I joined desktop nexus to hopefully shed some light to all members, groups, etc.. on the subject of copyright infringement. I am sure there are many members here who have gone to free dl sites and downloaded content that is readily available to you. What I would like to let you know is that many of these sites have stolen the artwork, stock images, photography, etc... from artists without there consent. This creates a really huge problem in the arts community. I have been an artist for over 25 years and until 2009 my work was traditional, so I really didnt have many issues with art theft. I began doing digital paintings and illustrations in 2009, and I have begun to see a really unnerving thing. My work along with thousands of other artists is being lifted from our sites and posted on websites for free distribution. What I would ask of any of you who like to dl content is to be a bit more aware of the types of content you grab. Think about a site that has thousands of different types of art, stock photos, photography, etc... and ask yourself. Do I really think that everyone that created this work did so with the intent on giving it away?? I have seen several members here with artists work that I know personally, professional and amateur, and I also know that the majority of them have not consented to there work being distributed for free. I do understand that many of you have loaded these illegal files unknowingly, and when the artists send copyright claims in, it becomes a shock to you, but the reality is that unless you are going to a site that is a known royalty free site, most of the work out there is stolen unless written permission form the artist has been given. I hope many of you see this and can understand the frustration it can cause and I wish you all a blessed day.Luther Berry

thank you, and i understand that you did not do this intentionally. There have been several sites that are putting artists work out there without consent from the artist and it is causing a major domino effect. Many of the works are for sale by the artists and when companies take them and make them readily available, it takes money form the artist. Then someone who is a fan like yourself downloads the work and it just goes on and on. Again, thank you for the reply.