The provided source material details the policies and procedures for accessing and using free poses, which are digital avatar images, on specific online chat platforms. This information is relevant to UK consumers interested in digital freebies, particularly within niche online communities. The sources focus on two main entities: the website "HaikuBaiku" and the "Myriad" chat site, which hosts a "Chatlands" community. The documentation outlines the types of poses available, the rules governing their creation and submission, and the specific restrictions on their use. This article will explore these details to provide a clear overview for those seeking to engage with these digital freebies.
Free Pose Sources and Licensing
The primary source for free digital poses is the HaikuBaiku website. This site functions as a gallery where the artist, HaikuBaiku, lists freebies and premades for public use. A critical piece of information from this source is the specific licensing and usage restrictions applied to all art on the site. The artist retains full copyright, and the freebies are intended for use only on designated chat sites, explicitly listed as Wunderwood LLC chats and Wolfing. The documentation notes that this permission does not extend to other platforms, specifically naming Worlize and Toxic Flow as excluded sites.
The terms of use for these freebies are strict. Users are prohibited from using the art on other websites without obtaining express permission from the artist. Furthermore, the freebies cannot be used as adoptable bases on platforms like DeviantArt, nor can the blank freebie files be uploaded to a user's DeviantArt page. Any form of sale of the art is forbidden without the artist's express permission. These rules are clearly stated to protect the artist's intellectual property and control over the distribution of their work.
Obtaining a Pose on Myriad Chat
For users of the Myriad chat site, the process of obtaining a pose is outlined in their FAQ. The documentation explains that there are four primary methods to acquire a pose for use as an avatar on the site. These methods are: creating one's own pose, paying for a custom pose from an artist (referred to as "Customs"), purchasing a pre-made pose from another user (called "Premades"), or using a free pose provided by someone else (called "Freebies").
Once a pose is obtained through any of these methods, the next step is to upload it to the Myriad system. The source material references a separate "pose uploading tutorial" for guidance on this process. After a successful upload, the pose is submitted for review. The Myriad Art Review Team is responsible for checking all submitted poses, and the documentation indicates that review times can vary, often occurring within a day or two, and sometimes even within hours.
Pose Submission Rules and Standards
Myriad maintains a comprehensive set of rules and standards that all submitted poses must meet for approval. These standards cover a wide range of aspects, from technical specifications to content appropriateness.
Technical and Size Requirements
Poses must adhere to specific size limitations. They must be at least 25 pixels in both height and width, and cannot exceed 600 pixels in either dimension. The documentation notes that for common avatar species like wolves, tigers, or bears, the images are typically much smaller than the 600-pixel maximum, often under 350 pixels. The source also mentions that the site provides charts displaying more subjective limits based on avatar species and pose type (e.g., Feral or Anthro).
A crucial technical rule is that all poses, with the exception of AFK (Away From Keyboard) poses, must be mirrored. This means a user must upload both a left-facing and a right-facing version of the pose. This is achieved by flipping the image; redrawing is not required. This allows for the "Turn Around" function in the chat. Furthermore, poses must have a transparent background. Opaque backgrounds or any transparent colours within the pose itself will result in rejection. Poses must also be "clean," meaning they should be free of loose pixels (pixels outside the main pose). The only exception is if the loose pixels are an intentional part of the pose's aesthetic, such as for effects like fleas, shadows, or smoke.
Content and Subject Matter Rules
The content of poses is heavily regulated. Adult or "suggestive" poses are not accepted on all chat sites, and users are advised to check with Myriad administrators for specific site rules. Offensive material, including obscene gestures and hate symbols, is strictly prohibited. For poses involving blood or gore, these are only acceptable during the Halloween period. After Halloween, such poses are removed. A small amount of blood may be acceptable, but wounds that appear self-inflicted are not. An exception is "clean" zombie poses, which cannot contain flesh, blood, gore, or other disturbing imagery.
The documentation also provides guidance on acceptable and unacceptable props, mounts, and pets. Most props are acceptable, including signs, plushies, small pets, simple thought bubbles, and appropriate items. Unacceptable props include large pets (like domestic dogs or cats), large vehicles, speech bubbles, and inappropriate items. Plushies are allowed, but they must be clearly inanimate, often indicated by stitches. There is no limit on the number of plushies in a pose. Mounts are acceptable if the creature is clearly being ridden, such as horses or small dragons. Regarding pets, large domestic pets like dogs or cats are not acceptable on Myriad, though kittens are allowed. Puppies are not permitted. There is no limit on the number of small pets, but larger pets should be limited to two per character.
Species, Anatomy, and Special Poses
Myriad allows many species, but most are restricted to private rooms. Mods (modifications to a species) are generally unacceptable if they make it difficult to determine the original species. Examples of unacceptable mods include taurs and wolves with beaks. The site encourages proper anatomy, noting that while perfection isn't required, good anatomy helps in determining the species. For those with a more simplistic or "gag" style, "Gag & Mini Poses" are allowed. These are meant to be drawn with simplicity and little shading or detail, but all other standards still apply.
AFK poses are subject to the most lenient rules. They can be of any quality and may consist of just an animal head, a feather, a silhouette, or even a computer. The sole requirement is that the letters "AFK" must be written somewhere on the pose to clarify its purpose. Additionally, the rules state that humans are not allowed in any pose type except as plushies, and clipart is not permitted.
Conclusion
The provided documentation offers a detailed look into the world of digital pose freebies within specific online chat communities. For UK consumers, the key takeaways are the existence of curated sources for free digital assets, such as the HaikuBaiku website, and the structured, rule-based environment of platforms like Myriad. Accessing these freebies requires careful adherence to licensing terms, which often restrict use to specific sites and prohibit commercialisation. For those participating in communities like Myriad, success in using a free pose depends on following a strict set of technical and content guidelines. Understanding these rules is essential for anyone looking to engage with these digital freebies, ensuring compliance and a smooth experience within these online spaces.