anipan

I love all these ways of protecting people's art you've created but I'd like to ask if the right clicking+info thing is up and working yet? Because after reading the post I tried dragging a random picture to my desktop and the info didn't show. I also tried right click& save as and it didn't show as well.

Sun, 26 Aug 2012 21:51:13 +0100

This is an option for artists when uploading, which we are planning to set as a default today. Thank you for the feedback!

How anipan protects your artwork

Sun, 26 Aug 2012 12:15:04 +0100

anipan has been open for five days now, and during this time we have been listening very closely to your feedback. In this blog, we’re announcing several new functions that have just been integrated into anipan, which are a response to the feedback we’ve received during the beta release.

One of our goals is to make it ever-more difficult for people to steal artwork and claim it as their own. This might sound like a conflict of interest when we’re working so hard to present artwork in higher resolutions than ever, but we’re proposing a few ways to deal with it.

We started with the magnify overlay, which was introduced during the alpha release last month.

路地裏のおとしもの by 仮眠

On the outside, it might appear to be strictly a nifty way to zoom into detail – and it kind of is. You can dive into the artwork to enjoy the artist’s ultra-fine brush strokes, clothing details, and things you simply can’t see in a compressed, scaled-down image. When you visit an exhibition or gallery, you can almost get away with pressing your face against the artwork – and we’re doing our best to capture that here.

What might not be evident is what’s actually going on behind the scenes. When you zoom into an image like the one above, you’re actually seeing many small images arranged side-by-side to give the illusion of a huge piece of artwork. When an artist uploads their work in high resolution, the original piece is sliced up by one of our servers – making it much more difficult for people to snatch the source file. Plus, because we’ve put all of this behind a small viewing window (which fortunately works wonders for peering into the image), it makes it extremely difficult and tedious to screenshot and piece together the high-resolution image. And as a bonus, right-clicking on the image won’t get you anywhere.

With a reduced risk of theft, our aim is to give you, as an artist, more confidence in uploading your higher resolution artwork.

We’ve also made share buttons standard. Why? Because people are going to share artwork anyway, wherever it appears. And if the artwork is going to be shared, it’s only right that the original author should be credited for the piece, with a return link included.

When artwork is shared, you’ll see a notice appear on the page for that piece. In the next update to the anipan café, artists will be able to track who shared it – and we’re working on trying to track exactly where it was shared.

For artists who are less interested in showing their artwork in high resolutions and more interested in security, we’ve just released two new updates:

Gray by bao

When uploading artwork, you now have the option to give right-clickers a surprise. When a piece of artwork is right clicked, dragged onto a desktop, or saved in some other way, the saved version will contain a permanent url for that piece, your user id# (since usernames can change, whereas your id# is fixed), the anipan logo, and a subtle copyright symbol in the center of the image. The image is also slightly reduced in size – a maximum resolution of 750 pixels in width, rather than 1,000. Plus, the filename includes information about where to find you.

We decided not to disable right click, because we believe it will encourage people to screenshot your artwork. The above method increases the chance of your credit being maintained when the artwork is saved to an art appreciator’s hard drive or uploaded elsewhere.

Goldfish Bride by Naguri

If you prefer, you can set the image that displays on anipan to be the watermarked version, giving your artwork the smallest chance of being taken and re-used elsewhere without credit.

The facts:

Art theft is something that cannot be avoided. There are tools out there to remove watermarks, there are very patient people who will screenshot your image pixel-by-pixel, there are some who will scan your 300dpi art books and prints, and there are those who will take photos of works in exhibitions.

However, the average art thief is an opportunist – if they have to spend more than a few seconds trying to take a piece of artwork, they won’t bother. That’s why we’re working so hard to establish barriers between art thieves and unaltered artwork, making it much harder to steal artwork posted at anipan. If art thieves know it’s easier to steal artwork posted at other art sites, perhaps they’ll go there instead.

Our suggestion is just to enjoy being an artist and have confidence in posting your artwork to anipan. We’ll do our very best to continue stamping down on things while presenting your artwork beautifully.

For the record:

Copyright infringement, including tracing (which should not be permitted anywhere), is strictly prohibited at anipan. If you see it, please help us out and click the “report artwork” link below the piece’s related works.

anipan's bizarro launch

Tue, 21 Aug 2012 07:29:00 +0100

So, today we launched anipan… and here’s what was going on at HQ!

At around 12:15 PM, we ran into tedious problems with our image server, forcing us to shut things down for maintenance much earlier than expected. We managed to get everything sorted out, with anipan back up and running before long, but it’s a shame that we weren’t able to continue live closed beta testing for another hour or two before closing the site off.

