Quote Originally Posted by NerfTW View Post
Hot linking to an image on a site you don't have control over is bad for two reasons.

First, you're stealing bandwith from the site owner. They're paying every time that image is downloaded. Especially if you're taking a massive image and jamming it into a 120x120 box.


Second, and most important to you, you have no control over the image. Mods generally don't take "I didn't know they replaced my icon with hardcore porn" as an excuse. And that IS done quite often when someone discovers a person hotlinking their images.

Always use your own hosting service, or something like Photobucket.
i found my current image (same pic different source) on photobucket with a good size and saved it onto my photobucket without modifying it in any way.