Earlier we brought up the importance of providing valid and safe resources as stock providers. We are the front lines, so to speak, on ensuring the quality and validity of our resources. We mentioned in our last blog (which you can read below) about a way to become verified safe stock providers. There was a lot of positive feedback on the idea. The question was how to prevent those who would abuse a stamp from using it.

~hyenacub-stock suggested creating an alternate group that only certain members can join as a method for preventing the "posers." *EveLivesey suggested the name "Safe Stock" for the project. So, by combining the two ideas, we now have a sister group called #Safe-Stock-Resources. I've spent some time this evening fleshing out the group page, and I believe that it's a good start.

#Safe-Stock-Resources can be that marker, the seal of approval, on great and trustworthy stock resources. If you would like to become a part of it, let me know, and I will send you the invitation. I've already sent a few of you the invitations to start with, but if you'd like to beat me to it, please do join us in the movement. However, I only want you to join it if you're committed to following terms and guidelines. The membership levels are equal, so if you do not want to be a contributor in the group, simply join as a member.

It's not going to be a high volume submissions group to flood your inboxes. I did open up the Featured folder so that you can feature your favorite or personal best stock items. The vast majority of our blogs, discussions, and submissions will remain right here in this primary group.

The concept of the sister group is still fluid, and I want your feedback still.

Our Sister Groups:

 

I hope you are all doing well!

Love,

- Cheryl



-------------------
Hiya Darlings,

So by now you've realized that I've been on a cleaning spree of our galleries for a while. I'm nowhere near finished yet, and I will be going back over the other folders to ensure that they are properly categorized soon. We've had a few discussions regarding the validity of stock, and the importance of following the guidelines. It was mentioned by =slight-art-obsession that she hopes we start a movement. What kind of movement? That we as stock providers on make a pledge to provide valid and safe resources for artists to use. This came about after I uploaded a stamp to compliment my stock rules update. I think it is a fantastic idea, and would love to get the group involved in the concept. If it goes over well, I'd also like to get our affiliate stock groups involved.

Here is the rough idea of what I was thinking:

- We make the pledge via a blog or poll and "sign" it via the comments, that way the names of the stock providers are listed in a single source as being "safe zones" for valid stock.

- Add a stamp or statement to your profile, stock rules, or artists comments. (All of the above if you'd like!) That way we have an identifier for the valid stock resource.

Here is the one I made. You're welcome to use it, make one of your own, or we could make a project-specific one that everyone has.



- Stick to it! I know most of us don't have a problem with that, but to be blunt, I don't want someone saying that they will do it, and still distribute invalid stock.

I want your ideas too!

I'd really love to hear your feedback on the idea and what ideas you might have for the project. I'd love for this to be a community effort and your participation is key to this idea taking off. It also needs a great name! I'm running short on time at the moment. The hubby is trying to rush me off to the store. lol I look forward to hearing from you!

Love,

- Cheryl


Here is a recap of our previous stock discussions:

The Great Premade Clean Out is Underway!Hiya Darlings,
So we're at that time of year when we put aside the old year and ring in the new. The same goes with our premade background folder. I am about to begin cleaning out and removing any premade backgrounds that are not properly credited or uses stock from outside websites. I'm sorry that if your premade gets removed and you're offended. I don't intend it as a slight, but this group will not provide illegitimate resources. If you'll remember, I gave fair warning about this clean out, and an opportunity to remove it beforehand, in August.
This will be a two part clean up. Over the next few weeks, I will begin the same with the pre-cut stocks. I will be removing any cut out images that were found on google etc. All pre-cut images must be from your own resources. You should be able to verify this with the original image.
This group will adhere to all dA terms and guidelines regarding stock. It is my mission both as a stock provider and as the founder   Premade Backgrounds and Group Submission ChangesToday we’re going to address the “Circle of Stock.” Cue Disney’s “The Lion King” theme song and call me Mufasa. Just like in the circle of life, what we do affects another group, and returns to affect us again. We have a responsibility to the artists that use our stock to provide legitimate and safe stock resources. As an administrator for a few art groups as well as stock groups, I have seen what happens to the artists who use invalid stock resources. They have had their art declined, or had to replace stock elements through no fault of their own.  This especially includes those who includes celebrity or otherwise copyrighted material, even if it was uploaded to the Resources and Stocks section of . It isn’t fair to the artists who use the “stock” and hurts the credibility of not only the stock provider who uploads it, but the stock community itself.
Premade backgrounds have always seemed to be flo   How and Why To Credit Your Stock ProvidersHiya Darlings,
Today I am going to tackle a subject that all photo manipulation artists should pay attention to. (Yes, this means you!) It is my hope that this article will save you the headache and trouble of getting a submission declined, having to delete your work, or worse; be sued by someone because of it.
Why Properly Crediting Stock Is Important
All artists know that the secret to a great manip is finding stock that is just right for the theme you are trying to convey. On there are literally thousands of fantastic high quality images that are absolutely free. Some of these images are even created by and featuring professional models and photographers.  You could pay a lot of money for the rights to use the type of stock resources in your art that are found here free of charge. This is part of why   is unique and an amazing place for artists to frequent.  
You’ll find that a lot of art groups, including :iconmanip   Extremely Important Info for ALL Group Members! 2Hiya Darlings,
If you are skimming this headline, please take the time to read the entire blog. This blog contains important information that applies to all group members! Over the next couple of days, I am going to be reorganizing and restructuring the group. The basic group that we all love will essentially stay the same. It's just going to be a little neater and more streamlined. I'd also like to say Welcome to All of our New Members!
------------
Update # 2 Phase 2 Complete! I've finally finished going through the folders. I have officialy hovered over every single image in this group to check to see if they are listed in the Resources & Stocks section. All non-stock listings should be removed from the group by now, unless I overlooked one. It kind of makes me sleepy going through all of those folders. lol
Now, I want to say that just because an image was removed, it was not a personal attack on anyone. I really don't want anyone to be upset because they   DD Feature, A Word About Pre-Cuts, and SkypeHiya Darlings,
So here is the promised feature of our group members who have received a DD so far this year! I’d like to say congratulations to everyone! For those who haven’t received one yet, don’t give up hope! Everyone submits some fantastic stock and I absolutely love seeing the daily submissions.  I’d also like to take a moment and welcome all of our new members!
Before we get to the feature I want to take a moment and talk about Pre-Cut Stocks. Like any stock, they should adhere to our group and rules. This means:
They must  be your own work, or have written permission from the photographer to create them from.
You absolutely, under no circumstances, ever take photos from GOOGLE IMAGE or other online retail, blogs, photography, or other websites to create pre-cut stock.  The same includes stock websites like sxc.hu. This also applies to ALL pre-made backgrounds or Photoshop/GIMP brushes!