I'm starting this thread in response to a video I just found by TDminecraft on youtube which places adfly links on packs belonging to the people of this forum (see bottom of this post for the link).
I've noticed that a lot of people seem to either let this sort of behavior slide, or shrug and say that there's nothing that can be done to stop it. I, however, believe that it is time for us as a community to rise up against this trend, and stop the thievery of artwork for profit.
To quote myself from one of my texture pack threads:
But you're wrong about the copyright thing. I've researched the laws, and anything I create is copyrighted to me by the very act of creating it-- I don't have to register it, or even put up a warning. Its rights belong to me simply by virtue of being a product of my mind. That means that I have creative control over it, and the right to bar people from using it it any application where they do not first add significant new material, aka change so that it is something new in its own right.
Sound off! Let's all start brain-storming ideas about how to keep our art safe from those who want to use it to make money!
The more attention we give this issue, the less likely people will be to think that they can just 'get away' with it.
.......
List of packs illegally posted in video:
Lost Valley
Ovo's Rustic Pack
Dokucraft
Bordercraft
If big labels can't stop the pirating of music, and big corporations cant stop the pirating of software and games then I doubt anyone can stop the pirating, or stealing of texture packs.
The thing I see is this. Adfly wouldn't be as big if everyone didn't use the freaking thing. No one would know about this bullcrap revenue sharing if it wasn't everywhere on the forums. The problem lies with adfly more than the stealing of texture packs.
Does it suck that someone else is making money off of your creation? Yes, it does. But at the same time you're making money off of notchs game, whatever program you used to create your textures (if its a pirated CS4 thats bad, a student version is also bad) and also these forums... it just comes full circle in the end.
Also what about people like the yogscast making money by showing off someones textures, or mods?
If big labels can't stop the pirating of music, and big corporations cant stop the pirating of software and games then I doubt anyone can stop the pirating, or stealing of texture packs.
The thing I see is this. Adfly wouldn't be as big if everyone didn't use the freaking thing. No one would know about this bullcrap revenue sharing if it wasn't everywhere on the forums. The problem lies with adfly more than the stealing of texture packs.
Does it suck that someone else is making money off of your creation? Yes, it does. But at the same time you're making money off of notchs game, whatever program you used to create your textures (if its a pirated CS4 thats bad, a student version is also bad) and also these forums... it just comes full circle in the end.
Also what about people like the yogscast making money by showing off someones textures, or mods?
I don't use adfly links, but if I did, there's a big difference between me getting money for MY artwork (not that the downloader is paying anything anyway, it's all the advertising companies) and someone ELSE getting money for my artwork. It doesn't matter that it's made for a game-- I'm effectively advertising for Notch, not stealing from him.
At the very least, there should be a sticky explaining the basics of the US copyright law (the law that Curse apparently adheres to) and clearly stated rules as to how those laws apply to the downloads on these forums, so that people can't make ridiculous statements such as those that Steelfeathers quoted. There is so much ignorance about copyright saturating these forums and the Minecraft community on the whole that simply having a clearly defined set of rules and explanations is downright required.
Either way, I'm seriously wondering when the big file sharing sites will begin to block any requests coming through ad.fly for their free services. Most are funded by advertising themselves - I doubt they appreciate a competitor forcing visitors through an ad gauntlet before they can do so themselves.
I see nothing wrong with ad.fly when used by the original artists/authors, but for anyone else... NO.
I understand that it may seem too big to deal with, but I don't think we should just lie down and take it.
I work for Gearbox and I'm working on the Bordercraft texture pack. Because my pack is based on the artstyle for Borderlands, it isn't even right for ME to post adf.ly links.
We CAN take solace in the fact that this guy isn't making big bucks on this even if we can't stop him. It's takes a ton of clicks to get much money from adf.ly. He'd have to have a few thousands views to get anywhere.
I understand that it may seem too big to deal with, but I don't think we should just lie down and take it.
I work for Gearbox and I'm working on the Bordercraft texture pack. Because my pack is based on the artstyle for Borderlands, it isn't even right for ME to post adf.ly links.
We CAN take solace in the fact that this guy isn't making big bucks on this even if we can't stop him. It's takes a ton of clicks to get much money from adf.ly. He'd have to have a few thousands views to get anywhere.
He may not have made more than a dollar, but that merely demonstrates bad circumstances, not a lack of intent. If he had happened to oh, say, get his video put up on the front page of youtube, then he might have gotten a lot of money. Either way, the principle is the same.
As for the video used as an example, if the original artists of the texture packs were to flag the video and claim it infringed their copyrights, there's a chance it might be taken down.
As for the video used as an example, if the original artists of the texture packs were to flag the video and claim it infringed their copyrights, there's a chance it might be taken down.
Already done.
What I'm worried about is not this one video, but (as I stated above), the lax community attitude that let's people think they can pull this kind of ****.
So, what should we do about it? Should we regulate adfly links? Ban then altogether? Make people read a copyright statement? Etc?
last night some guy was trying to pass off the texture pack was his but really it was Levaunt Derivation stylized pack i had his ass reported and they delete his thread i hate when people steal other people work
What I'm worried about is not this one video, but (as I stated above), the lax community attitude that let's people think they can pull this kind of ****.
