File talk:Robert Sarvis.jpg

Why does this keep getting deleted?

This is a legitimate upload with permission from Robert Sarvis himself. What do I need to do to prove that this is a legitimate copyright-free upload? Jsm11482 (talk) 12:20, 12 October 2013 (UTC)

Jsm11482, I happened to see your question. I'm not an admin, and I didn't delete this file. However, from looking at the log for this file, the problem appears to be that this file was uploaded elsewhere before it was uploaded to Commons, and there is no evidence at the first location that the copyright holder has released this image under a free license. You can find instructions over on Commons:OTRS on how to submit evidence that you have permission from the copyright holder to upload the file under the terms of a free license. The copyright holder is probably not the person depicted in the photo (i.e. Robert Sarvis), the copyright holder of most photos is the person who took the photo. So to upload this file, you need permission from Robert Sarvis's photographer. Let me know if you have any further questions or if you'd like some help through the process. —RP88 16:32, 12 October 2013 (UTC)

Thanks, I believe it is sabotage, honestly. JoshMcCullough (talk) 05:05, 13 October 2013 (UTC)

I disagree, while I haven't been following this, looking through the logs I see no evidence of sabotage. The deletes all appear to comply with Commons policy on handling uploads of copyrighted material by someone who doesn't own that material. Perhaps it's unfortunate, but Wikimedia Foundation's legal counsel insists that these policies be rigorously applied. Since you're the original uploader, take a look at Commons:OTRS for the steps you need to follow to uploaded new content that you do not own. Admittedly, while the upload tools will hold your hand though the process of uploading your own content, it doesn't make it particularly easy to upload someone else's content that hasn't already been publicly released under a free license. If you have questions about how to do this, just ask. —RP88 05:38, 13 October 2013 (UTC)

Currently in contact w/copyright holder to get official release. Can this image be "undeleted" while the request is pending? JoshMcCullough (talk) 15:28, 13 October 2013 (UTC)

Glad to hear that you are reaching out to the photographer. You've re-uploaded, so it's kind of moot, but the official way to do an undelete is at Commons:Undeletion_requests. OTRS can also do an undelete when they process an OTRS submission. If you are in contact with the photographer, can you also ask her for the original digital image? Not only is the current one ridiculously tiny, but I think your OTRS request will be more persuasive if the image has intact EXIF metadata. —RP88 16:38, 13 October 2013 (UTC)

Oh, and by the way, in my experience OTRS is kind of slow. After you forward the photographer's permission to OTRS, it is not uncommon for there to be a delay of a couple of weeks before OTRS confirms the image's status as freely licensed. —RP88 16:48, 13 October 2013 (UTC)