For most of us we're joking when we make a comment about photocopying a few extra bucks to pay the bills. When we alter a photo it's not generally done with malicious intent but rather for legitimate layout and composition needs -- or as a joke among friends and colleagues.

"Digital Revolutions" writes about the ethics involved in the use of today's powerful software and hardware:

...the powers bestowed upon us by modern software warrant prudence in use.
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Even if we don't intend to deceive we should be diligent in how we manipulate photos, text, and layouts. Harm can come from innocent but ill-conceived use of desktop publishing software.

There are some scenarios that might not be as blatant, unethical, or illegal as altering a news photo or creating counterfeit money but still potentially harmful. An example that comes to mind: Using pre-designed templates with little or no editing to create materials for a client then passing them off as your own original creations. Chances are the client was hiring you for your design skills, not the design skills of some anonymous template designer. There is nothing wrong with using templates. Why reinvent the wheel over and over again if there's a template already out there that fits your wagon? If the card or flier you're creating is for your own personal use and you don't want to personalize it beyond plugging in your own name and details, go for it.

However, when creating material for clients (or items for resale such as greeting cards), templates should be a starting point only. Use templates to get past the blank page. Use templates for inspiration. Borrow the color schemes or the font schemes or the general layout. But tailor it, personalize it, and put your own stamp on it.

What other seemingly innocent uses of today's desktop publishing and graphics software should we watch out for? For example, how much photo editing is too much or not enough? If we recycle basic layouts or logo designs rejected by one client do we charge the new client as if we started from scratch? Is using your page layout software to create a bunch of fake IDs OK if they're just for your personal use and not for friends? (I had an actual email once that asked me that very question.) Share your thoughts.