'Fair use' is open to different interpretation's of what it actually means. In UK law the three principles of 'fair use' are where the written word or photographs are used for research/private study, purposes of criticism, review or quotation - or where the material is used for the purposes of reporting current events. I would assume that if pictures or text are lifted off a dealers website - or any other source - and reproduced on the forum for the sole purpose of discussion about authenticity of a certain item, a seller might have grounds for legal redress if that discussion leads to the tarnishing of a seller's reputation. You really have to be sure where you stand legally before you start using someone else's intellectual property. I believe that in the US rules of 'fair use' there might be some mention of first seeking permission to use the material before using it, and then if the owner cannot be contacted, you can then apply 'fair use' if you use the material with discretion. Many websites actually ban you from using their photographs. I am by no means an authority on this, but when you are - or have been - in the business of writing books, you have to have a certain degree of understanding the laws governing copyright to protect your own back. Don't rely on hearsay, and don't rely on what someone else might tell you - not even me.
Cheers,
Steve
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