[dannowatts]

> Sharing photographs (with proper attribution) is free marketing.

it can be, but that's a pretty large blanket statement. first, it's not free. it costs me something when a photo is used without an exchange of payment for a license to use that photo.

but even playing devil's advocate: marketing doesn't pay our mortgage. publicity doesn't put food on the table for my family.

:)

[strict9]

Yes, you are correct. But going to college, or learning to code nights and weekends, or contributing to OSS projects doesn't pay the mortgage either.

It's an investment. You do it in hopes that current work will yield a larger future gain, be it through experience, wisdom, exposure, or something else.

[dannowatts]

> ... or contributing to OSS projects doesn't pay the mortgage either.

and there is the distinction: you are choosing to contribute. when a photo of mine is used without my consent, approval or of my choosing to have it be used, it has been stolen.