Blue Cavern

If, and I mean when , I start my own smurfy website, what sort of legal stuff do I need to remember? I read on Blue Imps that I can't use "smurf" in the web address, but I've also noticed that lots of your websites have copyright stuff on them.

Good question, Hilary! I was wondering that myself as I would like to 'one day' have a go at my own smurfie website.....it's an excellent way of recording what smurfies you've got. You are fast finding out how quick ones collection can grow, aren't you Hilary? So, a website would be a good idea.

You're not wrong Sharon! I think they've been breeding!

You're not wrong Sharon! I think they've been breeding!

And, it's you who has been helping the breeding along, isn't it Hilary? I tend to do the very same thing with my own collection. It's great fun being a 'smurfie breeder', isn't it?

Smurf on!!!!

Hello Hilary, Rachel is the one to know all of this and as soon as she sees this, she will give you great advice, i'd be lost without her But you are right, the word smurf cannot be used in your web address, and the copyright wording is for your own protection of your pictures and text, you can word it however you want to

Rachel will guide ya

Morning ladies.

Ooops, and pinkie.

I agree totally, a website is a great way of keeping track of your collection, is great fun and very satisfying to make and also gives the rest of us more opportunities to drool over smurf pics.

Regarding what can and can't be done. You are right, IMPS won't allow the words smurf, smurfs or any translation to be used in the domain name. They may not act immediately but will eventually catch you up and insist that the site name is changed which means a lot of hard work. There was a time when there were loads of us using these words in our domains as we did not know about the copyright issues. After lots of gossip, worries and rumours we all got sent cease and decist legal letters explaining that large fines would be issued if we did not stop.

I do understand why they feel so strongly about this, although at the time we were all very upset by it, which is why I try and make everyone aware of the issues before they start and save themselves a lot of extra work in the long run.

Other issues that should be noted. Any smurf clipart or cartoons are also a big no no and will also upset IMPS. I have checked with them and they are okay with us using pics of our own smurfs. This is why, if you notice on Blue Imps and many other sites, we have graphics that have been made out of actual figures rather than the cartoon pics.

As Gray mentions, the copyrights that we have on our sites are for our protection really, to at least try and stop other peple using our pics.

The main advice I would give is, go for it. Try using a free website builder to start (such as Geocities), use your own pics, photos and ideas as it will mean your site is individual. Always ask for help if you get stuck or need some graphics made, there are plenty of us here to help but most of all, have fun with it.

It has been fantastic seeing so many wonderful sites emerge over the last few years and it is now so much easier to cross reference collections to get a better idea of what is common / rare or genuine / fake.

And, it's you who has been helping the breeding along, isn't it Hilary? I tend to do the very same thing with my own collection. It's great fun being a 'smurfie breeder', isn't it?

Smurf on!!!!

It's a lot easier and much less stressful than breeding puppies, which I will not do - well, can't really, the dogs have all been "done"! Can't say it's any cheaper though! But yes, a lot more fun!

Cheers, Rach! Good advice from you as always!

It's really nice of you to take the time to explain stuff to us novices.

Thanks for the info Rachel. I hadn't realised about the clipart! I've noticed a phrase, such as this sentence taken from Moey's site: "Smurfs and the distinct Smurf likeness is a registered trademark of Peyo - License I.M.P.S." Is it necessary to add that to the site or just a good idea?

My pleasure.

Sorry Hilary, I had forgotten you have already done one website. Your already halfway there then.

I have noticed quite a few websites using smurfy clipart lately, it looks great but it will eventually get spotted by IMPS.

I've noticed a phrase, such as this sentence taken from Moey's site: "Smurfs and the distinct Smurf likeness is a registered trademark of Peyo - License I.M.P.S." Is it necessary to add that to the site or just a good idea?

To be honest, I can't remember if this was a phrase that IMPS wanted us to use on Blue Imps or if I came up with it or indeed borrowed it and then they modified it. I know they definitely had an input on the exact wording though.

I wouldn't say it was 100% necessary but I had so many problems with them regarding what could or couln't be used that I thought it better to include it.

Thanks Rachel. I shall include it anyway then.

Thanks for the info Rachel. I hadn't realised about the clipart! I've noticed a phrase, such as this sentence taken from Moey's site: "Smurfs and the distinct Smurf likeness is a registered trademark of Peyo - License I.M.P.S." Is it necessary to add that to the site or just a good idea?

I stole that from Dyar's site without really knowing where it came from...

A Duckie and a Hilarly Smurfy websites would be great

I think most of my good ideas or things that worked well on my site actually came from Blue Imps and its designer anyway. I would hate to think what my site would of looked like without Rachel's help to get me started on the website path.

Dyar

I think most of my good ideas or things that worked well on my site actually came from Blue Imps and its designer anyway. I would hate to think what my site would of looked like without Rachel's help to get me started on the website path.

Dyar

I second that too

Thanks guys.

I am just glad to help out and if it means more smurf sites.............