How are file permissions handled if there's no way to contact the author?

[EbrithilUmaroth]

Hi, I'm EbrithilUmaroth, the author of the Comprehensive List of the Best Mods for Skyrim.

 

People often come to me with problems that have getting their game to run or figuring out how to use Wrye Bash or TES5Edit, etc. and the one thing I've run into more problems with than anything else BY FAR is the Sounds of Skyrim patches.

 

The descriptions are super vague. some of the patches don't even have a purpose anymore among other problems.

 

So, to help alleviate these issues, I made an NMM installer for all his patches, that automatically selects the appropriate patches based on what you have installed, it also gives you the option to install the other patches (but warns you if it didn't detect that's one that should be installed) and it gives an accurate and full description on what patches should be used in which situations and how the relevant mods should be installed to ensure total compatibility. Which is something the original authors didn't do a very good job with.

 

I know that someone already made a page for Sounds of Skyrim Compatibility Patches but all he did was reupload the patches individually, that's not really any better than having them in an archive.

 

The problem comes in when I realize that I don't have permission to use his files, nor do I have any way to get it, since the author's inbox is full and he doesn't answer any comments, if he even logs on at all.

 

I can't imagine there would be a problem with using his files, since someone else already did it, but I don't want to get in trouble or anything so I figured I had to ask first.

 

Also, I don't want to have to keep it to myself, I worked pretty hard on it, there's a lot of patches, it was over 500 lines of code =/

Edited July 15, 2014 by EbrithilUmaroth

[TheVampireDante]

Unless otherwise stated on the mod description - on in the permissions tab on the file page:

 

 

All files uploaded must have been created by the uploader or used with permission from the original author of the content. Such permission must be indicated in the Readme text attached to the file and/or on the Description page (or in the Description field for images), and must be obtained in advance, before uploading the file. If you cannot provide proof of consent then your file will be removed and your account is likely to be banned.

 

It basically comes down to - no permission, can't use it.

[EbrithilUmaroth]

Well, it's not really clear on whether there's permission or not. It certainly doesn't say no.

 

He says he'd appreciate if you contacted him before using the files, but he doesn't say you can't use them without contacting him. And besides, I tried to contact him, it's impossible.

 

Here are the relevant sections from his Readme:

 

"

=========================

7. USING SoS IN YOUR MODS
=========================

If you are a mod author and would like to add SoS's sounds and scripts to your environments, you can export the sound IDs and settings from SoS to your project. Refer to the credits section to know who to credit for the sounds you've taken.

When you've added the sound add-ons to your mod, let me know and I'll add it to the list of add-ons on the download page.

 

=========================

9. LEGAL STUFF/DISCLAIMER
=========================

I�d appreciate if you�d contact me before re-packaging any part of this mod. Since most sound effects have attributed authors that must be included in the credits, I could point them to you.

"

 

It sounds to me like permission as long as you credit the author and the collaborative authors, which can be found in his ReadMe.

Edited July 15, 2014 by EbrithilUmaroth

[perrob]

just like to chip in:

 

on the permissions button on the patches page you linked to, it specifically says the following:

"

• Modification permissionhttp://static-3.nexusmods.com/15/contents/images/icons/tick.pngYou are allowed to modify my files and release bug fixes or improve on the features so long as you credit me as the original creator

"

 

hope that helps you!