So, what should we do about it? Should we regulate adfly links? Ban then altogether? Make people read a copyright statement? Etc?
For these forums, ban ad.fly on any type of remix. I do believe the original artists should have a chance to do as they please with their own work. Banning them from using ad.fly may make some take their downloads elsewhere.
However, as the video has shown, there is little to no chance of control on other sites across the web. I believe the best chance there is of combating such behavior is education and then to allow peer review to take care of the rest.
Once the Minecraft community is more aware of how copyright law works, where to find the REAL downloads directly, and just how wrong it is for people to use ad.fly links in the manner the douche in the video did, they'll be more likely to react negatively towards people who try to abuse the system.
Encourage people to hassle such cases of theft by posting links to the real texture pack downloads in the comment section, report where necessary, and give such videos a thumbs down.
But like I said before, it wasn't really just that one video that's the problem. We need to figure out how to make people less ignorant of copyright laws, and perhaps even find a way to stop thieves before they steal, not after.
I hate how everyone just seems to lie down and take it-- I know the honest people greatly outnumber the dishonest people, and those who can should step up and start acting like watchdogs for this sort of thing.
Basically, the only thing we can do is peruse the internet and report these things. Most sites will take down things that are blatant copyright infringements. It will be up to each individual to police his own work across the internet. Sadly this is a huge undertaking and for people like doku, whose Tp get "borrowed" all the time, nearly impossible.
I personally think the it is pathetic that this is even an issue. That people would be so disrespectful to not even ask to use a pack is ridiculous. Oh, and for Dirty_Christ when he finally posts here. I have no problem sharing my texture if I could have a guarantee that I would be credited for my work. Art is made to be shared, but when someone uses work without permission they are basically giving the creator a big "**** YOU".
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"Look, I don't care if your 8 or 20. If you can't take criticism or opinions, then get off the internet." -Stronghold257
Basically, the only thing we can do is peruse the internet and report these things. Most sites will take down things that are blatant copyright infringements. It will be up to each individual to police his own work across the internet. Sadly this is a huge undertaking and for people like doku, whose Tp get "borrowed" all the time, nearly impossible.
I personally think the it is pathetic that this is even an issue. That people would be so disrespectful to not even ask to use a pack is ridiculous. Oh, and for Dirty_Christ when he finally posts here. I have no problem sharing my texture if I could have a guarantee that I would be credited for my work. Art is made to be shared, but when someone uses work without permission they are basically giving the creator a big "**** YOU".
Thank you. I've heard lots of times that I should be 'flattered' when people either rip my work for a remix or post it on their site without my permission (with or without an adfly link). But it's not flattering at all, because they're basically saying that they don't give a flynig **** about me as the artist (and my right to distribute my work as I see fit), and just want to get more hits for their site.
Thank you. I've heard lots of times that I should be 'flattered' when people either rip my work for a remix or post it on their site without my permission (with or without an adfly link). But it's not flattering at all, because they're basically saying that they don't give a flynig **** about me as the artist (and my right to distribute my work as I see fit), and just want to get more hits for their site.
I was just thinking this earlier. Sure it is somewhat flattering that someone is trying to use your work. If that person is doing it, they see value in your work that they can benefit from. I would just prefer that they all get caught and made to look entirely pathetic in front of a large number of people after they do it.
It makes my blood boil when I find someone taking credit where they did nothing.
I say we should keep up doing with what we did today. Notify people if you see it. Don't just let it pass (even if it's not your own work). New threads and PMs are your friends! It wouldn't hurt to google your own work every now and then to see what crops up. Or even other packs for that matter.
Thank you to Steelfeathers for messaging me about this today. I would have never found it.
I was just thinking this earlier. Sure it is somewhat flattering that someone is trying to use your work. If that person is doing it, they see value in your work that they can benefit from. I would just prefer that they all get caught and made to look entirely pathetic in front of a large number of people after they do it.
It makes my blood boil when I find someone taking credit where they did nothing.
I say we should keep up doing with what we did today. Notify people if you see it. Don't just let it pass (even if it's not your own work). New threads and PMs are your friends! It wouldn't hurt to google your own work every now and then to see what crops up. Or even other packs for that matter.
Thank you to Steelfeathers for messaging me about this today. I would have never found it.
I google my own stuff all the time, lol. I'm just glad I spotted this!
And its no problem. I've had other people tell me that someone is stealing my stuff, and I know how much of a relief that kind of heads up is.
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Retired StaffI'm starting this thread in response to a video I just found by TDminecraft on youtube which places adfly links on packs belonging to the people of this forum (see bottom of this post for the link).
I've noticed that a lot of people seem to either let this sort of behavior slide, or shrug and say that there's nothing that can be done to stop it. I, however, believe that it is time for us as a community to rise up against this trend, and stop the thievery of artwork for profit.
