
When I started MBB, I did it because I wanted to share my love for boys in books. And, to be honest, I wanted to ogle pictures of hot guys. Hey! Don’t judge. It makes the work day go by faster.

I never thought my MBB posts would harm anyone. In fact, I viewed my posts as something that might help promote a book or author I adored. And, I have actually been contacted by a few authors because of my MBB posts. They’ve contacted me to tell me that they loved my casting choice for their character or to say thank you for featuring their book. Plus, a large part of my site traffic is attributed to my MBB posts, and other MBB participants have told me it’s the same for them. All of this made me feel so happy!

But, after learning about what happened to author Roni Loren, I’ve realized that I’m actually doing more harm than good.

I know I’ve used images on my MBB posts irresponsibly. I’ve grab images off of a Google search and posted them on my blog without bothering to hunt down the source. Shame on me. The last thing I want is for anyone to be sued for using copyright images on a MBB post. So, I’d like to propose some changes to MBB.

First, I think it’s important to be informed. I encourage all MBB participants to check out these posts for more information:
FVBR: Being a More Responsible Blogger – Respecting Copyright
Roni Loren: Bloggers Beware: You CAN Get Sued For Using Pics on Your Blog – My Story
Mindful Musings: Blogging, Image Use, and Giving Credit Where Credit is Due
Mindful Musings: Blogging, Image Use, and Giving Credit Where Credit is Due (Part 2)

Second, we should decide what to do about MBB. I’d hate for it to disappear completely because I love learning about the swoon worthy guys everyone is reading about. So one option could be to just post the book cover, title and author info, and *MAYBE* a few pictures found through Creative Commons, but really the new MBB posts won’t focus on pictures. Instead, we follow Amy’s, of A Simple Love of Reading, model for her MBB posts, and just share a few of our favorite facts and quotes about our current book boyfriend.

Or we could all get on paint and make our own images. For example, before making these last minute changes to today’s post, I was going to feature Cas Lowood, from Anna Dressed in Blood. Here is my own super sexy version of him:

Okay, that is possibly more creepy than sexy, but I did my best. Also, I don’t know why I forgot to give Cas a left arm…or feet!

The only other option I can think of is to let MBB die off. :(

Let’s discuss this. Please leave you feedback on what we should do about MBB. Would you like to see it continue, only without pictures and just a few quotes and fun facts about our favorite boys in books, or do you think that it will be too great of a risk to continue this meme at all?

My Book Boyfriend is a weekly meme. To find out more, check out the introduction post.

Please remove any uncredited images from your MBB posts before leaving your link.

by Alison (AlisonCanRead) on July 25, 2012

Oh my gosh…that’s so scary. I would hate to see MBB go away. And even though I think the risk of getting in trouble is infinitesmely (sp) small, I certainly understand the reluctance to take a chance. I wouldn’t mind just seeing written descriptions up.

You could always post links to an IMDB profile instead of a photo.

I love your version of Cas :-)

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Posted by Missie on July 25, 2012

Hehe! Yeah, I’m digging my version of Cas, too.

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by DannyBookworm on July 25, 2012

*sigh* this is so sad but yes, we have been all living in a bubble where we thought it would be end up being OK what we do. The fact is, it’s not but I also never believed something would really happen to us. Also, I always thought using celebrity images would be OK since they are posted all around on tons and tons of websites. I did some fast research but had to face that for celebrity images the same copyright issues apply. It’s sadness really – but do we really want to take chances? Maybe not, and I also have to go through all of our 1000 posts and look for images and remove or exchange them.

There are tons of Stock Images with pretty pretty model iamges, also if you go for a subscription you can download quite a lot of images. However, it’s of course always more exciting to use a celebrity everyone knows!

What you can do for you Boyfriend Meme: Use Stock images and use NAME the celebrity you would pick and link to his site, or IMBD or wherever.

Maybe, one could take movie poster images or promotional series images??? Because they fall under the same license as book cover and should be save. This would be a good alternative?

This is my favorite meme and I love these posts, so I am sure you’ll find a solution!

