Update:  =DamselStock/*ADamselInDesign and I are working on a project to further education about the proper ways to handle art theft and bullying on dA. Casey has just started a new group that we are building called #ThedACrucible. If you would like to help bring understanding and awareness to these subjects, please join us over there as well. Educating deviants that it is NOT okay to start the deviantART Witch Trials!


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Hiya Darlings,

This journal is of a more serious nature, but it's contents are something you should be reading. I became aware of a situation last night that is wholly and completely unacceptable. `conzpiracy addressed the subject of how a 13 year old child was being threatened and bullied under the guise of "white knighting" for art theft. You can read the article here: [link]

This group has a strict non-negotiable policy against bullying. If I find out that one of our members was involved in this fiasco, regardless of who you are, you will be removed and blocked from the group. Your submissions will be removed. You will no longer have the support and exposure that this group gives you in any way, shape, or form. We will not tolerate it.

This policy includes bullying in other groups, by other groups, or in personal journals. If you are bullying someone, you don't need to be a part of what we do here. This goes for any groups that we are affiliated with as well.

Bullying can have long-term damaging effects on a person that can last years or decades. This is especially true for children and teenagers. They are already vulnerable to insecurity and self-doubt. They are in their formative years where their adult personalities are developing. This can affect their life course, and I will not tolerate our members being hurt or hurting someone else.

I realize that art/stock theft is annoying. It's annoyed me to the point where I've made my entire gallery premium content for the time being. For the most part, most of it is from the fact that they do not understand copyright law or dA Guidelines. However, that does not give a person the right to threaten or harass another person.

The subject of art theft and copying should be handled in a calm and professional manner at all times. When approaching someone about rule violations, keep in mind that they might not know what they are doing is wrong. Offer to teach them. This is a learning based group. Help them learn the policies and correct way of doing things. If someone is willfully stealing and/or profiting from your work, send them a professionally worded DMCA Notice and/or pursue legal avenues. The more someone attacks a thief, the less credibility the attacker has in the eyes of the law.

If you are being bullied, report it to the help desk or express your concerns to your Community Volunteers. If a member of the group is bullying you, let me know. I will remove and block them immediately. This ugly side of our dA Community will not be a part of what this group is about. We will not participate in that kind of behavior. If you have a problem with that, leave the group. I would prefer it.

This group's mission is to encourage and support each other. We learn from each other here. We help the new members and providers learn the ropes. We treat each other with courtesy, patience, and respect. We do not participate in bullying.

That's it.

Love,

- Cheryl & Casey