I think this is something that needs to be more heavily addressed, for, in talking with someone who's opinion I value very highly, his comment was, "if someone took it and were using it, that would be like a compliment because they think it is cool." Fair enough, and from an outside perpective, i can see where one might think that.
On the other hand, could you for a moment, imagine the one thing you are good at, the one thing you take pride in doing, and which requires you to pour out all your emotions and time and passions to do.... something which when it is complete, almost brings you to tears because when you look at it you are proud of your accomplishment, and also because of the emotional burden attached to it.
And then imagine that someone took that from you and sold it to Jerry Springer and you saw it whored out in the cheapest manner for all the world to see, but not in the way you meant it, and not with any ounce of credit for all your hard work and dedication - your talents spread across the media, flayed out and naked - not the sacred love of your life anymore but merely a cheap prostitute.
Would you be sad? Angry? Dismayed? Heartbroken? Yeah.... so think of that the next time you right click/save an image off Photobucket or any other private art site, and think of the person who created that artwork and what they were trying to do when they posted it. If you want to use it ASK first... i'm sure they would be thrilled to know they have a fan, but be considerate - remember, karma strikes when you least expect it.
