Okay…well let’s talk about some things, because while I agree with an artist’s right to protect their work, I also think we need to be careful how we address folks. What am I talking about? I’m talking about this YouTube video.
First off, let me stay that I’m a staunch supporter of artists and their rights to protect their work. See the artwork on this blog? I approached the artist (via email) and asked permission (and obtained that permisison) to use it as part of a blog template. I’ve used his artwork in a few of my blog designs, and always asked permission each time. I was the lone person, who had issue with artwork displayed in signatures/avatars on NP, because folks were not giving credit, nor had they asked permission to make an avatar out of someone else’s artwork. An attorney had the nerve to tell me I was “making a big deal” out of it. So, trust me, I understand.
Secondly, we need to realize that everyone doesn’t view the world the way we do. “How would you feel????” is a valid question, but the answer is even more important, especially if the answer is “not how you feel”. Just because a person has a different perspective than you, doesn’t mean their perspective is wrong. There’s two sides to this, and both sides can be presented intelligently. Since my comments disappeared, I’m assuming you disagree. No problem.
Thirdly, MANY people consider YouTube videos to be under the nebulous “fair use” umbrella, regardless of how right or wrong it is to think that way. It’s one thing to have your own site, with your work displayed on that site, and have others take from your PERSONAL site, without your permission. It’s one thing to have others try to pass off your work as their own. It’s one thing to clearly state your terms of use, and have others ignore your wishes. It’s another thing to post your video on “YouTube” and get all uptight about folks embedding your videos, especially if you didn’t specify your terms of use. Quite frankly, I wouldn’t post a video on YouTube, if I had a problem with it being shared, embedded, or otherwise (without permission), regardless of the quality or “level” of the content . So see, I feel much differently than you.
The ”Hair Growth” video was shared as a “gift” to your subscribers, according to your own words. It was beautifully done, as are all of your videos, and it was very educational/informative. I think many of us were mesmerized and thankful, and decided to share the gift…not with the intent of trying to “make money off your hard work”, but we simply wanted others to see what we saw. Again, I didn’t ask permission, because based on the nature of the video and the vehicle used to share it, I didn’t consider it necessary…no disrespect intended. To say that “people who post your videos on their blogs are trying to make money off your work, pure and simple…” (paraphrased) is off base and quite presumptuous (and offensive). I don’t have a monetized blog, and if I were looking to make money from videos, YouTube would not be my resource.
A Nappy Girl
I agree 100%. Its not so much what she said but how she said it.
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That’s my point. Tell people what you want, “I really appreciate that people love my videos and want to share them, but I ask that you get my permisson first. Here’s my email address. Bloggers who don’t comply will be contacted by my attorney”. The end. Short and simple.
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Hi!
I thought it was just me, but I also thought the tone of the video was rather abasive and offensive. I am a subscriber to this YouTuber and have enjoyed her videos, which are very creative. However, I have seen a gradual change in attitude as subscriptions, notoriety and financial aspirations have increased. I think that she should actually stop making her videos on YouTube, copyright her stuff, brand herself and start a website/blog where she may have more control over her content. If you are trying to make $$$$ YouTube is really not the place. I’m glad that you posted this, hope she sees it…
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I finally read through the post and watched the video. I saw in another post where she stated something about writing a book-which is fine. Truthfully, I understand what she means about the quality of her videos. There are so many terrible videos on youtube, and I like her’s because she actually appears to put an effort in their creation. But, you can’t post stuff on youtube then act all righteous about it when someone posts it on their blog-especially when it isn’t about money. Even if a person was making money off their blog, IT’S THE INTERNET!!! What do you expect to happen? I don’t understand her issue with content and linking, etc. If anything, it’s only helping to make her more widely known.
Wouldn’t you want that to happen? What happened to the principles of publicity (even bad publicity) to get your name out there?
I’m curious NEA, what kind of comments did you leave? I didn’t see any comments other than “I totally agree” and “You are so right.”
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Like I said earlier, I have no problem with what she said. But she didn’t say it in the best way. She’s got a TON of YouTube subscribers, and while some may not have been “professional” (according to her) in their method of sharing, I know at least SOME of them (like me and some others) meant no harm. Don’t insult your subscribers.
As far as the comments? Yes, mine were deleted. In my first comment, I apologized, and stated that I thought she’d want folks to share…again the particular video I’m talking about was a “gift”, according to her. I stated that I, as well as at least a few others, had no desire or intent to “take” anything from her. Nor did I feel my choice to not ask her permission first was “unprofessional”, cuz again, I don’t consider YouTube to be “professional”, necessarily…as a whole. The vast majority of YouTube videos aren’t professional, in any sense of the word. That’s okay too, because I still enjoy them and they serve a purpose.
In my second comment, I responded to someone else who also apologized, and stated that they would not mind if someone posted their videos on blogs without permission. I responded that I wouldn’t have issue with it either, as long as they weren’t posted on porn sites or hate sites, etc. However, I would state my terms of use in the very beginning of my videos, because everybody has different expectations and when I brought up the “fair use” issue, I got a “yeah right…you make videos like mine, and let’s see if you’re still talking “fair use” type response (paraphrased).
She asked, “How would you feel”, and I told her.
First off, if I ever decide to do YouTube videos (which ain’t gonna happen), they will be tight…no question. No mess. I’m not ABOUT to be puttin’ up videos with dark lighting, strange people walkin’ around in the background, jumpin’ video shots, etc. That’s not me.
I completely agree with Mo, as far as her branding herself, getting a site, and stepping away from YouTube…period. THAT’s the “professional” thing to do, if you wanna go there.
She brought up DMCA, which is interesting, because YouTube is a hotbed of sharing of copyrighted material. That’s what YouTube is KNOWN for. Again, this is quite interesting.
http://www.wisegeek.com/what-is-the-digital-millennium-copyright-act-dmca.htm
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