I guess this is a good place to plug a project I worked on, https://github.com/rben01/collagen . It lets you compose raster images and SVG shapes (including text) into another SVG, without re-encoding anything into a raster image. It's all just SVG. (Raster images are included via data: urls.)
I bring it up here because it's flip side of TFA. Instead of vectorizing memes, you can just take any old image you have, or a link to an image, and stick it in an SVG with some text on top, without actually having to write the SVG by hand. So an input like [this](https://gist.github.com/rben01/c0f51d8481c3ba8bd0ac108ac0b5a...) produces an output like [this](https://gist.github.com/rben01/23d01aa2668acc64cf4cffa815cb9...) (YMMV whether a linked image works in an SVG; I think in secure contexts it doesn't, but if you just copy paste the SVG into JSFiddle it should work).
While in this topic, does anyone know if memes can be legally used in printed/ebooks for free? Heck I don't even mind paying (reasonable fee), but I can't seem to find a "Fonts.com" for memes.
Edit: Thanks for the replies, but as I expected the answer is "it depends", so I guess I'll sparingly use it and see how it goes. In case anyone interested, the book is about building mobile apps, https://opinionatedlaunch.com/ (work in progress)
Memes are not some special class of imagery; if the image used along with whatever text slapped onto it was specifically created as shareable art, then you are 'merely' in a legal gray zone unless the author provides an explicit licence statement (e.g., placing it in the public domain, or under some Creative Commons licence).
If it is the type of meme where a photo is reused, than chances are pretty high that that photo is (of) a copyrighted work, and the meme thus a derivative work. The same rules for any other type of photo apply: figure out if what you are doing is fair use, or needs attribution, or needs a licence agreement with the rights holder(s).
You may also need to look out for relevant laws beyond copyright; like the person in the photo suffering as a consequence of it being reposted (as nauseam) on the internet suing under whatever law is applicable. Johnny Memeposter on Facebook won't be sued, but your publisher might.
Also repeat the above for all relevant jurisdictions.
If there is no meme about forbidden memes than this has to be legal. Yellow Smile the first meme was not patented because its creator did not considered how popular it becomes. I think every super popular meme has its similar story.
We're thrilled to announce that our Vector Meme set is now open source, under the GNU GPL license. Our goal was always to bring some lighthearted fun - not claim property rights over these cool memes. So it's nice & clear now!
We're also keeping "Pepe the Frog" - even though it was corrupted by use from the Alt-Right, its original intent as a fun cartoon is still widely recognized. Plus, it's used in many non-political memes too!
I might use these. I always wanted to get into making memes instead of just sharing them. These can be easily added to (rasterized) images to remix the original image, which is great. I've also wanted to birth a meme, as in, instead of just rehashing an old joke, I created the joke and it gets shared widely, sort of like some legacy that I contributed to cyberspace.
Or maybe I should just use 4chan more and try and get an image trending. That's how it's done right?
Linkware license: "You can use these assets for free in your projects, even in commercial works. All you need to do is add a link back to the Streamline Icons (www.streamlinehq.com) website."
I am not a lawyer, but these icons are necessarily public domain works, if we consider they are made out of geometric shapes that are too simple to be copyrighted (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Threshold_of_originality). Claiming copyright on these icons would mean they are derivative works, which would mean OP violated the copyright of the original works.
Yay, thanks for the feedback! Streamline's known for its massive, consistent sets so we're absolutely going to add more soon. Even more so because the love we've received from the community is incredible. Would you want to bookmark that page or (if you're feeling lazy) sign up on our newsletter: https://www.streamlinehq.com/newsletter? Thanks again, much appreciated!
Regardless of where you stand on the 'Pepe the Frog is a hate symbol' issue, you might want to reconsider including it. The Wikipedia page¹ is fairly informative.
bobbylarrybobby|3 years ago
I bring it up here because it's flip side of TFA. Instead of vectorizing memes, you can just take any old image you have, or a link to an image, and stick it in an SVG with some text on top, without actually having to write the SVG by hand. So an input like [this](https://gist.github.com/rben01/c0f51d8481c3ba8bd0ac108ac0b5a...) produces an output like [this](https://gist.github.com/rben01/23d01aa2668acc64cf4cffa815cb9...) (YMMV whether a linked image works in an SVG; I think in secure contexts it doesn't, but if you just copy paste the SVG into JSFiddle it should work).
Much easier than crafting memes by hand.
wiradikusuma|3 years ago
Edit: Thanks for the replies, but as I expected the answer is "it depends", so I guess I'll sparingly use it and see how it goes. In case anyone interested, the book is about building mobile apps, https://opinionatedlaunch.com/ (work in progress)
Freak_NL|3 years ago
Memes are not some special class of imagery; if the image used along with whatever text slapped onto it was specifically created as shareable art, then you are 'merely' in a legal gray zone unless the author provides an explicit licence statement (e.g., placing it in the public domain, or under some Creative Commons licence).
If it is the type of meme where a photo is reused, than chances are pretty high that that photo is (of) a copyrighted work, and the meme thus a derivative work. The same rules for any other type of photo apply: figure out if what you are doing is fair use, or needs attribution, or needs a licence agreement with the rights holder(s).
You may also need to look out for relevant laws beyond copyright; like the person in the photo suffering as a consequence of it being reposted (as nauseam) on the internet suing under whatever law is applicable. Johnny Memeposter on Facebook won't be sued, but your publisher might.
Also repeat the above for all relevant jurisdictions.
eimrine|3 years ago
vincent-lemoign|3 years ago
We're thrilled to announce that our Vector Meme set is now open source, under the GNU GPL license. Our goal was always to bring some lighthearted fun - not claim property rights over these cool memes. So it's nice & clear now!
We're also keeping "Pepe the Frog" - even though it was corrupted by use from the Alt-Right, its original intent as a fun cartoon is still widely recognized. Plus, it's used in many non-political memes too!
vmoore|3 years ago
Or maybe I should just use 4chan more and try and get an image trending. That's how it's done right?
yboris|3 years ago
From Bacteria to Bach and Back: The Evolution of Minds
https://www.amazon.com/Bacteria-Bach-Back-Evolution-Minds/dp...
dmonitor|3 years ago
TekMol|3 years ago
gnabgib|3 years ago
Linkware license: "You can use these assets for free in your projects, even in commercial works. All you need to do is add a link back to the Streamline Icons (www.streamlinehq.com) website."
Diti|3 years ago
anigbrowl|3 years ago
vincent-lemoign|3 years ago
limaho|3 years ago
ChrisMarshallNY|3 years ago
No Willy Wonka "Do Tell"?
No Philosoraptor?
Apparently, we are now required to add Adele to the mix.
natalia-a|3 years ago
vincent-lemoign|3 years ago
unknown|3 years ago
[deleted]
g8oz|3 years ago
Freak_NL|3 years ago
1: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pepe_the_Frog
vincent-lemoign|3 years ago