Many years ago, when ShipSpotting.com was under previous ownership, an arrangement was made to allow other sites to host thumbnail images from here in order to "promote contributing photographers and increase traffic to the Website". When I was investigating a similar complaint about another Latvia-based site in 2018 (and which seems now to have closed) this came to light "hidden in plain view" in the Terms & Conditions that we signify our agreement with every time we upload a photo!
http://www.shipspotting.com/about/terms.phpFor the record, BalticShipping are compliant with at least some of the original conditions, but it seems doubtful to me that ShipSpotting or its members are receiving any benefit.
At the time we tried to review this arrangement but had zero cooperation from IT. I am more confident that we will be able to do so now, and in conjunction with the site owner. There may be contractual or commercial reasons that may have to be taken into account. I will follow up with the Admin Group and advise here when there is something that can be said in public (any member is welcome to make an input on the subject direct to me at
[email protected] if they have useful knowledge or expertise on this)
If you are aware of other sites which appear to be currently operating on a similar basis, please post the links here so that we can also take them into account.