Tools for Finding Creative Commons Images

Via Michael Guhlin I’m playing with some tools to find creative commons images for use in things like blogposts, slide shows, etc. I thought I’d give Sprixi and FlickrCC.Bluemountains.net–by Peter Shanks, a new year’s test drive. My key word for testing was FREE!

Michael gave a precise review sequence in his blog, so I’ll skipped that and just did a quick “do it now” comparison.

Sprixi – chose the picture, downloaded to my hard drive, then inserted into the blog post.  A black frame with the attribution information is included in the picture. Small to read tho! No link back to the image source.

credited_3063566547_2a11aa6178

On Flickr CC you have a nice editing option, but there are a few more steps to getting the image and the proper attribution into the blog post – you have to do it manually. This is more steps, but more flexibility. Here is the image I chose.

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And here is the attribution!

Image: ‘Free 2 Run
Free 2 Run

Note the copy/pasted attribution does not indicate the CC license but does include a link back to the Flickr picture.

So two tools, two approaches, both useful, but the choice depends on what you are looking for. Bottom line? There are fabulous images out there, waiting to help us communicate better and add beauty to the world, so go out and get them, and thanks to all the photographers who are sharing their images with license forms that allow us to use them. Bravo!

You know when you gotta go – Nexus for Change 2

March 28th I head to Bowling Green, Ohio for my second Nexus for Change. Last year at Nexus 1 I had the opportunity to work alongside some amazing professional graphic recorders who were supporting the overall event and my eyes were opened to the visual aspects of group process. This year, I’m heading back to Nexus for Change 2/Nexus U and am inviting you to consider going too. And I’m on the Arts Team again (as well as the Tech team, but spreading my wings beyond my customary domain).

I was on the fence because life is crazy and the year is looking to be full of travel. I was unsure because it took a while to see the agenda and to figure out if I had something to contribute/get. Then I decided to let go of expectations and just COMMIT!

This year there are two parts ($600 for 4 days!). Nexus U is a chance to focus on large group/whole system methods and consider how to apply them. Think of “method camp.” Gabriel Shirley has assembled a team of experienced practitioners to lead folks through a series of fast/deep dives on Saturday, then to work in groups to plan actual applications. Then on Sunday night Nexus 2 opens, followed by two days of thinking about whole systems change – how methods are related, how we can use these tools to change our selves, our companies and the world.

Are you a facilitator? A change maker? Interested in change? In methods? Sign up and come along. If you are into visual methods, I’ll be leading the deep dives on Saturday, then I’ll be backing up an old client, James Soohoo (James is NOT old, but this is a past client!!) as he shares how online tools made a difference for his group at the March of Dimes.

For all the details in a downloadable form, click here: Nexus for Change 2 Invitation (pdf)