EDITED:

As of today, February 21, 2007, BZPower will no longer be enforcing our policy on the Direct-Linking of images.
This policy was originally instated as a courtesy to other websites, so that their bandwidth was not wasted by members linking to them for their avatars, banners, etc. As of late it has become too much of a logistics nightmare to continue to enforce. As the number of members keeps increasing, so too do the number of people Direct-Linking, making it difficult for the Administration to keep up. We still ask that you try to avoid doing this, as it is still stealing bandwidth, but doing so will no longer result in a post deduction.

Thank you for your cooperation.

-Andrew (Black Six)


Direct Linking

Ok, how many of you know that direct linking is against the rules? What is direct linkng you ask?

Short Version: Direct linking is when you take a URL of a picture that another site has up and put it in your sig, use it for your avatar, or put it in any post. For example... If I like a picture Lego.com has up and I take the www.lego.com address and use it then that is direct linking.

When you direct link, you are STEALING bandwidth from the other site. And is stealing good? No, it is not. Would you like it if people were stealing from you just because they thought something you had was cool and wanted it? No, you would not.

Long Version: When you use an image as your avatar, or have a signature banner, that image is hosted somewhere on the Internet. When you use an image, the site that it's hosted on must pay money for the use of bandwidth; therefore, if you use an image from a website without it's consent, you are stealing bandwidth, and money. That's called Direct Linking, and is removed from profiles, because it's not allowed on BZP. There are some specific sites, called Image Hosting sites, such as Village Photos and Brickshelf, that allow you to host your images there. If you direct link from your homepage or a freewebs account, that’s ok, because it’s coming from yourself. There are also BZP avatars that you can use without penalty, available in your control panel. (However, this does not mean you can directly link ANY BZPower hosted image. For example, images from news stories-- though they are BZPower images, you can't just go use them in your profile. Emotes may be used without penalty.

Bottom line is, if the image is on a site you do not own or have permission to directly link to (like brickshelf and maj), you may not direct link to it.

SO.... from now on - every time we have to remove a directly linked picture from a sig or avatar the admins will take away 10 posts from that person.

QUESTIONS
Read before asking questions!

The following is a bulleted list that tells what questions are answered in the following section of this post-- search for your question, and if found, scroll down until you see the similar bolded title that elaborates with information below it.

THE BASICS: TRUTH & CONSEQUENCES

• Is copying a link the same as direct linking?
• What is bandwidth, and why should I care?
• How do I know whether an image is direct linked or not?
• How do I avoid direct linking an image?
• What do I do if I see a direct linked picture?
• What happens when you lose 10 posts for direct linking and you direct link again? Do you lose proto?
• If my sig/avatar has been removed, how long is it before I can replace it?
• Is it okay if someone PMs you a pic and you use it?

DIRECT LINKING & BZPOWER

• What about using pictures from BZPower?
• What if the picture is an upload to BZP?
• Is this just for BZP?

WHAT ABOUT THE PICTURES?

• Am I allowed to use pics from free sites?
• Does the image have to be LEGO-related?

BRICKSHELF

• Would it be direct linking if you used an image from someone else's brickshelf (or other hosting site) account?
• How do I get help with brickshelf?

OTHER USEFUL STUFF YOU SHOULD KNOW

• Is there a difference between hotlinking and direct linking?
• Why isn't this discussed in the Pictures Topic, since it's about pictures?

ANSWERS

THE BASICS: TRUTH & CONSEQUENCES

Is copying a link the same as direct linking?

Copying the URL of a site or webpage itself is NOT direct linking, just copying the URL of a picture. Direct linking wastes bandwidth; linking does not. If we see you direct linking in your posts, we typically remove the image and link it.

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What is bandwidth, and why should I care?

That is answered in this topic.

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How do I know whether an image is direct linked or not?

To check if an image is direct linked or not, right-click on the image, go to properties, and check the Address (URL). If the URL is a commercial site (like Lego.com), then it is definitely direct linking. If the URL has the site, then a name and/or number followed by the image, it is usually a host site. If you are unsure of whether the image is direct linked or not, feel free to ask someone who might know.

