Have you even seen the hashtag #createorcredit? If not, and if you are active on social media, I suggest you read this article by Catherine Grace, former intellectual property lawyer turned lifestyle blogger, on “the moral rights of the creative”. Catherine’s post (the first of a series) deals specifically with image usage/theft, and I will speak a little about my own experiences with that here too, both as a professional creative and also someone who is active on social media. There are more subtle (and not-so-subtle) appropriations of work and ideas that you may have seen at play on social media, and I’ll talk a little bit about that here too.
Of course we are all influenced by things we see and experience, even if only on a subliminal level. We all borrow from what has come before. And, as I came to believe from studying art history/theory at university, a creator can claim the originality of a piece, but the wellspring of collective knowledge or “movements” that have come before will of course have a bearing on his/her creative path and thus the creation of the piece itself.
So, when it comes to the creation of food and/or food styling, of course we are influenced by others. And there are times when, purely by chance, people will come up with similar things at a similar time. I have seen it happen. It has even happened to me. On a couple of occasions, on the very same day I have posted a recipe, a friend of mine has posted something similar… perhaps we’ve even done so within minutes of each other. Clearly no one is copying anyone else (we all know how long it takes to make and shoot food!). But, in circumstances like this we often mention each other in the captions of our images, to be courteous and to make it known that it was amusingly coincidental.
For this reason (and others too), I think that “calling people out” can be a dangerous thing to do. It’s my way to give people the benefit of the doubt (at least initially) rather than to confront, although I do understand why some people feel the need to speak up, especially when the theft of content/copying is blatant (and sometimes it is glaringly so).
Case in point, a while back someone I follow on Instagram (who has a sizeable account) had the exact styling of an image copied by an account with over 1 million followers. When she tried to explain the situation she was accused of being “petty”. She was told by some “it’s only food, get over it” and by others that her naming and shaming was “ugly”, even though almost everyone who commented noted that her work had been obviously “ripped off”.
The truly sad thing in this case is that, despite all the evidence, despite the fact that the woman who had copied the work scrambled to delete the offending image and any accusatory comments (which served to confirm her guilt in the eyes of many), the damage seemed to hit the smaller account doubly hard. Why? Because, sadly, size equals credibility in the minds of many. Needless to say, the comments section on her post blew up. Some people said things along the lines of, “If your idols are copying you, you’re doing something right. Take it as a compliment.” Really? If you sat for a day in an office and worked your butt off so that your boss could make money off your work, before patting you on the back then sending you home without pay, would that be complimentary? Or fair? Being called “petty” and “jealous” if someone appropriates your work/ideas only makes the appropriation sting more (as if someone you admire and respect making money from your ideas isn’t insulting enough). The smaller account took a risk in speaking up. And it caused some backlash initially. But, two years on, I am happy to report that the account (and the business linked with it), is more successful than ever.
When it comes to outright image theft, some of you may know that around the end of 2014, someone started an Instagram account, used my name, my exact bio word for word and stole much of my content. What they hoped to achieve from all of this, I have no idea. The mistake that they made (among other things) was following some of my friends, who noticed the “strangeness” straight away and notified me. I am not sure what the policies are now, but back then I had to fill out reports to Instagram complaining of both content theft and identity theft. I was asked to provide copies of my passport for identity verification and, although some might think the process rather fast, I found it time-consuming and beyond annoying. I also took the liberty of notifying anyone who happened to have had their content used without credit by the same account, including Melanie of Naturally Nutritious fame, who I have been friends with ever since. By the way, that account still exists but hasn’t posted a single image since all the account content was deleted by Instagram. The bio annoyingly remained the same for sometime, however today it simply reads “Hi”. 😛
Then there’s the “sneaky brands” who take your images and try to palm them off as unique content. I had a bit of a rant once on Instagram when I discovered a brand was using my images without crediting me… again. And I have rewritten certain points from said rant below. FYI, you can easily identify these brands by their use of captions containing their product name/hashtag, some vacuous “lifestyle inspo” such as “Sunday morning goals” and the glaring absence of your name (even though YOU created the content). You will also find yourself tagged in the bottom far corner of the image (where no one would think to click as you are not mentioned in the caption). Sneaky.
If you are new to Instagram, please read this. It may be flattering when people start to take notice of your good work and regram/repost your images etc., but the VERY least you should expect is to be credited properly.