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Posted by Missie on July 25, 2012

Danny, like you, I thought if I stuck with celebrity photos, it was okay. I’m sad to learn that I was doing more harm than good. Thanks so much for your suggestions, I think liking to the site is a great idea.

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by Lesley on July 25, 2012

I saw the Roni Loren post the other day too so changed my post this week. I’m also guilty of using images of celebs/actors/models from google images without even thinking about it, I genuinely had no idea I was doing something wrong. The thought of going through all my book boyfriend posts and removing my pictures breaks my heart!

Although I always love seeing the pictures everyone picks it’s the quotes that make a character swoon worthy in the first instance so I’m happy to keep to the format that Amy already uses with the cover and some quotes. Killing off book boyfriend would be so sad.

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Posted by Missie on July 25, 2012

Lesley! Hold me! It breaks me heart too. I know we work hard on casting just the right person for the job. But you are right about the quotes, what the boys in books are saying is what truly gets our hearts pumping. :)

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This is so sad :-( I don’t want to lose MBB but I definitely don’t want to steal and get sued. I love looking at man candy so this is a sad day for me. Maybe we can still use quotes, descriptions, and book covers. There are websites with free images for bloggers like http://photopin.com which I have used a bit and also there is
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wikipedia:Public_domain_image_resources
http://search.creativecommons.org/
It will be hard not to use famous people though :-(

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by Nobonita on July 25, 2012

Crap!!That’s like really scary!I don’t wanna get sued! :’( After all,I’m only fifteen!But I’m using photos from an anime for today’s post so they’re not usually copyrighted.But thanks for the heads-up!
P.S.Please,please,please don’t close down My Book Boyfriend! :(

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Posted by Missie on July 25, 2012

I definitely don’t want MBB to end. I love this meme. I think all the ideas people are submitting are going to help. :)

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by Melliane on July 25, 2012

Oh it’s so sad I wouldn’t have thought it could be a problem… I hope there is a solution and will definitely read them. good luck

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Posted by Missie on July 25, 2012

Thanks, Melliane. I appreciate your support.

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by Felicia the Geeky Blogger on July 25, 2012

It is super scary! I do think that MBB can continue if people are just careful to use images that are in the creative commons. It could also be about the quotes, ect. I am in the process of going back and removing images that I am not sure I own. I am a big iStockphoto gal so in that aspect I lucked out BUT in the beginning (4 years ago) I had no idea what that site was.

*sigh*

Good Luck!

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Posted by Missie on July 25, 2012

I’m a iStockphoto gal too. What’s great about all of this is that it’s educating us all on the resources and sites we can turn to for alternatives.

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by Mary @ Book Swarm on July 25, 2012

I read that–and subsequent–articles and kind of had a mini-freak-out! How horrible all the way around! I really didn’t think too much about the photos when I posted them, thinking that as long as I cited the source, it was all good. I’m trying to decide if I want to go back and switch out all the photos and subscribe to iStock (or whatever) or just take my chances…

I think you should continue the My Book Boyfriend–stock photos or maybe focus on favorite quotes or descriptions (hey, we can use our imaginations!).

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Posted by Missie on July 25, 2012

I agree, Mary. Imagination is a wonderful thing. :)

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by Danielle (@DBookWhore) on July 25, 2012

aww! I really love the pictures of hot guys, surfing through everyone’s photos. Crazy what happen.

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Posted by Missie on July 25, 2012

I loved the hot guys pictures too! They will be missed.

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by Elisa on July 25, 2012

I have an image policy on my blog that I created (in my own words) on my sidebar for both my blogs. BUT to be honest I have to be a little more careful too. :(

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Posted by Missie on July 25, 2012

I think an image policy is a good idea. I need to add on myself.

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by Rachel @ Unforgettable Books on July 25, 2012

First, I think you should continue doing MBB- it sounds like a fun meme! And people can do either or your ideas. I love the adorable picture you created today! I’m a really bad drawer but i enjoy creating stick figures. Doodles are always fun to make!

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Posted by Missie on July 25, 2012

I love Doodles. They are a great way to relieve stress. LOL

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Posted by Rachel @ Unforgettable Books on July 25, 2012

So true!!!!!

