Sta.sh
Odyssey Update 1
Whatever way you intend to welcome in 2013, I hope you're surrounded by love and that you do it safely!
Pinup & Glamour Photography
While not everyone uses preview images and they're not technically part of the work, we're going to require that preview images be properly credited for future features. This does include preview images you've customized that use texture or other such resources.
An important note: Not all images are stock. If an image isn't stock and you want to use it as your preview, please make sure that you've obtained explicit permission from the artist. We will also accept previewed stories that were done for a picture-based prompt if the prompter asked permission to use those images. Of course, you'll need to link to the prompt in your comments.
**Also, if you are using credited stock but the stock terms say it's not to be used like that, someone—okay, it's me—is going to tell the stock creator. Please respect people who put up these resources and read their own rules before using. I've seen a few that were posted only for reference purposes and plenty that are only for non-commercial use. Fine print, it eats faces.
If you want your story to be considered for a DD and you're using a preview image:
- You need to credit your image sources by at least linking to the stock artist's page or the website you got it from (such as dreamstime or Stock Exchange).
- Using your own art? Say so. (Note: if it's just text you typed up on a plain background, you're in the clear.)
- Using non-stock images with the original artist's permission? Say so. For bonus points, include a link to the comment where they say it's cool.
- Is your piece for an image-based prompt? Link to that prompt. If the prompt creators didn't ask permission to use the image, or the image is from Google, this will cause problems. At the end of the day, the best thing you can do is get permission yourself.
- One last reminder: Google is NOT a legitimate stock source. FAQ #217: What are "Stock and Resources" and can I use them in my submissions?
If you see something you'd like to suggest and the author is using an improperly credited preview, you're welcome to link them here or otherwise encourage them to remove their preview.
Literature CV DD suggestion guidelines
All in all, though, great advice. People should really be making an effort to draw attention to other people's work when they use it, let alone simply sticking to the rules that were set.
Yes, seriously!