While readjusting the mousepad last night, I accidentally tapped the right button on my mouse.  The computer screen shouted, "Thief!"

I have really had enough.  I sympathize with graphic artists.  I do not like to see their work misused, stolen, or sold.  On the other hand, I do not appreciate being called a thief or accused of stealing their graphics either.

In this case, I wouldn't even want to steal them.  The background was a garish green reminiscent of Montezuma's revenge.  A first-grader could draw better than this doodler.  This is not the Mona Lisa for heaven's sake.

And speaking of heaven, what do we have that we haven't received? Especially talent!

The right-click button has other uses than some narrow-minded people can imagine.  Before the preponderance of no-right-click scripts on websites, I used it to open pages in new windows or add a shortcut to the site on my desktop.  Some designers now make all of their pages open in new windows which is just as irritating as the reason for doing so.

I don't need to use the graphics of other artists.  I can draw my own.  I can buy my own.  In fact, I really object when I buy graphics and the artist insists on the no-right-click script.  As a result, I don't buy graphics from those artists anymore.  That's too bad, too.  Some of them are really talented.

Why do I even bother with linkware or purchased graphics?  I use graphics by other artists because

• I want to showcase their work.
• The graphics have delighted me or moved me in some way.
• I'm soothed by the pastel shadings.
• I'm excited by bold rainbows of primary colors.
• I find joy in viewing their drawings.

I read the terms.  I read them very carefully.  Then sadly, I move on because I cannot operate within the restrictions.

But I'm no thief.