I am cdngeek. I write useless things. I take bad photos and post them as art. Welcome to my ravings.

Mood: Lost
Listening to: Big & Rich— Big Time
Reading: Tami Hoag - Night Sins
Watching: Super Size Me

I am, well, I am unsure of what to feel. I joined Deviant Art a fair while ago, and have trusted some of my best works to their care. I have stayed through downtimes and database problems, and still posted and check here often. I recently gave them a few of the small quantity of dollars I had to try out subscription, and I like it. I am a little disappointed, with myself and with Deviant Art.

I will trust the staff member who is replying in this journal thread, saying the terms haven't changed, at least in the parts that were highlighted, and that makes me angry at myself that I didn't read it carefully before. I will not put up with AOL claiming ownership over anything I send over AIM, nor will I put up with dA claiming unlimited and irrevocable rights to my artwork because I post pictures here.

I had no problem with them retaining the right to display my pictures here, as that is precisely what I am asking them to do. I do, though, have issues with them reserving the right to use my works anywhere, and in any way they choose. That is unacceptable. What's worse, the staff member, :Spyed:, does nothing but copy and paste the answer every few replies. That is condescending and rude. At least give it an effort to not look so bored with the topic that you can't bother to *try* and personalize each one.

I see many of those I know have already begun removing their entire galleries, some which numbered in the thousands even. Sadly, the wording of the ToS doesn't protect these people at all, because dA still has the rights to use these images. I think dA needs to revise their ToS, and add a lot more clarity than what amounts to a form response. I am seriously considering removing my own images simply because I am unwilling to sit back and let my works be used for whatever Deviant Art wants. I have signed releases saying I could do a limited amount of stuff to the images I have of people, I will not allow Deviant Art to abuse my trust like this.


Before any of you jerks decide to snipe at me, yes, I did not read the agreement, and yes I agreed to it. That still does not give Deviant Art the right to use my works without at least the courtesy of asking me. I don't care about the wording, or what it allows. It's underhanded and deceitful. Spyed says they are dedicated to artists, but their actions, you know, those things that supersede words, say otherwise.

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