Some would say, in the case of Swiper the Fox--“Swiper, no swiping!”
Unfortunately, in reality, it’s never a simple walk though a children’s television program.
Everyone knows stealing is wrong, both morally and legally. But art theft has become a serious problem at DeviantArt. Spam also is becoming a annoyance. Sadly, DeviantArt appears to tolerate both the theft of art from its posters as well as spammers posting insults to its users pages. There are procedures in place to take care of the problems, but DeviantArt appears reluctant or unwilling to address them uniformly.
Art, of course, is something someone creates based upon the moods or situations we experience throughout life. Some put their heart and soul into each piece, determined to express those moods in every way possible. But then a thief comes along and steals the piece and claims to have created it. To have your hard work and your credit taken away is like a slap in the face to the person who created the piece. The typical reaction of the wronged artist is to go and tell the thief to stop--hoping the thief will get up, pack his things and leave with a smile on his face. Unfortunately, this seldom happens. Instead, the complaining artist is subjected to lame denials and taunting spam. But, what may seem like a noble thing to do for one we admire or know, we may just be adding more fuel to the fire for the user to keep on violating the rules; why is this, though? Why do the Deviants feel obligated to try and negotiate with these Spammers/Art-Thieves, when in all reality, it may be more fuel and power to the offender? Why don't we just make swift justice by reporting said Spammer/Art-Thief without question or argument?
The answer is quite simple: DeviantArt, even in its raw power and glory can be slow at getting around to banning a thief, with the artists on DA themselves coming out and telling the thief to stop and reporting the offence, and yet, there can be several and many reports at a time before DA has a chance to ban the thief/offender. One user, KaoruHatori, muses these facts:

“I honestly think DA is the worst place to try and pass off art that isn’t yours just because Deviants do take it to heart more than others, because we as a group understand the effort that goes into a piece, so when these things do happen, it’s quite chaotic.”

When a Deviant goes and asks the thief to stop at first, but is then insulted and disrespected by the theif, is a natural reaction to become disrespectful in return. Ultimately, conversation between Deviant and thief devolves into name-calling, profanity and insults. Although in some Deviants’ opinion, it is sometimes fun to heckle the thief, such behavior only invites more wrongdoing. Why? Because the thief is a stupid and immature moron at a computer looking for negative attention.

Perhaps DeviantArt cannot get to every Help and/or Ban Inquiry we write. But are the Administrators ignoring our requests to take care of the thief when there have been many reports to the desk? The rules are clear:

“These submissions will be removed regardless of whether you have credited or linked back to the original source. Knowing where you ‘found’ the original image or knowing who created it or took the photo is not the same as actually having the legal permission to use it in your submission.”
-FAQ #8 on Art Theft

Another FAQ (#192) also states that a certain amount of evidence is required in an Art-Theft report so that an accurate judgment can be taken. Examples would be to submit a link to the thief’s page as well as the page from which the piece was stolen so that comparisons can be made. Yet FAQ #8 says the stolen piece will be removed regardless. Given, attention must be acquired first from the Administrators, but how much do we have to give?
Some would see Art Thievery as Deviants who are misguided or attention grabbers, wanting praise or negative attention. Some suggest that those who are new to DA might not realize what they are doing is wrong and at least deserve a warning; thereafter, if they ignore the warning they should be reported immediately. But how would we know whether they are merely ignorant or morally bankrupt? We cannot see what is beyond the computer screen like a window, we never know who or what may be on the other side or to what intent the user may have. Given the rules and circumstances DA implies and that suggestion, does anyone deserve a second chance, or a warning?
No one knows what intent drives an Art Thief, or a Spammer. They seemingly come out of nowhere from Forums we may or may not have heard of. Whether it is hate, prejudice, jealousy or for fun--it upsets the online Artist Community greatly, and it seems as if we can never get any relief.

“I believe if DA was quicker on their actions when it comes to such a thing, Deviants wouldn't jump as much at the situation and do less negotiating and more action. When one doesn't work, you have to go for another.”
-KaoruHatori

In the words of Swiper the Fox- “Oh, Maaaan!”

-James Daly
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