This is a photo of my All American 905L Patrol Boots that appeared in the January 31, 2013, edition of the Stompers Boots newsletter sent via email.

Did I know that my photo was going to be used in this ad to promote these boots?

Yes! The founder of Stompers Boots, Mike, was looking for an “in context” image of that boot to use for their e-newsletter, and wrote to me in advance. I gave my blessing (i.e., formal permission.) Mike is, among many characteristics, and honorable man of integrity. It is one reason among many why I like him so much.

All of the images on my website and this blog are my intellectual property, protected by copyright. I am diligent about copyright protection of my photos. I am happy to share (usually) but want two things: 1) ask first before reposting or reusing elsewhere, and 2) give credit.

I become very annoyed (but understand the perils of internet life) when people steal my images and post them elsewhere such as what used to happen often in long-gone Yahoo Groups, or happens occasionally now in other groups and image sharing sites, particularly Flickr. Or, occasionally fools link to the actual image link from my website and post it on discussion forums.

I see that — and actively block it. It annoys me that when that kind of thing happens — someone posts one of my images on a discussion forum — it sometimes results in homophobic and nasty commentary by cowards who hide behind anonymity of screen names. Believe me, I see where the links come from and can track back to the origin, including the IP address of the miscreant who did it.

Sometimes I simply take the photo off my website so only a blank space appears on the forum instead of my photo. Other times, I send a formal infringement complaint to the forum admin, and usually that results in the image being removed. At the worst level, I have filed and won copyright infringement cases through the courts — twice.

I really do not want to be hard-nosed about this. All I ask is to be asked to use my work, tell me where it may appear, and given credit where credit is due. Is that so unreasonable? I don’t think so.

Back to the main topic — All American Patrol Boots — tough boots worn by motorcycle cops and guys who like classy, comfortable, and well-designed patrol boots priced competitively, and often at a lower cost, than their strongest competitors (Dehner boots, for example.) I still wear my All American Patrol Boots often. Love ’em.

Life is short: have integrity and honor intellectual property.