Uhg. Raaannnttt
I just need to vent. This is something that has bothered me, and continues to bother me, and I just need to blow some steam~ ♥
Okay, so there are those people, who collect artwork from Japanese website to use for icons. And the majority probably get their fanart off websites like Google and Photobucket, so I can understand a bit about wanting to use the artwork, but being unable to get permission (although that still doesn't mean you're free to use them). But the people who have access to their website, in which I can almost guarentee will have a 'do not use without permission' notice--in plain english, where anyone can see it--and yet still use their artwork. Using bullshit excuses like, "Well I'll give credit and if the ask me to take them down, I will".
Uh, hello? 'Do not use without permission' does not mean, 'use with credit!! ~♥ :' D' dumbasses.
And chances are you will NEVER get asked to stop using their fanart, because the majority of them probably do NOT know enough English to figure out how to contact you and ask you to stop. That is, if they even FIND OUT you're using their icons, because why would someone who speaks Japanese be browsing an english website.
You know those notices I referred to earlier? They're premade.
Meaning the artist probably does not know enough English to make a warning themselves. Most of the said notices can be clicked, which will take you to a website where a bunch of the same types of notices can be easily taken for artists to use on their websites. Some artists may even just copy what's written in the notice and write it on their own page. Because it's easier, because they don't know English themselves. So why do you think they would be able to contact you? Really.
It's because of inconsiderate people like you that we watch our favourite artists dissapear from the net because their artworks are being distributed like ice cream on a summer day. It is really so difficult to ask? I wouldn't think finding someone who can translate a short letter asking for permission would be so hard. Easier than the artist themselves having to go around the net and telling everyone to stop using their artworks. No, it's easier to just take their artworks off the net so they can't be stolen in the first place, right? That will get their attention. Of course it's too late, now.
Now no one can see them. Thanks a lot.