What is direct linking?Direct linking is when you take a graphic, and uses it either on a web page, in their email, or even in a chat... and it is being pulled from the original server. (ie <IMG src="//www.originalserver.com/stolenimage.gif">)

Why shouldn't you direct link? It uses the bandwidth from the original server. That's illegal. Also, direct linked images take longer to load on your page.

When is it okay to direct link? You can tell that it is probably okay to direct link an image when there is a text area provided with the code to put it on your webpage (*note* in some cases there is a code provided but you still need to upload the image to your own server.)

How can you not direct link? Right click on the image to save it to your own server. (*note* some sites have right clicking disabled, this is usually because they don't want you to use their images.) After you have saved the image, upload it from your computer to your own server. Then you can post it on your website, not direct linking. (ie <IMG SRC="saved to your own server.gif">)

If you don't support direct linking, you can put one of these images on your site. They don't absolutely need to link back, but I would really prefer that they did. You also can put this direct linking FAQ on your site, but please don't put it in your frames. Copy it.