On Fri, Feb 20, 2004 at 06:22:04AM -0800, Jimmy Wales wrote:
If the things that no longer exist are old enough, then any existing photographs will be public domain. For things that are more recent, illustrations provide an excellent alternative. If we need illustrations, then we should think of ways to empower artistic volunteers to help us by creating and contributing them.
For famous people, I think it's generally not true that contributors can't take pictures of them. Again, we just need to publicize our need and work a little harder to empower volunteers. Almost all famous people make public appearances. Movies stars appear in public in Hollywood, New York, Cannes, and other film festivals. Politicians make speechs to public audiences. Famous intellectuals are generally accessible.
All famous people have an interest in publicity -- fame is power and money. So if for some reason we can't get a photo from a public appearance, they ought to be very amenable to releasing a single publicity shot under the GNU FDL.
We are big and getting bigger. Millions of people see our work each year. Millions of people love what we are doing, love the idea of it, and would love to help. We need to give them tools and incentives to do exactly that.
We have great tools for people who like to write. I propose that we develop great tools for amateur paparazzi, amateur illustrators, and amateur photographers.
Right. Long time ago I emailed RMS to get free photos of him and got some. Pio mailed Larry Wall and got them too. Now - maybe these are not be typical "famous people", but it's certainly possible to get GFDL photos if you ask for them.