A Question..

[Josiah VE]

I recently made a sort of map I've never done before, a map of a windmill. (inspired by Larb's awesome Browan Mill). I've never made a map of a building before.

With a quick google search I found a photo and traced a very basic outline from it. When I was nearly done the map I realized it was a photo that was supposed to be bought. I only traced a simple outline from it, and changed things, do you think it would be okay to post it on here?

[ladiestorm]

As far as I know, tracing an outline of the windmill itself, as long as you aren't copying the entire picture, and as long as you aren't planning to sell your map or list it as an original drawing... I don't think that violates copyright law. If I remember correctly if you have changed more than 50% of the original, it doesn't meet infringement laws.

Realize though, my knowledge of infringement laws are literary based, not visual art based. That being said, windmills are 'fairly' universal objects. Meaning there isn't a lot of difference from one to another. The basic design is the same.

[tilt]

As long as it is a basic outline I would say you're home safe. As ladiestorm mentions a windmill is pretty common so unless its a photograph that is so unique its instantaneous recognizable I don't see any problems. Next time, just ask me - I have a windmill just down the road

[Josiah VE]

Thanks you two.

Definitely not more than 50% of the image, more like 10%.

And no, definitely not planning to sell it..

That would be so cool.. Definitely no windmills here except for those big wind turbines. If I ever go to europe or some place cool I want to take lots of side view photos of cool buildings and stuff that I can potentially us for mapping. Well, next time, I will ask you!

I'll go ahead and post it then. Thanks!

[johnvanvliet]

to the north of me ( i am in Michigan ) the copyright law is almost as bad

basically you can NEVER!!!! know if you are infringing or not until you are sued and a judge makes a ruling ( and you have spent 1.5 Million to do that )

[ladiestorm]

I thought copyright laws were universal in the US. I live in North Carolina. The laws should be the same here as they are there.

[Mark Oliva]

I thought copyright laws were universal in the US. I live in North Carolina. The laws should be the same here as they are there.

They are. But as said ... you can NEVER!!!! know if you are infringing or not until you are sued and a judge makes a ruling.

Because once you are sued and a court accepts the suit, you're in court. Even if the court (judge or jury) rules in your favor in the end, it probably will cost you something.

[johnvanvliet]

the laws in Canada ( 1/2 my family is over the border in the "great white land to the north --- A" ) are similar to the US

the major problem is the fee shifting

say for example

i sue you and i KNOW for a 100% fact you will win
but i force you to spend 1 to 2 MILLION to win
and you go out of business and declare bankruptcy

i still won , even if i lost

this is because it is almost IMPOSSIBLE to prove to the court that i acted with knowing and milisious intent
so you can NOT force me to pay YOUR legal fees

for this reason MOST settle and have set a VERY BAD president in the courts

shoot( sue) FIRST and ask questions later

almost all "common sense" has been removed from the F'ed up laws

[ladiestorm]

that's right up there with criminals being able to sue you if they get injured on your property while committing a crime!

[Josiah VE]

Hmmm... interesting.
I believe it would be okay to put it on my website, eh?