I think the whole point here is of ownership!

After all your art is an extension of your creativity - of your inner self - of your artistic soul!

You are very correct in saying that once you post your artwork online that anyone can download it. Which is not "That Different" than your images being featured in a magazine or book - Anyone can remove the images - frame them and use them for their own enjoyment!

However, it is against the law to take an image from a book, reproduce it and reprint in a book you are publishing - without the approval of the owner of the artwork!

This is where the paradox begins!

It is one thing to say Yes you can view my image for your own enjoyment From a Web Site that I have Approved the image to be featured!

It is very different to have someone take a Whole gallery [or even a single image] post it to their site Without the artist permission. (and in some cases even claiming ownership of that artwork!)

Why is this a problem you asked? Well for one thing - what if your images were posted on a site that you did not approve of. What if they used your images on a site that promoted views that you did not believe in? Or Material that you did not think proper!

Also, what if the person said they Owned your images, because they were posted on their site? That they had a right to distrubute your images and make a profit? It is all about ownership of your creation!

That is why our copyright laws came into being! To protect your creativity! I for one think that art-theft is getting out of hand! We are seeing more and more of this every day. Not sure if it is because of the easy access of the web or just a change in attitude!

However - It is so easy to just email an artist to ask their permission to use their artwork! And I would guess that in most cases the artist would not only grant permission, but be flattered that someone was interested in their talent!

Once you stand by and let anyone just take something without permission - the world reverts to chaos!

Some rules - like the copyright laws are here for your protection - not to limit people from viewing your artwork - but instead to give the freedom of artists to post their work to allow others the pleasure of viewing!

ladynimue