I had a question about my profile picture. I was messaged from a Moderator about an hour ago being told i CANT use this image as my default. i honestly dont know if he was serious or what. i honestly dont see what the issue would be with this? i mean i dont think it has to do with copyright because half the images being using on OS are copyright by another source and theres also people on the site using Moderator pictures, for example Agent_Sniffles is using one of @TuringTest photos. and a while back every one was using @shadowfiend & @cshalvey pictures.

Question

swag · Answer

I was wondering do i really need to change my picture or can i leave it because i dont see the issue. I will leave it for now until i am updated.

turingtest · Answer

I gave Agent_Sniffles permission to use my pic, but I think the owl is a copyright issue. I am not an admin though, so this question is really for them.

swag · Answer

Hmmm :/ could you tag the Admin here for me so they can help. because if this is the case i would like permission to use it. if not than ill change it.

turingtest · Answer

@farmdawgnation @mattfeury copyright Q
you already tagged two others. Don't worry they will see it.

swag · Answer

Alright thank you, farm is the one that messaged me about this, so i guess we will see what happens. hopefully i can just get permission. if not ill change it :)

anonymous · Answer

Hi @Swag - unfortunately what you were told is correct. The 'Owl' is a copyrighted icon of OpenStudy, and we need to keep it as OpenStudy only (that's actually Owlfred's picture). Sorry about that, but them's the rules...

compassionate · Answer

SWAG, take the owl and edit it. OpenStudy staff will then have no jurisdiction over the owl. Just slightly smudge it's feet or change it's eyes.

shadowfiend · Answer

But, you know, try to make sure you understand the concept of transformative works before making a minor modification and assuming you're good to go. Copyright protection extends beyond minor changes. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Transformation_(law) We've generally been significantly more lenient on color variations with other decorations added.

swag · Answer

Alright thanks for informing me ill change it immediately :)

parthkohli · Answer

Haha, yes, I introduced OwlRed, a variation of OwlFred.