At 4 PM, when anipan released, things seemed to be going well. Our servers were coping, although dealing with far more traffic than expected… but as time went on and word began to get out to more and more people, we began to hit a ceiling.

Our fresh servers, despite their trials, just couldn’t stand up to the onslaught of new users, file uploads, and general number crunching. We didn’t anticipate anything nearly as grand as the turnout that anipan received, and as a result, this team of two spent the next 6 hours madly doing everything possible to keep things flowing: increasing bandwidth, re-routing traffic, tweaking the servers, and pleading with the folks at our datacenter (fortunately they were sympathetic).

Although there have been hiccups here and there since, we’ve been able to refine our servers so that they are much better at coping with large levels of traffic. We’ve tweaked our image and task servers to be lightning fast, no matter the load, we’ve improved upload speeds for larger files, and we’ve installed more failsafes in case something happens.

I apologise that things didn’t go a little smoother, but it definitely was an experience! We made it through our first day and have come out prepared for just about anything. That’s what open betas are all about, right?!

Thank you to everybody who participated, and we look forward to seeing you again tomorrow! Be sure to look out for this week’s features, which include the café, id card sharing, blogs, and cross-posting to deviantART and Twitter. And of course, we’ll have plenty of bug fixes.

Eddz
Director

This is it: anipan releases today!

Mon, 20 Aug 2012 10:38:00 +0100

We’re finally here. August 20th – anipan’s release date.

In September 2011, anipan’s back-end began construction from pixiv’s office in Tokyo.
In April 2012, we started a crowd-funding campaign at Indiegogo. We met our funding goal of $25,000 on May 20th, 2012.
In July 2012, an early version of anipan was released to a small group of closed alpha testers. It’s been evolving in front of the eyes of these people ever since.

We couldn’t have got this far without each and every one of you. Today is a very special day for us, and we hope it’s one that you’ll remember, too.

Today’s schedule:

6:00 AM PDT: Early access begins for people who have pre-registered
2:00 PM PDT Scheduled downtime for new feature updates
4:00 PM PDT: The anipan open beta is released

Today’s new features:

anipan +: connect and cross-post your artwork to Tumblr and deviantART
Friend locator: easily find friends and get rewarded for inviting people
Draw over: a new way to interact with and critique artwork
Café: a feed of activity from people you follow and who interact with you

Today’s patches:

Comment replies
Forgot password function
Avatar uploading via file boxes
ID card sharing
Better support for IE9
Plenty of bug fixes

And remember – each of anipan’s first members will get a 4-digit id#, like the one above.

Join us for the celebration as anipan, the next-generation international community for artists, makes its public debut today at 4 PM PDT!

anipan.com

Less than 24 hours to go!

Mon, 20 Aug 2012 01:26:21 +0100

anipan will be launching on Monday 20th August at around 4:00 PM PST – that’s less than 24 hours away!

Can’t wait until tomorrow to join anipan? Then make sure you check the Twitter account, @anipancom, at 6:00 PM PST this evening!

Trying to claim your id#, but having problems?

Wed, 15 Aug 2012 08:19:12 +0100

Hello!

If you’re having problems claiming your reserved id#, then please follow these instructions before contacting us:

1. If you have reserved an id#, visit anipan.com/id and sign in. You will find a ten-character-long code next to your reserved id# (above the large selection area). Copy this code.

2. Visit anipan.com, and click “use invitation.”

3. Paste the copied code into the box which says “id# code.” Do not enter your actual id# in this box, but the 10-character-long code.

4. Paste your alpha or beta invitation code into the first box. If you did not receive an email, then you will have to contact me.

5. From there, enter your email and password, and you’re done!

I hope this helps. If you’re still stuck then please drop me an email – megan@[that new art site]

Join the anipan beta!

Sun, 12 Aug 2012 02:28:00 +0100

Would you like to join the anipan beta?

Up until launch, we’re giving away three codes at a random minute of every hour.

Just visit anipan.com and check back every so often!

Good luck, and see you there!

anipan pre-registration is open!

Wed, 08 Aug 2012 17:48:46 +0100

You are now able to pre-register for anipan, a new and unique community for artists which launches on August 20th!

To pre-register, visit anipan.com.

Can’t wait to see you there!

The final anipan alpha code giveaway!

Fri, 03 Aug 2012 21:07:00 +0100

What is anipan? It’s a new and unique community for artists with features that include:

Simple drag-and-drop uploading;
Cross-posting of your artwork to other social networks;
Paintchat and collaborate in real-time with friends;
Strong copyright prevention of high-resolution works;
A carefully designed interface focussed on showcasing your artwork beautifully.

We’ve given away all of our codes for the alpha. Thanks for participating!

The anipan private beta launches this Sunday (August 5th).

anipan alpha code giveaway!