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How do I avoid direct linking an image?

Right-click the image and save it to your computer, then find a hosting site, like brickshelf/maj and upload it there.

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What do I do if I see a direct linked picture?

Let the proper people know, and they will deal with the problem There are two things you can do yourself about a direct linked picture, depending on where you find them.

• If you find them in a post, simply hit the "Report This Post" button and be sure to say that there is a direct linked image in the description.
  
• If you find it in a signature or avatar, send a PM to a Support Team (ST) member with the member's name, link to the profile, and the reason for the report. For example, you could say, "Member Name is direct linking. Here is the profile."

If you do not know who the ST are, they are the members whose names are written in green, and here is more about what they do.

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What happens when you lose 10 posts for direct linking and you direct link again? Do you lose proto?

It depends: somebody does that, and that person will probably lose another 10 posts and be warned. If the member continues, the punishment will be more severe, ranging from high post count reduction, proto points, or banishment. Most people get it after their first violation, so this doesn't have to happen much, but we take disregarding what the staff members here say very seriously. So it depends, but it's best not to push it.

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If my sig/avatar has been removed, how long is it before I can replace it?

Once you've read the sig and avatar guidelines, you may remove the direct linking notices and replace them with avatar and sig images that meet the guidelines.

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Is it okay if someone PMs you a pic and you use it?

If the Picture is direct linked, and they tell you to Save it, then Upload somewhere, that's the same as DLing, because they sent a DL'd Image. So Report them if that happens.

If it's already Uploaded somewhere, then sure, go ahead and use it (unless they say not not to use it). Then you should be fine, that is, if it isn't inappropriate and in ok with the avatar restrictions. (See the Directory)

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DIRECT LINKING & BZPOWER

What about using pictures from BZPower?

BZPower and its affiliates (see here) are not hosting sites. If the URL with http://www.bzpower.com or any of its affiliates, it is direct linked.

The only exceptions are for the quiz banner and the default avatars, but they are exclusively for use at this site. If you see a picture with our URL in it used at another site, please let us know.

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What if the picture is an upload to BZP?

An image, whether as an avatar or in a post, uploaded directly to BZPower by a Premier Member is the same as if an Administrator put the image into the site, since it goes on the same server. You may save the picture to your hard drive and upload elsewhere though. You may not use BZP as a host for BZP or any other site. Unauthorized Image Hosting. Breaking this rule is punished in the same manner as direct linking; it's no less severe.

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Is this just for BZP?
Is this just for BZP?

Actually, the rule against direct linking isn't a random BZP thing; it's common knowledge as internet courtesy. DLing is just something you shouldn't do online, regardless of the website, if they don't specifically grant it.

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WHAT ABOUT THE PICTURES?

Am I allowed to use pics from free sites?

Usually, the site owners will ask that you not direct link from them, so save them to your computer and host them somewhere else.

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Does the image have to be LEGO-related?

No, the image does not have to be LEGO-related, but use brickshelf only if the image is LEGO-related. Before using brickshelf, be sure to read their Brickshelf Usage Rules.

If it is not LEGO-related, you may use maj or another hosting site. Here and here are a list of some other hosting sites for LEGO and non-LEGO images, but some of these sites no longer work.

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BRICKSHELF

Would it be direct linking if you used an image from someone else's brickshelf (or other hosting site) account?

No, it would not be direct linking, but it would be nice if you had the person's permission before you use the image.

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How do I get help with brickshelf?

We have a Brickshelf Help Topic for any questions regarding the site.

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OTHER USEFUL STUFF YOU SHOULD KNOW

Is there a difference between hotlinking and direct linking?

No, they are the same thing. Hotlinking is when another web site owner links directly to one or more of your images or multimedia files and includes it on their web page. Not only is this theft of your intellectual property, you are paying for the bandwidth used by that site.

