LE Continuing another authors Mod

[Edg3k]

Hey guys

 

Well Ive just one quick question. Ive been using a very good mod for a while now, but its buggy as hell, I've been fixing it for myself as I dont see the author doing anything with it since around February.

 

Anyway, Ive done a pretty ok job with fixing the AI pathing, AI behavior and some other minor issues in the mod. I emailed the author to see if he was coming back a month or two ago and no reply, I also sent him a mail about 2 weeks ago asking if I could continue the mod for him, again, no reply. What are the rules for resurrecting someone elses work under my own name (not claiming credit, but posting the mod as a renewed mod rather then have it disappear into nothingness).

 

I'd hate to see said mod (I dont want to name it) just vanish into the nexus because its possibly the best of its kind I've come across so far after many many hours of looking. I've little to do with it bar fixing some minor issues but they are kinda important and stopping it from getting the attention it deserves.

 

I'd like to re-post the mod with the fixes on the nexus? But, can I?

[jet4571]

No reply is considered a no. the rules are the same as using it as a resource.

[Grimoa]

I'm not sure, but could you upload the fixes (only those) as a mod that is dependant on the original mod? A mod that's modding the mod so to say. If it only contains your work, it should be ok to upload. I think. I don't know if that's technically possible of course.

[DreamKingMods]

What do the mod's permissions say? (It's the little "P" icon under the mod's unique download count.)

[Edg3k]

Ah i never thought of looking at the permission (duh). Nah seems pretty restricted, but if he hasnt been active and the last update was 16th of Feb I'm guessing its dead. I dont assume no reply means a NO, but more a "I'm not here anymore" situation.

The fix modifies the original and adds some folders, so you dont need the original once you download my version of the ESP because it contains everything. Like I said I dont wanna annoy or upset anyone by fixing it but the author is MIA and has no other contact details listed.

 

So basically what I'm gathering is, I cant reup it due to the mod author not being around to give permission, well, that sucks.

[jet4571]

No reply is considered a NO at The Nexus even if it is an abandoned mod and you cannot even contact the author. This is a rule because what if the author comes back in 6 months and see's your request and says no to it, then finds you went ahead and uploaded it? You will get reported and hopefully not banned, and your mod removed ofcourse. It is both for the authors rights being upheld and protecting you if the author comes back later.

 

This No reply is a NO rule also applies to assets from another game, if you ask them if you can use **** model and ***** texture from ***** game and they never reply then it must be considered a NO. The Nexus and yourself can be sued for copyright violations to use the assets without getting written permission.

 

For permission from a game company or another modder via email, i suggest view full header and print out the email as well as do not delete it from your email(Will save your butt in court). For permission granted via a PM here, do not delete the PM. A moderator can access the PM's to confirm permission if it is questioned, and you can always forward the email.

Edited June 14, 2012 by jet4571

[Edg3k]

Thanks for clearing that up Jet. I wouldnt have uploaded it as a mod unless he gave permission anyway. Hopefully he comes back to the nexus at some stage and either (A) starts it up again or (B) gives me permission to continue it on his behalf. Thanks very much for the way to cover my ass to in the case he might allow me!

[jet4571]

No worries, I have seen mod authors give permission to use an asset then months later forget they did and have a fit about it (not seen that here on the Nexus yet though but I am sure a moderator has), and companies can fire or the employee quits who gave permission and the company didn't keep a record of the permission when cleaning out his old files.

 

It's really good advice to make sure you save any document of that nature even if it's not about mods. Like with work keep every personal document they give you that says to do something or not do it. Nothing like the boss forgetting he sent you a memo saying to do something then he finds that doing it is a bad idea and blames you for it. that memo could be what keeps you from getting fired lol.

[Edg3k]

Nice advice for sure :D Lucky I work for myself so not likely I'll be fired... saying that, who knows!

 

If he gets back to me I'll make sure to save the permission if its given! Thanks mate.

[bben46]

No worries, I have seen mod authors give permission to use an asset then months later forget they did and have a fit about it (not seen that here on the Nexus yet though but I am sure a moderator has),

 

Yes, we have seen that. And there is at least one modder who is no longer allowed to have his work uploaded here after pulling that several times. The staff tracked down the exact post where he gave blanket permission, then the one where he claims the person he specifically gave that permission to had stolen his work because their newer work, using his work as a base, didn't have his explicit permission.

 

If you do get permission please let us know, post some proof such as an original email so we can follow up on these type of shenanigans and it doesn't degrade into a "I didn't say that/ yes you did" kind of argument. One caveat, Once the permission is given, and the mod is uploaded, you cannot take the permission back. Some modders don't want their work associated with certain kinds of content and refuse for that reason.