Links to images

[jcaywood]

We have some offbeat jpgs on our gift site and I've noticed that quite a few people are using them on myspace and different forums. I guess they are linking to the jpgs (I see this in Recent Visitors in cPanel). Only the image shows as a hit - not the page with the image.
We do not mind this happening at all. but I feel like there should be some way to take advantage of it.
Apparently they don't save the jpg to their computer and then add it, but what do they do that it links to our site?
My main question is Does anyone know a way for us to perhaps offer these visitors a look at our site? I 've thought about using some image program (like paintnet) to add the URL to the jpg in small print. I don't want to use a watermark which would be so evident that people would not want to use the image.
Any ideas would be appreciated. Thanks

[Bethers]

Re: Links to images

Can you give a link to the myspace or forum where this is happening. If I could see it, I would be able to see exactly how they are doing it.

[jcaywood]

Re: Links to images

Thanks Bethers,

Here's a couple of them
BroadchannelNY

myspace
I just went to the myspace link and it's set to private now.

I've seen another couple but these are the ones that hit the most.

Thanks

[Collectors-info]

Re: Links to images

Hi, you could make sure your cpanels hot link protection is on to stop this. But it wont stop a screen copy & them using the images via their own server.

[jcaywood]

Re: Links to images

I should have mentioned that the Broadchannel link above links to middle age crazy pills.

Thanks Chris, but we don't mind them using the images - would just like the people who view it to know about our site.

[Bethers]

Re: Links to images

Unfortunately, if they copy the picture and paste it into the forum/blog etc - you can't force a link into the copying. However, you can contact them and say they violated your copyright (if you own the picture) - and that to place the picture they need to give your website credit and you'll allow it. Most likely, they'll just delete the pic, tho.

[jcaywood]

Re: Links to images

Thanks Bethers,

What was confusing me was the hits showing on Latest Visitors in cPanel. I assumed that if they had copy/pasted it would not show as hits on our site.
We'll just let 'em use them - maybe someone will be intrigued enough to search for the items.
Thanks