Gulfport's Photo of the Week: "Freeloaders" Statement
We asked and you guys responded! Yes, you're sending in awesome one-of-a-kind photos taken right here in Gulfport!
Update: Tuesday, Oct. 9, 9:40 a.m.
It has come to our attention that the photo of the "Gulfport Waterfront District" sign is copyrighted and permission was not given to anyone to edit it. We have removed the photo from this post.
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Attention photographers of all ages, experiences, backgrounds and more! We're seeing new photos every week in our neighborhood photo gallery called "Gulfport Pics & Clips."
We're asking people to upload their favorite videos and photos to our gallery and we're very happy to see more than 280 photos in "Gulfport Pics & Clips" so far!
To say "thanks" for taking the time to share your pics with us, we're picking a photo of the week and highlighting it every Saturday.
This week's photo of the week is, again, from Phil! Now, Phil has been chosen several times for submitting his iPhone photos in the neighborhood gallery. Phil snaps shots at events like the Boca Ciega Yacht Club Fun Day and the 12th Annual Geckofest. Phil even uploads photos taken around town.
But, this week, Phil was chosen for encouraging conversation and making a statement by editing a photo taken of the old "Gulfport Waterfront District" sign.
Gulfport Patch does not agree or disagree with the caption or words that have been edited in the photo. We are featuring the photo because it's an expression, an opinion, a conversation starter and that is what our comment sections and "Local Voices" blogs encourage our readers to do.
We want you to share how you feel about an important issues, education, public safety, local politics, etc. And this week, we thank Phil for doing just that.
Thanks Phil for uploading your latest photo in our "Gulfport Pics & Clips" gallery!
Phil
6:54 pm on Saturday, October 6, 2012
THANKS so much Cherlene fo post this...... hopefully the City of Gulfport wakes up and actually will do something about this issue. If not I will paint a sign and place it on Gulfport Blvd.
Phil
9:12 am on Monday, October 8, 2012
The visiting boats are fine, this sign refers to the ones that stay forever in the bay, some have not moved in several years now, most don't have motors to move or sails they are floating junk boats that are not seaworthy. Visitors are welcome but freeloader that stay forever are not, they are the ones dumping because they can not move their boats. Just please DO NOT DUMP your waste while you visit here.
Sailing Faith
5:52 pm on Monday, October 8, 2012
There are many folks who sail from place to place and 'cruise' aboard our boats. We spend out money where we go, and support the economy. We pay our taxes, and many of us paid more then our share over the course of our lives... please make sure you do not run us off with the "freeloaders" you may be worried about.
Thanks,
Phil
6:56 pm on Monday, October 8, 2012
I know there are boaters who care and then the ones who don't, just don't dump your waste and dock your boat in the marina. That way you will support the city, if you moor in the bay for day after day without paying a dime then your a freeloader/bum. I am sick and tired of the stories of the freeloaders they are nothing but homeless bums on a floating wreck. Otherwise come spend your money, dock in the marina then go on to your next port. Oh no one spends more than your share on taxes. If you can't afford to pay your taxes, keep your boat sea worthy then sell it.
Rob Fowler
7:28 pm on Monday, October 8, 2012
I'm not sure how I feel about the manipulation of one of my professional copyrighted photos that helped promote Gulfport for several years. I respect you as a person and artist, Phil, but without permission please do not use my photos for your own personal agenda which I often do not agree with. Thank you. Rob Fowler
Cherlene Willis
9:00 pm on Monday, October 8, 2012
Rob,
I did not know the photo was originally taken by you. - Cherlene
Rob Fowler
6:30 am on Tuesday, October 9, 2012
Thanks Cherlene! I know you have impeccable professional integrity and respect everybody's intellectual property!
Phil
9:03 am on Tuesday, October 9, 2012
Sorry Rob did not know that was yours, I just took it from the internet....and changed the wording...
Phil
9:56 am on Tuesday, October 9, 2012
So sorry Rob did not know it was copyrighted and did not know it was your photo. I apologize for using your photo. It will not happen again... Phil.
Rob Fowler
12:50 pm on Tuesday, October 9, 2012
Just a reminder, Phil, and anyone else who takes photos from the internet for their own use, it is unethical, unprofessional, and illegal. If someone has no college education they might not know that, but any true professional photographer or designer knows the rules and follows them. When I see one of my photos appear on a website or in print without my permission it really bothers me. I have clients who pay me to use them on their websites and it is not fair to them nor me when someone steals them for use. Photos have power and for someone to just to take one they like and assume nobody cares is outrageous and wrong. The Patch, Gabber, Tampa Bay Times, Creative Loafing, and other reputable media always give credit and/or ask permission to use my photos. I do see my photos used without permission way too often. The ads and websites I see them on were created by unprofesional amatuers who either do not know better or thieves who are too lazy to take their own photos or ask permission.