FA/IMVU Discussion

[PastryOfApathy]

That's a pity. I watch a ton of people on Weasyl and it's attracted some really awesome artists (my fiance refuses to use FA). This "brand" power is one of the silliest things I've seen people let inconvenience the community. Why deal with Neer and IMVU? If you're an uber popufur, just use your influence for a migration...then you can have folders and a nice staff.

Or you could stick with FA and all it's stress. It's easy as pie.

It's easier to stay and not ruin a good thing than switch a different site and risk losing all your viewers because they don't want to juggle multiple sites.

 

[Verin Asper]

man this is an awesome quote

This. IMVU did not steal your artwork. a low-life person did. Blaming IMVU is a bit like going to a store, and getting mugged in the parking lot then blaming the store saying they mugged you.

There are thieves here, yes. But that is true of anywhere. The majority of creators are good people.

And IMVU does not hate the furry fandom. Most IMVU users do not hate the furry fandom (that I have seen).

YOU CAN though get angry at the store for having shoddy security, heck you can get the store in trouble when its revealed it doesnt have security camera's in place that works (my job got in trouble for having a camera not being functional when a customer got mugged in our parking lot).

IMVU users did admit that their catty works on a community system where the submission is reviewed before being allowed on the system...

 

[Butters Shikkon]

It's easier to stay and not ruin a good thing than switch a different site and risk losing all your viewers because they don't want to juggle multiple sites.

They wouldn't have to juggle if they would just get the hell out of dodge. I know it's easier said than done though. But this Offsite agoraphobia just makes me shake my head more often than not. Also, its kinda clever to not put all your eggs in one (falling apart) basket.

 

[PastryOfApathy]

They wouldn't have to juggle if they would just get the hell out of dodge. I know it's easier said than done though. But this Offsite agoraphobia just makes me shake my head more often than not. Also, its kinda clever to not put all your eggs in one (falling apart) basket.

It's like every other revolution (for lack of a better term, you know what I mean), everyone wants a change but no one wants to take the first step. So we all spend 10 years bitching about how much we hate this place and wishing everyone would switch, but stay here anyways because we want to wait for the other guy to do it because they don't want to risk anything.

 

[Tchelline]

I wonder how awkward it could be to try and copyright furry porn.

That's why Imvu will never loose. From all the stolen art, only a very few people will have the disposition to fight for his/her rights on adult art. Because let's face it, 70% of furry art is of adult nature.

 

[AshleyAshes]

It's like every other revolution (for lack of a better term, you know what I mean), everyone wants a change but no one wants to take the first step. So we all spend 10 years bitching about how much we hate this place and wishing everyone would switch, but stay here anyways because we want to wait for the other guy to do it because they don't want to risk anything.

https://status.weasyl.com/munin/weasyl.com/web1.i.weasyl.com/weasyl_active_sessions_1h.html

The numbers would show that Weasyl's usage has actually jumped significantly since this IMVU went down.

Weasyl: The only furry site not afraid to share it's usage statistics and in detail even!

 

[PastryOfApathy]

That's why Imvu will never loose. From all the stolen art, only a very few people will have the disposition to fight for his/her rights on adult art. Because let's face it, 70% of furry art is of adult nature.

Also the fact that you have to pay IMVU to actually see it which kinda defeats the entire purpose anyways.

https://status.weasyl.com/munin/weasyl.com/web1.i.weasyl.com/weasyl_active_sessions_1h.html

The numbers would show that Weasyl's usage has actually jumped significantly since this IMVU went down.

Weasyl: The only furry site not afraid to share it's usage statistics and in detail even!

The real test is if it stays that way. This isn't the first time there's been some kind of exodus over some dumb drama (i.e. A person of interest secretly hiring back a certain individual who may or may not love dogs too much), but this is first time that I can remember where something this major and actually important happened.

 

[AshleyAshes]

The real test is if it stays that way. This isn't the first time there's been some kind of exodus over some dumb drama (i.e. A person of interest secretly hiring back a certain an individual who may or may not love dogs too much), but this is first time that I can remember where something this major and actually important happened.

