Understanding and Adhering to Our Image Handling Policy to Prevent Hefty Fines and Account Suspension
Dear Writers,
At ILLUMINATION Integrated Publications, we value creativity and originality in your stories. However, using copyrighted images improperly can lead to serious consequences, including hefty fines and potential account suspension. It happened to multiple writers as we documented in the main policy. We don’t want this to happen to you.
You can’t simply use every image taken from the web on Medium.com stories or or Substack.com newsletters. There are nuances you need to be aware to lower risks of penalties. To protect your work and reputation, we’ve outlined clear guidelines for handling images in your stories.
Based on our previously published policy, here is a summary distilled by our chief editor Dr Mehmet Yildiz (Newsletter) to guide new writers. He also punished this on his website so non-members can read it for free. Please leave your questions in the comment section of this story so we can get them answered by Dr Yildiz.
Why This Policy Matters
This policy isn’t just a formality; it’s essential for ensuring the quality and legality of the content we publish. Several writers have lost their Medium accounts due to copyright violations, and we don’t want that to happen to you. Following these guidelines will not only safeguard your account but also contribute to a positive experience for our entire writing community.
Key Guidelines
Use Copyright-Free Images: All images in your stories must be free of copyright restrictions. This includes using stock photos, public domain images, or your own original content.
Properly Cite All Images: Every image must be correctly cited with its source, whether it’s from a free stock photo site or your personal collection.
Compliance with Laws and Medium’s Rules: Ensure all images comply with U.S. copyright laws and Medium’s guidelines.
Be extra careful with Getty images even if you download them from stock sites. Always read T&Cs if you need to use their images. But it is not worth the risk. There are thousands of images from free sites. Besides creating your images using free tools is not hard.
Accepted Image Types
- Copyright-Free Stock Images: Images from sites like Unsplash, Pixabay, and Pexels.
- Public Domain Images: Free-to-use images such as those from Wikimedia Commons.
- Personal Images: Photos you’ve taken or created yourself.
- Subscription Service Images: Images from paid services, with proof of subscription.
- Custom Images: Photos you’ve significantly altered using tools like Canva or Photoshop.
Unacceptable Image Types
- Copyrighted Images Without Permission: No exceptions, even under “fair use” arguments.
- Screen Captures: From commercial websites, videos, or films.
- Downloaded or Uploaded Images by Others: This includes images from social media or other online platforms.
- GIFs: We do not accept any GIFs to ensure the security of readers’ devices.
- Images Against Medium’s Rules: Including inappropriate or graphic content.
Special Notes on AI-Generated Images
You’re welcome to use AI-generated images, provided you include a caption stating, “Image created by AI tool XYZ — the author has the provenance and copyright.”
Video Content
When embedding videos, it’s helpful to add descriptive information in the caption, including the video’s title, creator, key points, and relevant timestamps.
Next Steps
Before submitting your stories, please take a moment to review our complete guidelines here. Adhering to these rules will not only streamline the publishing process but also elevate the standard of content we deliver to our readers.
We’re committed to supporting your growth as a writer and ensuring your work is showcased in the best possible light. Let’s work together to maintain the integrity and quality of our publications.
This story answered several questions like:
What are the image guidelines for Medium?
What is considered fair use for images?
What pictures can I use on Medium?
Can you use copyrighted images on Medium?
Thank you for your cooperation and dedication to excellence.
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ILLUMINATION Integrated Publications include:
ILLUMINATION, ILLUMINATION-Curated, ILLUMINATION’ S MIRROR, ILLUMINATION Book Chapters, The Lampshade of ILLUMINATION, Technology Hits, SYNERGY, Readers Hope, Illumination on YouTube, Illumination Gaming, ILLUMINATION Health & Science, Integrated Healthcare, Substack Mastery, ILLUMINATION’s Blog, EUPHORIA by Dr Mehmet Yildiz.
Join Our Supportive and Growing Publications on Substack
We will promote your newsletters using the following sites:
If you are a new writer on Substack, Dr Mehmet Yildiz (Newsletter) authored a book and share the chapters for free on Substack, Medium, and his websites. Here is the first chapter which will link to next ones.
Substack Mastery Book: Chapter 1
What is Substack, why it matters, and how to start itmedium.com
You may learn about his mission, strategy, and plan for Substack.
How I Architected a Charity Organization & Why I Will Run It Like a Business
Outline of my draft plan for creators, freelancers, and entrepreneurs empowered by the Substack networkmedium.com
Here is a sampe of how we execute his plan as ILLUMINATION editors and ILLUMINATION-Curators on Medium.com and Substack.com.
Substack Mastery Featured Newsletters: Episode 7
Curated newsletters of writers contributing to the Substack Mastery publication on Medium for joyful collaboration and…medium.com
Originally published at the DigitalMehmet.com site.
A copy of the article on Medium.com is a reference.
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