The Pitfalls of

Before I met any authors and became friends with any of them, I used to thought you could write anything you wanted.  As long as I didn't defame anyone or wrote anything that would be libel, I thought I was all set, but then as I let people look at my manuscripts, I find out there are pitfalls to writing. Not only that, but restrictions as well! Below is the list of pitfalls and restrictions that to me have made writing less enjoyable.

1. Using other people's photos. Come on! You mean to tell me that if I find a photo I like for my book I have to make sure it is okay to use or pay to use it? Are people so greedy for money that they won't settle for credit? Why then do people share their photos? Why just share with their friends and family or email it to them instead of having for the general public to see. That is like the "You can look but can't touch" rule.
I have photos at Photobuckets and anyone wanted to use them, I wouldn't mind unless as long as I get credit for the photos. Besides not all photographers and uploaders have a contact link so how can we ask the person "Excuse me, but is it okay if I use your photo for my book?   I have even suggested to my friends the idea of distorting the photos but there is still a problem.... RESTRICTIONS.

2. Using a famous person's name, a franchise or any business name.   Okay. What is the problem here? You mean to tell me that if I want to be realistic, I can't? I have to change a band's name because if I dare to put down say "Newsong" Newsong, which is a Christian band will sue me? I can understand if a nonchristian band does that, but a Christian Band? Come on! So then Newsong becomes what?  Old Music? Whatever!
 I understand with any business that does not know acknowledge Jesus as Lord might sue, but still why? I much rather use a name of an establishment like IHOP instead of renaming IHOP to IHOB (International House of Breakfast)   As for famous people, what if they are dead? Should I as a fellow author so humorously suggested, hold a seance?  "I call upon Amy Carmichael. Amy Carmichael please come to us so I can ask you if I can use your name in my story." Someone suggested to contact the next of kin. Okay so then I should see a list of genealogy and find out who is still alive and say "Hi! I am an author. I would like to use your great grandmother's name in my story. And what about Christian public figures? Are they really going to sue if I  write their names in my stories? Do you really believe that they are like nonchristians?  ***rolls my eyes**

After I abide by other's people's concern for copyright infringement, I change everything around. I wonder to myself,  "Why write? People have taken the fun out of writing. Did I forget to mention that they also do that when my fellow authors tell me, "You need to be more descriptive."? Yep. When my book is published I came across pitfall number 1 again when I make a book trailer.  I think I would be thrilled if someone uses my photos in their book trailers.

I don't think everyone thinks alike. I am pretty sure Christians don't think as those who aren't, but for the sake of everyone, if doing what is right not in the eyes of the general public, but also in the eyes of God, then fine. I won't "infringe" on their ... Copyrights