While searching for something else another poster here needed, I ran across a simple and easy Java script you can cut and paste into your auction html that will prevent anyone from easily copying your auction pictures.
I have avoided "messing with" any Java up to now, thinking it would be just one more complicated thing to learn. This is a piece of cake if you even know rudimentary html.
eBay does not permit the use of these JavaScript functions:
-Scripts to drop or read a cookie on any eBay page -Scripts to the user from eBay to another page (such as the replace script) -JavaScript Include and iframe
Many people do not intentionally use the above scripts to cause harm. However, these scripts can be used for malicious purposes. Therefore, in the interest of security, we have eliminated the use of these scripts on our site.
Attempts to use these scripts will return an error message that begins: "Disallowed JavaScript/HTML Syntax." If you get this message, you will be prevented from listing the item. Any other JavaScript error is not related to the disabling of these scripts
posted on April 10, 2003 10:20:18 AM new
That no-right click JavaScript would stop newbie users. A determined sellers can just view the source of the description and link to the image directly. I suggesting stamping your images with your own logo. At least you get free advertising when they steal it.
posted on April 10, 2003 10:53:24 AM new
That java script wouldn't keep me from copying your pics. In fact, it wouldn't even slow me down if I really wanted them. Fact is in this case, Java script would be a waste of your time to even use.
posted on April 10, 2003 12:54:58 PM new
Stonecold613 said it best. Even if you have "right click" disabled, and someone is using IE6, usually they can just hold the mouse over the image and it will give them a little box in the top left hand corner with a save option.
posted on April 10, 2003 02:14:37 PM new
also you can just hit the PRINT SCREEN button on your pc keyboard...then open any image editing program and hit PASTE.
posted on April 10, 2003 07:40:03 PM new
If you're too lazy to take your own picture, you're probably too lazy to brush it out too. When I catch people... its usually all intact.
posted on April 12, 2003 05:56:03 PM new
The only time I copy someone else's picture is when I am asking my sister if this is the item she wants me to bid on. Guess I should start just "sending the auction to a friend". Could someone explain why anyone would care anyway? I certainly don't care if someone copies my picture because they don't have a digital camera and are selling something exactly like mine. Now don't start screaming a me, just explain.
[ edited by curlectables on Apr 12, 2003 05:58 PM ]
posted on April 12, 2003 07:52:46 PM new
Sometimes quite a bit of work can go into getting a good picture of an item. For someone to use it for selling their similar item without permission is literally stealing the originator's work. There's little difference between that and plagarism of printed works, linking to someone's auction picture on their server to steal bandwidth, or copy their auction description word for word. It's using someone else's work and passing it off as your own.
Some don't consider it a big deal, but there are laws covering much of it.
Once an item is posted to Ebay (and possibly to any webpage), I believe it is copyrighted.
I am no expert in the area, but am familiar with the law as it was before the internet age. The internet is adjusting to incorporate similar laws to cover the activities here.
If you are just sending the pic to your sister to look at, that's fine. It's like recording a movie off TV you want to see later. If she posted the pic to another website without the owner's permission, or if you passed out or sold copies of the movie to others, it would be illegal. So copying something like a movie or picture for single personal use is usually okay. Using it for sales or to give away to others is not.
Make sense?
Patty
[ edited by meadowlark on Apr 12, 2003 07:53 PM ]
[ edited by meadowlark on Apr 12, 2003 07:54 PM ]
posted on April 12, 2003 07:55:51 PM new
Yeah, the whole, "Why is it wrong to steal pictures?" thing has to stop. It doesn't have to do with your personal values, ethics, or anything else. Turns out, it's illegal to steal someone's picture.
posted on April 13, 2003 09:13:26 PM new
I had all my postings Java protected, till ebay changed the posting rules, and I had to go in and change over a hundred auctions - I use such on other sites.....
REGARDING name across the picture - you may go in via any of the good programs like PaintShop Pro7 and erase the name across the picture, but on mine you'll destroy the picture in the process, and spend endless time trying to reconstruct it - easier to take the picture yourself.
posted on April 14, 2003 08:12:27 AM new
It's wrong to use someone else's picture, but there is no way to avoid it. I can capture a screen image with my software, no need to save it as the original file. It's annoying, and if they linked to my image, I would have a lot of fun with it. If they just steal my image, not much you can do except email and ask them to remove it. Since they already stole the image, good luck with that!
Cheryl