To quote myself from one of my texture pack threads:
Sound off! Let's all start brain-storming ideas about how to keep our art safe from those who want to use it to make money!
The more attention we give this issue, the less likely people will be to think that they can just 'get away' with it.
.......
List of packs illegally posted in video:
Lost Valley
Ovo's Rustic Pack
Dokucraft
Bordercraft
I support you 100% I hope your ventures in the hunt of people using other peoples work is successful.
The thing I see is this. Adfly wouldn't be as big if everyone didn't use the freaking thing. No one would know about this bullcrap revenue sharing if it wasn't everywhere on the forums. The problem lies with adfly more than the stealing of texture packs.
Does it suck that someone else is making money off of your creation? Yes, it does. But at the same time you're making money off of notchs game, whatever program you used to create your textures (if its a pirated CS4 thats bad, a student version is also bad) and also these forums... it just comes full circle in the end.
Also what about people like the yogscast making money by showing off someones textures, or mods?
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Retired StaffI don't use adfly links, but if I did, there's a big difference between me getting money for MY artwork (not that the downloader is paying anything anyway, it's all the advertising companies) and someone ELSE getting money for my artwork. It doesn't matter that it's made for a game-- I'm effectively advertising for Notch, not stealing from him.
Either way, I'm seriously wondering when the big file sharing sites will begin to block any requests coming through ad.fly for their free services. Most are funded by advertising themselves - I doubt they appreciate a competitor forcing visitors through an ad gauntlet before they can do so themselves.
I see nothing wrong with ad.fly when used by the original artists/authors, but for anyone else... NO.
Contest hosted for Steelfeathers' Enchanted Pack
I work for Gearbox and I'm working on the Bordercraft texture pack. Because my pack is based on the artstyle for Borderlands, it isn't even right for ME to post adf.ly links.
We CAN take solace in the fact that this guy isn't making big bucks on this even if we can't stop him. It's takes a ton of clicks to get much money from adf.ly. He'd have to have a few thousands views to get anywhere.
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Retired StaffHe may not have made more than a dollar, but that merely demonstrates bad circumstances, not a lack of intent. If he had happened to oh, say, get his video put up on the front page of youtube, then he might have gotten a lot of money. Either way, the principle is the same.
Contest hosted for Steelfeathers' Enchanted Pack
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Retired StaffAlready done.
What I'm worried about is not this one video, but (as I stated above), the lax community attitude that let's people think they can pull this kind of ****.
So, what should we do about it? Should we regulate adfly links? Ban then altogether? Make people read a copyright statement? Etc?
For these forums, ban ad.fly on any type of remix. I do believe the original artists should have a chance to do as they please with their own work. Banning them from using ad.fly may make some take their downloads elsewhere.
However, as the video has shown, there is little to no chance of control on other sites across the web. I believe the best chance there is of combating such behavior is education and then to allow peer review to take care of the rest.
Once the Minecraft community is more aware of how copyright law works, where to find the REAL downloads directly, and just how wrong it is for people to use ad.fly links in the manner the douche in the video did, they'll be more likely to react negatively towards people who try to abuse the system.
Encourage people to hassle such cases of theft by posting links to the real texture pack downloads in the comment section, report where necessary, and give such videos a thumbs down.
Contest hosted for Steelfeathers' Enchanted Pack
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Retired StaffThat is a good thing.
But like I said before, it wasn't really just that one video that's the problem. We need to figure out how to make people less ignorant of copyright laws, and perhaps even find a way to stop thieves before they steal, not after.
I hate how everyone just seems to lie down and take it-- I know the honest people greatly outnumber the dishonest people, and those who can should step up and start acting like watchdogs for this sort of thing.
I personally think the it is pathetic that this is even an issue. That people would be so disrespectful to not even ask to use a pack is ridiculous. Oh, and for Dirty_Christ when he finally posts here. I have no problem sharing my texture if I could have a guarantee that I would be credited for my work. Art is made to be shared, but when someone uses work without permission they are basically giving the creator a big "**** YOU".
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Retired StaffThank you. I've heard lots of times that I should be 'flattered' when people either rip my work for a remix or post it on their site without my permission (with or without an adfly link). But it's not flattering at all, because they're basically saying that they don't give a flynig **** about me as the artist (and my right to distribute my work as I see fit), and just want to get more hits for their site.
I was just thinking this earlier. Sure it is somewhat flattering that someone is trying to use your work. If that person is doing it, they see value in your work that they can benefit from. I would just prefer that they all get caught and made to look entirely pathetic in front of a large number of people after they do it.
It makes my blood boil when I find someone taking credit where they did nothing.
I say we should keep up doing with what we did today. Notify people if you see it. Don't just let it pass (even if it's not your own work). New threads and PMs are your friends! It wouldn't hurt to google your own work every now and then to see what crops up. Or even other packs for that matter.
Thank you to Steelfeathers for messaging me about this today. I would have never found it.
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Retired StaffI google my own stuff all the time, lol. I'm just glad I spotted this!
And its no problem. I've had other people tell me that someone is stealing my stuff, and I know how much of a relief that kind of heads up is.