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by Autumn @ The Autumn Review on July 25, 2012

Please don’t get rid of this meme. I completely understand about the copyright issue, but I’d hate to get rid of it. It’s so much fun and my followers love it. I like the idea of posting the book cover and some quotes. So, there’s my vote!

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Posted by Missie on July 25, 2012

I don’t think I could get rid of MBB completely, that would break my heart, but changes will definitely have to be made. I think we are cooking up some great ideas.

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I am definitely another person who was guilty of using Google Images on my blog posts, but I am changing that policy now. As for MBB, I think we should continue doing it, but should model our posts after Amy’s. I took all the pictures off (excluding the meme image) and just provided the name of who I would cast as my guy. Thanks for bringing this to my attention!

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by Sophia (FV) on July 25, 2012

Hi Missie,
As I said in my blog post, I don’t think anyone means to do harm but we do have to respect the copyright of artists. I’m glad you’re taking action along with so many other bloggers. We have a great community. :)

I love your drawing! LOL.

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by Jenny on July 25, 2012

As much as I love looking at pictures of hot guys for these posts, I think I would be equally entertained by reading some delicious quotes, so I hope you keep MBB around and we can just keep our fictional boyfriends fictional, and love them without a real-life reference. That more than works for me!

Also, I think your drawing is epic. I personally, think Cas rocks the lack of feet and left arm look. Well done him ;-)

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by blodeuedd on July 25, 2012

I like the movieposter idea if that would work.
This just sucks.

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by Heidi on July 25, 2012

Yes. I read the article and it is all scary. I have always tried to be very careful and just pick images from public upload places like photobucket etc, I also purchased all the images for my banners and such, but you can never be too careful. Thanks for another heads up on this hot topic!

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by Tina on July 25, 2012

Thanks for the heads up Missie, I did an info post too and will be going through all my photos…..It makes me want to cry because I thought I was doing everything right by crediting sources…..:( I guess I have a lot to learn,

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by ShootingStarsMag on July 25, 2012

Hmm…well, that’s just horrible about Roni. I’ve been linking back to my sources for awhile now, but that’s crazy that isn’t enough. You would think it would be. I’d still do MBB without the photos…are we allowed to link to another site to show a photo? you aren’t taking credit, you aren’t posting it on YOUR blog, etc….I don’t know…

-Lauren

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by Joie @ Joie de Lire on July 25, 2012

Wow, thanks for the heads up Missie! That’s so scary!!
While it’d be sad to no longer be able to oggle hot guys every Wednesday, I’d absolutely hate it if MBB just stopped forever! What would I look forward to doing every Wednesday?!?!
I think just including the book cover and some quotes would still be really fun!

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by Christy @ Love of Books on July 25, 2012

Wow, total suckage. So it is okay to use thumbnails? I think that’s what it said on Roni’s site. Couldn’t you just add those? Or maybe link to a picture? I know it doesn’t look as appealing as how you do it now, but I would click on a link to see the hunky love muffin you picked.

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by Natalie @ Mindful Musings on July 25, 2012

Thanks for the link love, darling! I’d hate to see MBB go away, because I’m always entertained by your posts! I think there are ways around it though (several of which are mentioned above). It might take a little more time and effort, but at least you’d be covering your butt. Also, I’ve heard that a lot of bloggers use screenshots of a movie/TV show that the actor is in. Now while I don’t consider myself to be an image copyright guru or anything, I think that technically, since YOU took the screenshot, and as long as you aren’t trying to make money off of it, screenshots are okay. I’d probably consult someone more knowledgeable than myself though before proceeding, just in case. You can’t be too careful!

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by Juju at Tales of Whimsy... on July 25, 2012

Whoa.
Wow.
Thank you for bringing this up.
Wow.

So will you be going back and deleting or starting fresh?

So your concern is in pictures of celebs.
Good thought!
Hummmm
Maybe you could continue but use links to examples of him?

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by Jade on July 25, 2012

Like you I never really thought about where I was grabbing my images. I think from now on I’ll just create my own or take my own pics to avoid any litigation or confusion. I don’t think that you should cancel MBB.

