A business like ThinkGeek sharing an artist’s content to promote their brand is not the same as an individual sharing a comic with their friends. Businesses have the capital and resources to ask permission to use and even PAY for content, or they can practice unethical behavior and perpetuate the belief that artists don’t need to be paid for their hard work.
I’ve yet to hear an acknowledgment or apology from ThinkGeek.
Update: Here’s their reply, and mine. They apologize for misspelling my name on their facebook page, but they continue to ignore the fact they’re still using artists’ original content to promote the brand. Bullshit.
Businesses will continue to profit from the belief that art is free, while the artists die from exposure if artists and fans don’t speak up.
If you see the work of an artist you follow being used to promote a business, and you’re not sure if the artist granted permission, say something.
If you are a content creator, don’t take this treatment from businesses. Hold them accountable for exploitive practices.
