I think its tough to say... It's like I know it smells (real) bad, but I can't quite put my finger on what it is that stinks so much. I guess I would say it is

I think its tough to say... It's like I know it smells (real) bad, but I can't quite put my finger on what it is that stinks so much. I guess I would say it is one thing to 'sell' public domain pictures in your database along with privately held photos - using a subscription model, Getty could say it is just creating a one stop shop and charging for that service. I am sure their lawyers thought about that long ago, when they first brought on the Public Domain photos. But to go to the level of actually shaking people down for money when they are using a photo that is Public Domain leans toward organized crime, with copyright laws behaving as accessories to enforcement. It's like charging 'protection money' when you should naturally have freedom from harassment. How many uncounted people have paid that shakedown fee for their Public Domain pictures, not knowing any better... Proves the old adage - Knowledge is Power.