Forum

[covenantguy]

Does anyone know whether you can copy a GIF image off a site in a similar niche and use it? I saw a GIF image that changes-or the script changes 3 times, picture is the same-I forget what they call that ??? Anyway the one I did for my site looks inferior. So by way of experiment I did right-click copy and was interested to see the whole GIF image (complete with teh changing images) appeared on my desktop. (The picture doesn't have any branded names or website names on it- just some sales spiel).

 

[chettvq24]

I would not recommend copying images off of someones site without asking them for permission as this could land you in trouble. You can use a paint program such as GIMP or paint.net or photoshop and use images from a site such as istock photo or free images from sxc.hu. Then you can use a program like GIMP to achieve the effect you are looking for - the effect of changing pictures.
Chett

 

[sonitin]

You can also take images from Flickr as long as you attribute them to the original page.

 

[wollowra]

In one word, " Nope"

They probably either copied the picture themselves which they can be held accountable for or they purchased the right to use the picture from istock etc.

Regards
Troy

 

[nelsencaleb]

You could pay someone to get you images.

 

[covenantguy]

Thanks for all the replies
I hadn't heard of GIMP- will look at that. I just find Paint.net takes me so long-and all I want is a quick image to put in! But as you say you have to look at copywrigt etc etc etc

 

[emilsp]

I personally find GIMP unusable :)

At least for me, it has a huge learning curve, Paint.net is a lot easier to use if you're not a professional.

There are many free and simple tools that create .gif animations from separate pictures, you could use those if you don't like Paint.net.

And yes, you shouldn't copy images from other websites, even though the chances of getting in trouble for that are slim.

 

[jcdean]

I know a guy who will make a giff (changing banner) for cheap. topecovers dot com. Send him a link to the one you like on a competitors page and ask him to do something simular.

By the time you figure out how to use a tool and get it just right you could have wrote an artical or two and got a couple more links to your site. better use of your time IMHO.

 

[Stilmat]

You could pay someone to get you images, or you can do it something else.....

 

[gradyp]

GIMP does have a steep learning curve, but when you learn to use it, it is very nice and powerful, especially for the price. I think it handles some things better than Paint.net does. I've been reading a book called "Beginning GIMP" by Akkana Peck that is an excellent resource for learning the program. Well worth learning, as you can not only use it for your web work, you can use it to touch up photos and much more.

As for the pictures, NEVER ASSUME that you can use a picture UNLESS you see something that says you are allowed to. There are places you can get images to use, but remember to follow their terms of use. If you are getting an image from an affiliate area, these you can usually use without any problems, but most other places, I would ask before using unless you either pay for the right to use the image or you are given permission (either through you asking or it being expressly written in the page).

Grady

 

[gilesy]

what are the consequences if your caught??

Like if I found somebody had an image that belonged to me, what can I do about it?

I'll admit I take images from anywhere!

 

[stargate66]

I would stay away from copying other websites' images unless it is there for the purpose of doing just that.

You can get free or very cheap quality images at http://www.sxc.hu/