1. Fig variety synonyms, 2. Variety description-stock photos off the Internet

[Harish-C]

There was a recent thread on the Fig Forum talking extensively about multiple alternate names of many fig varieties, and, more interestingly, the use of the variety description and open-source photos found on the internet that have no copyrights claimed on them, and are obviously in public domain, when showing off your fig to potential buyers without bothering to ask the owner of the description or the photos for permission. I could not ask this question in that thread as that thread was closed when I came across it.

What is the consensus on these two issues: using alternate fig names, and, using open-source description/stock pictures. Thanks for any inputs.

[ginamcd]

If you search, there are lots of articles available on-line pertaining to copyright protection of content on the internet. Here's one as an example - https://www.lawfirms.com/resources/t...t-internet.htm

Basically anything on another person's or company's website, blog, social media page, etc. is covered by copyright law. Only exception is for use in educational settings.

There are some open source sites where photographers and artists can and do post their work and make it available without a fee and without permission, but most stock photo sites will require one to purchase the photo/artwork with royalties paid to the artist/owner.

[Figology]

Side note: You can sometimes use tineye.com to find a duplicate of the same image on multiple websites.

[BlueEagle1967]

IMO. it's pretty lame if you're selling figs and don't post your own photos or post someone else's, even with permission. If your variety hasn't fruited, then just post the sticks or tree you're selling and let folks know.

[mwhight34]

If it was me making a listing for a fig I hadn’t fruited, I’d fully disclose this fact to my potential buyers, as well as list my source for the fig being sold. That way everything is out in the open, people were warned, and leaves no room for misinterpretation

[RosyPosy]

I don’t think it’s cool to use different names or stock photos. A plant or cutting should be sold under its original name. A note can be made in the description that it is similar to or synonymous to certain varieties, but the name of a true to type variety should never be changed for the purpose of marketing. An open source stock photo could be added, but it must be disclosed in the description that’s what the photo is and why it’s being used. But really, one’s own photos should be used to the extent possible because you are selling what you have, not what someone else has.

[AscPete]

IMO, you should use the cultivar name that came with the Fig, but you can also share the 'aliases' for example; Brown Turkey Fig also known as California Brown Turkey and San Piero...
It only usually takes one season to produce leaves and figs for your own photos, which can be used to promote your product, document and verify the cultivars that are being put into circulation.

There were several occasions (on Figs4Fun Forum) where new forum members took cuttings (sometimes entire in-ground trees) of usually 'found' unknown figs, named them as 'known' cultivars then sold cuttings at premium prices.

[Harish-C]

With a few exceptions, leaf shape/size are, most of the times, not a good identifier of a fig variety. A fig tree can easily have widely differing leaf shapes at the same time. At the very least, the seller should identify the source of the parent fig, and show a photo of its fruit, if available, when trying to sell it. If not. they should clearly state that it has nor fruited yet. But, for most fig lovers, it is imperative to know its provenance, at least. Even with all that it is mostly a matter of trust.

[Kid Fig]

What's the consensus on say naming an unknown heirloom fig.

Considering that "heirloom" would be 100 years or more, and considering the slight possibility that it has adapted/changed enough to gain slight differences much like BMkk is synonymous to BM is synonymous with Figo Preto?

[AscPete]

Naming Unknowns has never been a major issue because there is a distinct Name usually preferred with 'Unknown' as prefix or suffix, examples are Creech Family Fig and Tennessee Mountain Fig which are 'Heirloom' Celeste types...

https://www.ourfigs.com/forum/figs-home/1955-a-fig-by-any-other-name

BM-KK (Black Madeira - KK) is simply a BM that was 'sourced' from KK (Members Initials). BM is SIMILAR to Figo Preto as shared by forum members that have grown them side by side, not SYNONYMOUS or Same. These names are known / established, unknowns are not being named / renamed, though they were originally 'Unknowns' give those names.

[Kid Fig]

@AscPete

Cool and thanks!

And gotcha on the BM/FP part

[venturabananas]

In this day and age of nearly everyone having camera on their phone, or at least a cheap digital cameras readily available, there is no excuse for any seller not using their own photos. Either do that, or use no photos at all.

I would not buy from a seller who uses other folks photos, except with explicit permission and an explanation of why.