And I think using the movie posters, suggesting a celebrity, and using quotes should work just fine for any new MBB posts. Thanks for bringing this to my attention Missie, I will strive to do better in the future.

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by Melissa (Books and Things) on July 25, 2012

Check out the pics of the head guy in Paranormal State. I always thought Cas looked like that.

I also know what you are saying. I’ve been taking down a lot of pics from the site. Even those that I have given the source and know that source owns the pics. Only the few I know are fine to share (those in the commons or those designed to share) and those that I have had express permission to use.

All the book boyfriend pics are down and I’m sad to say, I don’t think I was going to participate again. It’s just not the same. Yes, the doors of the harem are now closed. :( Oh well, nothing good lasts.

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by Candace on July 25, 2012

You know, I’m kind of with so many others, I figured that it wasn’t *that* big of a deal. However, I have always been aware of the whole copyright thing so I’m always afraid to post things other than covers or authors photos (with permission). Then I discovered in pinterest you can embed it in your post so I figured that doing that was okay since it credits the person who took it or the website it’s from. But when I went and saw Roni’s post I discovered that we shouldn’t do that either. So I’m glad I discovered that now since I had put some up for the first read-along post for Pushing the Limits. Now I’ll just stick with my original rule, no photos except if I take them, or with permission from the artist. Although I’m going to check out the creative commons. Sometimes I just want a little something to break up a post.

As for MBB. I think if you just change it a little and maybe just do descriptions, or people can practice their own artwork, or link to photos that that would work. I don’t do it myself so I’m not affected. But that’s what I would maybe say since it’s so popular.

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by Carla on July 25, 2012

I would hate MBB to go away so I hope it sticks around. I’ll definitely be more careful when I choose pictures for now on.

I think MBB can go on with quotes, book covers and fun facts. :)

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by Amy (@SimpleLoveBlog) on July 25, 2012

Sorry I couldn’t comment earlier. I’m so honored you mentioned me in your post. I love your picture! hehe! I would be devastated to see this meme shut down. :(

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by Karen on July 25, 2012

Oh wow ! I never once thought about that. How sad! D: It is very understandable though, even though we can’t post hot pictures of guys doesn’t mean it shouldn’t go on! Quotes and Facts are amazing enough, even if we cant post pictures of who we think they look like! (:

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Oh goodness. Almost feels like the fun is taken away. I understand what’s going on, but wow. I don’t even know what to share with you to help. I’m going to have to watch what I share as well. *sigh* Geez.

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I just recently joined in! :D
This is a really nice meme! I love flaunting my book bfs. :D

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by Rebecca (Kindle Fever) on July 25, 2012

I admit I’ve always been super careful with what I use, since I’m scared of anything happening… I, like many others, still didn’t think too much of those who did, or if you had to sometime–at least not if you linked back to them and named the source. :/ I’ll definitely be even more careful now though

It definitely takes a little of the fun out of meeting these hotties, but after reading the comments, I have to say Danny’s idea about linking the comments is a really good one! I’ve ended up googling some myself when seeing them mentioned, so links are better than nothing ;)

I’m glad it’s continuing though! I can’t get enough of meeting new hot characters. :D

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by Liza on July 25, 2012

I just did a test run on Flickr for Creative Commons and some photos of Alex Pettyfer did come up as an example, where you could buy his photo for $35. You just need to be careful when searching for celebs on Creative Commons on Flickr, because some of the photos seem questionable as in, “Are you really the copyright owner?”

We’re probably better off linking. I know I’ve never commented on MBB, but like many it’s one of my favorite memes and I’d hate to see it go away.

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by Stephanie D. on July 26, 2012

I was just thinking about this very topic. Tomorrow’s post has a bunch of my pictures of book illustrations. Am I infringing on copyright or are the images technically mine since I took the pictures? This might be tied in to the screenshot angle as well.

I think MBB can still be a great and popular meme without the use of copyrighted photographs. Quotes do the trick for me. After all that’s what all of us readers are used to doing anyway – constructing fantasies based upon words.

