Has anyone actually read the recommended modding etiquette?
Quote:
|
Originally Posted by Hitman
A) PERMISSIONS:
#1: If you are going to make a mod based on the work created by another guy, ask permission first unless the readme of the original mod stated already that it could be freely reworked and modified.
#2: Asking for permission means using all reasonable methods of locating the author, and at least includes:
a) E-mail to the address stated in the mod readme, if any
b) Private Messaging in the forums frequented by that modder,
c) Public post calling the guy in the forums, if all else fails.
#3: If the author of an old mod has disappeared and the above methods of contacting him were unsuccessful, you can use his mod provided:
a) The readme of it did not explicitly forbid any further use,
b) You give proper credit to the original work and specify clearly
b1) What you modified, and
b2) Which means you used to try to contact the author, and when/where did you post or mail him,
c) The original author has been away from subsim's forums more than 6 months, which you can check in his public profile. Keeping a screen capture of that could be worth in case of doubts.
#4: If the mod's readme indicates that further use or rework of it is not allowed, accept it. Your only alternative is to contact the author and convince him to allow you modifying it.
#5: If you are contacted by the original author to correct the credits, that is no offence. Just do it.
#6: Overlays or tweek packs for existing mods or supermods do not require previous permission unless:
a) You are not just including stuff created entirely by you, but also using parts of the original one (E.g. you change only the crosshair of the periscope but keep the original artwork of the rest of the screen, created by someone else), or
b) You are including also the whole base-mod in yours.
#7: If you receive permission from the author of a mod that also includes other third party mods, you must contact the authors of ALL of them, as per the above #1-4. Sometimes a modder gives permission to use his work in a specific pack, but will not allow it for others. Respect that.
B) CREDITS & DOCUMENTATION:
Once permission is received according to the above guidelines, give proper credit as follows:
#1: Always give credit to any third party mod you legitimately included or reworked in your own one.
#2: It is nice to credit also people who post giving information and ideas in the forums but who later do not create mods from it. If your mod was based upon data or ideas suggested by others, crediting them is always good.
#3: Include in the documentation provided with your mod the original readme of the third party mod/s you are using.
c) YOUR OWN README:
Relating to the part created by you, it is of interest for everyone that you include what follows:
#1: Your name, and a valid contact address (E-Mail, a website or a Forum)
#2: Whether your own work might or not be further modified without your permission and/or knowledge.
|
In short, ask for permission by any means possible but if you're unable to make contact with the original modder you can release the mod anyway, providing you give full credit to them. The only time you
must not release a mod is if that modder has specifically stated that you can't (or, after release, asks you to remove their part of your mod if you haven't asked for permission).
As far as I'm concerned, asking for permission to use someone else's hard work is simply good manners. When I've asked permission to use other modders work they have
always given me permission, whether that's an aircraft or ship that has taken months to produce or a request to adjust the GWX basic.cfg files.
I support the recommended modding etiquette as it allows plenty of leeway to use other modders work whilst also retaining the ability for a particular modder to keep work to themselves which they've put time and effort into.