A combination of factors I think. The art itself is very cute, and brings out the "Awwwwwww!" factor in many of us. That also means that there are a lot of people trying their hand at it, just take a look at the Deviant Art website. Lots of talented people there who will do commissions for next to nothing.

:rant on:

Sadly, that also means that the artists really haven't got the resources to pursue copyright violations. I've had several friends that found their art on somebody else's dA page or a website being claimed as original art by the thief. Also some people take their art to use as illustrations on story websites. Even more sadly, I've seen that here on BC as well. I'm a co-founder or moderator on several groups on dA, and I have observed art being used as illustrations here on BC when they have no permission from the artist. I chided one author for using an illustration she had no right to use, directing her to the original artist's page on dA so she could ask for permission. Several chapters later the illustration abruptly disappeared.

Since then I've randomly checked some other uncredited art and in almost every instance they have been traceable to the original copyrighted piece. Sometimes even to a stock photo website where in return for a nominal fee you may purchase onetime rights to the piece without the copyright watermark. Some of these pieces still have a bold copyright notice on them, telling me they were obtained by 'right-clicking' on the image.

Hannah, I apologize for my rant, but this has been bothering me for awhile. I'm not naming any names, I'm not the copyright police. I'm just sad the people who would scream long and loud if somebody stole their stories would turn around and do that very thing to an artist.

:/rant off: :fire suit on:

Karen J.

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I contend that for a nation to try to tax itself into prosperity is like a man standing in a bucket and trying to lift himself up by the handle. - Winston Churchill