Get Permission — Give Credit

from WinCustomize Forums
I think we need a thread that discusses a very irritating issue. There have been a lot of cases lately (most of which you haven't seen) of people uploading skins, wallpapers or themes that use other artist's work. It might be some icons, a wallpaper or just some parts of another artist's work. But the problem is the cases where the original artist is not even mentioned, much less asked for permission to use his work.

Just so it's not a "grey" area let's make this very clear;
**You cannot use another artist's work without BOTH getting his written permission AND giving them credit in your description**

I would love some discussion on this - it's not meant to point at anyone or any specific instance. I feel this is becomming a blurred distinction and it needs to be a clear standard so everyone understands the difference between making something for your own use and posting something publicly with your name on it...

4,507 views 12 replies
Reply #1 from WinCustomize Forums Top
It seems to be a fairly basic concept. If you didn't do it, you can't post it without permission and credit given. I really like TasT's Slim OB but I'm partial to vertical bars. I modified Slim to my best use as a vertical bar and asked permission to post - nope, Teryl is working on a vertical version himself. He was very polite and supportive, I have no problem with his refusal. My point - Slim is his and he has the rights to that bar and style.

Powered by SkinBrowser!
Reply #2 from WinCustomize Forums Top
Not a problem here. Been my modus operandi forever.

Powered by SkinBrowser!
CursorFX - Customize your Windows cursor
Reply #3 from WinCustomize Forums Top
Can You give a few examples ? I think, moderation is taken very serious here. (And that's a good thing.) There is a good article (and a descripive screenshot) here by Jafo also, that deals with this matter, but as I could see not so many people noticed it...
Reply #4 from WinCustomize Forums Top
I think I just wanted to make another public plea for consideration of the artists. I don't want to get into any specific examples because I'm not trying to point fingers at anyone. You're right about the moderation being taken seriously here and I think it's probably less of an issue for visitors than it is for the moderators.

I probably need to realize that the people that would use another artist's work without giving credit don't read the message board either...

It doesn't hurt though to put a thread like this out so if anyone was confused they could see what the rules are before they upload a piece that breaks them.
Reply #5 from WinCustomize Forums Top
Hm, it wouldn't be a bad idea to let uploaders read some basic rules in the submission dialog. I guess only very few people click the "guidelines" link...
Reply #6 from WinCustomize Forums Top
what about Apple? i need to get the permission frpm them. before i put the credit in.
Reply #7 from WinCustomize Forums Top
Aafuss,

I can't believe you continue to post about that ridiculous topic. Could you please contribute something meaningful or just watch?
Reply #8 from WinCustomize Forums Top
Reply #9 from WinCustomize Forums Top
I read about this topic on other threads, so what is the answer offically when it comes to screen shots and winstlyes? Screen shots might not be a problem but winstlye sure could be a major one.

I also noticed that not al winstyles are links to artist work. It would sem that winstlyes collects the work from your computer when your saving it. Why esle would it be 2 megabytes??

As far as Apple or Microsoft icons or whatever, I think Frogboy made a major post on rights and legal stuff. It would seem there is a difference between fan art and cold steeling. If I made a Gateway Desktop X,, I am sure it would be ok. But if I sold it and called myself the originator og the logo and all grafics.... trouble

I do think a standard should be made or atleast talked about. I have been thinking about a group or a association (much like AIA or others) that sets a standard or rules and other conduct.

GUI League of Designer Association
?????????????
Reply #10 from WinCustomize Forums Top
Be original or don't do it, not much to discuss (but ofcourse there is, see my reply in the thread at LOS).
Reply #11 from WinCustomize Forums Top
permissible fan art would generally consist of popular images illustrated anew by the artist. for example, if i opened up ps, took out the airbrush and made a picture of spiderman swinging into action with webs blazing, that would be all good.

if i went to the marvel site, c/p'd some pics of spidey, and upped them here - well, that'd be all bad well, i could make it worse by putting it through ps and applying some filters to it
Reply #12 from WinCustomize Forums Top
How easy is it to get permission from a company, not an indvidual artist?