Thu, 02 Aug 2012 21:03:00 +0100

anipan launches into private beta this Sunday, but you can try it now with an alpha invitation code!

What is anipan? It’s a new and unique community for artists with features such as:

Simple drag-and-drop uploading;
Cross-posting to other social networks and art communities, such as Tumblr, Twitter, and deviantART;
Mouse-over detail view;
Paintchat and collaborate with friends;
Stronger copyright prevention against high-resolution works;
Carefully designed to showcase your artwork beautifully.

All done! Check in at our Tumblr this time tomorrow (1PM PST) for another chance to win alpha codes.

5 bonus codes:

18c4e7f861
529accc267
333085da02
6b1686cdcb
28cf8e153d

To use a code, visit http://www.anipan.com and enter it into the alpha invitation box. Please note that drag and drop uploading is not yet working in Safari and handwriting is not yet working in Firefox, so we recommend using Chrome for the alpha.

(Please note that if you have an id#, you will need to log in to anipan.com/id to obtain it’s code before joining)

Each code can only be used once, so if you see a new one, act fast!

Please keep an eye on our Twitter and Tumblr for more chances to join the anipan closed beta.

See you there!

anipan alpha codes

Thu, 02 Aug 2012 00:14:00 +0100

In celebration of our anipan’s closed beta release this Sunday, we’re giving out some alpha codes which you can use to try out the site ahead of the launch.

To use a code, visit http://www.anipan.com and enter it into the alpha invitation box. We’ve only got five to give away, so act fast!

Code 1: tumblr
Code 2: tumbl
Code 3: tumbling
Code 4: tumblah
Code 5: tumbley

Edit: gone in under 10 seconds! Wow. Congrats to those who grabbed one!

If you missed out: we’re also giving away alpha codes to a random selection of 50 people who follow our Twitter account, @anipancom, before the end of today (08/01, PST). If you’re already following us (we love you) and you’d like to join the draw, just RT this tweet.

Please keep an eye on our Twitter and Tumblr for more chances to join the anipan closed beta.

See you there!

Get ready!

Sat, 21 Jul 2012 10:19:23 +0100

Today, anipan launches into alpha. It’s 2AM here, and we’re making the final preparations!

Please expect us to launch between 6 - 9:00 PM PST. If you’re on the list, we’ll send you a code by email at around this time. If you haven’t received anything by midnight, have a look in your junk box for an email from anipan.

If you’re not an alpha tester, then mark your calendar! You’ll be able to join us for anipan’s private beta on August 5th, or the public release on August 20th.

Can’t wait to see you there!

アニパンのリリース・スケジュール

Thu, 12 Jul 2012 08:58:00 +0100

７月１６日：資金活動が終わります。

月曜日までにアニパンの資金活動に参加できます。そうすると、アニパンの番号をもらえたり、アルファーとベータテストに参加できたり、プレゼントをもらえますよ！詳しいくは、http://anipan.com/idで確認できます。

７月２１日：アルファーテストが始まります！

アニパンの私設アルファーに参加すれば、アートを色々な方法にアップし、そこで色々なインタラクションをすることができます。その上、アーティストをフォローしたり、IDカードを作ったり、友達と一緒にチャットしたり、描くしたり、することができます。

アニパンのアルファーへの参加は、

資金活動に参加するか、
友達からコードをもらうことが必要です。

８月５日：私設ベータテスト

私設ベータの間、アニパンはもっと安定になり、公開リリースの前に新しいフィーチャがいくつ出ます。例えば、プロファイルをカスタマイズすることや、アニパンの社会の一部としてグループを作ることです。

私設ベータへの参加は、

アニパンの資金活動に参加するか、
アルファに参加するか、
友達からコードをもらうか、
@anipancomのツイッターをフォローして、コード宝くじに参加してください。

８月20日：公開ベータの始まり

やっと、アニパンは公開されます！タンブラー、ツイッター、などのサイトにクロスーポストしたり、作品を売って、トレードしたり、アートブログを作ったり、することができます！なかなか忘れられないものになるでしょう。

アニパンは、言葉の壁を飛び越え、素晴らしい作品を自然に発見し、できるだけ版権侵害を抑え、作品を魅力的にディスプレイしたりする現代のアートコミュニティーです。そして、アーティストとアートが好きの人のためのギフトを楽しんでくださいね！

anipan release schedule

Thu, 12 Jul 2012 01:34:32 +0100

Today, we’re announcing the release dates of anipan’s alpha, private beta, and public launch! Please read on for the dates and details.

July 16th, 2012: anipan funding campaign closes

If you would like to support anipan by backing us (or upgrading your perk if you already have), you have until Monday to do so. You’ll be able to claim an id#, join the private alpha or beta, and receive the backer perks (we have some left over!).

