steve kwan user experience designer

©

(August 15th, 2004)

It has come to my attention that there has been interest in using my vacation photos for graphic artwork.

Let me make something clear: my pictures are not copyrighted. You will not be sued for using them in your work. I don't care if you manage to sell a picture of me in front of the Parthenon for a million dollars; you won't see me asking for my share.

I don't intend to stop anybody from using my pictures, nor could I even if I wanted to. To paraphrase Naomi Klein, there are some things in this world that just don't want to be owned, such as information. We've seen time and time again what happens when people try. Some people insist on clinging to the age-old concept of laying claim to things for personal security or profit; information just isn't one of those things you can tack your name onto and expect people to let you keep for yourself.

So if you want to download my photos and distribute them as part of your artwork, go nuts. Just try to make me look good.