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Why isn't this discussed in the Pictures Topic, since it's about pictures?

This issue is more complex and requires a bit more explanation than just the !! Pictures Topic !!.

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If you have any other questions, feel free to ask, but please read what has been written first. There's no sense in asking an already answered question. Any question not related to direct linking should be searched for in the FAQ, then asked in the New Member Q&A if it's not found there, unless it has nothing to do with BZP, then don't ask it there either.

Mark

This post has been edited by Black Six: Feb 21 2007, 09:40 PM

So,are you still allowed to get an avatar from a differnt site and not post the direct link?Or can you not do that?(i'm not much of a computer freak)

I've read the reference desk, and we're allowed to use brickshelf and geekshelf. but yes, what about free pic or gif sites, where they want you to use them? or should we just not bother becuase there's no way for you to tell if it's a free gif page or not?

QUOTE (Golden Krana @ Dec 21 2002, 08:29 PM)

So,are you still allowed to get an avatar from a differnt site and not post the direct link?Or can you not do that?(i'm not much of a computer freak)

Yes, if you see a picture you like you can save it and upload it to a place like brickshelf (if it is lego related) or geekshelf (if it is not lego related). That is fine, in fact - that is how you are supposed to do it.

Mark

Just one more question and i'm done,does the pictures have to be Lego realated,or can they be something differnt like lets say Pokemon.Do they have to be Lego realated?

QUOTE (Snuffles @ Dec 21 2002, 08:35 PM)

what about free pic or gif sites, where they want you to use them?  or should we just not bother becuase there's no way for you to tell if it's a free gif page or not?

all of the free gif sites I have ever seen (and I have seen tons) have the gifs for you to use - but they tell you that you can not direct link. You have to host it yourself. If you know of one that is different, letme know and I will look at it.


And for the sig validation picture, yes -that is ok. But say you see a picture we use on a news story - you may not direct link that.

QUOTE (Golden Krana @ Dec 21 2002, 08:41 PM)

Just one more question and i'm done,does the pictures have to be Lego realated,or can they be something differnt like lets say Pokemon.Do they have to be Lego realated?

If you upload pictures to Brickshelf.com they MUST be Lego related. If you have a picture like of pokemon or zoids you have to upload those to geekshelf.com.

Mark

So I have a spinning Vahi That I got from Brickshelf that I got from a file not my own. Is that ok?

Im sorry that i linked it from inside BZPower.... but when i went to get it from the topic, it was gone... is there anyway to get it back? so i can host it on brickshelf?

Oops. Sorry about that. I forgot that I linked from another site. Sorry, Ill fox it. One quesetion: When I took my old avatar to try to save it so I could get it on Brickshelf, it wouldn't save right. Why? It just came up as numbers and stuff on bshelf.

QUOTE (StokerNuva#2 @ Dec 22 2002, 11:40 AM)

So I have a spinning Vahi That I got from Brickshelf that I got from a file not my own. Is that ok?

Well I think it's O.K. if you ask the owner of the file if you can use it.

Oh yeah, is it O.K. to link your avatar directly to your own site? I use my old homestead site to host it. (Now I use Geocities, but when I tried to host my avatar from there from time to time it turned into a red X)

This post has been edited by Taiki: Dec 22 2002, 12:56 AM

QUOTE (StokerNuva#2 @ Dec 22 2002, 12:40 AM)

So I have a spinning Vahi That I got from Brickshelf that I got from a file not my own. Is that ok?

No, the spinning Vahi is a reward for BZP members. If you have not earned it you may not display it - no matter what color you make it and no matter where you host it. If you have not earned it - it is not yours to use.

QUOTE

One quesetion: When I took my old avatar to try to save it so I could get it on Brickshelf, it wouldn't save right. Why? It just came up as numbers and stuff on bshelf.

I do not know, look up on the rules of BS and if you still have problems ask somebody in art.

QUOTE

so i can host it on brickshelf?

