Hey HP!

We've been getting a lot of the same questions about crediting on images lately, so we thought it was time for an FAQ in the news - because if one person has a question, 10 people probably also do but haven't asked yet.

Q: Why does HP require credits on images where the stock provider doesn't?

A: If a stock provider doesn't require credits and you display their image with no credits, the mods have no way to look up whether or not it's stock, and so they would need to message you to check. Having a full URL makes it easy for us to check and then move on. Also, most stock providers require a full URL on the image if it's being used off of the site where the stock was uploaded, so we use that as our standard for everyone because it's easy, it makes sense, and it's impossible to keep track of 1000 different stock providers and their rules, so we stick to the highest standard to cover all of the bases.

Q: Why are the crediting rules so strict?

A: Our crediting rules make sure that HP has a good relationship with stock providers. Lots of stock providers only allow their stock to be used on HP and not other SIM games, because they know what we will require proper crediting and remove anything that breaks their rules. It also protects the artist, the player displaying the graphics, and HP from any threats over copyright violation.

Q: Why do I have to credit my own images if they're mine?

A: For the same reason as question 1, we have to be able to verify that without messaging you every time. If the stock isn't uploaded somewhere you can just say "images copyright [YOUR NAME HERE]", in this case it doesn't need to be a full URL.

Q: If I made an image before 5/31/18 and put it up, can it keep the old DA credit format?

A: No, only images that were ALREADY UP can be the old format, because if it wasn't uploaded before then, we have no way to know when it was made. If you bought an image from someone else before then, but haven't put it up, and can't get ahold of them to update the credits, contact a mod or admin, because several of us can help you change the credits on the image.

Q: Why does the credit need to be the full URL

A: Because this is what the majority of stock providers require. Also because it makes it super easy for a mod to just type in the URL and check the requirements of the stock provider. If a credit just says "BESTstockEvEr", that tells us nothing about the stock provider or where the image came from.

Q: Why do they have to be on the image and can't be linked below it?

A: Most stock providers require that the credits are on the actual image if their stock is being used on SIM games, so this is what we require as well. This makes sure that the credits are with the image that's being credited which is good for artists and easy for everyone.

Q: Why can colorlovers or patterns be linked but others can’t?

A: Because linking is in accordance with Colourlovers rules, and it's not possible to put the colourlovers credit on the pattern itself (and if you did, it would repeat 1000 times).

Q: What counts as "legible" credits?

A: We need to be able to read them on the final image without zooming in and without having our screens on 100% brightness and our faces 3 inches from the screen. If you've been warned about illegible credits, that means that several mods have looked and given a verdict on if they're legible, so it's not very subjective. If an image degrades over time and the credits become illegible, they need to be updated. It's a good idea to save images to your computer so you can re-upload them if this happens or in case they are lost (which happened with Photobucket and can happen with TinyPic).

Q: Where can I find more information? I can't figure out what is required.

A: Here and here. Also, you can message any mod or admin and we can help you navigate credits! The basics are: Only use images which are specifically posted with the intent to be made into photo manipulations and post the URL where we can find the artist on the image for each picture you use in the graphic.

Q: If I get warned about credits, does that count against my HP mod box forever?

A: No! As long as you fix the issue, it doesn't count against you AT ALL. This is the case with almost all warnings on HP.

Hopefully that helps answer some of those questions for everyone!

Have a great Friday, HP!

-Sam

Thank you Sam! 

Also, I'd like to chime in that everyone should be familiar with where the crediting page on HP is (Rules -> Graphics and Layouts Header -> Guide link). Also if anyone has any questions us staffers are always happy to answer questions! 

Thanks for the update Sam!! 

If anyone has questions, I'm happy to assist! While I haven't made any graphics recently, I was OCD when it came to my credits and can help with placement or organizing them to make sure they don't take away from the image. 

Mucho helpful and a great reminder!
Thanks for posting Sam! :D