Using images in your blog [split off from BAs Fall]
#1
Original Poster

Join Date: Feb 2009
Posts: 3,774
Using images in your blog [split off from BAs Fall]
Just curious.. Are bloggers allowed to use photos/images/logos taken from corporate websites like Hyatt, SPG, Delta, etc? I see this a lot on BoardingArea and a majority of bloggers never give credit or reference where the photos are from. Actually, a number of them don't even to relabel the file names of screen shots or images saved from these travel websites.
#2
FlyerTalk Evangelist


Join Date: Mar 2001
Location: Fort Worth TX
Programs: Earned status with AA, DL, SPG, HH, Hyatt, Marriott, Seabourn, NCL, National, Hertz...I miss my bed!
Posts: 10,927
Just curious.. Are bloggers allowed to use photos/images/logos taken from corporate websites like Hyatt, SPG, Delta, etc? I see this a lot on BoardingArea and a majority of bloggers never give credit or reference where the photos are from. Actually, a number of them don't even to relabel the file names of screen shots or images saved from these travel websites.
#3
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Jun 2006
Location: IAD/DCA
Posts: 31,871
http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/trust...bout-food.html 186 replies
#4
FlyerTalk Evangelist




Join Date: Sep 2000
Programs: BA, AA, DL, KLM, UA
Posts: 37,489
Just curious.. Are bloggers allowed to use photos/images/logos taken from corporate websites like Hyatt, SPG, Delta, etc? I see this a lot on BoardingArea and a majority of bloggers never give credit or reference where the photos are from. Actually, a number of them don't even to relabel the file names of screen shots or images saved from these travel websites.
Nothing wrong with using them on a blog, and it would be pretty silly of a hotel to complain about photos being used. That said, they do tend to complain when the image is manipulated, or if things are added to the photo, which obviously makes sense.
#5
Join Date: Nov 2013
Location: United States
Posts: 526
If the image is manipulated or had something added to it, it makes less sense as presumably it would be covered under fair use. That said, they will still complain/threaten if they are edited in a way they don't approve of.
#6




Join Date: Jul 2010
Location: Between AMS and BRU
Posts: 8,854
I rather disagree.... blogs are commercial ventures for most, there is no journalistic purpose there.
#9
Join Date: Jan 2010
Posts: 677
#10
FlyerTalk Evangelist




Join Date: Sep 2000
Programs: BA, AA, DL, KLM, UA
Posts: 37,489
Unfortunately for you the rest of the commercial world disagrees, and I can assure you a chain like Hyatt doesn't view BoardingArea as a "commercial venture". Just because Flyertalk has a weird fascination with the site and appears to devote an entire forum to bashing the site and its writers, doesn't mean a hotel chain sees it the same way. All blogs have banners and affiliate links. Just visit a large site like Engadget, Huffington Post or TechCrunch. Something has to pay the bills.
#11
A FlyerTalk Posting Legend




Join Date: May 1998
Location: Digital Nomad Wandering the Earth - Currently in VIENNA, AUSTRIA!
Posts: 61,922
Unfortunately for you the rest of the commercial world disagrees, and I can assure you a chain like Hyatt doesn't view BoardingArea as a "commercial venture". Just because Flyertalk has a weird fascination with the site and appears to devote an entire forum to bashing the site and its writers...
In fact, last I checked the FT motto was:
FlyerTalk: Bashing Travel Related Products and Services Since 1998!
#12
A FlyerTalk Posting Legend




Join Date: Apr 2001
Location: PSM
Posts: 69,232
Using the images published by vendors in the media packs for media-related efforts is exactly what those companies want you to do. Hyatt would much prefer my story about the inanity of launching a new brand which doesn't actually distinguish from the others it already has to at least have a pretty photo which it has perfectly lighted and staged rather than one I snapped on my way into a room I was staying in one random night.
#13
Original Poster

Join Date: Feb 2009
Posts: 3,774

Using the images published by vendors in the media packs for media-related efforts is exactly what those companies want you to do. Hyatt would much prefer my story about the inanity of launching a new brand which doesn't actually distinguish from the others it already has to at least have a pretty photo which it has perfectly lighted and staged rather than one I snapped on my way into a room I was staying in one random night.
#14
A FlyerTalk Posting Legend




Join Date: Apr 2001
Location: PSM
Posts: 69,232
Right, and I already understand situations like that... but I am asking about taking images from their website and re-posting them on their blog without any time of credit given. It is hard to distinguish which photos were taken by a blogger and which were "borrowed" (except in the case of the points guy who consistently takes the worst travel photos I've ever seen).
ETA: I also could not care less if someone chooses to rename the file or not. The only impact that has is on SEO and even there it is minimal.
Last edited by sbm12; Jan 28, 2015 at 4:46 pm

