Update to Image Rules

[Rasengod7]

Images - Any pictures that are used for characters, planets, inventions etc... must not be copyrighted and must have the author's permission before using it. If an author states that they do not want their work to be used then you can not use their work even if you provide a link. All images that fall under this will be asked to be removed. Also if you notice another using an image like this please inform the staff. This rule is in place to protect and respect the author's works.

[Schmidt]

It has been brought to my attention that this rule is not being followed. So, I'll reiterate this so everyone is very clear:

If you are using a picture that has been created by another artist - i.e. not by yourself or by a company such as BioWare, Microsoft etc - then you absolutely must ask their permission before using said art on the forum, in any form. If you do not ask, you haven't got permission, and you're in breach of this rule.

MEU is becoming known amongst certain sectors of the internet as being the "site that steals people's art" and I'm not having it. There have been topics posted about this before; some of you will recall artists coming here and filing a complaint about their work being used without their permission.

Please note, crediting an artists is not the same as having their permission. I could credit the work my friend Ace does, but that doesn't mean he's given me permission to use it. You need proof of consent - MSN chat logs, a PM, something! - in order for it to be verified; anyone could just lie and say they've received consent. In any case, where unique art is used the artists will be contacted to ensure permission has been given.

Breach of this rule will now warrant an immediate twenty percent increase in your warning level. Continued breaches will mean continued increases, until you're eventually banned. I'm taking a harsh stance on this because in essence you're stealing someone else's work.

That's all.