A fair-use rationale is needed for any image which is claimed as non-free content but which you feel belongs in the encyclopedia. This rationale has to establish that a few criteria are met so that the image is not deleted.
Before you write a rationale, ask yourself:
- Is it impossible for this image to be replaced by a free alternative?
- Can I provide the complete source of this image?
- Can I provide the complete copyright status of this image?
- Does the image meet all of the criteria for its type of image?
If the answer to any of these questions is no, the image may be speedily deleted.
Writing a fair-use rationale
editA good fair-use rationale will provide:
- a description of the file
- the source and copyright information of the file
- the purpose of the image (identification only, or is it used for critical commentary?)
- how (if applicable) the resolution has been reduced
- why you feel the image is not replaceable with a free alternative
Note also that a fair-use rationale is needed for each article the image is included in. If it will be used in five articles, there should be five distinct fair-use rationales explaining how each use follows these guidelines.
"Critical commentary"
editNote that most images require use in critical commentary. This term means that the image must, in some way, be a subject of part of the article. It is not sufficient for the image to just show something - such as a screenshot of an episode - but it must illustrate some concept or claim in the article in such a way that words would be insufficient.
Good examples of fair-use rationales
editThis is by no means a complete or exhaustive list. Please add to this list as you find good examples.
- Image:Action_Comics_-1_June_1938.jpg
- Image:Campbells Soup Cans MOMA reduced 80%.jpg
- File:Campbells Soup Cans MOMA.jpg - used in many articles, minimal rationale, really.
- File:Marwa_El-sherbini.jpeg
