Thanks for all the kind comments yesterday. I thought that I would address some of the questions in a post and also include some of the links that were given to me.
There are a few options that I will be researching, including watermarks and disabling right-click, but for now the copyright notice is what I will use. I realize that it may not deter everyone from taking a photo without asking, but it is at least posted and able to be seen.
I want to clear up the fact that I never mind when someone wants to use a photo. Most of the time people want to use something for a crafty-link (like a link to a tutorial that includes a picture), but I have had someone ask to use a photo for a holiday card they were making and I was very flattered and didn't mind sharing at all. This makes me happy.
It feels entirely different to click on a blog and find my picture even if a link is given. Once I found a picture of Aubry (as a link to craft tutorial--she was holding a little purse), and that felt very weird. It kind of took my breath away.
In my opinion, I think that someone should always ask before using a photo of any kind. I think it is OK to use a bit of text without asking as long as there is a link to a site, but photos are more personal. At least they are for me. I think that is why most bloggers who post a large amount of pictures have copyright notices in their sidebars.
Here are some links:
To disable right-click (apparently this is easy to get around if someone knows something about computers):
Honeybrook from Denise
Dynamic Drive from Chris
Blogging Basics 1o1 from Melanie
Hyper Gurl from Jessica
Google Images Plug-In for Wordpress from Suzi
A story about Flickr and it's policies about taking photos--not good! From Gretchen (there is a little bit of language in the Flickr post, so read at your discretion).
The blogosphere is a wonderful place, but every so often I am reminded that this is a very public forum and I need to be careful about certain things. I don't think that avoiding posting any photos of the kids is in order right now, but at some point, maybe. It is a tough call.
Have a great day!
