I also think people need to be aware of how serious this can be as I hear the occasional "get over it" remarks popping up
Time the original authors spend on some of the work (not all works but some works is unthinkable)
As many of us know,
Some of the later mods actually need programs of sorts to be created to allow the manipulation of the files in question.
That program need will also to be constantly updated and beta tested during the modding phase and can on occasion have numerous faults to be overcome
So a programmer uses his time and skills as well as the guy whom manipulates the files.
Now its just not the manipulation and extension,
The files then have to be tested for
1. The required result
2. Compatibility with other ongoing work (which can change at any time)
3.The constant start up and test in game then exit and tweak and then start up again (we all know the time start up takes)
This would be one guy as others in team are working on other stuff,
They then present various stages of the work but always has to be ready to go back and do more changes to get into the correct overall mod direction.
Now dont forget that this person will need support which usually means someone else will put their time in to finding things out (technical researchers etc)
I am not going to go into full detail of the ammounts of time that can be spent for just one feature of a major mod but lets say, I have a good Idea that some of the members of GWX and quite possibly the same with members of NYGM have spent upto and over months on one single part of the game which may only have one small effect.
These guys probably need lawyers not women as most of them have wife, kids, and jobs and still manage to find time to work on this one part of a collection.
In the old days vast ammount of mods were produced but that was because we all looked at the obvious stuff. It aint so easy to find exploits anymore, so a lot more diversity and team effort is often required hence we have major mods.
It just aint right for people to join a team, gain access to development tools and other epople hard work and then spill the beans. Even worse to claim they did it.
There are some here that cannot release their stuff as it ruins the suprise for the future. Imagine that frustration and sacrifice but the guy still does it and does it knowing it hurts himself in a way.
Major mods are fantastic but the creation of one always has its price to pay (to some more than others).
Theft is not right and so should be treated accordingly however I also think one cannot just do a tweak and then gain ultimate rights to it and this is where permission and credit is worth its weight in gold.
Man its too early to go on waffling
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