Tags
Antoine Watteau's Gilles, Chaconne, invasion of privacy, Jean-Marie Leclair, Micheline's pension fund, WordPress
- Watteau’s commedia dell’arte player of Pierrot, ca 1718–19, traditionally
identified as “Gilles” (Louvre)
As you may know, I decorate my posts with pictures and often write about artists. I name my sources (photo credit) and I indicate the location of the art I have used, which is a form of advertisement.
However, yesterday, as I was reading posts authored by my WordPress colleagues, I discovered that most of the images art.com was showing were images I had featured in recent posts or simply looked at. In other words, they are using my selection of pictures.
A Pattern, not a coincidence
In fact, this has been going on for some time. I have noticed that within days of my using a picture or pictures, these were put on the market. So we are looking at a pattern, not a mere coincidence. So it would seem that art.com is using my selection of pictures, but does not sponsor me.
It seems a good idea to find sponsors. Many WordPress authors spend a great deal of time working on well-researched and informative articles. In my opinion, it is therefore perfectly normal and acceptable for them to seek a financial reward and support.
Invasion of Privacy
However, what is less acceptable is marketing the pictures a WordPress author selects or simply looks at without rewarding this author. I now feel I have been used and that my privacy has been invaded. What else are they looking at?
I have considered contacting art.com in order to ask to be compensated as I am working for them. But I do not think it would benefit me. It may in fact harm me. I am not getting into a fight. Besides although they market pictures I have selected, which can be a long process, most of these pictures are the public domain. But I have nevertheless worked for them and they should pay me. I could use the money.
Micheline’s Pension Fund
In September 2008, just before TARP saved the US and its financial partners from certain perdition, I lost a third of my pension fund. It has grown again but the total amount is still lower than it was in 2008. So supplementing my income would be a good idea.
The Good Side
There is, of course, a flattering side to the entire matter. First, they like my selections. Second, I would suspect they look upon WordPress as a good platform.
Dances
With your permission, I will skip the News. I would rather read your posts. However, I would invite you to listen to the music of a related blog. The chaconne is related to the passacaglia.
Micheline Walker© September 10, 2012 WordPress composer: Jean-Marie Leclair (10 May 1697 – 22 October 1764) piece: Chaconne (related to the Passacaglia) performers: Les Nièces de RameauRelated article
- Boccherini’s Iberian Music: the Passacaglia & the Fandango (michelinewalker.com)