skinning etiquette question

from WinCustomize Forums

Hi all,

I am currently on the verge of completing my year-long project; my first DX theme ever (with thanks, of course, to help from all of you on the various questions i've had throughout). However, before I can give back to this community and upload this theme, I was wondering as to the proper etiquette for posting it.

Essentially, the original shell of the theme was made by someone else. I have completely changed the theme and added countless features to it so that it's almost indistinguishable from the original, but the fact still stands: I didn't make the original.

Now, I have already sent a PM to the original author asking him for permission to upload it (with credit given of course) but I was wondering if that is correct etiquette.

In the future, is it necessary to ask every original author before you can post an update to his theme, or is it sufficient to just give him credit in the theme's description?

Also, if I have certain objects which I have downloaded from other users and edited them to fit the theme, is it necessary to also obtain their permission before uploading the theme? Or again, is it sufficient to just give them credit for the object in the theme description?

Thanks in advance,

homer

23,119 views 12 replies
Reply #1 from WinCustomize Forums Top

Now, I have already sent a PM to the original author asking him for permission to upload it (with credit given of course) but I was wondering if that is correct etiquette.

Yes :)

 

In the future, is it necessary to ask every original author before you can post an update to his theme, or is it sufficient to just give him credit in the theme's description?

Wincustomize policy requires any work uploaded be completely original OR contain permission from the original artist for you to use his artwork, upload and distribute it publicly. The permission must be in the form of an email, copy of a PM, IRC log or screen shot from an IM. Please include the permission in a zip file with your submission.

 

Also, if I have certain objects which I have downloaded from other users and edited them to fit the theme, is it necessary to also obtain their permission before uploading the theme?

Yes

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Reply #2 from WinCustomize Forums Top

I am currently on the verge of completing my year-long project; my first DX theme ever

An year long...........I feel you should give it a second thought.........maybe creating DX themes takes a long time,

though I never gave it a try ;)

SoundPackager - Customize the Windows sound scheme
Reply #3 from WinCustomize Forums Top

well it's a year long project beacause I have done ALOT of things with this desktop.

I mean no bragging intended here but, I've included things in this theme that I haven't found in ANY other theme ever.

I'm planning to make it as professional as possible with even a built in updater that actually checks the theme's online website for the latest updates.

Currently I'm in what seems to be the final stages of beta testing for this desktop...so hopefully you'll see it soon and judge for yourself!

 

@lantec:

 

Thank you very much, I'm glad to know these terms and would be happy to follow them :)

Reply #4 from WinCustomize Forums Top

this sounds interesting :) ill keep an eye out for it.

Reply #5 from WinCustomize Forums Top

yes it does...go for it homer

Reply #6 from WinCustomize Forums Top

Yes, I am very intrigued! A year is a very long time to be on a DX theme. I once did 12 in one night. This one is gonna be a doozy, I'll bet!  Can't wait, testing here if you need it, Homer.  5*

Reply #7 from WinCustomize Forums Top

Hi guys,

 

Thanks for all the support!

 

I'm currently posting a video demonstration of this theme so you can all see some of its more basic features, I'll post a link here in an edit as soon as it's done uploading.

@redneckdude, I would like to take you up on that offer if you are still interested. Please PM me with your current computer's OS, screen resolution, processor speed, and installed RAM, so that I can I can log the data before sending you the theme to test.

 

Please keep in mind that I created this theme with a philosophy in mind that themes should not take forever to be customized to your needs; this theme auto points EVERYTHING so when you get it, you dont have to fix anything to make it work like it's supposed to. it will fix itself.

 

EDIT: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Imwe_2t6gQE

sorry about the HORRIBLE quality of the vid... I'm gonna look for a better video recording software but in the meantime here's a slice of my theme ^_^

Reply #8 from WinCustomize Forums Top

:grin:  Homer, you have PM.  

Reply #9 from WinCustomize Forums Top

Quoting homer1324, reply 3

I mean no bragging intended here but....

Why not?

It sure ain't holding others back.... ;)

Reply #10 from WinCustomize Forums Top

Looks very interesting, homer1324.  :sun:

I note a working weather widget. Was that the self updating object you mentioned?

Reply #11 from WinCustomize Forums Top

I have nothing but respect for someone who takes his time to make something the best it can be.

Too many skinners rush thru something and cant wait to fling it onto the public. ;P

Reply #12 from WinCustomize Forums Top

Quoting DrJBHL, reply 10
Looks very interesting, homer1324. 

I note a working weather widget. Was that the self updating object you mentioned?

 

Yes and no.

As of right now, this weather widget is NOT working- i disabled the script until I could figure out a legal and classy way to use it without breaching TWC TOS.

I do have something right now but I am waiting for permission from TWC.

Essentially, this theme will have its own domain (website dedicated to it) from which it will get updates on the theme itself, tutorials from me, places to submit a bug report or suggestions, and updates for my works in progress on the theme.

more importantly, my plan for the weather widget to work, is to have my site take the feed from TWC using my code and liscence and then have the widget get its feed from my site.

That way, no TOS are breached since it would be my server taking a hit rather than TWC.

I of course, DO NOT want to step on anyone's toes here and have sent TWC an email just to be sure that they're ok with this. I'll include the copy if they agree :)

 

Another thing that I forgot to mention regarding this theme; while artwork is important and is a very crucial aspect of making a theme, I don't claim to be an artist.

The thing this theme brings that no other does (as far as I know) is the powerful scripting behind it, and its functionality.

The images are nothing to brag about and a lot of them weren't even created by me. Of course that means that alot of permissions and credit must be obtained but I absolutely DO NOT mind doing so:)

after all, artists do deserve credit for their work.

 

 

Reply #13 from WinCustomize Forums Top

Quoting I.R., reply 11
I have nothing but respect for someone who takes his time to make something the best it can be.

Too many skinners rush thru something and cant wait to fling it onto the public.

:thumbsup:

Reply #14 from WinCustomize Forums Top

Double post.

Freeking forum went boom, again-again-again.....