I would like to point out something which has come up a lot in people's comments: many of you have said how difficult it is to track down the right info on an image.
This is totally true! But just think how much easier things would be if everyone had taken the initiative to properly cite sources from the beginning, instead of just pinning or putting things on Tumblr willy-nilly without links to the original museum or website it came from. All we can do now is cite things when we know the correct information, and try to correct the false information as best we can.
I've been awarded the "Very Inspiring Blogger" award by two awesome bloggers, so I will do a post on that soon!
6 comments:
Three words: Reverse Image Search.
Three more words: It's not hard!
Yes. I don't normally talk too much about this because I have a weird feeling that because I cite due to my formal education, if I complain or post about it I'm being a snob. But you started it, so I'm allowed!
I try to be that person who posts the info in the first place. When I pin something or post to Tumblr, I note what it is (if a garment) and/or the title (if a painting), the maker or designer if known, the date I believe it's from (not always the one given), the institution, and the accession number, and I always link to the page. Always. If something pops up that I find interesting, I <3 it and come back later to see if it's pinned from a museum and if I can add that info and the number. If I can't, I just won't repin it. I'll keep it in my likes and get annoyed every time I look at it, but that's the way it is.
Does everyone have to note the institution and accession number when they're pinning from the page? Well, no, but to me it shows an understanding that knowing where it is and when it was donated (and when the official dates were put on it, most likely) can also give information about the object.
I have nominated you for an inspiring blogger award
Pinterest is a big part of why I learned to use the Google drop image search. It's really useful! I've actually found Pinterest to be quite helpful in researching medieval and renaissance clothing, as I've come across rare images I never would have found otherwise. And then, of course, I drop image search them and continue on in my quest for additional research. I'm afraid I, too, have seen what you described about the enlarged spread of misinformation. I guess we just have to be careful!
Hi! I love your blog so much that i've nominated you for a Very Inspiring Blogger Award! http://fairyfingers.blogspot.ca/2013/04/very-inspiring-blogger-award.html
So so BEAUTIFUL!!!!! You guys are fabulous together! May I ask when you are getting married? I would love to see the dress :)
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