Code Stealing Issues
Code stealing & re-packaging; oh the drama....
Recently there have been a lot of code-stealing drama. The members in this comunity and all over livejournal have worked really hard to learn how to write amazing stylesheets to alter those boring lj layouts. It is wrong to just take all thier hard work, change the colors, and re-package it as your "own creations." Stealing is stealing...no matter what you want to call it. And is a community that prides itself on thier css geekness this act is considered a huge net crime that you will be punished for.
» What exactly is code-stealing & re-packaging?
Say a person goes to reversescollide and they grab one of Ronie's stylesheets. Then they take it, change the colors, maybe change the icons or a few setting as well before they package up their so-called creation. They then post it up on a community such as this one "claiming" that they created an original stylesheet. That is what is known as "Code Stealing & Repackaging."
» Why is it wrong?
I'm not here to give a lecture on right or wrong, But it's common sense. Your parents/guardians taught you stealing is bad...that same rule applies everywhere including the internet and livejournal.
» So what is the mod going to do about this?
There is a new community rule. If any member has been caught stealing codes & re-packaging them as thier own they will be banned from this community. I really hate banning, but If I have to I will.
» How do I report someone?
First you should always provide solid proof to the true stylesheet maker. Then if the true creator of that stylesheet takes action against the code stealer notify the mods of this community through a Private LJ Message (Kyoy & Isaymeow). After reviewing the claim we will then take steps to ban them & delete their past posts.
» FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS....
Q: "I've edited the graphics, but I credit the person who made the coding. Is this Ok ?"
A: Yes, as long as it states you can edit the graphics/colors/etc!
Q: "Do you think it's fair if someone repackaged, but made it clear to credit both the repackager and the original geeker?"
A: If the original "geeker" allows someone to use their code as a base, edit it, and repackage it maybe set down some crediting terms, then it's cool beans...but if not I'd say that's still considered stealing since the person used it without their permission.
Q: What if someone makes similar layouts, but coded everything themselves? How do you tell the difference between who made it and who stole?
A: You can usually tell by coding styles; for example the way someone orders things, capitalization, etc. We would also go look at entry dates of the posts made as well, dates don't lie ;)
» Wait, I have a question...
If you have any questions, comments, or concerns please send the Mod's a Private Message.
Recently there have been a lot of code-stealing drama. The members in this comunity and all over livejournal have worked really hard to learn how to write amazing stylesheets to alter those boring lj layouts. It is wrong to just take all thier hard work, change the colors, and re-package it as your "own creations." Stealing is stealing...no matter what you want to call it. And is a community that prides itself on thier css geekness this act is considered a huge net crime that you will be punished for.
» What exactly is code-stealing & re-packaging?
Say a person goes to reversescollide and they grab one of Ronie's stylesheets. Then they take it, change the colors, maybe change the icons or a few setting as well before they package up their so-called creation. They then post it up on a community such as this one "claiming" that they created an original stylesheet. That is what is known as "Code Stealing & Repackaging."
» Why is it wrong?
I'm not here to give a lecture on right or wrong, But it's common sense. Your parents/guardians taught you stealing is bad...that same rule applies everywhere including the internet and livejournal.
» So what is the mod going to do about this?
There is a new community rule. If any member has been caught stealing codes & re-packaging them as thier own they will be banned from this community. I really hate banning, but If I have to I will.
» How do I report someone?
First you should always provide solid proof to the true stylesheet maker. Then if the true creator of that stylesheet takes action against the code stealer notify the mods of this community through a Private LJ Message (Kyoy & Isaymeow). After reviewing the claim we will then take steps to ban them & delete their past posts.
» FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS....
Q: "I've edited the graphics, but I credit the person who made the coding. Is this Ok ?"
A: Yes, as long as it states you can edit the graphics/colors/etc!
Q: "Do you think it's fair if someone repackaged, but made it clear to credit both the repackager and the original geeker?"
A: If the original "geeker" allows someone to use their code as a base, edit it, and repackage it maybe set down some crediting terms, then it's cool beans...but if not I'd say that's still considered stealing since the person used it without their permission.
Q: What if someone makes similar layouts, but coded everything themselves? How do you tell the difference between who made it and who stole?
A: You can usually tell by coding styles; for example the way someone orders things, capitalization, etc. We would also go look at entry dates of the posts made as well, dates don't lie ;)
» Wait, I have a question...
If you have any questions, comments, or concerns please send the Mod's a Private Message.