Historically speaking, Weasyl has seen a large spike with each major fuckup carried out by FA. Hiring a rapist, hiring a hacker and now this. While there was a reduction after each spike, the 'norm' was noticeably higher after than it was before. Basically, FA has been largely responsible for long term gains in Weasyl.

 

[Tchelline]

I think it's relevant to post this here. It's a collection of screenshots, 32 screenshots that show massive and systematic art theft:

http://www.furaffinity.net/view/16084611/
http://www.furaffinity.net/view/16084611/
http://www.furaffinity.net/view/16084611/

 

[-Sliqq-]

[...]Hiring a rapist[...]

The fuck?

 

[PastryOfApathy]

As a precautionary measure, let's avoid getting too detailed about any particular incidents involving FA staff. Not because I'm defending them but just so Dragoneer doesn't have an excuse to lock the thread (although he didn't bother making an excuse when he banned Row so who knows).

 

[Terror-Run]

I think it's relevant to post this here. It's a collection of screenshots, 32 screenshots that show massive and systematic art theft:

http://www.furaffinity.net/view/16084611/
http://www.furaffinity.net/view/16084611/
http://www.furaffinity.net/view/16084611/

Neato, now people don't need to pay the site to actually look for art theft -_-
just spread the link around because I feel the submission will be gone pretty soon. (it is also breaking the regular ToS afterall)

 

[Butters Shikkon]

The fuck?

Allegedly. (We have to say that or down goes the thread)

 

[Tchelline]

Neato, now people don't need to pay the site to actually look for art theft -_-
just spread the link around because I feel the submission will be gone pretty soon. (it is also breaking the regular ToS afterall)

Even if they ban the submission in FA, they can't do anything at imgur:

http://imgur.com/a/oAtuI

 

[sethtriggs]

They wouldn't have to juggle if they would just get the hell out of dodge. I know it's easier said than done though. But this Offsite agoraphobia just makes me shake my head more often than not. Also, its kinda clever to not put all your eggs in one (falling apart) basket.

I've been on Weasyl for a couple years. I get maybe 1/8 the views I do on FA. Just think of how I would be reeling if I actually relied on commissions as an income.

All of the people in this thread, angry that Dragoneer didn't take the offer from the people who say they have development talent...why aren't you marshaling those people to write something that imports submissions through a browser (like the Waxpost Crossposter that I use for Weasyl)? I guess I'm kinda feeling like an opportunity is being missed. If you do hate what's happened here, and you are writing off the site, act. The thread is over 30 pages now, and I think I fully understand everything sucks, Dragoneer is horrible, you name it.

I don't have development talent. I'm not connected to anyone that is. But there are people on this forum, reading this thread, that are.

Now is your opportunity to make it easy for artists. I have over 3,000 submissions here on FA, as an example (and thousands of views I scraped and worked hard for). To repost my portfolio over on Weasyl, even with the Waxposter, chews up lots and lots of time...time I could spend doing other things like creation.

Pool the talent in these forums and make the tools to make it easy for artists to switch to other sites. That is concrete action that will mete out the punishment you seek.

-Seth

 

[Verin Asper]

Neato, now people don't need to pay the site to actually look for art theft -_-
just spread the link around because I feel the submission will be gone pretty soon. (it is also breaking the regular ToS afterall)

problem still...
They require a LINK to the submission being sold on their catty...
So unless that person ALSO have a link to each and every thing being sold...it aint much

I still have the DMCA form Fleshy an IMVU user gave us as its the template they use to take down stuff

Hey there! I'm an IMVU user and wanted to give you guys the same form I use for DMCA's. If done correctly, it should work without any problems, even if you are a non-US citizen. I have this posted in a few art groups on IMVU, to make it easy for others to get stolen content removed (products, textures, homepage layouts, display pictures, etc). I can't post it on the IMVU forums because of the rule about legal discussion, and I was gonna post it on the FA forums, but I haven't received a confirmation email yet. e.e

This form is almost identical to the one provided by IMVU (I simply broke it down and explained the different parts for you all). You can find the original one here: http://www.imvu.com/catalog/info/takedownnoticehtm.htm


Some useful info for you to read before proceeding: http://www.katsbits.com/smforum/index.php?topic=414.0
Please do read it.


