Bandwidth Can Be Stolen Property. Are you stealing?

The URL, you were trying to view was stolen from newcenturytint.com

Never link to an image file, sound file, or other file types on someone else's site so that it displays on or is used on your web site unless you have permission-it's a crime-and it's easy to get caught! This practice is called hot-linking. It is bandwidth theft because the other person's server has to send data (bandwidth transference) to your site. This slows their site and yours down, and costs them money if they go over their bandwidth allowance.

This is NOT the same as linking TO someone else's site to send visitor's there. Hot-linking is calling someone else's file to your server. Some sites such as YouTube, pre-authorize the use of some content on your site by providing the link code. In that case, it's OK because you have permission.

You Can Easily Be Caught!

People don't realize how easily they can be caught stealing bandwidth and images. Each time a file is called from the server, it is recorded in what is called a log file. If you link to a graphic on someone else's server, it records the web site that the file is called from, so if you link illegally to someone else's files, each time your page is accessed by anyone, that is recorded.

You may think if you signed up with a free host you can get away with it. Perhaps you used a fictitious name and address when you signed up, and even used a free email account. All that doesn't matter.

Every time you create, modify or add to a web site, or just send an email from your computer or a free account, your IP address is logged. Your IP address can easily be tracked to your ISP, who has logs of which account has used which IP address for each date and time. You are never completely anonymous on the Internet. These are the same files the FBI uses to catch child pornographers, hackers, and other nefarious types.

What The Law Says:

Log files are considered legal evidence and you can be sued for stealing bandwidth. Damages can be awarded up to $100,000 plus proven costs. Proof of monetary loss isn't necessary for damages to be awarded!

The long and short of it is, don't steal images or bandwidth. It could mess up your entire life if you were taken to court and forced to pay 6 figures in damages. It's just as easy to do things right. Think about it.