Website stealing my images and photos

qw3rt7 · 06-15-2007, 07:14 AM

Hi. I designed and published a website for my girlfriends (now ex) boss.
All images. photos and design are my own, as is most of the content (The 'client' had some basic input), and i have promoted the site for them as well. I have not charged them anything, even for the domain name. My motivation for doing this was mainly as a case study to add to my web design website, plus as a favour.

Now, shortly after my girlfriend got a new job (having left on good grounds), they phone me and tell me i dont need to support the website any longer as they have had one made by 'an expert', who has designed it to be easily updated by themselves. I asked for the new web address, and had a look. I dont wish to be biased, but i personally think its absoulte junk, and has nicked my photos. If anyone could look at the two sites and give me some feedback, i'd be pleased. I will let you decide which site is mine!!

http://www.stationguesthouse.co.uk
http://www.woodbridgestationguesthouse.co.uk

Ps if your using firefox, you might have a bit of trouble with one of the sites.

Costin Trifan · 06-18-2007, 06:02 AM

Quote:

All images. photos and design are my own, as is most of the content (The 'client' had some basic input), and i have promoted the site for them as well. I have not charged them anything, even for the domain name. My motivation for doing this was mainly as a case study to add to my web design website, plus as a favour

I don't get it...

What's the big deal?

If you've done this work for them, why do you claim your rights for it now ??
It doesn't make sense to me...

qw3rt7 · 06-18-2007, 09:56 AM

1. By placing a link back to their site at the bottom of the new website, Alpha Business consultants are claiming credit for my photography (poor as it is!!)

2. As mentioned, the motivation for this site was as a case study for my portfolio. "and then they employed an idiot with a copy of msword" is not a very good ending.

3. The use of my images associates me with the new site, which is not a good thing for a web designer!!

Anyway, i'm just interested in how i stand with Alpha Business Consultants using my images as their own.
For anyone who is unsure, first website is mine!!

waffles · 06-18-2007, 10:10 AM

Why would anyone want to hire an expert who uses the images from another site? Especially yours, which aren't exactly super high quality.

You might want to check with the people you made the site for. They could have thought the images were their property since the site was made for them and asked that they be used again.

suzjor · 06-18-2007, 10:17 AM

I agree with waffles. But honestly this could be a little tricky. Did you ever tell them in writing that you were giving them this website?

My guess is the best approach is to email the company stating that the images they are now using were your personal images in which they have not purchased rights. State they can purchase them for X amount or they should remove them. If they don't it would become a legal matter in which you would need to consultant an attorney of your rights.

qw3rt7 · 06-19-2007, 07:35 AM

Thanks for the replys, i will contact the company. I have checked the visitor stats, and they are getting 2 to 3 leads a day from my site (based on the amount of visitors to the 'thanks for your enquiry' page returned from the contact form) which is alot for a 4 bedroom B&B, and the new site does not display in serps for anything except the company name, so i might present these facts and see if they wish to keep the old site up anyway.
Cheers
Steve

dburr99 · 06-21-2007, 08:16 AM

there are some things you can do to prevent hotlinking within the .htaccess file and you can also look into placing some sort of image copyright cover over the file so they don't get a clean image. another idea is to disable right click with js but that of course can be easily disabled.

dburr99 · 06-21-2007, 08:19 AM

oops i forgot to answer the actual question. i would draft a professional looking letter either saying for them to cease and desist or to pay for the images and send it to them via certified mail. it makes it look like you are serious(which of course you are) and willing to start taking steps to stop them. you can consult a copyright/patent attorney for a consult as well.

erthy01 · 08-03-2007, 08:21 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by qw3rt7

Ps if your using firefox, you might have a bit of trouble with one of the sites.

You can say that again.

I'm kinda hoping your site is the first one.

None of the images are great, I wouldn't bother with them, though you're right, being affiliated with the second website would be kinda ... bad.

homeriscool · 08-06-2007, 04:03 PM

hello matey,i have to agree the first website is the best so credit goes to you.as for the second website well i dont have to say it.in my opinion it is they who will loose out not you.if i were you i would do some seo on the site or modify the text if you know what i mean lol

elina · 08-11-2007, 11:47 AM

Before you take up anything harsh, why don't you reason him. Sometimes a nice chat can solve many things which look unsolvable. Just explain to her that you work really hard for the site and needs something in return for that. If it fails, you can go for other options. Mind it, all girls have a feeling when someone shows how hard he had done something for her. Who knows she may agree with what you say so easily.

highanddry · 08-15-2007, 09:45 AM

Personally, I think you should let it go. If this were higher quality then perhaps I could support it, however I feel that you were lucky to be paid at all for such work. Their so called expert made things far worse however.

webgirl · 08-18-2007, 11:29 AM

I would let it go too. You dont have much control afterwards if you no longer work there. I would let it go, and realize they are only hurting themselves.

imaginemn · 08-18-2007, 11:50 AM

First, you did some work for them and they no longer need your services. Once you do the work (paid or free) they own the content/images UNLESS you specifically state in a contract/agreement that you as the designer own the work(s).

It sounds like this was a two way oppourtunity that wasn't working for them so they chose to make a change (for better or for worse). Were they aware that you would potentially benefit from this arrangement?

Unless you have some type of agreement you can't go back to them and claim ownership. Did you ever consider that they didn't want to use you or your services and were possibly convinced to do this as a favor to you because your girlfriend worked there? Just a thought.

This is common in this industry. Clients come and go. I would suggest to let it go and go get some more clients or other sites you can promote or create whether it's for free or for a fee.