Okay, now let's fill out the form. Replace all information in red with your own, do not forget a thing, make sure everything is correct, or else they will either outright deny it, or ask you to send a snail-mail instead. They denied me the first time because I forgot to add my zipcode. The second time they denied me was because I included extra commentary. For example: "Omg she's been stealing my display pictures for weeks and I keep flagging her and she cussed me out when I messaged her and her homepage has weeners on it omg do something somebody plzzzz." They don't wanna hear this. Don't even provide evidence the artwork is yours, it is not their job to investigate. All they do it take shit down. Only a judge will compare PSD layers, WIPS, etc, and I've NEVER seen something such as this actually go to court, because the thief knows it isn't their artwork.




When you are finished, email it to: dmca_agent@imvu.com
(this email can be found on the TOS page where DMCA information is listed)


Now, on to the form:


------------------------------------------------------------
------------------------------------------------------------


Sender Information:
Jane Mary Doe
1234 Memory Lane, Annapolis, Maryland 21401 USA
(410) xxx-xxxx (phone)
YourEmail@email.com


Recipient Information:
Designated DMCA Agent
PO Box 390012
Mountain View, CA 94039
vox: 650.321.8334
fax: 650.321.7263




Sent via: Email
Date: March 12, 2015
Re: Notice of Copyright Infringement
To Whom It May Concern:


As required under Sections 512(c)(3) and 512(d)(3) of the Digital Millennium Copyright Act (17 U.S.C. §§512(c)(3) and 512(d)(3)), and in conformance with IMVU's posted guidelines for the filing of notices of copyright infringement (the "Guidelines"), the following is hereby submitted:


OWNERSHIP:


Jane Mary Doe exclusively holds all rights of copyright in all authorized versions of the artwork as well as any additional intellectual property associated therewith.


THE COPYRIGHTED WORK CLAIMED TO HAVE BEEN INFRINGED:


-Link to YOUR artwork goes here-
(If the artwork can be found on your FA gallery and it is publicly viewable, you can link that. Or just a direct image link)


THE MATERIAL WHICH IS THE SUBJECT OF INFRINGING ACTIVITY AND THAT IS TO BE REMOVED OR ACCESS TO WHICH IS TO BE DISABLED:


-Link to stolen work here-
(Wherever the thief uploaded your work without permission. If it's a furry poster, for instance, link the product page.)


I HAVE A GOOD FAITH BELIEF THAT THE USE OF INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY OWNED BY ME IN THE MANNER COMPLAINED OF IS NOT AUTHORIZED BY ME, MY AGENT, OR THE LAW. I HEREBY STATE THAT THE INFORMATION CONTAINED IN THIS NOTICE IS ACCURATE AND, UNDER PENALTY OF PERJURY, I STATE THAT I AM THE LEGAL OWNER OF THE INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY COMPRISING THE COPYRIGHTED WORK.


Regards,

Jane Mary Doe

Signature: (I draw my actual signature and link it here from imgur or wherever)




----------------E N D---------------------------


(if you don't have a drawing tablet to make your signature, you can also attach a copy of your ID card or drivers license)


Remember, filing a DMCA takedown notice is a legal procedure. Never file one if the property isn't yours. After sending the email to the DMCA agent, they usually remove the products/artwork after a few days and in many cases, disable the account. If the thief wants to fight it, they have to file a Counter-DMCA notice, which they usually never do in cases like these.


Again, fill out the information exact. One little error could get your notice denied. Do not include extra commentary. Do not use your IMVU/FA name. Do not be a prick, the DMCA agent can be a bitch and will say rude things to you back.


I know it looks like a lot, but it really is only a matter of copy-pasting the form with your own information. It takes me less than five minutes to fill it out, and I've been doing it for a few years now with no problems (except my first time because I had no one to help me and the IMVU forums gives ZERO advice on how to do these).

Good luck! If you have questions or need help with it, lemme know.

