Here are a few proposed changes impacting card images.  We believe the following 3 changes will significantly improve the quality and presentation of card images on GCU, especially since a lot of our search traffic lands on the View Details page.    
 
1) IMAGE BY CREDITS - Since the introduction of the Back of Card credits many artists have wanted to remove the Image by credits from the front of all of their cards.  We feel that this feature has served its purpose and has now become obsolete.  We would like to remove this feature as well as remove all Image by credits from the front of ALL cards.
 
For those artists continuing to want image credits on their image they can incorporate them on the original image before uploading , which btw has a more professional look.
 
2) IMAGE PROTECTION WATERMARK - We have received many complaints from both artists and shoppers that the Image Protection Watermark clutters the images and does not present them well when viewed.  Although we believe all images are best viewed without a Watermark we will still offer this feature but with more flexibility.  We would like to create two Watermark settings, one for the Large view image and one for the Medium view image seen on the View Details page, see here:    
http://www.greetingcarduniverse.com/community/viewdetails.asp?pid=168954&pag e=1&cid=839
 
You will be able to set your Watermark preferences for both image sizes in Global Preferences.  It would no longer be available on a card by card basis.
 
3) LARGER IMAGE - We will increase the size of the Medium view image located on the View Details page
 
Please share with us your feedback on the above changes  

I don't use your front credit... either so away with it.  lol
But... i like one large but almost transparent watermark versus all the little writings all over a card.   I say at least for my cards....  I want one there.  If it's big and really clear but there so it stills makes for a ton of work to bypass a copy thief and still makes a good visual of the cards.  I guess the darker small ones look hideous.  It's a tough call but that's my say.    
 
Sal  

I'm not a fan of using the watermark.  I think Artists would be surprised at how many sales they lose by using them.  If someone wants to steal the image they can order a card, scan it, and have a GREAT version.   I don't know of a single case here where someone stole a non-watermarked image and resold it, or a case of someone ordering a card to steal the image.  
 
The larger medium view will be an improvement, but Shaun suggested we'd have a Larger "Large View" this quarter, to solve the problem I documented here:
 
http://www.greetingcarduniverse.com/forum/yabb2/YaBB.pl?num=1214299420/1#1
 
Any news on this?  

Hello Mindy,
 
Thank you for your work, doing your job well. I appreciate your efforts to make "My" GCU Card Shop a business that is presented as perfectly as possible. On this greeting card terrain, an artist needs everything possible going for them and you are my first and best defense against my having a sloppy shop.
 
No extra writing on my card-yes indeed. If I want an acknowledgement on my picture I will put my own on.  
No watermark on my card-yes indeed. Like Tom said, if they want to steal my picture thay can buy a card.
No more, "too small of a card picture"-yes indeed. Now the detail will be there for my potential buyers to see.
 
So, I vote "Hooray" for me on all three. Now I can "break a leg" here even better. Michael
 

I'm in favour of all three....I don't use the image by credits either anymore.  I don't like the looke of the watermark, I suppose it's true if someone wants to steal your stuff they will anyway.  In fact I think I'll just go in and take out the watermark in my global preferences right now!
The larger image sounds great!

Hi!  I'm a newbie and this subject is important to me.  I have had a flickr site for about 3 years and have recently noticed that my photos are constantly showing up on other people's web sites, blogs, since a low resolution is fine for the web, and have even been downloaded for brochures.  Needless to say, I'm very cautious about posting my photos in groups now. But, the good news about this site is  the right click has been disabled so that's a plus.  People shouldn't be able to right click and save/download the pic.  I personally like the option of a watermark.  It may get in the way but if someone buys the card at least they have paid something for my work and not just stolen it.  I think there is a BIG movement right now, because of the economy, for people to take things that don't belong to them.  So all this to say yes to watermarks, a bigger view and right click disabled.
 
BTW, not to change the subject but I can't get the widget to work right when I add it to my website.  Something must be wrong with the code .  I noticed that someone else had complained about it in another post. Can we fix it?
 
Thanks.
 
Neva

Sounds great to me. I like the zoom view that Zazzle offers- I think that would be an excellant addition to our site if we ever get the opportunity for it. But yes- the larger the better!  

Great ideas!  I like all three!