Hey phriends. I am working on a new BBS and was wondering something. When it comes to showing art from other people/groups on your BBS, what is proper etiquette around that? Do you need to get permission to do so? Or is it OK to use so long as it is unaltered etc? I see many BBSs show artwork after logging in, signing off, etc but I wasn't sure if it was because they were formally affiliated with that group(s) or got permission, or anything like that. I learned about "ripping" recently and see comments on some artwork that scorns those who do, so didn't want to do the wrong thing and put art on my board that violated any social norms around the artwork.

Thanks!

KN1GHTSHAD0W<-

--- Mystic BBS v1.12 A47 2021/12/25 (Windows/32)
* Origin: d i s t o r t i o n // d1st.org (46:1/145)

On 29 Jun 2026, Knight Shadow said the following...

Hey phriends. I am working on a new BBS and was wondering something.
When it comes to showing art from other people/groups on your BBS, what
is proper etiquette around that? Do you need to get permission to do so? Or is it OK to use so long as it is unaltered etc? I see many BBSs show artwork after logging in, signing off, etc but I wasn't sure if it was because they were formally affiliated with that group(s) or got permission, or anything like that. I learned about "ripping" recently
and see comments on some artwork that scorns those who do, so didn't
want to do the wrong thing and put art on my board that violated any social norms around the artwork.

i would assume everything is off limits unless it says "free to use" or something underneath it. especially if it has a bbs name on there. taking over an old bbs name and using all their art would be bad. not to mention some of the artists are still around.. they might be less than happy when they see their friend's bbs is back online only to realize you're not them and you stole all their stuff.

--- Mystic BBS v1.12 A47 2021/12/25 (Windows/32)
* Origin: cold fusion - cfbbs.net - grand rapids, mi (46:1/616)