Editing somebody else's image

Maybe if you go real hard after one, the rest will get the message. Also you can send a cease and desist letter for starters.

I think an option to have a wee disclaimer at the bottom of your posts to state whether you want or don't want any editing of your images is the way to go. Over on DPreview I have saved in my signature stating "Feel free to tinker with any photos I post". I would never post images online that matter enough to be worried about anyone editing them as part of a discussion or critique

Define "editing" ... was my example a result of editing or not?

Changing the appearance of the original image. Yes, it was editing since you changed original image.

The original image was analyzed to show edges with the result shown. The original image was also shown merged 20%.

No editing sliders were used in either layer. Therefore, my example was not edited.

In any case, so much of the original image was removed in the analysis layer that there was no U.S. copyright infringement:

fairuse.stanford.edu/2014/12/22/much-photo-need-alter-avoid-copyright-infringement-hint-cheshire-cat/

For example, suppose I post a copyrighted shot of an IR scene here, like so:

Someone else says clouds look so much better with Contrast Limited Adaptive Histogram Expansion and, without my express permission, posts this:

My image was certainly edited but was my copyright infringed?

I think, yes, image is still recognizable. Only different framing was added.

How about now? ...

I honestly think this kind of discussion of legality won't be of much help here.

Just speaking for me personally, but I certainly don't want to edit ANY image if it's unwanted. Period. So I'm glad if I know that someone doesn't want that and I will absolutely try to respect it.

The main question is this:

Should there be a forum-wide rule/guideline stating

Don't edit the images of others without asking for permission first, unless they're posted in threads (like C&C) which specifically ask its contributors for their permission in advance.

that everyone agrees on by joining/having an account here or do most people think there shouldn't be such a rule because it might limit engagement and willingness to give constructive feedback and that people who generally don't want their images edited in any way should have a statement in their signature like the one suggested already (of course in your own/better words):

Unless stated otherwise all of my images posted on this platform are here to be viewed only. Any editing is expressly forbidden!

I think both options have their pros and cons to be honest. However in case the first thing happens here, I'm personally going to be inclined to give A LOT LESS feedback overall, because - whether or not it really reflects the feeling of a majority - I'm generally going to assume most people don't want their images critiqued in any way. That's fine of course, but I won't go to a forum for that. I feel like a number of social media platforms are significantly better for just looking at images of a certain kind and commenting with emojis or one word.

I'm sorry, I was inspired.

my 2 cents,....
Reminds me of an event several years ago in DPReview when a similar outcry suddenly occurred in the “Landscape and Travel” forum.
Up until that point, I had enjoyed posting my images there and also giving & receiving comments and critiques with others. The atmosphere there was nearly always very pleasant, helpful and polite. The best responses were from people that had taken their time and made the effort to edit one of my photos and repost the result. It was always clear who had made the original image in the threaded view.

As the old adage goes, “a picture is worth a thousand words”. So the critique being made by others was reinforced with their reposted image and the point made was very clear. The edits were often good but I didn’t always agree with the change, I thanked the person nevertheless and it could start a discussion were I, and others who were watching, could learn and profit from the experience. One particular member called Sabrina, if I remember correctly, was a genius at pp and managed to make edits with often only subtle changes to the original images and often clearly improved them. That sort of change can be something that is almost impossible to describe with just words.
Reposting like that had been done for many years and it was the accepted norm at that time.
Then it happened.
Some vocal person complained about others editing their images and reposting them. “How dare they edit my image!” others joined in too ☹
I got the impression that some were thinking “My image is already perfect, I want praise but I certainly don’t want anyone to imply and show that I had made a mistake in my original posted image, or that I had missed an opportunity”
I think one member who complained was selling photo workshops to others members and the idea that someone would repost one of his “perfect” images and show it slightly differently or, heaven forbid, even make it better, amounted almost to heresy.

At that point an heated argument started with many arguments, comparisons and personal attacks. The admins finally gave in and posted a rule that said you have to ask first before editing. Sabrina was practically forced to leave DPR. The atmosphere was soured. The amount of feedback and posting was reduced, and the enjoyment in that forum was gone, at least for me.
I stopped posting there in the Landscape and Travel forum after that incident. Never went back. Sad really!

In this site the possibility to edit and repost images is very much welcomed.
If I were to be required to ask before making any edit, I just wouldn’t bother, it is far too slow. On the other hand, if someone posts an image with a text message that says ”leave my image alone”. I would respect that of course, and I would not edit it, probably I'd leave less written feedback too.

Has anyone suggested an "Edit my image" thread?

I've hosted one of those as a weekly offering on another forum and it was very popular. It's been running now for 7 years. Why don't you consider hosting one here? I'd be glad to share with you or anyone how we set it up.

That outcry lead to the rules amendment. BTW the DPR's "Landscape and Travel" forum is still a pleasure to visit.

that was a huge loss ,sabrina was amazing at editing, you were privileged if she edited your images , but the childish juveniles on the landscape forum ruined it for everyone. same thing happened on the portrait forum. its never recovered.