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)
Micheline, my dear, I’m so sorry that go through such troubles. I hope art.com to contact and reach a consensus with them.
I listened with pleasure music of Jean-Marie Leclair – I like it very much. Thank you so much for this.
Big hugs always with love, Stefania! 🙂
LikeLike
You are very kind Stefania. I so appreciate your friendship and your encouragement. So, as always, big hugs and love. Micheline
LikeLike
I agree, Micheline… Two sides to this story –
1. Privacy Issues &
2. Flattery
I have often found other WordPress users (who follow me) posting an article similar to one I have just posted! This I can only look upon as flattery; something that I’ve been inspired to write about has, in turn, inspired them.. (Not quite the situation here, of course.)
It will be interesting to see what results from this posting..!
LikeLike
I meant to add – I really enjoyed the music..!
LikeLike
The Boccherini pieces show a different Boccherini. He spent a lifetime in Spain and Portugal and used the folklore and dances of the land where he worked.
And these pieces were then adopted by other composers. Bach is one of these composers. Bach’s Passacaglia and Fugue in C minor (BWV 582) is rooted in folklore, a street dance. I love these stories.
Thank you once again,
Micheline
LikeLike
Dear Carolyn,
Thank you for your comments. What you noted is very wise. The better option is to feel a little amused and flattered. I have given myself a marvellous project. Once again, I feel I have a community. Retiring was difficult.
If art.com gets in touch with me, I will be kind and friendly. It’s the diplomatic way and I do not want them to stop sponsoring a colleague or colleagues at WordPress. I had not thought of that danger, but having had a good night’s sleep, the thought that I could harm a colleague rose to the surface.
We have an excellent blogging platform that I must protect and I did not start blogging to make money. You know my reasons for blogging. Quite frankly it precludes entering into fights. Thank you for writing. It was very helpful.
With kindest regards,
Micheline
LikeLike
Well thought, dear Micheline, your friends know the excellence and originality of your posts, besides learning now about art.com’s practices! Take care, Lou.
LikeLike
Thank you Lou,
I have decided not to fight art.com. Why bring a fight into a mostly happy life. Now that I have told about their practices, they may refrain from using my pictures. At first, I was disappointed, but I had options, the best of which was to not to do anything. Thank you Lou and mes salutations les plus cordiales. Micheline
LikeLike