Please visit http://anipan.com/id for more information.

Week beginning July 17th, 2012: backer rewards shipped

We’re sorry for the delay in shipping the backer rewards – we have been overwhelmed with the amount of button-making, customs notes-writing, print-wrapping, and all sorts of other things, but we’re now ready to send things out. Beginning Monday, we’ll be making many return trips to our local Post Office, so your package(s) should be with you starting next week. Please note that if you have posters signed by demi-luv, these will be sent separately at a later date, but you will receive everything else in good time.

Thank you for your patience, and we hope you enjoy the rewards!

July 21st, 2012: alpha release

As part of anipan’s private alpha release, you’ll be able to upload and interact with artwork in a variety of new ways. You’ll also be able to follow artists, create a profile and id card, draw and chat with friends, and enjoy the first wave of features we’ve been building since late last year.

How to join the alpha:

Be an anipan backer of at least the “Postcards+” pledge;
Or have a friend who has some spare alpha invitation codes.

On this date, you’ll receive an email to the address you used to back anipan (either at anipan.com/id or as part of the Indiegogo campaign that ran until the end of May). If you haven’t received it by the following day, please check your junk/spam box, as it most likely will be there.

August 5th, 2012: private beta release

The private beta will be a more stable version of anipan containing extra features to try ahead of its public release. You’ll be able to customise your profile, list yourself in the artists section of the gallery, discover artwork from anipan’s in-line search, and create groups as part of the anipan society.

How to join the private beta:

Back anipan;
Have an account on the alpha;
Have a friend with spare alpha/beta codes;
Or follow us on Twitter (@anipancom) and join our code lottery (more info soon)!

August 20th, 2012: public beta release

Finally, anipan opens to the public! Cross-post your artwork to sites such as Tumblr and Twitter, open up commissions and art exchanges, create or contribute to art blogs, and browse a shop full of goodies. Invite your friends, your family, and your pet llama to join the anipan ride, as it’s going to be unforgettable!

anipan is a new-generation art community that transcends language barriers, helps to make discovering artwork much more natural and engaging, works its hardest to stamp down on copyright infringement, and displays artwork beautifully.

anipan is our gift to the world’s artists and art appreciators. We hope you enjoy it!

try the anipan pre-alpha this weekend!

Sat, 07 Jul 2012 02:04:00 +0100

We’re going to release an early version of anipan to a small group of alpha testers this weekend, since we’d like to run a few tests ahead of the alpha.

Please read very carefully.

To qualify:

You must have backed our Indiegogo campaign for at least the “Postcards +” reward;
You must be using the latest version of Google Chrome;
You must be able to record your screen in some way as you access anipan for the first time, and upload it privately to YouTube;
You must have requested access before Saturday at 6:00 PM GMT

We’re opening this up to 50 people who will be selected at random.

If you’d like to join in, then please send us a message here, on Twitter (@anipancom) (ask us to follow you and then send us a direct message), on Facebook, or as a comment on this Indiegogo page.

In your message, please include the following:

The email address you used to back us;
Optional – the email address and username you used if you claimed an id from anipan.com/id, as well as the claimed id# that you’d like to use for your anipan alpha account.

Because this is a busy weekend for us, we will not be able to respond to everybody. If you do not receive an email from us before the end of the weekend (make sure you check your junk or spam box), then please assume that you were not randomly selected, but keep a look out for your alpha access code later during the week.

See you there!

hoshix3: Yay~! I finished my Promoting artwork for Anipan~!...

Wed, 23 May 2012 06:35:23 +0100

hoshix3:

Yay~! I finished my Promoting artwork for Anipan~! > u <” No seriously guys, this art community looks like it’s really gonna be fun > U <”

mintomochi: anipan doodle done earlier today. Character is...

Wed, 23 May 2012 06:35:10 +0100

mintomochi:

anipan doodle done earlier today. Character is MB/old anipan’s mascot (one of them at least lol;; ) help anipan!

Winners of littlereddo's giveaway

Wed, 23 May 2012 06:29:02 +0100

littlereddo:

The two winners of my ANIPAN giveaway are:

taketaketacko!

and

izayoi-namida!

Congratulations! 8) I will send you instructions regarding the prizes either later today or tomorrow! Thanks again to everyone that reblogged and help spread the word about Anipan!

For those who'd like to back anipan but missed the cut-off, we have some good news!

Wed, 23 May 2012 03:51:01 +0100

For those who'd like to back anipan but missed the cut-off, we have some good news!

This is the day that the anipan dream became a reality. Thank...

Mon, 21 May 2012 10:33:01 +0100

This is the day that the anipan dream became a reality. Thank you to everybody who made it happen.