Morality Of Ripping Models / Anims

Hitman

I have converted about 20 weapon models from various mods and games for my own personal use in Natural Selection. My question here is: After I've ripped those models / anims / skins, can I upload it for public distribution? Do I need to include documentation with it stating the real authors, etc?

I don't want to get into trouble by ripping models or stepping on the toes of those who make them, so I'm going to ask here before doing anything.

Any responses are appreciated.

Jim

if you include a readme with the credits of the original authors I don't see why not.

Nemesis_Zero

I only know this from mapping, but haven't the authors themselves included documents that might allow / forbid such actions?

Maus

BlackPanther's handy conversion guide for Firearms recommends that you email the original authorfor per mission, rather than simply assuming it's okay with them and just pop their name in the readme. That sounds lik the most sensible way to do it.

Annihilator-X17

1) Most authors don't give out email address, they don't want to be flooded.
2) Many authors won't reply, be it for wrong email address, or they just don't care.
3) Unless prohibited in the readme, its assumed that you can convert the gun. However, do not take more than your share of the credit. I would just say add in a tag line (If you want, I just use the original readme) saying something like "Conversion to NS: name", and, if needed, "Conversion animations: NS team"

Unknown

What Models did you convert?

Hitman

Thanks for the info!

I would never take credit for anything I didn't do, and would be sure to give credit to those who did do the work. I'll think about releasing some of these models, but they probably won't be very popular considering they are modern/realistic and not sci-fi. I really did them to satisfy my own needs (I really don't like the default models).

Jester: I have an iron sights M16, assorted M4s, MP5s, basically a lot of 'realistic' guns, nothing that would really fit the NS theme though. I was going to convert the CS Pulse Rifle until I saw someone already did it... can't say I was surprised <!--emo&:)--><img src='http://www.unknownworlds.com/forums/html/emoticons/smile.gif' border='0' valign='absmiddle' alt='smile.gif'><!--endemo-->

Maus

Do (and release) a shotty please! I found a nice vaguely futuristic looking CS shotty, but my attempt at converting it failed miserably. I'd love to have a chunkier-looking shotty than the default, because it looks a bit wimpy. <!--emo&:)--><img src='http://www.unknownworlds.com/forums/html/emoticons/smile.gif' border='0' valign='absmiddle' alt='smile.gif'><!--endemo-->

USCMLieutenant_Ripley

I find it rather absurd to ask these kinds of questions.

This is a mod. if you are shooting for a showcase quality model, then this is not the engine to use.

Since this is not for a showcase of your ability, why take credit or be worried about giving 'credit'. Modeling takes a lot of work, but that doesnt mean you should stop because of some undefined cyber-morality. Make your models with whatever you can, release them anonymously (i've made plenty of adminmod plugins, and you have no idea who I am). If ppl whine and you feel bad, address the "credit" issue. If it becomes a popular model and you feel bad, address the "credit" issue. Unless these things come to pass, it's a tree falling in the forest.

ctx

I think converting models is fine, at least for personal use. As long as you don't say it's yours and give the autor(s) credit.

Parasite

Guys, this isnt about "cyber-morality" There are several legal issues here as well. Just understand that the origional authors have every right to sue you, and scince your method of distribution is the internet...any government in the world has the right to bring charges up against you also. Not that things will ever reach such a level, but do inform yourself properly. Anything you steal form another game is copywritten, and many independant authors copyright thier art as well.

The fact that you are asking these questions suggests you shouldnt even think about sharing these files. Read the documentation that comes with the game for crissakes. If you are ripping from another modeller/skinner read the "readme" file. If possible contact the authors and ask. Better yet, take the time to do a model yourself, and then see how **obscenity** you get when some random guy offers it for download with his name, no name and/or against your wishes.
Just do the research please.

If you want to do something public, Ignore any comments here because you are getting some bad advice that is likely to get you in trouble or just ruin your fun. Make the effort to do the research and make the contacts...many authors will hapilly say yes, they just want to know about it. If its just for you and the occasional friendly <i>private</i> conversion...enjoy.