I think we should work with the users who are willing to help us as I'm sure some of them would be willing to risk their accounts to fix the problem we have with them as it would then in turn IMPROVE things for them.

 

[Hermie]

I'm half tempted to bite the bullet and make an account, pay to have it verified, then pass out the login details for all to use.

Or, scratch that, fleshy is basically doing the work. Should have clicked the link first.

 

[Volkodav]

I've got a list I'm making ATM of all the art I recognize. If any of y'all see any art that you recognize or characters you know, please let me know and I'll add it to the list that I'll post here.
(I'm currently searching in "wall hangings" under the "furry" tag)

 

[Zepher_Tensho]

Thankfully it doesn't seem that anything I drew landed in the pile of pilfered art. Whew.

 

[krystalfox77]

Times like this, I genuinely wonder if 'Neer and the staff actually care about the concerns of the members. I have that impression due to the fact that his journal well, the members on here aren't exactly exuberant about the changes. I honestly don't know how I or others should react, you know?

 

[Zepher_Tensho]

Times like this, I genuinely wonder if 'Neer and the staff actually care about the concerns of the members. I have that impression due to the fact that his journal well, the members on here aren't exactly exuberant about the changes. I honestly don't know how I or others should react, you know?

I doubt he does. The last thing anyone's seen from him is a comment on someone's shouts basically saying this will all "smooth" out if we just wait two weeks.

Basically he's playing the "ignore the problem til it goes away" game.

 

[krystalfox77]

I doubt he does. The last thing anyone's seen from him is a comment on someone's shouts basically saying this will all "smooth" out if we just wait two weeks.

Basically he's playing the "ignore the problem til it goes away" game.

And he also stabbed another owner of FA in the back https://twitter.com/panderp/status/578647385976500224 How, or why anyone dares to put their trust in him is beyond me. It's bad enough the trouble ticket system is still broken. What the actual hell is his damage with us? He see us as figures, statistics, not as people or furries with actual souls and personalities. If I'm wrong, I'm wrong, so be it. I just want him to put in his two cents is all.

 

[-Sliqq-]

Basically he's playing the "ignore the problem til it goes away" game.

I will admit, this might be exactly what happens. People have a tendency to blow over stuff with time. For example, an annoying fucktard is an annoying fucktard, but if he's one that you're already used to, you begin to care less about what the annoying person does.

 

[Butters Shikkon]

And he also stabbed another owner of FA in the back https://twitter.com/panderp/status/578647385976500224 How, or why anyone dares to put their trust in him is beyond me. It's bad enough the trouble ticket system is still broken. What the actual hell is his damage with us? He see us as figures, statistics, not as people or furries with actual souls and personalities. If I'm wrong, I'm wrong, so be it. I just want him to put in his two cents is all.

To be fair...Panderp is a wee bit suspicious because he/she never tried to take action before. It's been a long time. Plus, he/she has to fork over legal proof and its just a too much of a mess to say who is in the right.

 

[krystalfox77]

I will admit, this might be exactly what happens. People have a tendency to blow over stuff with time. For example, an annoying fucktard is an annoying fucktard, but if he's one that you're already used to, you begin to care less about what the annoying person does.

It's still a very damnable thing for him to do, is it not? He can't hide from the users, given he has a Twitter account (as does the other owner who was pretty much fucked six ways from Sunday by 'Neer for making the deal behind his back, really smooth move there lol). If he really cared, maybe he would help quell the drama going on his journal? Maybe...? It would be worth a shot for him to intervene, wouldn't it? I mean, seriously, this is the worst drama I've seen on FA.

To be fair...Panderp is a wee bit suspicious because he/she never tried to take action before. It's been a long time. Plus, he/she has to fork over legal proof and its just a too much of a mess to say who is in the right.

He's gonna try and dig up the legal documentation, the thing that pisses me off, and many others, is that 'neer waited to damned months to tell us. Why wait? Why doesn't he actually do us a favor and explain the delay and be more transparent? Was there some kind of NDA bullshit that prevented him from doing so? And why IMVU? They seem to be quite furry-phobic and not open with furries at all. It feels like FA will just go under and that be, well, nothing.