Remember when Flickr was the place to be on the internets?
No?
Oh, well, I do. What about Geocities. Ok, that was never cool, but it was a place online. MySpace came and went and has come back again, but as before, I think I am still too old for it. For the moment I think we are all on Facebook and Instagram. After January 16th of next year, I am not sure where I will be wasting my time ooh-ing and ahh-ing over photos of puppies I want and babies I am happy my friends are having as that is the day that Instagram is changing their TOS. A lot of folks on Instagram are NOT happy and are planning to delete their accounts. I was sure that things would have to change somehow…they have to make money. Businesses do that. Well, the ones that survive anyway. I read the TOS, but honestly, it seemed really lawyerey. I read it and heard inside my head; We are a huge company that would like to cover our asses for the future use or misuse of photos in any way that we may come up with so this is a statement that says while you have copyright, we can sell your photos in some manner. Maybe. But probably not. Oh and you will never know what we decide because we are not telling. Well, we might tell, but we don’t have to. If your photos are private, then they are fine, but we may screw up and make a private photo into a public one and then even though it is our bad, you are out of luck. But that probably will not happen, we just have to say it in case it does.
Those who understood the implications much better pointed me to many different links. Clearly the powers-that-be at Instagram saw those too and have reconsidered things a bit. They have issued a statement that they are going to re-word and for everyone to settle on down.
I don’t think that Instagram will be the same now, but I am not concerned… The same thing happened at Flickr and we are all still friends. The internet has always been a place where the seasons change for sites and what was once in bloom fades while another site just starts to produce fruit. I know that I get sick of stuff when I have the same thing every day for years on end.
You can keep finding me on Instagram, this blog and elsewhere on the web…just search for SesameEllis. I am updating the About page here and my many many many links will all be there. Same for the kids’ accounts too. Keep coming back now, Y’all.
(Before I go and offend someone who thinks that with this post I am saying I am OK with Instagram claiming the right to on-sell our images without paying the original photographer, nor even notifying them, I can assure you that I am not. I am NOT OK with that! I just think that they will either be forced to remove that clause or people will move to a different service as has been the case in the past and will be the case in future social media realms.)
{ 13 comments… read them below or add one }
I am not thrilled about the changes. I’m undecided about whether or not I will be keeping my account. I haven’t really kept up with Instagram much lately anyways. Thank you for writing a post on this!
I was so sad when I read the new terms for instagram. I just find it crazy that all these websites need to sell our photos in order for us to use the service. while i probably don’t delete my account I am definitely going to be more picky about what i post. i can’t imagine as a parent having photos of your children being used wherever the heck the buyer sees fit. It’s just not right…
agree.
I always appreciate your perspective on things like this, thank you for taking the time to write it out.
I totally agree with what you wrote. Stuff comes and goes. I wish/hope that sites could/will find other ways to make money besides claiming that they “have the right” to and “can sell” user photos. Advertising? Charge for the service? Create products users want? All valid business plans. Thanks for sharing!
I kinda hate that they want to sell our photos. Mines aren’t even good, i have an IPod and the camera kinda sucks so most of the photos i post on Instagram are kinda blurry. Once in a while i post photos taken with my Nikon and i don’t want those to be sold, in any way. If i wanted to make money out of my photography i would just start a business, there’s a reason why i keep it a hobby.
In any case, i want to be able to post whatever i want without worrying over these people checking my photos and seeing what they’re worth. I share photos of my family, cousins, nephews, nieces, friends… and i like Rachel Del Grosso said, i don’t want them to be used wherever…
Like you said Rachel, i think they will have to change that TOS or people will just stop sharing photos and Instagram will die like so many other social networks…
While I am not on Instagram I am however proud that you have chosen to commemorate my birthday by making it a date to decide at which place you will be looking at puppies. Which is pretty much how I celebrate it only with more playing music and serving my newest ale.
But thanks just the same.
You are most welcome. I will look at lots of puppies that day…just for you.
I’m offended that she isn’t drawing a perfect circle. I expect more…
I will get her to practice tonight for a few hours at least. I have failed as a mother.
Great post Rachel Devine Photography / sesame ellis!
Like everything, huge big ranty kerfuffle when it happens, lots of foot stomping and huffing and puffing, but peeps get over it, they move on. I loved your un-ranty opinion.
x
Thanks for the insight rachel. IG has since “clarified” their position. I am fine with what they explained and I understand the cya approach. Life would be simpler without all that lawyering