but yourself.
I came across a discussion of the topic on a site which included an interesting suggestion. Find the copyright holder of the film or movie. Visit their website, send them a note explaining you are writing reviews and would appreciate a press package.
If they grant you one, there will likely be images in there they will allow to be used.
If they don’t, then you need to take an alternative approach.
@amirtheawesome1 took a good approach to this. He created an image that was eye catching and added generic wording to it.
This would allow him to use the same image when he does reviews.
The image becomes his brand image and the title will tell the reader what he’s reviewing in that post.
This is a good approach and keeps you out of trouble.
Getting downvoted by a larger account on Hive is frustrating enough. A copyright holder with big pockets tracking you down will cost a whole lot more.
Don’t think it can’t happen. Do what’s right. Respect copyright and you wont have to worry about if it will happen or not.
NOTE: Header image from Pixabay.com