The real odd thing about this, like a I wrote in the SS thread is that there is an ad at the bottom of the page for any site you search for. Istockphoto has over 1200 images on there.

Of course it's infringement but I don't feel it's dramatic since (a) the size is maximum 500px or so, and (2) no serious designer is going to "license" photos from photobucket or flickr since he wants to play safe.

Nothing personal, but I wholeheartedly disagree.

First, most microstock sales are for blog size (400x300) or web size (800x600) images.  So every time that someone illegally copies one of your images from a site like this, it is a potential lost sale.  Not only that, but one lost sale could lead to many others.

Second, if someone illegally copies your image and places it on another site, then there are now two illegal copies of your image.  So this leads to a potentially bigger issue down the road.

Third, if the illegal image ever makes it into some of the image search engines (such as Google), then you will really have problems.

Finally, your image might eventually become a victim of the proposed Orphan Works Act.

I found one of mine among the istockphoto ones, but I don't see the point.  No one is going to use a watermarked thumbnail for anything, and as far as orphaned works, well, it's pretty obvious where to find the real owner.  Why would someone upload all those?

I didn't find any of mine there (yet) but I found so many I recognized that after I was tired of sending iStock sitemail to people, I contacted iStock support to see if they can do anything.

I wonder if these folks just don't realize they're doing anything wrong, but how can you think it's OK to upload a purchased image and say it's yours?

Well I for one am very grateful for your headsup, JoAnn.

FWIW the one of mine that JoAnn noticed did NOT have the watermark. 

I contacted photobucket and they sent me an e-mail detailing how to correctly contact them. 

Really nice thing was that the FAX number listed to send it to was no longer in service.  Hopefully I will get somewhere sending it via e-mail. 

I would be happy to post the  correct form and the contact address if it won't be violating any rules of this forum...

Some people will always believe that if it's on the internet it is free for the taking.  Especially when sites like this do nothing to prevent such theft. And in fact tell you flat out they are not responsible for the content of the website. I am sure photobucket is being kept busy with complaints though and appears to be taking care of the offenders if the original owner steps up and complains.