Original Content Policies – VerseDB

Overview

VerseDB is committed to maintaining a legally compliant and ethically responsible database of comic book information. This guide outlines our policies regarding fair use, copyright, creator attribution, and the handling of unverified content.

Fair Use Guidelines for Images & Artwork

Images and artwork play an important role in documenting and discussing comics. However, their use must align with fair use principles:
✅ Minimal Usage – Only use small portions of an image (e.g., cover thumbnails, character headshots) rather than full pages or spreads.
✅ Educational & Informational Purpose – Images should be used to illustrate comic book history, identification, or reviews—not for unauthorized redistribution.
✅ Low-Resolution Preference – When possible, use lower-resolution images to avoid competing with official sources.
✅ No Unauthorized Editing – Do not alter official artwork in misleading ways. Edits must be clearly labeled as fan modifications.

🚨 Unauthorized or excessive use of copyrighted images may result in removal.

Copyright Considerations for Publisher-Owned Content

VerseDB respects the intellectual property rights of publishers, creators, and copyright holders. When submitting content, follow these rules:
❌ No Full-Page Scans – Full pages from comics should never be uploaded.
❌ No Direct Copying from Official Sites – Avoid copying official descriptions, solicitations, or articles verbatim.
✅ Paraphrase & Summarize – If referencing official content, summarize it in your own words instead of copying text.
✅ Give Credit Where Due – Clearly mention the publisher, writer, artist, or relevant sources when summarizing or analyzing content.

Attribution Requirements for Creators

Proper attribution ensures that comic book creators receive credit for their work. When submitting information to VerseDB:

• Always list credited creators (writers, artists, inkers, colorists, letterers, editors).
• Use official sources (comic credits, publisher websites) to confirm creator roles.
• No misleading crediting – Avoid adding contributors unless they are officially credited for their work.

Handling of Leaked or Advance Material

Leaked content can harm publishers, creators, and the industry as a whole. To maintain ethical standards, VerseDB enforces the following policies:
🚫 No Leaked or Unofficial Content – Content from early leaks, pirated scans, or unauthorized sources is not allowed.
🚫 No Spoilers from Unreleased Issues – Avoid posting major plot points before the official release date unless publishers have publicly revealed them.
✅ Official Previews Only – You may upload officially released preview pages, solicitation text, and cover art from publishers.

Policies on Fan Theories vs. Confirmed Information

Fan theories and speculation are fun, but they should not be misrepresented as facts. To ensure accuracy in VerseDB’s database:
❌ No Fan-Made Storylines or Unverified Claims – Content must be sourced from official publications or creators.
❌ No Theories in Canonical Descriptions – Character and story descriptions should only reflect confirmed in-universe details.
✅ Proper Labeling of Speculation – If discussing theories, clearly mark them as speculation and keep them separate from factual information.

Conclusion

By following these original content policies, we can maintain a high-quality, legally compliant, and respectful comic book database. If you have any questions about content guidelines, please contact our support team.

🚀 Thank you for contributing to VerseDB responsibly!