Board Thread:Site Discussions/@comment-26831136-20150426043743

It's been a rule for quite a while now that users aren't allowed to use fanart for their avatars unless they ask permission from the original artist or it's free for use. Keep in mind I'm not suggesting we remove the fan-art rule in general, but rather we abolish the restrictions on fanart avatars. Some reasons the rule should be removed:


 * The rule isn't enforced across wikia. This causes problems since a user from another wiki that doesn't have this rule is forced to conform to our rule, since avatars can't be customized per wiki.


 * The rule in general is a pain to follow. Of course we have to tolerate certain rules for the wiki's sake, but having to ask for permission for a certain piece of fanart can be difficult, since they may have left the site it was posted on, making them impossible to contact them for permission for the fanart.


 * The rule doesn't affect anything. It really serves no purpose aside from being an unnecessary restriction, IMO.

Basically, what I'm suggesting;


 * Impose a rule against claiming stolen fanart is yours


 * Continue to maintain rules against posting fanart on the main wiki without permission (unless anyone objects to this as well?)


 * Allow users to have fanart as their avatar without permission, but don't allow them to claim said fanart is theirs if it's stolen

Any thoughts? 