Imagine the following scenario. You’re employed to create an advertising campaign for a lipstick. Money is spent. Literally hours of effort go into creating concepts/mood boards and the styling/shooting/image editing, etc. The campaign is released. Then another brand takes the exact images you worked on and uses them in a campaign to sell their own lipstick. Would this fly in the “real world”? I’ve been working as a creative professional for many years, as a graphic designer & now, for the past 8 years, as an art director. If the company that employs me discovered their images- shot by me- were used by a competitor, the proverbial poop would hit the proverbial fan. If it’s not ok in the “real world”, then it shouldn’t be ok in the virtual one either.
We, who create content and share online, are “creatives”. Personally, I spend hours- sometimes days- working on recipes, taking/editing photos. I share freely. And if you do too, your work/time/creativity should NOT be exploitable by others who can make money from your efforts.
Regrams credited properly, are one thing, but your hard work is not someone else’s instant free personal “endorsement”or marketing campaign for the taking.
Respect yourselves, creators!
Businesses (& personal accounts) that rely heavily on regrams for their “marketing” should, at the very least, be courteous. Brands and individuals that collaborate, create trust, are kind and show due respect WILL attract a loyal support without game playing… and with their integrity intact.
Please don’t get me wrong. Sharing freely and creatively is one of the most rewarding things you can do. And the blogosphere and Instagram (despite the recent algorithmic changes that everyone hates) are great platforms for sharing. But being a good digital citizen requires the observance of some basic fundamentals. So, other than doing some of the things mentioned above, here is a quick reference advice list (of things I try to practice myself):
- Be kind and uplifting on social media, whether interacting with big accounts or small.
- Crediting someone for a recipe/inspiration when you create something yourself does NOT in any way negate your own creativity, but it does suggest you’re a decent person.
- If in doubt, give credit.
- Don’t be afraid to let brands know that using your images without crediting properly is not cool with you. I do this on a regular basis, and 95% of the time they will rewrite their captions and apologise (it’s not exactly “cool”, but it’s better!).
- We are all influenced by trends but if you genuinely love the creative process, focus on growing your own inspiration & using your own voice, rather than looking to what seems popular and only trying to emulate that.
- Respect yourself, others and karma.
These are some examples of how I credit people for inspiration, recipe usage, etc. on my blog.
These are some examples of how I credit people for inspiration, recipe usage, etc. on Instagram. Sometimes I make people’s recipes and provide links to their sites/YouTube accounts, etc. Other times I may be inspired by someone else’s styling/presentation and, without using their recipes, I still mention them. I believe this is a nice way to be part of a “community” and foster good relations. I also believe that it is a complimentary way to be inspired by someone.
Questions:
Have you ever experienced image theft or any of the other things mentioned in this post yourself?
Do you give people the benefit of the doubt if so? Or do you confront the situation/party concerned?
And do you believe in “naming and shaming”?
<3 MM xx
Thank you so much for sharing this sweety. Definitely experienced it, tried sending them emails but off course no answers.
I’m not sure I trust in calling out and yet I hardly see anything else as efficient. I did find detours for credit to be given in the end (kind of similar as you explain in your 4th point).
But I like to think it as “educate people as to their behaviour online, cause online doesn’t mean the person behdin the creative content isn’t real.
Thank you so much and love from Switzerland
Thank you so much for sharing your experience and for your thoughtful comment. Right you are! So much of this is about education. For me it has been about educating myself too (as I didn’t begin on social media with a “strategy” as many seem to now, it’s been total trial and error kind of stuff). And another side of it has been educating others as to how they can treat me (e.g. brands, for example how tagging a photo of mine is NOT the same as mentioning me visibly in the caption). Lots of love to you!
Dear Marisa!! I’m keeping your post handy for future reference. You have captured the essence of how the creative spirit can be hijacked in a way that invites open and honest dialogue. Social media allows us to share and exchange ideas, but there are caveats to understand. I am so glad that I am part of your compassionate community. We have known each other for over 5 years. Your posts have inspired my family to revisit our eating patterns and go back to our kitchen. What a wonderful journey it’s been. Thank you, dear friend.
Oh my! What an amazingly generous comment… and one that makes me a little emotional, tbh! I can’t believe it’s been 5 years since we connected in this space, but yes, you are right! How wonderful. It’s connections such as the one we made that keep me wanting an online presence, even when things are not perfect or some act unfairly. Thank YOU! For everything. Lots of love <3
Lots of love coming back your way!!
