I took a poll on if I should write a small, articial on how to act and defend yourself on these main terms that's been going on DA and many other art sites including on the internet. Let's start with ' Art Theft '. Art Theft is one of the most common terms around the internet and it represents of stealing, re-editing a well-drawn image, re-claiming of what's already finished, ripping off of that image and posting it up on a different site without the artist's permission, copying the same image and the idea, re-using the image etc.

Art Theft is also a huge pain when someone admires your artwork so much that, whether they decided to copy the same idea, re-claiming it, or further more ripping it off on a different site and, calling it that it's theirs. Each of us has worked extremely hard on our artwork and believe me or not, there's about a 60-75% chance of someone going to steal your work. I could be wrong but, I've took the courage to reading more on information about these situations and I hope this helps. If someone if stealing your work without your permission and you wish to take action on defending yourself, here's a few tips on how to deal with the situation.

-How to deal an Art Theft Problem-

1.]If an art theif is stealing some of your images; REPORT THE STOLEN IMAGE and be on your way.

2.]NEVER, NEVER flame the art theif. Please don't, it'll only bring hatred and cause a small war against another. Not only the theif will be reported but, so will you and others. Be very wise about your actions.

3.]Be patient. The DA admins aren't perfect and they are doing their best to keep this site up and running, and trying to help each one of you. Be very patient and the stolen image will be taken down. <3

4.] Last, be kind at least. Tell them of what they are doing is wrong and hopefully, they'll stop what they are doing.

5.]Watermarks are also a very good protection on your artwork. I understand that it ruins the drawing but, it's better to keep your work safe than not letting it get stolen. That doesn't mean Art Theives will not take it if it's watermarked, it'll let the others know that your the real artist and not them.
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The next title on Imposters. Let's start with imposters. 'Imposters' are users or other people that have the same username as you, tries to act like you, posts the same artwork as you, or copies as you. To me, imposters are kind like your younger silbling, that admires you so much that wants to be like you and does whatever he or she can to impress or please you. I've seen a quite a few popular artists on here that have imposters on different sites and it's a big frustration. :/

Here's a few tips on how to deal with this kind of frustration if you already dealing with one right now or having your first experience with an imposter.

-How to deal with Imposters-

1.]NEVER FLAME THEM. Imposters can report you if you start a small war on their page, you must remain calm and watch your actions.

2.]If an imposter is spamming you with inapproiate comments; flaming, or accusing you that you are copying them which you aren't, report the comment as 'spam'.

3.]At least be kind enough to tell them that, what they are doing is wrong and it'll only bring a lot of hatred towards them. Have a small, private chat with them.

4.]Imposters can try to act like you but instead, they can't physically act well like you can, you are yourself and they try to be. Sometimes they are call "newbies" and use text words that can get very confusing alot. (Please forgive if this confuses you alot; I'm still learning about these situations.)
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Last one Rip offs. 'Rip-Offs' is also very common along with Art Theft, this time is shows what art theives can do on the next level. This is also most common on digital artwork, especially like the Marvel Comics, Anime etc. Without asking your permission; art theives will secretly rip-off your artwork and post them on sites like e-bay, graig's list, imageshacks, photobucket, anything to make a quite sale out of. It's the biggest frustration to many digital artists including some tradtional artists. I have a few tips on how to deal with them and I hope it helps.

-How deal with Rip-off Theft-

1.]NEVER FLAME. It brings more hatred, more drama, and a war against another.

2.] If someone is ripping off one your digtial works and using it on t-shirts or any subjects to make fortune out of, take immediate action! Report the image and contact the owner of the site.

3.]Be very patient, sometimes rip-off theft may still has your signature on your artwork without knowing your the one that drew it the copyrighted image. Make sure you check in everyonce in a while to make sure that they aren't doing it again.

4.] My tip is that you; always watermark your images. It helps alot and mostly art theives and rip-off theives don't know how to use paint or photoshop to remove the watermark. I've tried it once and the image was messed up immediately.
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That's it for now and I hope each of these tips are useful when you encounter one of these problems. Thank-you for reading everyone and feel free to give more advices!