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I have been searching around a bit on free photo sites and searching for “hot guys” lol and there are some websites that have some for free use as long as you credit so that could be an option
http://www.freedigitalphotos.net

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by Missie on July 26, 2012

Thanks everyone, for your feedback and suggestions! I appreciate it.

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by Judith-Pamela on July 26, 2012

Blah, I hate this. No more pics of hot men? I think I might die. By the way, I LOVE YOUR MBB posts. <3 The idea is so unique and I love the whole set-up for it. I will read them regardless of whether they have photos or not :) Question: Do you think gifs count?

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Posted by Missie on July 27, 2012

I’m not sure what to make of Gifs. I guess if they are made from screen shots you take yourself, it might work, but I’m not completely sure.

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by A Canadian Girl on July 26, 2012

Missie, you better not let MBB die off! I’ll have to hunt you down if you do ;)

If participants don’t post pics *cries that there won’t be any more hot pics to look at*, I like the idea of featuring the book title, cover, synopsis, an explanation of why the character has been chosen and a few quotes. You should make quotes mandatory – they always get me interested in the book :)

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by Collyn on July 26, 2012

Missie, do not let MMB die!!!!
When we originally swoon over these boys, we get hooked by their words. We don’t even know what they look like, so the picture part shouldn’t be that big of a deal. I mean of course staring at gorgeous guys is very enjoyable but we can all do that without having to post them and risking being sued or anything along those lines. I think MBB should continue just no pictures and instead add the book cover and all of the book information. Also quotes and an explanation as to why and/or what made us fall for these boys.

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by Amy on July 27, 2012

Please don’t take away MBB, I live for these guys! <3

I seriously LOVE this guy! Those quotes definitely have me needing to read this right now. Thank you so much for sharing – Have a great weekend! :)

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by Nina on July 29, 2012

That’s pretty scary. I like this post a lot, it’s a lot of fun. :) Lets hope you’ll a way to continue this post.

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[...] Right with Your Images. Missie @ The Unread Reader alerted me to the fact that some bloggers have been sued for not properly attributing their images. [...]

by Aylee on July 30, 2012

Oh dear. I really had no clue. Wow, it makes me wonder what sorts of bad things I’ve done unknowingly on my blog. Well, I can’t claim ignorance now. That’s really such a shame about not being able to post pictures in MBB posts because that really felt like a huge part of it, but I definitely don’t think that’s cause to stop it completely. I’m completely down with the Paint idea – because that’s always fun – but I think a lot can be done without pictures. I think my favourite part of MBB is usually the quotes, actually.

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by Midnyte Reader on July 30, 2012

It’s really a shame that something done in the spirit of fun and promotion can have potential harm. I read one of the links and I’ll read the others…thanks for this excellent post. I really, really want to see who you pick for Cas…I adore him!

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by Wendy Darling on July 31, 2012

I would be so sad to see MBB go away, Missie! That blog post scared the bejesus out of me, though. I think it’s made everyone do a double check of everything they have. I hope you find a good solution soon.

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[...] last week, I proposed we make some changes to MBB in light of the concerns regarding image use. I worried that MBB might have to end because there [...]

by Tex on August 12, 2012

AHHHHH!!!!! I might die if MBB dies off, my suggestion is to just be very cautious, with imaging.

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by Belle on August 13, 2012

I have to admit I haven’t been doing MBB for this reason! IT’s such a fun meme though :(

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by nea barabea (@neabarabea) on September 12, 2012

OMG, I’ve been living under a rock, fucking damn job!! What the hell?! I just read the post about the pic and copyrights and omg this is completely awful. It’s internet for fuck’s sake. Grrr, these things so piss me off. Sorry Missie, for not posting MBB for so long but this summer job is taking most of my time and it sucks :S Though, I love this meme because of the quotes, but the pics were good too!! So sorry to hear what happened and I hope I’ll join you soon with the meme as soon as my job is over! <3 <3 Missed you like crazy!

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[...] a post. Images are no longer included in MBBs. I know, that sucks right? Missie explained it in this post. I would still want you guys to know who I pictured for my MBBs, so I’m telling you who it [...]

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