Stopping linking to graphics from other sites

Preventing bandwidth theft

[Marcia]

There are a couple of sites linking to some background graphics, and another new one started this week.

With one, I changed the filename of the graphic, but it's still registering hits.

How can I set up preventing linking to the graphics at all? I assume it's done through .htaccess

[Brett_Tabke]

You have to setup referral checking. It is sort technical and involved Marcia. Many browsers, proxy agents, and web filters remove referral stirngs - those people will get blank graphics on your site (much more common than generally believed).

Best you can do is try one of the following:
Move your graphics directory once a month and in the old directory leave an htaccess that leds to banner ads. Or leave a graphic with your domain name in the old location - they'll get tired of advertising for you.
Personalize your graphics (notice the name in the top left logo here now? that's why)