Have you read anything I have wrote? You may host stuff on BS

Mark

i use village photos is it allowed?

QUOTE (zaarock @ Dec 22 2002, 05:11 AM)

i use village photos is it allowed?

if you have an account at village photos then yes.

Mark

Until now, I did not know that it was against the rules. I don't think mine's a directs link.

For anyone that asks about Village photos.. It's okay but not completely reccomended. At Village Photos they give you five megabytes a day, about a thousand views. And at the amount of views that BZ gets it will be locked out in no time . That's why I h8te village photos.

-GY

What about if you take a picture from another website, put it on brick/geekshelf??Is that ok?

well, i got my old ava from linkinpark.com, i guess that means i changed it just in time! my new ones from brickshelf.com, so thats aight.
what about other communities? could i take a pic from foolco, the msn group, of which i am the co-webmaster?

QUOTE (Thrawn @ Dec 22 2002, 12:35 PM)

Until now, I did not know that it was against the rules. I don't think mine's a directs link.

is http://www.nicholasscott.free-online.co.uk/ your website? if it is then you are correct - you are not direct linking. If it is not your site then yes, you are direct linking.

QUOTE

What about if you take a picture from another website, put it on brick/geekshelf??Is that ok?

YES! That is perfect.

QUOTE

well, i got my old ava from linkinpark.com, i guess that means i changed it just in time!  my new ones from brickshelf.com, so thats aight. what about other communities? could i take a pic from foolco, the msn group, of which i am the co-webmaster?

You can save the pic on linkinpark.com and upload it to geekshelf or the site you are co-webmaster of and host it from there, THAT is ok to do. But not direct link form linkinpark.com. As long as you are in charge of a site you can use it to link form.

Mark

I'll never put pics in my sig (exept the one from the Bionicle quiz) But I'm not shure about my avatar I believe ti is from Brickshelf but I'll have to check on that one. I'll be back in a jiffy.

Happy Holidays

EDIT: Yep my avatar is from Brickshelf .

This post has been edited by toweroflegends: Dec 22 2002, 01:55 PM

are URLs considered direct linking or just images?

Can I take a pic from another person's Brickshelf account or must it be mine?

This post has been edited by <Pohatu Nuva>: Dec 22 2002, 03:09 PM

QUOTE (mfuss903 @ Dec 21 2002, 05:42 PM)

QUOTE (Snuffles @ Dec 21 2002, 08:35 PM) what about free pic or gif sites, where they want you to use them?  or should we just not bother becuase there's no way for you to tell if it's a free gif page or not? all of the free gif sites I have ever seen (and I have seen tons) have the gifs for you to use - but they tell you that you can not direct link. You have to host it yourself. If you know of one that is different, letme know and I will look at it.

nope, that pretty much clears it up. thanks!

OK, so that means that I can't take my avatar directly from Bionicle.com? ! That's what I was planning on doing... Oh well!

This post has been edited by Muaka's Wrath: Dec 22 2002, 04:10 PM

Nope...their good (Brickshelf)

Here's a good rule of thumb...use the Image Hosting topic in the Reference Desk to find image hosting websites.

Sign up..make sure you fit the BZP rules as well as the hosting sites rules...and the put the image in.

Also...if you run your own site and are afraid that it may be mistaken as direct linking...play it safe and host the image elsewhere anyways (that way it doesn't take YOUR bandwidth to host the image)

Oh so thats why when i tried to put a pic from lego.com it didnt work thanks for the info

Whoops! I removed my sig image now. Sorry for linking inside BZP! Won't do it again. Well, I'm glad that this topic was made, it shows how direct linking is bad and explains what it is, and what to do so ya' don't do it.

This post has been edited by NuvaWarrior: Dec 22 2002, 06:46 PM

QUOTE (Kopaka vs Kohrak @ Dec 22 2002, 04:40 PM)

are URLs considered direct linking or just images?

If you want to link to something on another site then that is fine. You can not just dispaly thier pic in your sig or avatar.