Wow, this is golden my friend! I’m so glad you wrote this…I have so much to say about the subject, but never know how to effectively articulate it!
I am so glad you liked it! Feel free to add your thoughts on the matter too! It’s an interesting subject and one that affects all of us (who are connected online) in some way, shape or form… even if not everyone knows it 🙂 x
Dear Marisa,
this is such a great and honest article !!! Social media are a wonderful way to express your own creativity and finding inspiration but it’s also a huge legal limbo and sometimes not easy to trace back the responsables or face them straight away. Think it is and always will be a huge problem creative people have to deal with when using social media 🙁 wish you a lovely evening 😘
I totally agree with you, Nathalie! It’s a bit of a ‘mindfield’ if you know what I mean! Creative people have always faced challenges, but adding social media to the equation opens up whole knew realms of issues… but opportunities too, on the upside! Best wishes! xx
Marisa!
What a wonderful opportunity to share your thoughts and experiences about Instagram. I believe credit where credit is due and ️yes aknowleging the original creatives,authors,paramount.
A funny world we live in where for some, the successes of people such as the kardashians motivate them, that it’s all about the number of followers. For me, it’s all about the stunning food shots! I too have met wonderful creatives and formed divine friendships. For me that in its self has been a blessing.
big love
Diana
Lots of love to you, Diana! Thank you so much for your thoughts on the matter. And SO right you are! When kids are asked “what do you want to be when you grow up?” and they reply “famous” I TRULY despair! There is an ugly side to being famous for the sake of fame… and the total lack of substance or productivity or achievement of any sort is baffling. How did we get here? On the flip side, having a forum in which everyone has the potential to express themselves and connect with others is pretty darn cool! Happy to have connected with you, my friend <3 Wishing you well xx
Such an interesting reading! I think everyone will learn something by reading this…Thank you Marisa, X.
Thank you so much for reading it! I am glad you think it was worth writing! I guess I have said a lot of this stuff before… but usually in the form of a rambling caption and spread across 2 years of being on Instagram (and a number of different images). I thought it best to put it all into one post 😀 . Thank you again, lovely x
A great post and interesting to read your perspective. I haven’t had anyone copying or misusing my material, yet, as far as I know. My first reaction would be to give the benefit of doubt because sometimes on the internet, as in real life, people do the wrong thing simply because they don’t know any better. 🙁
I would like to think that is the case. Some people are totally clueless and it is quite obvious. When experienced accounts/brands engage in dodgy practices, that is worrying… especially when you know they make money from everything they share. I’m certain the person who started a fake account using my name was not doing it for financial gain. I can only speculate as to what they thought they were going to achieve! 😀 Hugs and thank you so much!
Great post! I completely agree that the same rules that apply in the real world should apply in the virtual world…and secondly being jealous and stealing the property of others most likely will hit you in the face (eventually). Giving credit when it is due actually creates a strong sense of satisfaction!
I totally agree with you! Making recipes of others has always been a lovely way to feel connected to them (whether I have ever actually spoken with them or not). x
This is a great post Marisa! Its very easy to get away in the virtual world with using other people’s content. This is something, coincidently, I’ve been reading about lately here and there. I’ve read about how people just simply copy paste other people’s blog posts too!
Its nice to give the other person credit, even if you’ve used their recipe, either completely or with modifications. I like to even credit whoever even gave me an idea to make, say brownies, because of their post. It may be my recipe, but its wonderful for the other person to know how he/ she influenced your cooking that day. And its satisfying for me. Respect and goodwill matter in life, and I wish all of us could see that.
xx
Hello Natasha! Thank you so much for your lovely, thoughtful comment! I am glad this post resonated with you and that you too believe in fostering goodwill rather than viewing others as a creative threat or competition to keep up with. I honestly think it is the way to go! Hugs xx
Great post Marisa! ❤️
Thank you so much for this post Maria! There is so much controversy regarding reposts and sharing content that isn’t yours, and it’s important that you consider the other position. It sucks that someone attempted to copy your content and profile! I hope that we eventually learn to use our own creativity and use it to our individualities’ advantages rather than stealing others’ results of their hard work!
Oh my gosh, yes there is lots of stuff to consider. But, as a rule of thumb, credit where it’s due and being kind are always good practices to observe whether we operate online or in the real world, right? It’s not that hard. But sadly, some don’t quite get it. Thank you for your support, lovely xx