External linking of images

[Newromancer]

In a different Forum, somebody recently addressed that a picture linked from the Pistonheads site is now replaced with a "Pistonheads.com speed matters" logo.

I know that external linking of images is stealing bandwidth from where they are hosted, but as every image has a Pistonheads bow anyway, it is at the same time advertisement for pistonheads, that will draw more attention to this site. And that should be good, or not?

[PetrolTed]

It's been like that for some years now.

At the time I couldn't afford the bandwidth to support hotlinking elsewhere. I'd rather someone link to the article than just the picture.

And before anyone comments, I know it's hypocritical to support hotlinking within the forums Some picture hosting is in the pipeline.