QUOTE

Can I take a pic from another person's Brickshelf account or must it be mine?

It would be polite to ask them if you can use it. Just because it is their pic. But there is no actuall rule here saying you can not do that.

QUOTE

That would be extremely hard to do, Mark. Do you really actually take the time to decipher whether or not each member owns the site he is directly linking from? Not to be insulting you, but you must have a heck of a lot of time on your hands! Either that, or I'm just one overly stupid Bohrok who's missing a very easy way to determine how you can just 'know' if the person owns the site?

Actually, I have very little free time. Thats why I hate taking my time to nuke all these directly linked pictures and why I made this topic.

I have the Support Team and Mods on the lookout for directly linked pictures. Its actually pretty simple to find them.... just look at the taskbar when the page is loading and if you see something like 'downloading from lego.com' then you know that somebody is direct linking.

And as far as trying to figure out if it is somebodys own site thats pretty easy also. 95% of the directly linked pictures are from sites like legol.com, zoids.com, or some other major site like that. And I highly doubt anybody here owns major sites like that. If I am not sure I do look into it - its actually pretty easy to figure out. But if I am not sure I will ask the person who is linking the picture. But so far I have never been wrong.

Mark

If direct linking is stealing bandwith, why would brickshelf let you steal from them? I dont get that part.
And what if someone else owns the site but says that you can directly link? Like if i want to use a pic from my friends site and he says i can direcly link to it.

what if its ur own site? like my sonic one in my profile?

QUOTE (Apothys @ Dec 23 2002, 12:55 PM)

what if its ur own site? like my sonic one in my profile?

Thats ok. At least thats how i interpreted the rule. I don't see how you can steal bandwith from yourself, so i don't see whats wrong with it. I hope i am rite.

QUOTE (Apothys @ Dec 23 2002, 02:55 PM)

what if its ur own site? like my sonic one in my profile?

If it is your own site, it is ok -- but geekshelf is not 'your' site. You have a section on the site, but the site is not yours....

And Geekshelf and Brickshelf allow you to direct link because thats what the guy who owns them wants. He is one of very few webmasters that allow you to direct link.

Mark

QUOTE (zer0 @ Dec 23 2002, 12:04 PM)

don't see how you can steal bandwith from yourself...

Look at it this way...if you're hosting a website...and then use an image from your own site as an avatar/sig image...you're bandwidth is now supporting that image.

Now...let's say somebody sees that...and decides they like it to..so then they take it and use it for an image somewhere else...now you're actually hosting an image for somebody else.

Essentially...it's best to just host images on specialized hosting pages...even if you've got your own site...that way if somebody decides to steal the image...it won't be from your bandwidth.

So, If I wrote a letter to, lets say, nintendo, that asks if I could direct link, would it be okay if they said yes?

QUOTE (dhik @ Dec 26 2002, 09:34 PM)

What about the quiz images? Are they ok or do we need to host them?

If they were not ok to have we would not give you the code to put them in your sig....

can u take an image from ur own site and use it in yur sig or avatar

Are you allowed to put a link to something like beyblade.com in your sig but in a proper (sp?) http:// address from sig creating? I think I put this the right way.

---------
greenacrea

QUOTE (greenacrea @ Feb 2 2003, 09:57 AM)

Are you allowed to put a link to something like beyblade.com in your sig but in a proper (sp?) http://  address from sig creating? I think I put this the right way. --------- greenacrea

Don't think so.
I think you cannot put links in your sig to non-bionicle websites.
Anyway it is not your site and it's advertising.

This post has been edited by Domon: Feb 2 2003, 10:07 AM

If you are going to have an avatar, and it is on another site; please put it on Brickshelf if Lego related (Geekshelf if not).

QUOTE (Lord Makuta @ Feb 16 2003, 01:13 PM)

If you are going to have an avatar, and it is on another site; please put it on Brickshelf if Lego related (Geekshelf if not).

geekshelf dissapeared,noone can use it

Are you allowed to link from brickshelf?