The Ethics of Stealing Graphics

So, what's the deal if I want to, like, take an Aurora Cruiser and paint it green or something, and then use it in my plug? Is the FBI gonna get me?

Of course I'd give credit to whoever made whatever I stole.

The rules I know are:
#1----DON'T take credit for what you don't do
#2----DO give credit to the original author, if known; if not known, see rule #1
#3----DO ask the author if you can use their graphics, if possible

EDIT: It isn't "stealing" if you follow these rules.

This post has been edited by apache1990 : 16 August 2005 - 02:51 PM

apache1990, on Aug 16 2005, 01:50 PM, said:

EDIT: It isn't "stealing" if you follow these rules.View Post

Amendment to that: It isn't stealing if you receive permission to use the graphics from the original creator, and give them credit for the graphics. Just because you can't contact the creator does not give you free license to use their graphics for whatever you want.

Re-colored Nova graphics seem to be allowed, as pipeline is the one who controls the Nova Add-ons page.

Edwards

This post has been edited by Edwards : 16 August 2005 - 03:50 PM

In the case of using an EVN ship in an EVN plug, it doesn't really matter as long as you just say you painted the original. You could do that in the description or in the readme. They wont hunt you down. They aren't evil graphics nazis. To use plugs, people have to buy the game. The more plugs there are, that's more reason to buy it. What you're proposing isn't stealing in my book.

It's always best to give full credit no matter how small the adjustment is, though.

HOWEVER, if you use it somewhere else, or worse, sell it, you'd need permission first. And you're likely not to get it.

This post has been edited by Insomniac : 16 August 2005 - 03:48 PM

How could anyone possibly use a plug for EV with a green auroran cruiser and think it was this guys model?

Part of the registration fee pays for an implicit permission to not change everything when you make a plugin, ie to reuse some of the existing content in otherwise new creations.

There is no way you need ambrosias permission to release a plugin for their game containing their graphics. Do I need to ask for their permission if i create a dude pointing to a ship I didnt create?

No. So don't worry about it.

Now, if you steal the landing pics for backgrounds on your website, that's an entirely different matter.

For future reference, you can use my planets as long as you give me credit and let me know.

Matthew Walk, on Aug 16 2005, 08:55 PM, said:

For future reference, you can use my planets as long as you give me credit and let me know.
View Post

Thanks Matt. Why don't you put that in your sig?

That's not such a bad idea

Since you're making a Nova plug, ATMOS has no issues with you reusing Nova graphics, provided that you don't attempt to sell the plug for money.

Dave @ ATMOS

I was making a plug to replace the ringworld pic (and relocate it). I looked on the web and found a graphic by a guy named Michael R. Madsen of Scifantasy.com . Though I never submitted the plugin, I was prepared to mention where I got the graphic. Also, I emailed him and asked if I could use his graphic and he oked it as long as I mentioned his name.

Also, using someone else's TC graphics has caused issues. I remember someone used a graphic from Uncle Twitchy's Trek TC withought asking and he got real mad about it. (don't blame him)

So, even though the FBI may not be after you, but the game community may if their favorite TC doesn't come out

This post has been edited by Vast Deathmaster : 16 August 2005 - 10:34 PM

Was his name actually Michael Madsen or did he just go under that alias?

Steelix, on Aug 21 2005, 04:00 AM, said:

Was his name actually Michael Madsen or did he just go under that alias?
View Post

I'm assuming you are refering to the actor. Are you sure the actor isn't using a fake name? That's what they do. (another MM wasn't Maryln Monroe after all)

The guy uses his middle initial too.